Introduction
Plant City, Florida doesn't get the attention that Tampa or Orlando do — and honestly, locals are fine with that. This small city tucked between Tampa Bay and Lakeland quietly punches above its weight for things to do. From a century-old strawberry festival that transforms the whole town, to one of Florida's most beloved roadside attractions, to working farms and local breweries, Plant City has real character worth exploring.
Whether you're a new resident settling in, a visitor looking beyond the theme parks, or a longtime local hunting for something fresh, here are the top 10 things to do in Plant City, FL — compiled by people who actually live here.
1. Florida Strawberry Festival
Let's start with the obvious. The Florida Strawberry Festival is the crown jewel of Plant City events, drawing more than 500,000 visitors each February–March over an 11-day run. It's been going since 1930, and it genuinely lives up to the hype.
What to expect: national country music headliners on the main stage, a full-scale fair with rides and midway games, the famous strawberry shortcake stand (you have to try it), livestock shows, a parade, and more deep-fried creativity than you'd think possible.
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons are far less crowded than Saturday evenings. If parking downtown stresses you out, several shuttle lots operate from outside the city center. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the longest line. Dress for weather — Plant City Februarys can swing from 50°F mornings to 85°F afternoons in the same weekend.
2. Dinosaur World
A true Florida roadside gem. Dinosaur World sits just off I-4 in Plant City and features more than 200 life-size dinosaur sculptures scattered through a shaded, wooded walking path. It sounds kitschy — it is a little — but it's also genuinely a great outing for kids, visiting grandparents, or anyone who appreciates a low-key couple of hours outdoors.
Bonus activities include a fossil dig and a "bone yard" excavation area. Plan 90 minutes to two hours. Food options on-site are basic, so eating before or after is usually better.
3. Keel Farms
Keel Farms (formerly Keel & Curley Winery) is a working agritourism destination that has quietly become one of Plant City's best date-night and weekend-afternoon spots. The farm produces wine, hard cider, and hosts live music most weekends on an outdoor stage.
Seasonal highlights include strawberry u-pick (January–March), blueberry u-pick (April–May), fall pumpkin patch, and sunflower fields depending on the season. The tap room and wine tasting room are open year-round. Weekend events can get crowded — arrive early or grab a high-top inside if the outdoor seating is full.
4. Historic Downtown Plant City
Take an afternoon to wander downtown Plant City on foot. The historic brick buildings along Collins Street, Reynolds Street, and Evers Street host an ever-changing mix of antique shops, boutiques, coffee houses, and independently owned restaurants.
Must-visit stops include Krazy Kup (coffee, breakfast, and a local institution), Fred's Market Restaurant (Southern comfort food), and a rotating slate of seasonal popups. McCall Park at the center of downtown hosts the weekly Farmers Market (Saturday mornings most of the year) and live concerts.
5. Plant City's Lakes and Outdoor Spaces
Plant City is surrounded by lakes — many more than newcomers realize. Walden Lake, Lake Wire, and the chain of lakes throughout the area offer fishing, kayaking, and shoreline walking trails. Several community parks provide boat launches and picnic areas.
If you live in a lakeside apartment community (like Tall Timbers, which sits on its own lake), you may find yourself with morning coffee on the water, evening fountain views, and sunrise-over-the-water moments most Floridians only get on vacation. This is one of Plant City's underrated advantages — the blend of small-city amenities and genuine Florida nature.
6. Plant City Commons and Shopping
For everyday errands and a casual shopping afternoon, Plant City Commons off James L. Redman Parkway and the retail clusters around Walden Woods cover the essentials — Publix, Target, HomeGoods, restaurants, and more. Nothing spectacular, but convenient, which counts when you actually live here.
For more dedicated shopping, Westfield Brandon is 20 minutes west on I-4, and Lakeland's Lakeside Village lifestyle center is 20 minutes east.
7. Florida Strawberry Growers Association Field Tours
A more niche pick, but worth knowing about: the area around Plant City produces a remarkable share of America's winter strawberries. Several growers offer seasonal tours, farm stands, and u-pick experiences during the December–March growing season. Driving the rural roads south and east of town in January and you'll see fields of red berries under rows of plastic as far as you can see. Stop at any farm stand for the freshest strawberries you will ever eat in your life.
8. The 1914 High School Community Center
Originally Plant City's high school, the 1914 High School Community Center building is now a community and event space with rotating exhibits, local art shows, and community theater productions. Worth checking for scheduled events — the historic auditorium is a gem.
9. Local Breweries and Taprooms
Plant City has developed a small but committed craft beverage scene. The Keel Farms Tap Room (mentioned above) anchors it, but additional local spots have popped up in and around downtown. The relaxed, no-pretense vibe is refreshing compared to some of Tampa's more competitive craft beer scene.
10. Quick Escapes from Plant City
One of the best "things to do in Plant City" is leaving it — briefly — to enjoy everything that's a short drive away:
- Tampa Riverwalk and downtown Tampa — 35 minutes west on I-4
- Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach — 60–75 minutes, and worth the trip for a Sunday afternoon
- Legoland Florida (Winter Haven) — 30 minutes east, great for families
- Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland — 20 minutes east, the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world
- Tampa's Busch Gardens — 35 minutes west
- Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando — 70–90 minutes east on I-4
Bonus: Annual Events Calendar
A quick reference for Plant City events worth planning around:
- January–March: Strawberry season and u-pick events at area farms
- February–March: Florida Strawberry Festival
- April: Earth Day events at McCall Park
- Summer: Weekly summer concert series downtown
- October: Keel Farms Pumpkin Patch and sunflower fields
- November–December: Holiday events, tree lighting, Christmas parade
- Year-round: Saturday Farmers Market at McCall Park
Making Plant City Home
The best part of doing all this stuff isn't doing it once on vacation — it's doing it as part of everyday life. When you live in Plant City, the Strawberry Festival isn't a destination trip, it's your town throwing a party. Keel Farms isn't a weekend excursion; it's "meet me there at six." The downtown isn't a tourist stop; it's where you get coffee on Saturday morning.
At Tall Timbers Apartments, we're less than 10 minutes from downtown Plant City, a quick drive to Dinosaur World and Keel Farms, and minutes from I-4 for every quick escape mentioned above. Our location makes all of Plant City — and all of Tampa Bay — accessible without the big-city rent.
If you're thinking about moving to the area, check out our moving to Plant City guide. And if you've already made up your mind, we'd love to welcome you to the neighborhood.
Tall Timbers Apartments | 1001 Fairwinds Cir, Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 707-1151