Plant City FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plant City, Florida.
1. Dinosaur World
LIFE-SIZED PREHISTORIC ADVENTURES
Dinosaur World features more than 200 life-size dinosaur replicas that visitors can explore through a self-guided tour. Families can participate in the Triviasaurus Rex Game Show and learn about the history of dinosaurs in the region. Children especially enjoy panning for minerals and gems at this unique prehistoric-themed attraction.
2. Edward Medard Regional Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Edward Medard Regional Park is a vast conservation area offering multiple outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, camping, fishing, hiking, and even disc golf across the sprawling grounds. The park is particularly known for its beautiful area featuring giant trees, making it a perfect spot for picnics and photography.
3. Keel And Curley Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Keel And Curley Winery offers visitors a chance to sample unique locally-produced wines in a charming setting. The winery specializes in fruit wines, particularly those made from the region's famous strawberries, providing a taste experience distinct to Plant City. Guests can take tours of the facilities, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles to take home.
4. Metals and Nature
ARTISTIC GARDEN EXPERIENCE
Metals and Nature garden showcases an impressive array of wrought iron statues blended with natural elements. Visitors can wander through the artistic displays while enjoying colorful peacocks and parrots that roam the grounds. The unique combination of metalwork art and live exotic birds creates a one-of-a-kind experience for art and nature lovers alike.
5. Florida Strawberry Festival
ICONIC AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day annual event held in March celebrating Plant City's famous winter strawberry harvest. Visitors can enjoy musical performances, beauty pageants, agricultural exhibits, and carnival rides throughout the festival grounds. No visit is complete without sampling the legendary strawberry shortcake and browsing the numerous vendor stalls selling strawberry-themed goods.
6. Downtown Plant City Historic District
CHARMING HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
The Downtown Plant City Historic Residential District features nearly 200 historic buildings showcasing the area's architectural heritage. Visitors can stroll through charming streets lined with well-preserved structures dating back to the city's earlier days. The district offers a glimpse into Plant City's past while providing opportunities to shop at local businesses and dine at unique restaurants.
7. Bing Rooming House Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SITE
The Bing Rooming House Museum preserves an important piece of civil rights history as a former lodging for African Americans during segregation. Visitors can learn about the building's significance as a safe haven when Black travelers were prohibited from staying in whites-only establishments. The museum offers insightful exhibits that document this challenging period in American history and celebrates the resilience of the African American community in Plant City.
8. Plant City Farm & Flea Market
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Plant City Farm & Flea Market offers a diverse shopping experience with numerous vendors selling everything from fresh produce to antiques and crafts. Visitors can browse countless stalls while interacting with friendly local sellers in this community-centered marketplace. The market provides a genuine taste of local culture and is an excellent place to find unique souvenirs and fresh strawberries when in season.
9. Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum
TRAIN HISTORY COLLECTION
The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum celebrates Plant City's rich railway heritage, particularly its connection to namesake Henry B. Plant. Visitors can explore vintage train cars, examine historical railroad artifacts, and learn about how the railroad shaped the development of the city. The museum is housed in a historic train depot, adding authenticity to the educational experience about transportation history.
10. Tampa Bay History Center
REGIONAL HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
The Tampa Bay History Center offers comprehensive exhibits chronicling 12,000 years of Florida's history, including the development of Plant City and surrounding areas. Visitors can explore interactive displays featuring everything from native peoples to Spanish explorers and the region's agricultural development. The museum provides context for understanding Plant City's place in Florida's rich historical tapestry and is just a short drive from Plant City.
11. The Florida Aquarium
MARINE LIFE WONDERLAND
The Florida Aquarium houses thousands of aquatic plants and animals from Florida and around the world in immersive exhibits. Visitors can witness sharks, sea turtles, and coral reef ecosystems while learning about marine conservation efforts. Located in Tampa, this family-friendly attraction makes for an excellent day trip from Plant City, offering a cool respite especially during hot summer months.
12. Ybor City Historic District
CUBAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
Ybor City Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District known for its Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage, particularly its cigar-making history. Visitors can explore brick streets lined with historic buildings, sample authentic Cuban cuisine, and experience vibrant nightlife and entertainment. This cultural enclave is located in Tampa, making it an accessible and fascinating excursion from Plant City for those interested in the region's diverse cultural heritage.
13. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
THRILLING THEME PARK EXPERIENCE
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling roller coasters with an extensive zoological collection featuring over 200 species of animals. Visitors can experience heart-pounding rides like SheiKra and Tigris, then explore naturalistic habitats housing exotic animals from Africa and beyond. Located in Tampa, this entertainment destination makes for an action-packed day trip from the more relaxed pace of Plant City.
14. Circle B Bar Reserve
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
Circle B Bar Reserve is a former cattle ranch transformed into a spectacular natural area known for its diverse wildlife, particularly alligators and birds. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails through various ecosystems including marshes, oak hammocks, and freshwater ponds. Located in nearby Lakeland, this free attraction offers Plant City visitors a chance to experience authentic Florida nature without traveling far.
15. Polk Museum of Art
FINE ART COLLECTION
The Polk Museum of Art houses an impressive permanent collection spanning ancient to contemporary works, including European, American, Asian, and African pieces. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions featuring both international and local artists in a modern, accessible setting. Located in Lakeland just east of Plant City, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum offers a sophisticated cultural experience that complements the more rural attractions of Plant City.