Here on Florida’s Sports Coast, we believe life is a game—and spring break is the perfect time get off the sidelines and into the action! So, plan a trip to play your way in Pasco County, conveniently located just a short drive north of Tampa.

With direct access to the Gulf, you can spend your vacation time on the ocean, kayaking through mangroves, or savoring the freshest seafood around. Whether you’re flying solo, traveling with friends, or bringing the whole family, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable spring break on Florida’s Sports Coast.

Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

Make Waves in Lagoons & Water Parks

Start your trip with a visit to Epperson Lagoon, Florida’s first “man-made sparkling lagoon,” which stretches over 7 acres. Located in Wesley Chapel, it features crystal-clear blue waters perfect for swimming, a 30-foot water slide, kayaking, paddleboarding, bumper boats, and even a floating obstacle course. For parents looking to sit back while the kids play, you can rent beach loungers for the day or cabanas and tikis for bigger groups!

For even more action, The Lift Adventure Park is the place to be! Located on a scenic 70-acre spring-fed lake, adults and older kids can try cable wakeboarding while younger visitors take on the inflatable Aqua Park, a floating playground with slides, climbing walls, and balance challenges. SunWest Park—home to The Lift—also has a swimming beach, volleyball courts, and concessions, making it a great spot for a full day of outdoor fun.

Zipline Through the Treetops

TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park offers high-flying adventure for all ages. After a safety orientation and harness fitting, you can choose between 10 courses, ranging from pink level (kids only) to black/double black (expert). You’ll navigate from platform to platform, traversing wooden bridges, cargo nets, swinging logs, and rope ladders. You’ll have a blast tackling the courses at your own pace, making it a must-do for spring break!

Find Your Flow

If you’re looking for more relaxed adventure, Florida’s Sports Coast is the perfect place to kayak or paddleboard through hidden waterways and coastal preserves. At the 4,000-acre Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, you can explore mangrove tunnels, tidal creeks, and open Gulf waters. Bring your own kayak, or rent one for the day with Salty Dog Kayak Rentals!

For a more laid-back adventure, head to Anclote Key Preserve State Park via boat or ferry for a day of snorkeling, collecting seashells, and sunbathing on white sand beaches.

Feed a Giraffe

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, where you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Choose between a variety of safari options at this working ranch and wildlife preserve, including vehicle tours, Segway rides, camel treks, and even self-guided drive-thru safaris. Feed a giraffe by hand and feel the tickle of its long, prehensile tongue as it happily accepts treats. Along the way, you’ll encounter other exotic species like zebras, pygmy hippos, and Brazilian tapirs!

Pick Your Own Berries

If your spring break falls at the right time, you can enjoy a classic Florida experience: picking fresh blueberries! Starkey Farms, operated by the same family since 1920, offers U-Pick blueberries in a scenic setting surrounded by tall pine trees near a beautiful lake. Grab a bucket and enjoy a hands-on farm experience, selecting the ripest berries straight from the bushes. Afterward, visit Starkey Market for fresh local produce, handmade goods, and a scoop of homemade ice cream.

Where to Stay

Finding the perfect place to stay on Florida’s Sports Coast is a breeze whether you’re looking for historic charm, resort luxury, or your favorite trusted hotel brand. The Hacienda Hotel is a beautifully restored 1920s boutique hotel in downtown New Port Richey, featuring an on-site restaurant and scenic balconies overlooking Sims Park.

If you prefer a full-service resort experience, Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel offers golf, tennis, and a half-million-gallon super pool. Or, if you have a tried-and-true hotel brand, you can find Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Marriott-affiliated properties here. No matter your travel style, you’ll find a place that fits your needs on Florida’s Sports Coast!

Where to Eat

With so many things to do on Florida’s Sports Coast, you’re sure to need to stop and fuel up along the way. From crab cakes and stuffed flounder at Catches Waterfront Grille to craft brews and food trucks at Zephyrhills Brewing Company, we’ve got something for whatever it is you’re craving. Of course, we can’t forget some of our Dade City favorites: Kafe Kokopelli, Green Door on 8th, and Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant!

Start Planning Your Spring Break

Spring break is your time to play your way, and on Florida’s Sports Coast, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re diving headfirst into adventure, kicking back by the water, or savoring every bite of fresh seafood, your perfect getaway starts here. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect spring break to the playful side of Tampa today!