Looking for small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and Old Florida vibes? Head to Dade City! Nestled in the rolling hills of Pasco County, Dade City blends Southern hospitality with nature parks, historic architecture, and quirky attractions. Whether you're feeding giraffes, shopping antiques, or picking fresh citrus, Dade City is a peaceful yet exciting Central Florida escape.
Dade City, FL Highlights:
- For Animal Lovers: Visit Giraffe Ranch – Feed giraffes, see rhinos, and take guided safari tours in a unique African-style wildlife park.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village – Walk through historic buildings and exhibits showcasing 19th-century Florida life.
- For Shoppers: Browse Downtown Dade City – Antique stores, boutiques, and charming cafes line this historic small-town main street.
- For Foodies: Visit local u-pick farms and citrus groves – Seasonal spots like Hancock Grove let you pick your own fruit and taste fresh Florida flavor.
- For Nature Seekers: Hike or bike Withlacoochee State Trail – Scenic paved trail through woods, wetlands, and quiet rural landscapes.
When I like to visit Dade City, FL
The best time to visit Dade City is from late fall through spring (November–April) when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and citrus picking. Summers can be hot and humid, but quieter and perfect for early morning adventures.
Tips for getting to Dade City, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Dade City is located just off US-301, about 45 minutes northeast of Tampa and 90 minutes west of Orlando.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), about an hour away by car.
- By Bus: Regional bus services and rideshares are available from nearby Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.
Where I like to stay in Dade City, FL
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn Dade City – Zephyrhills – Clean, comfortable lodging with free breakfast and a pool, close to attractions.
- For Couples: The Dade City Magnolia House – A cozy B&B in a restored historic home with elegant rooms and Southern charm.
- For a Rustic Retreat: Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club – Upscale lodging and golf in a peaceful gated community just outside town.
Best Things to Do in Dade City, FL
1. Giraffe Ranch, Dade City, Florida
Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, Florida look like something from Out of Africa: massive live oaks and vast open grasslands stretching in the distance , with elegant giraffes grazing peacefully. This unique 47-acre working ranch about 45 minutes north of Tampa specializes in exotic animals that live in the environment that is as close to their natural one. The ranch also raises horses and cattle. They offer tours of their ranch, observing giraffes as they roam free, to small groups of tourists. The tours they offer can be on camelback, from a four-wheel vehicle, by Segway or even with llamas. There are two tours a day, led by expert guides. The ranch is also a native wildlife preserve and is home to about 200 sandhill cranes . Visitors are invited to feed giraffes, pet camels and get close to rhinos, pygmy hippos and other animals from all over the world.
38650 Mickler Rd, Dade City, FL 33523, Phone: 813-482-3400
2. Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is an open-air museum in Dade City, Florida that was established in order to showcase the simple values of Florida pioneers, the dignity of hard labor and the value of fine craftsmanship. The museum is located on 15 acres of forested land and includes the restored 1864 Overstreet House, a church from Enterprise, a 100-year old one-room school from Lacoochee, the Trilby depot, and an old train engine. Museum’s exhibits are housed in the in a 50' by 100' steel building with a wide front porch. On display are common tools of the Florida pioneers and a number of displays showing how pioneers used to build a house, made furniture, plow fields, harvest crops, and did leather-work and blacksmithing.
15602 Pioneer Museum Rd, Dade City, FL 33523, Phone: 352-567-0262
3. Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored vintage 1912 train depot, the Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum offers fascinating guided tours to anyone interested in the historic Railroad heritage of Dade City. The city was originally established as a small rural railroad town to serve the Atlantic Coastal Railroad, and the museum preserves and showcases many objects which have stories to tell about the old days in Dade City. The museum maintains a section of active railroad track and hosts regular special train-related events. There is also a large model railroad laid out in the Train Room where you can enjoy watching a collection of vintage model trains on the move.
14206 Hwy 98 bypass, Dade City, FL 33526, 352-424-5778
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm
At Christmas, the tree is the centerpiece of the celebration. For almost 30 years, Ergle Christmas Tree Farm has been a holiday tradition for Central Florida families. Choosing that special tree at Ergle Christmas Tree Farm with the whole family creates memories that last a lifetime. They offer a variety of fresh trees - potted, pre-cut or visitors can cut their own Cedar, Sand Pine and Carolina Sapphire. There are also fresh wreaths and Christmas Cactus. The farm also grows hydroponic strawberries and u-pick blackberries, and blueberries. They also sell fruit plants and fruit trees. Kids can visit barn animals – there are goats, pigs, turkeys, dogs and more.
3325 Treiman Blvd, Dade City, FL 33523, Phone: 352-583-3647
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Pasco County Courthouse
One of the city landmarks, the 1909 Pasco County Courthouse is a historic building in Dade City, Florida. The magnificent Classical Revival style structure was designed by noted architect Edward Columbus Hosford and is listed the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The county’s first courthouse was built in 1887 by H. W. Coleman and W. A. Ferguson. They donated space to the county to build a temporary structure until a permanent one, the one we have today, could be erected. There is a recent Valentine's Day tradition in Dade City, where the Pasco County Clerk officiates a complimentary wedding ceremony on the steps of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.
37918 Meridian Ave; Dade City, Florida 33525, Phone: 352-521-4333
6. TreeHoppers
Located in Dade City, just north of Tampa, Florida, TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park is the Central Florida’s largest aerial adventure park. It has dozens of zip lines, rope bridges, eight different courses and more than 100 aerial climbing elements. It is a fascinating family adventure suitable for all ages. It consists of a series of platforms between the trees connected by wood, cable, rope and zip lines, each forming different elements. Each element creates a different challenge - how to get to the next platform. The trails are color-coded depending on the level of difficulty, from Little Lemurs, suitable for kids from one to six years old, to really challenging courses for experts. All participants wear a safety harness attached to the safety line at all times. The courses are designed for self-discovery, making introductory lessons unnecessary, but park monitors and guides are watching and available to assist at any time.
27839 St Joe Rd, Dade City, FL 33525, Phone: 813-381-5400
7. Kafe Kokopelli
Located in downtown Dade City, Florida, Kafe Kokopelli occupies a 1916 old red-brick, vine-covered building built as a Model-T Ford Sales and Service center. It was home to the prominent local Ford dealers until the mid-1970s. The building was renovated to house a 150-seat restaurant and two banquet rooms, the Cypress Room and The Citrus Room, decorated with the wall murals with pictures of Florida life in East Pasco County. The restaurant décor is very rustic, with exposed brick walls and ancient beams on the ceilings, with hunting trophies everywhere, creating atmosphere of a cozy hunting lodge. The menu is New American and has a wonderful selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entres. There is a full bar. Brunch is a popular local event.
37940 Live Oak Ave, Dade City, FL 33523, Phone: 352-523-0055
8. Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club
Located just north of Tampa, the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club is home to two of the most popular golf courses in Florida. On the beautiful South Course you can tee-off on a verdant, manicured course edged by decades-old mature trees. Both the front and back nine have a fair amount of water hazards which call for some accuracy off the Tee and around the greens. The North Course features less water but also offers an enjoyable and challenging round for players of all abilities. There is a great clubhouse with Grill Room and bar and vacation villa-rental Play and Stay packages are available.
12900 Lake Jovita Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525, 352-588-2233
Where I Like to Eat in Dade City, FL
- Recommended for Families: Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant – A local favorite serving fried chicken, collard greens, and homestyle Southern fare.
- For Local Flavor: Kafé Kokopelli – Eclectic American dishes in a historic building with a creative, upscale twist.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Olga’s Bakery & Deli – Grab handmade doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee in a casual, friendly setting.
My favorite local events:
- For Community Spirit: Kumquat Festival (January) – Celebrate Dade City’s signature citrus with kumquat pies, crafts, and live music downtown.
- For Holiday Fun: Church Street Christmas (December) – Thousands of lights, carolers, and decorations turn historic Church Street into a winter wonderland.
- For History Fans: Pioneer Day (Spring/Fall) – Hands-on demos, reenactments, and family fun at the Pioneer Museum & Village.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Dade City, Florida:
- For Nature & Wildlife: Crystal Springs Preserve (25–30 min) – A natural spring and wildlife sanctuary with boardwalks and educational programs.
- For Adventure Seekers: TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park (25 min) – Zip lines and obstacle courses in a forested setting near Brooksville.
- For Shopping: The Shops at Wiregrass (30 min) – Open-air shopping, dining, and seasonal events in nearby Wesley Chapel.
- For Kayaking: Withlacoochee River Park (20–25 min) – Paddle, fish, and hike along a scenic and lesser-known Florida river.
- For Small-Town Charm: Zephyrhills (15–20 min) – Nearby town with skydiving, craft beer, and historic buildings.
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