Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Dade City, FL

While part of the Tampa Bay Area, Dade City offers a distinct contrast to the hustle of urban life and amusement parks. Instead, one will encounter a vibrant small town surrounded by picturesque farmland, featuring a welcoming downtown and an expansive area of wilderness to the east.

The multitude of events hosted in Dade City is noteworthy. In addition to a festival celebrating the Kumquat harvest, the town also hosts a large renaissance fair and one of the most renowned Halloween attractions in the state.

Visitors can enjoy hiking or kayaking alongside magnificent bald cypress trees on the Withlacoochee River, visit quaint museums, zipline through live oak forests, and even hand-feed giraffes.

1. Downtown Dade City

Centered around the intersection of Meridian Avenue and US 98, Dade City’s downtown area is worth exploring.

This area features numerous unique independent retailers surrounding a stately historic courthouse, graced by majestic live oaks on its grounds. The Pasco County Courthouse, constructed in 1909, showcases Classical Revival architecture.

This landmark becomes the focal point for Dade City’s annual Kumquat Festival each January, which will be discussed below. Along the adjacent streets, one can find shops offering antiques, gifts, jewelry, pet supplies, and more.

There are many local dining and beverage establishments, representing a range of cuisines from New American to traditional Southern fare.

2. Pioneer Florida Museum and Village

This open-air museum immerses visitors in the historical context of Old Florida, situated on expansive forested grounds in Dade City. It serves as an ideal venue to discover the lifestyle prevalent during the state’s early settlement.

Established in the 1960s, the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village features a collection of restored structures.

These include a one-room schoolhouse, the early 20th-century Trilby train depot, a Methodist church, and the two-story Overstreet House (1860). Various exhibits showcase artifacts, such as tools from the citrus industry and household items.

Of particular interest are the costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional skills, ranging from butter churning to weaving, cooking, blacksmithing, and farming.

3. Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park

While this may not appeal to those with a fear of spooky experiences, Dade City is home to one of Florida’s premier haunted attractions. Each autumn, a team of local actors and horror designers collaborate to create an interactive and spine-chilling haunted house experience.

Six themed haunted houses await visitors, each changing with the seasons. One of the standout attractions during my visit was titled Breach, which depicted a terrifying outbreak at a biolab—aptly resonating with post-pandemic anxieties.

The park also features Monster Midway, with food options and spooky carnival games, along with the clown-themed Bonzo’s Beer Garden.

4. Kumquat Festival

A distinctive crop surrounding Dade City is the kumquat, a small but flavorful citrus fruit. Known for its versatility in desserts, savory dishes, and marmalades, kumquats are typically consumed whole, complete with their delicate peel, unlike many other citrus types.

Since 1998, a one-day festival has been held in January to celebrate this fruit. As someone new to kumquats, this event was an excellent opportunity to explore their many offerings.

The Kumquat Festival attracts approximately 50,000 attendees and features hundreds of vendors. Visitors can sample diverse products such as kumquat salsa, candied kumquats, cookies, pies, marmalade, smoothies, and much more.

5. TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park

The largest aerial park in Central Florida is located in Dade City, providing an excellent introduction to high ropes and ziplines. Across ten diverse courses, visitors can navigate over 100 different challenges at TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park.

The location itself adds to the experience, surrounded by a stunning canopy of live oaks adorned with Spanish moss and views of shimmering lakes. Participants traverse from tree to tree via cables, wooden structures, and rope bridges.

Notably exhilarating are the ziplines, available on all courses. A dedicated Little Lemurs Course caters to children up to six years old, while other participants can select from Easy (yellow triangle) to Crazy (double black diamond) courses.

6. Withlacoochee River Park

Adjacent to the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve on the eastern side of Dade City lies 400 acres of stunning natural scenery along the Withlacoochee River.

This area serves as an excellent destination for hiking, featuring over 13 miles of trails. One option includes a paved 1.7-mile trail suitable for cycling and rollerblading.

A nature trail loops around the perimeter for 3.5 miles, weaving through dense forests. A highlight of this park is the wooden observation tower, offering expansive views of the entire area from above the tree canopy.

The park also includes facilities for tent, cabin, and RV camping, kayak access, fishing areas, a playground, and several shelters.

7. Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – West Tract

An intriguing aspect of Dade City is its proximity to an extensive 110,000-acre protected wilderness area.

Situated on the eastern edge of the city, this region invites exploration of remote mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, and prairies. While the name “Green Swamp” may sound intimidating, I discovered relatively easy hiking paths, with only scattered cypress swamps found in the West Tract.

As the headwaters for four major rivers, including the Withlacoochee, this expanse offers a vast playground for outdoor recreation.

In the West Tract alone, there are over 60 miles of multi-use trails, including a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Additional activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping, backcountry exploration, boating, and paddling.

8. Joy-Lan Drive-In & Swap Shop

As the last operational drive-in theater in Pasco County, located just off US 98 in northern Dade City, the Joy-Lan Drive-In first opened its doors in 1950, enduring various challenges, including a closure in the mid-1990s.

In compiling this list, I noted that only a handful of such theaters remain operational in Florida. This venue offers a nostalgic experience for older attendees while presenting a unique novelty for new visitors.

Patrons can listen via FM radio, as well as through vintage speakers still available on-site, and there is a snack bar featuring various treats to enjoy during the film.

The flea market buzzes to life as early as 5:00 AM on weekends, hosting numerous vendors and exciting finds.

9. Giraffe Ranch

Indeed, interacting with giraffes is possible outside of Africa at the Giraffe Ranch.

This wildlife park offers visitors the chance to feed giraffes, but unlike a zoo, these animals inhabit open habitats where they can roam freely.

Visitors can choose from several experiences at Giraffe Ranch, including the most popular option—a safari aboard a specially customized truck led by an expert guide.

During my 90-minute tour, I encountered many animals, including giraffes, zebras, camels, lemurs, watusi cattle, and others, all roaming in large herds. Viewing is also possible from personal vehicles, on Segways, or horseback.

10. Dade City Heritage Museum and Cultural Center

Another captivating historical site in Dade City is the old railroad station, constructed in 1912 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. While the railroad remains active as a CSX freight line, the historical structure transitioned into a museum in 2018.

During my visit, the primary exhibition area showcased a collection of intriguing items from Dade City’s history, including archival photographs, paintings, farming tools, posters, railroad memorabilia, and an impressive vintage switchboard.

Children and train enthusiasts will appreciate the J.R. Hibbard Memorial Train Room, which features three operational HO model layouts commemorating the essential role of railroads in Dade City’s heritage.

11. Pasco County Fair

Held during the final full week of February, the Pasco County Fair is a county celebration that has flourished since 1948.

Each year, the fair hosts an array of agricultural competitions, including categories for swine, rabbits, plants, poultry, goats, and cattle. Both FFA and 4-H programs continue to play a significant role at the fair, complemented by numerous other activities.

The event features various non-agricultural competitions, pageants, whimsical entertainment, live bluegrass and gospel music, as well as carnival rides and games.

What would a county fair be without indulgent cuisine? The Pasco County Fair does not disappoint in this regard, offering everything from turkey legs to funnel cakes.

12. Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant

At times, nothing is more satisfying than traditional Southern cuisine. For those who share this sentiment, Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant on the north side of downtown Dade City offers a fulfilling dining experience.

This establishment operates as a cafeteria-style buffet, presenting a wide selection of classic dishes, including chicken & dumplings, liver & onions, meatloaf, beef tips, and fried catfish.

All the much-loved side dishes are available, such as collard greens and macaroni & cheese. Decadent desserts comprise cherished options like banana pudding, key lime pie, and strawberry shortcake.

13. Dade City Raceway

For a unique experience, Florida’s leading motocross track is located on the southwestern outskirts of Dade City. Dade City Raceway boasts a longstanding reputation, hosting some of the region’s top motocross talent on race nights. Races are held on Saturdays, approximately 20 weeks out of the year, featuring competitors across more than 30 classes, starting from the Pee Wee category for younger riders.

This venue serves not only as a racetrack but also offers a weekly schedule for practices and lessons. On Saturdays, individuals can attend lessons by appointment, whether seeking to learn the fundamentals or refine their skills towards A Class competition.

14. Snowcat Ridge

Among the surprises in the Tampa Bay area is Snowcat Ridge, a snow park that features a tubing attraction open during the winter months.

Standing 60 feet tall and spanning 400 feet in length, the tubing hill serves as the primary attraction, but additional activities abound. The Arctic Igloo provides an indoor snow play area, where visitors can even construct their first snowman.

Furthermore, children can meet Santa in the lead-up to Christmas, and there is an engaging skating ribbon, complete with an oval specifically designed for beginner skaters.