Discover Dade City and beyond
Choose a vacation rental in Dade City to explore this welcoming town's antique stores, restaurants and historic downtown architecture. Dade City vacation rentals range from modern family homes on smart gated resorts to secluded lakefront cabins with scenic views. This part of Central Florida is dotted with natural parks where you can hike, bike, fish and birdwatch. What's more, in Dade City, you're just an hour away from the beautiful white sand of the Gulf Coast beaches. In the other direction, the theme parks of Orlando are just 90 minutes' drive away. But don't miss a leisurely stroll around Dade City's sleepy downtown while you're here!
Sightseeing in and around Dade City
Are you looking for attractions to see while you're in town? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to experience everything that makes Dade City a fun spot to vacation. These are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Giraffe Ranch (5.9 mi / 9.6 km)
- Saddlebrook Golf Course (12.6 mi / 20.2 km)
- Advent Health Center Ice (16.2 mi / 26.1 km)
- Safari Wilderness (19.9 mi / 32 km)
- Keel & Curley Winery (22 mi / 35.3 km)
- TPC of Tampa Bay (24.9 mi / 40 km)
Fun things to do near Dade City
The Hillsborough State River Park was one of the first of Florida's state parks and remains a popular fishing and kayaking spot, just 30 minutes from Dade City. Close by, you can enjoy great discount shopping at Tampa Premium Outlets, a large mall just north of Tampa and 30 minutes to the southwest of Dade City. The closest beach to your Dade City vacation rental is Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park on the Gulf Coast – just don't forget to call in and see the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on the way back to Dade City.
Dade City seasonal events
You can expect warm temperatures year-round when you stay at a Dade City vacation rental with December through March being the driest months. Local events run throughout the year. At Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, a 30-minute drive north, a re-enactment every January commemorates the battle that started the Second Seminole War. The 80-acre park is well worth a visit – you can enjoy the playground and picnic area and may spot gopher tortoises, woodpeckers and hawks among the pinewoods. Then, every January, Dade City hosts its very own Kumquat Festival – a celebration of the little citrus fruit grown locally.
Outdoor adventures near Dade City
There are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed near your Dade City vacation rental – from local zipline adventures to fishing in local lakes. The closest natural park is Withlacoochee River Park. Popular with anglers and kayakers, its 406 acres are home to 13 miles of trails where you might be lucky enough to spot animals including alligators, gopher tortoises and river otters. The River Park is also a popular birdwatching spot; its possible to see bald eagles, swallowtail hawks and herons. Meanwhile, the neighboring Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve offers outdoor enthusiasts another 60 miles of multi-use trails to explore on foot, bike or horseback.
Traveling to and around Dade City
The nearest airport is in Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA), located 33.7 mi (54.2 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight), which is 34.9 mi (56.1 km) away.