Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Hudson, FL

  • Published 2023/05/02

Florida is the home of several award-winning beaches and numerous outdoor activities.

The City of Hudson offers the same and more.

Found in the western end of Pasco County, Hudson is the ideal vacation destination for beachgoers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite its relatively small population, Hudson’s community is friendly and welcoming.

They’ll make you feel right at home and ensure you a great visit.

Whether you’re looking for a fantastic beach, parks to explore, or local diners to eat at, this city has everything you need.

If you’re a fan of adventure and all things exciting, check out the city’s indoor entertainment facilities.

Play paintball or try the escape rooms, which you can enjoy with your friends and family.

You can even enjoy the lively nightlife at the heart of this city, where you can drink and dance the night away!

Here are the best things to do in Hudson, FL:

Beat the Heat at Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor

Head over to Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor to beat the Florida heat.

Situated on the western end of the city, this family-owned ice cream parlor has quickly become a community staple.

Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor has won several awards, such as the #1 Best Ice Cream Parlor in Pasco County in 2014.

Serving over 40 different flavors of ice cream, they’re sure to carry your favorite flavor, too.

They also sell sherbets and Italian ice options, along with sugar-free and low-fat variations for those watching their diet.

If you get hungry, you can grab a hotdog at their shop.

Bring the whole family to Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet dessert.

Enjoy Recreational Outdoor Activities at SunWest Park

SunWest Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hudson, offering a variety of outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

This park is on a beach just north of the city center that stretches over a mile long, providing you with beach fun and activities all day.

The freshwater lakes also allow you to get out onto the open water and enjoy the feel of the waves and the warm sun.

Kids can even play on the sand and build sand castles and other masterpieces.

This waterfront facility also provides a beautiful view of the sunset, so bring the whole family to SunWest Park.

Bring the Family to Veterans Memorial Park Pool

This waterpark facility is a public pool you can bring the kids for indoor fun.

Veterans Memorial Park Pool honors the country’s heroes and provides a fun space for water activities.

Featuring eight lap lanes and a diving board over a meter high, the pool lets you practice your swimming skills.

You might even learn to backflip into the water.

Kids can also play around at their splash pad and use the different facilities and equipment such as water guns, water showers, rain decks, and more.

They even host a variety of classes that include water aerobics, aquatic fitness, swim lessons, and others that you may join.

You can also choose to rent a canopy during your stay at this pool and have a picnic.

Whether you’re going by yourself or with friends, the Veterans Memorial Park Pool can accommodate your needs.

See Various Species of Birds at the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary

The Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird lovers and watchers.

This organization on the northern end of Hudson is dedicated to caring for various exotic birds and parrots.

This establishment also serves as the birds’ forever home and offers tours for visitors who wish to marvel at these beautiful species.

This bird sanctuary is home to over a million species of birds.

Everyone is welcome to visit this haven for parrots and other birds.

Drop by the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary and feed a parrot right out of your hand.

Dive into the Prehistoric Diving Site at Hudson Grotto

Hudson Grotto is a prehistoric diving site, surrounded by Pasco County’s oldest lake that reaches depths of over 100 feet.

This body of water comprises fresh and saltwater.

You’ll find a variety of fish that swim in the shallow areas of the lake, including bass, catfish, bluegill, and more.

Hudson Grotto is the perfect place for those who wish to go scuba diving, deep-sea swimming, or snorkeling.

You can do many water activities due to the lake’s depths.

Wear the right equipment before going there.

Head over to Hudson Grotto and explore the magnificent waters, take some pictures, and have fun.

See Live Performances at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre

Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre is the go-to venue in Hudson for live shows, performances, and Broadway productions.

With brand new seasons each year, this organization hosts several productions.

See at least six Broadway-inspired productions, live concerts, and two special events.

Featuring the best actors, actresses, and artists nationwide, Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre has a lot of talent to showcase.

Their shows are friendly for all ages, and you’re sure to have an enjoyable time watching the various genres, from dramas to musicals and everything else.

These performances only get better and better each year, so purchase your tickets ahead of time and reserve your seats.

Chill with Friends at Skinny’s Bar & Grill

If you’re looking for a nice hangout place in the heart of the city, Skinny’s Bar & Grill is the ideal place.

As one of the city’s most popular local bars and grills, they serve some delicious food and great drinks.

You can order chicken wings, classic sandwiches, soups, salads, and other appetizers to keep you energized throughout the day.

They also host live music and entertainment, which you can sing and dance to with your friends.

They offer a wide selection of drinks, ranging from hard liquor to sweet cocktails, catering to every palate.

You’re most likely to run into a handful of locals at Skinny’s Bar & Grill, so don’t hesitate to make some new friends.

Drop by the Gator Paintball Xtreme Park

Gator Paintball Xtreme Park is the largest paintball park in the state and provides a day of fun and entertainment.

This park is only a short ten-minute drive from the city center, making it easily accessible for you.

Spanning over 30 acres, this park offers a variety of paintball options to cater to everyone of all ages.

Children ages seven and up can try their hand at this sport by taking the kids’ soft paintball option.

Adults can try out the big leagues.

Each game takes about two hours, giving you plenty of time to get the hang of the sport and have an enjoyable time.

Practice your aim, shoot at your opponents, and win the round at Gator Paintball Xtreme Park.

Solve Mysteries at Hudson Escape Rooms

Are you ready to unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes?

Then try out Hudson Escape Rooms!

This escape room in the city center offers excitement, fun, and adventure for the whole family.

Whether you’re dropping by with the family or your friends, this establishment ensures quality time with their different themes.

You can play either the Zombie Apocalypse or the Highway 19 Motel rooms.

You’ll need to solve clues, follow hints, and complete missions to unlock the rooms’ secrets and successfully escape within the allotted time frame.

These rooms will test your critical, logical, and creative thinking, along with your ability to perform under pressure.

Do you have what it takes?

Book a room ahead of time at Hudson Escape Rooms.

Grab a Refreshing Beer at Craft Life Brewing Company

Touring and exploring the entire city may become tiring.

You might look for something cold and refreshing, so check out Craft Life Brewing Company.

This award-winning craft house has received recognition as the Best Beer in Florida for 2022.

It continues to serve the best beers on tap.

Since its establishment in 2016, this taproom has used traditional styles and combined them with new concepts and modernized ideas to create the most refreshing beer.

They also pride themselves in using only locally sourced goods and products for their beverages.

In addition to serving award-winning drinks, this brewery also hosts several events, live music, and entertainment to give you a relaxing break.

Remember that you must be over the age of 21 to purchase from Craft Life Brewing Company.

Take a Hike at Aripeka Sandhills Preserve

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is one of the most popular hiking sites in the entire city.

If you’re looking to get a few steps in for a morning exercise, drop by this park just five miles away from the heart of Hudson.

This preserve is a part of a vast system of conservation lands under the protection of the government and state districts, but it’s open to the public.

With hiking trails that stretch as long as 1.6 miles, you can explore this preserve.

This site also offers fantastic views and sights.

Don’t forget to bring your camera on your hike and snap a picture or two.

Wear the right shoes and head over to Aripeka Sandhills Preserve and see all the thriving ecosystems that have made this preserve their home.

Try Different Watersports at the Lift Adventure Park

The Lift Adventure Park is a branch of SunWest Park that offers different watersports for guests to enjoy.

This waterpark is perfect for thrill-chasers and adventure-seekers where they can try intimidating sports.

Guests can check out their wakeboarding facilities and test their balance, conquer the obstacles at Aqua Chimp, or explore the waters by kayaking and paddleboarding.

The Lift Adventure Park is also known for housing the largest inflatable slide in Florida, the Aqua Park.

They offer a wide variety of water sports, activities, and more to ensure a great experience on the open water.

Beat the Florida heat and visit the Lift Adventure Park for a fun day.

Enjoy Waterfront Dining at Sam’s Beach Bar

Sam’s Beach Bar is one of the local eateries in Hudson that offers waterfront dining.

This eatery provides a beautiful view of the sunset on their patio as you enjoy your meal with your family and loved ones.

They also have a thriving nightlife scene.

Grab a drink, dance away to the music, and feel the beat course through your body.

Since opening in 1981, this diner has served classic American favorites, including chicken wings and sandwiches.

However, their best-sellers are their buckets of fresh seafood.

They even have a wide selection of drinks, ranging from handcrafted cocktails to hard liquor.

Enjoy a delicious meal with splendid sunset views at Sam’s Beach Bar.

Buy Local Goods at Clarks Farmers Market

There’s no better way to spend a beautiful day than going on a shopping spree at a farmer’s market.

Clarks Country Farmers Market offers guests and tourists a wide selection of fresh produce and vegetables for great prices.

This indoor market is minutes away from Hudson’s center.

You can even get your hands on fresh meat and other products.

They also sell various other items, including jams, jellies, and other treats.

Bring some extra cash with you to Clarks Country Farmers Market and check out the vast array of goods they offer.

Go Fishing with Nature Coast Inshore Charters

If you’re looking for a great place to explore the beautiful waters near Hudson, Nature Coast Inshore Charters has got you covered!

This charter offers various activities on the open water, including fishing, scalloping, and even nature tours.

Captain Mike Rabon owns the charter, which has existed since the early 2000s.

He has provided his customers with a great experience as they indulge in water activities.

You can catch over 20 different species of fish, such as bass, groupers, flounders, mackerels, tarpons, and so many more.

They also provide scalloping trips if you’re looking to do something different.

Book a reservation in advance to secure a slot at Nature Coast Inshore Charters.

Enjoy Water Activities at Hudson Beach

Sunset over Hudson Beach

Kim Hurley / Shutterstock.com

Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park is locally known as Hudson Beach.

Just right off Clark Street, this beach area spans six acres with around 1,900 feet of waterfront area overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Head over to the waters and enjoy a kayak or boat ride or go fishing on the boardwalk.

The beach also has a designated swimming area and sand beach perfect for getting a tan.

Buildings at Hudson Beach

Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The waters are also great for a refreshing swim but also know that there are no lifeguards around so you need to be extra careful.

You can also have a family picnic at the tables and covered shelters while little ones can have a fun time at the playground.

The beach also has a two-story pavilion where you can enjoy the sunset views over the gulf.

Go beach bumming at Hudson Beach!

Stay and Relax at the Inn On The Gulf

You’ll enjoy the relaxing beachfront accommodation offered by the Inn On The Gulf.

Right at the center of Hudson Beach, you’ll get a fantastic view of the sunsets while enjoying a comfortable stay at the suites.

The two-story hotel features 18 rooms providing guests with suite-style lodging at an affordable price; rooms can also accommodate up to five people.

Enjoy excellent amenities like spacious living areas with a sofa, plus a kitchen area and dinette provided with a microwave, coffee pot, toaster, and refrigerator.

Suites also have flat-screen TVs, free WiFi access, and local and long-distance telephone services.

Booking reservations ahead is recommended and you can also choose from daily, weekly, or monthly rates.

You’ll also enjoy tasty seafood fares for lunch and dinner at the Inn On The Gulf restaurant.

Shop for Bargain and Vintage Items at Treasure Marts

Peruse various unique vintage items atTreasure Marts located on Hudson’s State Road.

Bargain hunters can also drop by other locations in Winter Haven, Eustis, Byartow, and Mt. Dora.

Take your pick of rare collectibles and classic goods from over a hundred different vendors.

You won’t just get any old items but they make sure you’ll get good buys and are satisfied with the items you bought.

The shop is also well-maintained and clean so you’ll enjoy browsing for anything you might like.

Get everything you need from antique furniture, clothes, toys, keepsakes, decor, and so much more.

Head over to Treasure Marts and enjoy shopping for affordable vintage finds.

Sample Classic American Dishes at The Rams Family Restaurant

If it’s classic all-American flavorsyou’re craving, The Rams Family Restaurant is the perfect food stop to go to.

You’ll find this restaurant along Little Road serving authentic hometown breakfast and lunch fares.

For over 28 years, the family-owned establishment is also known for its exceptional service, fresh and flavorful dishes on the menu, and warm hospitality.

Take your pick from delicious hearty Breakfast Specials, Sandwiches, and Favorites, or try the Griddle Favorites and Specials.

They also serve Kids’ Breakfast Specials, Classic Items like Biscuit and Sausage Gravy, Oatmeal with Milk, Oatmeal with Cinnamon and Raisins, Bagel and Cream Cheese, and tasty Sides.

For lunch, you can order filling Club Sandwiches, and Hoagies or go for yummy Melts and Wraps.

Their juicy Angus Beef Burgers are always a hit along with Tasty Combos for big appetites.

Try some Luncheon Specials and Baskets, then add sides, soups, salads, and platters, too.

You’ll surely get your cravings satisfied at The Rams Family Restaurant.

Camp Out on an RV at Three Lakes

Planning to take your family camping?Three LakesonSmooth Water Drive offers you a great location they’ll enjoy.

The RV park is located near stunning Gulf Coast beaches and features full hookup RV sites and furnished cottages for rent.

There are nine RV sites with 30- and 50-amp electric service, concrete pads, and sewer and water hookups; Wi-Fi access is also available at the sites.

They also offer premium single-bedroom cottages complete with air conditioning, cable TV, private bath and shower, and fully equipped kitchen.

The room also has a queen size bed and sleeper sofa to accommodate four guests.

In addition, your family will enjoy lots of fun activities like pickleball, billiards, cornholes, and horseshoes.

You can go for catch-and-release fishing by the lakes or relax at the Tiki Hut lounge area.

Get active and go biking or hiking, then have an enjoyable picnic or better yet, set up a campfire in the evening.

Three Lakes also has other amenities like a fitness center, a game room, and a library.

Final Thoughts

Hudson’s location next to various bodies of water gives you easy access to many water activities.

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, you can go scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, or float on a swim ring on the open water.

If you’re looking for active, lively nightlife, head to one of the many bars in the heart of the city and dance the night away.

Book your next trip to Hudson, Florida, and enjoy all the best things to see and do in this lovely city!

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