Last Updated on November 1, 2023
Are you looking for the best things to do in Dade City? You’ve come to the right place.
One of our favorite Authentic Florida destinations is Dade City, the “Kumquat Capital of the World” and home of the annual Kumquat Festival.
This unhurried, laid-back Florida town has immense southern charm, history, and great hospitality.
It also offers farm-to-table cuisine to deliver visitors a tasty dose of authentic Florida.
It’s like going back in time, but with wifi and other present-day amenities.
Whether you experience the area during the Kumquat Festival or any other time you’re in the area, there are some things you won’t want to miss.
Get to Know Dade City
See Historic Sites
The centerpiece of the town square is the classic 1909 revival-style beautifully restored courthouse.
On the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse’s neoclassical dome and clock proudly proclaim the city as the County seat.
Dade City Courthouse Address: 37918 Meridian Ave, D. City, FL 33525
Historic Places
- Edwinola Hotel – 14235 Edwinola Way, D. City, FL 33523
- Hugh Embry Library – 14215 4th St, D. City, FL 33523
- Dade City Heritage Museum – 14206 U.S. HWY 98 Bypass, D. City, FL 33525
Go Antique Shopping
Adjacent to the square, visitors can browse the local antique shops, including Antiques on Main.
This cute shop specializes in folk art and primitive antique treasures. (It’s closed on Sunday and Monday.)
Antiques on Main Address: 14122 7th St, Dade City, FL 33525
Antique Shops in Dade City
- Two Crazy Chicks Antiques – 14232 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33525
- The Dade City Magnolia House – 14118 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33525
- Two Ole Hens Too– 32745 State Rd 52,d San Antonio, FL 33576
Enjoy Dade City Restaurants
Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges
Historic downtown Dade City is also the place to take advantage of several excellent restaurants.
Consider starting your gastronomic tour at local classic, Lunch on Limoges.
This southern restaurant and gift shop offers chalkboard menu items with a Florida flair.
We recommend the Pecan Chicken, Pecan Grouper, or their signature Chicken Salad.
The gastronomic display of cakes and pies, including the seasonal kumquat cake, tempt anyone who loves old-fashioned, homemade desserts.
NOTE: The Florida Cracker Kitchen folks now own Lunch on Limoges and have morphed their unique flair into the mix. The quality of the food and the experience has not changed.
Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges Address: 14139 7th St, Dade City, FL 33525
Kafe Kokopelli
Kafe Kokopelli is also another local favorite. Once a Model T salesroom for the Florida Motor Company, the restaurant is adorned with old Florida relics, photos, and art.
Chef Steven Queen offers a sumptuous dining menu, including local Florida favorites such as fried green tomato napoleon, fried gator, catfish sandwich, ahi tuna, and mixed organic salads.
Kafe Kokopelli Address: 37940 Live Oak Ave, Dade City, FL 33523
Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant
Another favorite, off the square, especially known for down-home cooking, is Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant.
The restaurant features a local fresh menu of fried chicken, meatloaf, ribs, greens, and fresh fruit desserts. Steph’s serves up a cornucopia of good food.
Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant Address: 14519 5th St, Dade City, FL 33523
More Restaurants in Dade City
- Green Door on 8th – 14148 8th Street, Dade City, FL 33523
- Olga’s Bakery – 14117 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33523
- Black Eyed Pea – 15323 US-301, Dade City, FL 33523
- TJ’s Deli – 37752 Meridian Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523
If you are interested in other authentic restaurants in Florida, check out our Florida Restaurant section.
Pioneer Museum & Village
For some fascinating history on the area, head north of downtown to the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.
This walking village portrays a complete real-life look at Florida pioneer “Cracker” living.
Actual buildings, many saved from demolition, were also brought to this site to create a living history exhibit.
Visitors can experience a wide range of old Florida life through this experience while walking into Florida’s past.
They hold interesting events throughout the year that appeal to people of all ages. Check out their website for an events calendar.
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village Address: 15602 Pioneer Museum Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
Looking for other Museums in Florida? Check out 32 Florida Museums in the Time Travelers Network – 2023.
Joy-Lan Drive In Theatre
At night, Dade City is home to one of just a few remaining drive-in movie theatres in the Sunshine State.
The Joy- Lan screen is the largest digital screen in Pasco County and shows first-run movies.
The refreshment center is authentically decorated with photos of their staff and guests over the years.
You won’t want to miss a night out at the movies … old-school style.
Joy Lan Drive-In Address: 16414 US-301, Dade City, FL 33523
Joy-Lan is one of The 4 Remaining Drive-In Movie Theaters in Florida.
Annual Kumquat Festival
Every January, it’s time to celebrate the kumquat at the Annual Kumquat Festival.
This region of Florida is the epicenter of the kumquat and celebrates the petite fruit in unbelievable ways.
Read about the Kumquat Festival and put it on your event calendar.
2024 Kumquat Festival Date: January 27, 2024
All it takes is one interesting small fruit, a down-home festival, farm-to-table dining mixed with small-town charm, and you have all the ingredients for an authentic Florida adventure.
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