Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Plant City, Florida

A community characterized by agriculture and the railway industry, Plant City is named after the railway developer Henry B. Plant (1899-1899).

This naming was a gesture of appreciation. Plant’s South Florida Railroad facilitated local commerce significantly in the mid-1880s.

Over 140 years later, downtown Plant City remains at the nexus of two CSX lines, featuring a remarkable museum at the historic Union Depot that outlines this rich heritage.

However, Plant City is predominantly recognized for its winter fruit production, particularly strawberries. Since 1930, the city has hosted the renowned Florida Strawberry Festival.

This festival is officially one of the most significant fairs in North America, drawing in approximately half a million visitors each year.

1. Florida Strawberry Festival

Source: Florida Strawberry Festival / Facebook

In operation since 1930, the Florida Strawberry Festival attracts over 500,000 attendees to Plant City each spring.

This event typically spans around ten days at the end of February, featuring an extensive array of activities and attractions.

Of course, a highlight of the festival is the variety of delicious local cuisine, with strawberries taking center stage. Options include fresh strawberries, world-renowned strawberry shortcake, strawberry milkshakes, strawberry parfaits, jams, cream puffs, and even strawberry pizza.

The Neighborhood Village showcases a community of arts and crafts vendors, complemented by a large carnival midway, agricultural displays, and livestock exhibitions.

The live entertainment component is a significant draw, with tickets for the main Wish Farm Stage in high demand. The entertainment lineup is typically announced as early as Thanksgiving the preceding year.

2. Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum

Source: The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum / Facebook

Given the significant role of railroads in Plant City’s history, visiting this museum is essential. The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum is located at the former Plant City Union Depot, established in 1909.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, this fascinating establishment is rich with a legacy of railroad history.

An extensive collection of artifacts can be examined here. Personally, I found the Seaboard Air Line, no. 5735 Caboose, which was commissioned in 1963 and has been completely restored, to be particularly thrilling. The 1942 Whitcomb Locomotive, located nearby, is just as noteworthy.

Directly across from the museum is the Plant City Train Viewing Platform, which I have detailed below.

3. Dinosaur World

Source: Richard Elzey / Flickr

Marketed as the largest dinosaur attraction globally, Dinosaur World features numerous life-size dinosaur replicas spread over 20 acres of picturesque woodlands.

The verdant setting enhances the Jurassic ambiance, with massive sculptures emerging amidst towering pines and live oaks. For those for whom this expanse may be challenging, a train ride is available.

Additionally, indoor exhibits feature animatronic dinosaurs that engage with visitors. Children will also appreciate the gem mine and fossil dig experiences.

Unlike many attractions, guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages, and dogs are permitted throughout the park except in indoor areas.

4. Parkesdale Farm Market

Regardless of the strawberry season, a visit to Florida’s largest strawberry, citrus, and produce market is imperative.

As a third-generation operation, this business began with a modest 10-acre strawberry patch in the 1950s. Located on the western side of the city, this market offers an extensive selection and plays an essential role in the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Here, one can find strawberry plants, garden ornaments, houseplants, sauces, salsas, seasonings, nut butters, and a variety of other products.

In my opinion, no visit is complete without indulging in the world-famous strawberry shortcake, available from January through mid-April.

This shortcake, created from a family recipe, is topped with freshly sliced berries, directly sourced from the fields, and complemented by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Other delightful offerings include strawberry milkshakes, sundaes, and Florida-style boiled peanuts.

5. Historic Downtown Plant City

With nearly 50 venues to shop, dine, and socialize, the historic center of Plant City is rich with options. The presence of active CSX lines within the town adds a unique charm.

Adjacent to the east-west tracks, McCall Park provides a pleasant area to relax in the shade of trees, which is particularly enchanting with holiday lights during Christmas.

Exploring the historic district reveals several preserved buildings, notable among them is the State Theatre (1936), a Streamline Moderne movie house painted in pastel pink.

Nights filled with outdoor concerts, classic car gatherings, and events such as A Night Out in Downtown contribute to the city’s lively atmosphere. Families traveling with children can enjoy a train-themed scavenger hunt scattered throughout downtown.

6. The Florida Air Museum

Source: flickr

Located in a building and hangar annex at the nearby Lakeland Linder International Airport, the official aviation museum of the state is a must-see.

Established in 1986, the museum’s beginnings were modest, functioning as a mini attraction within a corner of Hangar A.

Over the years, it has significantly expanded, now featuring an extraordinary collection of more than 40 restored aircraft, along with extensive equipment, photographs, and memorabilia related to both civil and military aviation.

Some personal highlights include the detailed exhibit on Howard Hughes, a display of pitch propellers, and the ION engine for deep space travel.

Furthermore, the account of the first scheduled commercial passenger flight, which occurred in Florida in 1914 between St. Petersburg and Tampa, captivated my interest.

7. Edward Medard Regional Park

Source: kellyv / Flickr

Situated south of Plant City, this expansive 700-acre park was donated to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in the late 1960s by a mining company.

Developed by Hillsborough County, Edward Medard Regional Park offers more than three miles of trails along the lake’s winding shoreline.

The area is adorned with beautiful native flora, and wildlife encounters are common, featuring alligators, turtles, and various wading bird species visible during my visit.

Popular activities in the park include hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and paddling. In addition, there is a campground with 42 sites, a disc golf course, and a 40-foot observation tower for wildlife observation.

8. Keel & Curley Winery

Source: Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms / Facebook

Located in the countryside on the northwest side of Plant City, Keel & Curley is an award-winning winery specializing in fruit wines.

Established in 2003 with blueberry wine, the winery soon expanded its offerings to include peach, strawberry, key lime, and wild berry varieties.

The winery is open to the public for a variety of experiences. Visitors can enjoy the restaurant’s handcrafted menu seven days a week, while also participating in immersive tasting sessions to sample Keel & Curley’s beers and ciders.

For those interested in the intricacies of winemaking, complete facility tours are offered, affording the opportunity to taste the variety of wines produced.

9. Plant City Plant and Flea Market

Since its inception in 1978, the prominent farmer’s market and flea market at 708 W Sam Allen Rd in northern Plant City has flourished.

This market is among the largest of its kind in the Southeastern United States, generating a substantial local economic impact.

The farmers’ market operates daily. It is advisable to arrive early, as the gates open at 3 AM, with many vendors having sold out by 11.

Visitors can expect a vast array of local produce at wholesale prices.

The flea market is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the busiest day traditionally being Wednesday, featuring up to 500 vendors across three sections. Early arrivals, beginning at 7 AM, are likely to have the best selections.

10. Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve

North of the city, an extensive expanse of former farmland was officially protected by Hillsborough County in the 2010s.

The Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve spans nearly 13,000 acres. The wetlands and pine flatwoods are gradually being restored and intentionally maintained in a natural state to support wildlife and native plant species.

Several loops are available for exploration. I opted for the Southeast Loop (red blazes), with a trailhead at 3540 E Knights Griffin Rd. Just over 1.5 miles long, this was a delightful hike through open native grasslands.

Within about 30 minutes, I observed numerous white-tailed deer and what appeared to be buzzards roosting in nearby trees.

11. The Mercantile

A charming historic brick building downtown has been transformed into a multi-vendor vintage marketplace.

The Mercantile is housed in the Kilgore Seed Building (1916), a piece of local agricultural history originally constructed for seed and fertilizer storage.

The space is both rustic and expansive, featuring over 18,000 square feet of gallery-like interior. Visitors can browse through a diverse array of vendor booths.

Items available include a plethora of antiques, repurposed vintage goods, and new crafts, ranging from furnishings to jewelry.

During my visit, the owner shared plans for future expansion of the marketplace, including the establishment of a classroom space on the upper level.

12. Jump Florida

Source: Jump Florida Skydive / Facebook

If you have difficulty estimating heights, 18,000 feet is equivalent to slightly less than three and a half miles.

This height is noteworthy as it represents the elevation from which skydivers at Jump Florida begin their descent from an aircraft.

For those curious about the experience of freefalling at speeds exceeding 120 mph, a tandem jump is available.

A tandem jump is ideal for beginners, providing an exhilarating yet safe opportunity to view the Plant City and Tampa area from above. No training is necessary, as a USPA-certified instructor will handle all aspects of the jump.

Offering jumps from three different altitudes (11,000 ft, 14,000 ft, and 18,000 ft), Jump Florida’s pricing is surprisingly affordable. There are also options for video and photo packages to capture the experience.

13. Plant City Train Viewing Platform

Another enriching way to connect with Plant City’s railway heritage is through this dedicated viewing platform.

Located right by the diamond junction, this facility was completed in 2013. It provides a vantage point for observing both directions along the track, now managed by CSX.

From the upper level, visitors can enjoy an impressive view of the Union Depot to the north. The platform offers ample shade below the structure, along with benches that face the tracks.

Considering that trains have long been vital to Plant City, the significance of this location may resonate with both railway enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Notably, children captivated by trains are likely to enjoy watching them speed by.

14. Mike E. Sansone Community Park

Although the name Mike E. Sansone may not resonate with outsiders, it is synonymous with community service, patriotism, and local pride among residents.

Covering nearly 80 acres near downtown, this park is named after an Italian immigrant who arrived in Florida before World War I.

He served in the military during the Great War and returned to open a barber shop, becoming actively involved in scouting.

The park encompasses various recreational facilities, with baseball being the most prominent, featuring nine fields designated for youth and senior leagues.

A concession stand operates during games, and amenities include a paved nature trail, a skate park, three picnic pavilions, six basketball courts, and a playground.

15. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

A staple attraction during the spooky season for over a decade, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is one of the region’s major Halloween experiences.

As of the creation of this article, four thrilling attractions were available, including three interactive haunted trails: Moonlight Massacre, Tales of the Dead, and Wicked Waters.

Each of these terrifying scenarios features a cast of costumed characters equipped with highly realistic makeup effects.

A new addition, at the time of writing, includes a haunted hayride that takes participants deep into the woods where they encounter a lurking witch.

Complementing the haunts, there are two escape rooms and a laser tag game available. Be sure to check the schedule for special events during Christmas and Valentine’s Day.