Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Zephyrhills, FL

  • Published 2022/04/22

Zephyrhills is found in East Paco County and is one of the lesser-known cities in Florida, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this city with all the fun and excitement it has to offer!

This little historic district found a few miles northeast of Tampa is best recognized for its world-famous pure spring water that’s fresh enough for you to bottle and drink!

Its thriving and diverse community also hosts all kinds of annual and seasonal events all year round that are sought-after by both locals and tourists alike.

This city is also home to a skydiving facility that can give you the thrilling yet unforgettable experience of jumping off an airplane from thousands of feet above the ground!

Check out this list of all the things you can do and places you can see while visiting Zephyrhills, Florida.

Go Sky Diving at Skydive City

The plane of Skydive City

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Zephyrhills is a major skydiving destination given how expansive their undeveloped land is, and Skydive City can give you this thrilling experience!

Also known as “Z-Hills,” this world-famous skydiving destination is a tourist hotspot when they visit the city, whether they’re seasoned skydivers or first-time jumpers.

Skydiving isn’t for the faint of heart, so only the brave souls can embark on this experience!

Tandem skydivers landed safely at Skydive City

P. Allison / Shutterstock.com

Licensed and experienced instructors will guide you and teach you the basics of skydiving, ensuring an exhilarating yet fun and memorable experience!

They provide a wide range of jump options; whether you prefer to jump off the airplane by yourself or with your instructor, they want to make sure that you’re having fun!

Cross skydiving off your bucket list by visiting Skydive City in Zephyrhills!

A person about to land at Skydive City after skydiving

P. Allison / Shutterstock.com

Beat the Heat at Waterplay at Zephyr Park

Florida is known for its hot summer and scorching sun, but Waterplay at Zephyr Park can help you cool down!

This water park is a major hit with the kids with all the water amenities and facilities they have spread across 7,000 square feet of land.

Playground equipment complete with slides, jungle gyms, and even a swing set is sure to keep them entertained all day.

Older visitors can take advantage of the number of pools, wave pools, splash pads, and thrilling water slides to stay cool.

This establishment isn’t limited to water activities since they also have pavilions and picnic areas, fishing spots, and more when you get tired of swimming.

Waterplay at Zephyr Park is found minutes within the heart of the city, so be sure to drop by if you want to beat the heat!

Attend the Biggest Block Party at Zephyrhills on Saturday in the Square

This monthly event takes place on the last Saturday of every month when the entire community, along with its tourists and visitors, gathers together at downtown Zephyrhills!

This block party is one of the largest in the entire city, where you can find live entertainment and great food and drinks while enjoying the fun-filled atmosphere.

Various vendors can also be spotted selling a variety of items and merchandise that you can take home as a souvenir to remind you of your trip.

You may even make a new friend or two by talking to some of the locals and getting to know them!

As if it couldn’t get any better, admission is completely free!

Spend the Day at Hillsborough River State Park

A footbridge reflecting on Hillsborough River State Park's water

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

A short drive south of the city center takes you to Hillsborough River State Park, a well-known park with historical significance!

Complete with nature trails and paths you can hike, along with a mesmerizing view of the landscape, this park is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can also do several outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and even use their picnic amenities to enjoy a nice meal out under the shade.

Rapids of Hillsborough River State Park

William Silver / Shutterstock.com

The pavilions found here were built as far back as 1930 and have been maintained over the years for you to enjoy.

The main highlight of Hillsborough River State Park is the Class II river rapids, a rare sight in Florida that guests can canoe or kayak through!

There’s so much to do at this park, so try and add this place to your itinerary!

A person kayaking at Hillsborough River State Park

Mwanner at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Join a Parade at the Founder’s Day & Heritage Festival

Zephyrhills doesn’t have the type of crowd to shy away from events and activities year-round, and Founder’s Day & Heritage Festival will show you a good time!

Locals say that this annual festival has been going on for over 100 years as the community continues to carry this tradition out.

With varying themes each year, you can find a multitude of people dressed in all kinds of costumes as they parade down the street.

Loud drums, live music, baton twirling, and more attract thousands of people to see all the glam and shows!

This festival has one of the largest parades in the entire state, which you can be a part of!

Grab a Beer at Zephyrhills Brewing Company

This brewery in the historic downtown area of Zephyrhills brings you only the best craft beer they have to offer!

As the first brewery in East Paco County, this establishment has been serving the community since 2016 with a wide selection of various flavors of beers they’ve crafted.

Their tasting room is also open, giving you the chance to sample all the flavors they have for a great price!

You can check out their newly installed game room that is free for the guests to use, including video games and classic games such as shuffleboard and darts.

Food trucks are also parked outside of the establishment, providing you with tasty, hearty snacks to pair with your drink!

Learn About World War II at Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

An aircraft on the grounds of Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

P. Allison / Shutterstock.com

During the second world war, Zephyrhills Army Airfield played a vital role in aiding the hundreds of Army fighter pilots before they went to war, and Zephyrhills Museum of Military History can tell you all about the events that happened in the city during this time.

The collections of this museum have continued to grow over the years, even including relics and artifacts from the different wars that have shaken the earth in the past.

Exterior of Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Inside, you can find multiple exhibits that showcase the aircraft, uniforms, and other artifacts from both world wars, even including the Korean War and 9/11 in their displays.

They also host different events on different historical topics, educating the general public about the wars that took place back then and honoring the veterans and heroes who have bravely served and fought for their country.

This museum is perfect for history buffs who love learning about the richness and significance of our past!

History plaque of Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Celebrate Halloween at Halloween Howl

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to join Halloween Howl!

If you’ll be in town during late October, Zephyrhills hosts one of the most anticipated Halloween celebrations in the entire city.

With activities suited for the entire family, this Halloween event is sure to give you a great time, featuring parades and contests!

They also have haunted houses, carnival-style rides, and some games for all to enjoy!

Don’t worry about running out of food – you can find a great number of vendors selling all kinds of snacks such as hotdogs, burgers, fries, and more!

Your kids may even win a prize for best costume, so be sure to drop by.

Throw an Axe at Molly’s Hatchet Mobile

Molly’s Hatchet Mobile is a one-of-a-kind trailer that lets guests unleash the inner Viking in them by giving them the chance to go axe-throwing while ensuring their safety!

Guided by experts, they’ll show you how to properly (and safely) throw an axe at the wooden aim, whether you want to do it for fun or if you want to let some steam out!

Though hurling share objects is generally frowned upon, Molly’s Hatched Mobile allows you to do this activity in a controlled environment, closely supervised by these experts.

Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to hit the bullseye dead-center after these lessons and sessions to impress your friends.

By calling ahead of time, you can book this trailer and spend unique quality time throwing axes!

Do Outdoor Recreational Activities at Krusen Park

Welcome sign of Krusen Park

P. Allison / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend your afternoon outdoors, Krusen Park is the one for you!

With all the open space that this park offers, you can do several things with your family and friends, including games, sports, and cookouts.

With a barbecue grill available, you can unleash the inner chef in you and roast your favorite meals, and have a nice picnic under the shade.

You can play a wide range of sports too, such as baseball, football, basketball, and more, as long as you bring your own equipment.

Krusen Park gives guests a relaxing atmosphere where they can wind down, relax, and soak up the fresh air after a long day.

Go Bowling with the Whole Family at Pin Chasers

Found along Zephyrhills’ Main Street, Pin Chasers is a bowling alley that gives guests various ways to play bowling!

Visitors can avail themselves of different kinds of lanes, from cyber bowling to Sunday breakfast bowls, each with its own perks and discounts.

They’re also known for hosting great events and parties that can cater to big groups of people.

If you get tired of bowling, you can check out their arcade room that’s complete with classic games and win lots of tickets!

Kids can also join little league bowling, where they can practice and develop their bowling skills and get a strike!

Book a lane ahead of time to be efficient!

Practice Your Golfing Skills at The Links of Lake Bernadette

The Links of Lake Bernadette is a popular golf course only 6 miles away from the hub of Zephyrhills, attracting golf players of all skill levels from around the world!

Best known for its mature course, rolling greens, high-quality rough and fairways, and overall beautifully landscaped design, you will have a great golfing experience here.

Golf Digest has dubbed this course “Best Overall Value” with how well-kept and maintained its amenities are.

With the choice to play either 9-holes or 18-holes, you can spend the entire afternoon outdoors polishing up those golfing skills while enjoying the cool breeze and shade provided by the surrounding pine trees.

They also offer great snacks and drinks for a good price to keep you energized throughout the day.

The Links of Lake Bernadette have garnered a loyal fanbase and regular customers with the high-quality service and experience they provide, so try and drop by to see what all the fuss is about!

Wind Down at Fried Penguin Bar

Friend Penguin Bar is the go-to bar for both locals and tourists with the relaxing atmosphere they provide topped with tasty food and great drinks!

You can also join their regular events, such as karaoke nights or beer pong tournaments, where you’re sure to have fun.

Live bands, artists, and other forms of entertainment will keep you preoccupied all night long.

You may also opt to play some of their classic bar games with friends or strangers, such as darts and pool!

Four TV sets are also found within this bar, where you can catch a game played by your favorite teams!

Fried Penguin Bar is the ideal place to wind down, eat, and drink after a long day of touring and exploring the city!

Try Skateboarding at Zephyrhills Skatepark

This skatepark is one of the newest additions to the city, erected for the skating and skateboarding community of Zephyrhills!

About 8,000 square feet in size, you can roll across the different obstacles that this park has to offer, whether you’re picking up your skateboard for the first time or if you’re a skilled skater.

You can find a variety of things to test your skills at Zephyrhills Skatepark, from elevated ramps to escalators, bars, rails, ledges, and more.

You may even learn a new trick or two if you keep practicing!

The intricate and well-planned design by its creators has made this park one of the best skateparks across the county, as skaters from all over the city flock to try their amenities out!

Eat Your Favorite Asian-Inspired Food at Little Ninja Thai-Japanese Food & Café

Named the “Best Thai Restaurant in Zephyrhills, Florida,” you’re sure to satisfy your craving for Thai-Japanese Food at the heart of this city!

This restaurant boasts its authentic dishes, using only the freshest ingredients to ensure great quality servings for you.

Since this restaurant isn’t as popular as other eateries, Little Ninja Thai-Japanese Food & Café has been considered Zephyrhills’ “hidden gem” by its customers!

Their menus carry your traditional food such as Crab Rangoons, Steamed Dumplings, Spring Rolls, and more that will make you and your stomach happy!

Book a table ahead of time to ensure a slot at this restaurant!

Final Thoughts

The lush countryside of Zephyrhills makes this city the ideal destination for skydiving that you’re sure to remember!

From waterparks to historical museums and everything in between, this city is sure to provide a great time despite not being your traditional, popular tourist getaway.

Its thriving and welcoming community will also greet you with its southern hospitality as you explore all the things that Zephyrhills has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, you can find it all here!

Make sure to bring your sunscreen to avoid getting sunburnt, and book your ticket now!

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