The city courthouse was built in the early 1900s and still stands today, although it's been through a few significant renovations. During the 1920s, a real estate boom helped to construct many houses in the city. Many of those same houses are still stand today. During the 1940s, a Prisoner of War Camp was built in Dade City to house German Soldiers.
The economy of Dade City has evolved throughout its history. At its inception, agriculture was the primary business for Dade City. Cattle was big business as well as producing citrus. Kumquats were especially popular. Although the town no longer relies on agriculture for its economy, the effects are still prevalent as seen through the annual Kumquat Festival.
Today, this small city brings in tourists from the Tampa Bay Area to experience the history of Florida. The vibrant downtown area offers beautiful buildings that house unique antique stores and gift shops. The monthly Classic Car Cruise-In also brings in visitors as well as the Pioneer Florida Museum.
When would be the best time to visit the town of Dade City, FL?
Hotel rates stay relatively consistent throughout the year since there is no high-time season to visit the area. If you're planning to come to enjoy the warm weather, the best time to visit is in the early spring. You can escape the cold weather in the north, but avoid the hot, humid, and rainy summers Dade City tends to experience. If you come in the early spring, you should be aware that flights tend to be more expensive as visitors flock to the Tampa Bay area to enjoy the beaches for Spring Break.
The fall and winter is a great time to visit Dade City also. The weather is milder, but it doesn't get that cold. You can still comfortably walk around, but you don't have to worry about getting rained out if you're planning something outdoors. The hotels are typically more affordable than during the early spring, which sees the most visitors.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Dade City, FL:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Dade City, FL. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the best time to stay in Dade City for your upcoming travels.
What are the Dade City, FL luxury hotel options?
4 Star Average Prices: $180.62
You have to go a little bit outside of Dade City to find luxury hotel options. About 10 miles away is the Saddlebrook Resort & Spa. This upscale hotel has private patios or balconies for every room. Book an appointment at the full-service spa to begin your relaxing stay at the resort. The resort has two outdoor swimming pools and a golf course. You can get to the resort conveniently with the airport shuttle available for a surcharge.
The Hampton Inn Brooksville/Dade City also offers a higher-end option for your stay near Dade City. The hotel sits near Sherman Hills Golf & Country Club and Withlacoochee Trail State Park. Get a good workout in at the on-site fitness center and enjoy the complimentary hot/cold breakfast available at the hotel. This clean and comfortable hotel isn't as upscale as some luxury hotels, but you will be happy with your stay.
Where are the most affordable hotels near Dade City, FL?
3 Star Average Prices: $132.49
The Days Inn Brooksville offers an affordable option for your stay in Dade City. Located about 12 miles from Dade City, the Days Inn provides guests with an outdoor pool and a picnic area to use during your stay. Stay connected with the free internet and business center available for your use. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast to start your day off right. This hotel is located near the Sherman Hills Golf & Country Club and Withlacoochee Trail State Park.
Another affordable option near Dade City is the Quality Inn & Suites and Conference Center. This hotel has private balconies, an on-site fitness center, picnic area, and an outdoor pool. Enjoy the free internet during your stay. A complimentary breakfast is also included in your stay. Each of the 109 air-conditioned rooms has flat-screen TVs and bathroom amenities. Pets are welcome at this affordable hotel option, and the multi-lingual staff can help to accommodate guests.
You could also try the Best Western Wesley Chapel for an affordable option near Dade City. This hotel sits just over 10 miles from Dade City and has refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers in every room. Enjoy the outdoor pool, business center, and buffet-style breakfast during your stay as well. This hotel puts you between the Tampa International Airport and Dade City.
2 Star Average Prices: $103.70
Where are the best discount hotels in Dade City, FL?
If you're part of the government or military, you can take advantage of discounts offered at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Zephyrhills. The hotel has 63 air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, and laundry facilities. You can also enjoy the free extended breakfast with biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, and breakfast sandwiches. Free internet is also available throughout the hotel.
Take advantage of your AAA discount with a stay at the Hampton Inn Dade City. Each of the guestrooms has a refrigerator and LCD TVs. Enjoy the outdoor pool or get a workout in at the on-site fitness center. Start your day off right with the complimentary hot/cold breakfast. The hotel also offers a business center and free internet to keep you connected during your stay.
What value hotels are in the Dade City, FL area?
If you're looking to get a good value, consider the Ramada Zephyrhills hotel. This hotel is less than 10 miles from Dade City and puts you close to the Quail Hollow Golf Course and Shops at Wiregrass. The hotel has an outdoor pool and on-site fitness center. Each of the rooms has its own refrigerator and microwave. The internet is complimentary during your stay, and the business center will also help keep you connected.
The Magnuson Hotel Zephyrhills also gives you a lot of amenities for your money during your stay. Each room has a refrigerator and a microwave. Internet and breakfast are both complimentary during your stay. Enjoy the picnic area and the pool to relax and recharge after traveling. Guests 12 and under also stay free when visiting with a parent or guardian.
The Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Wesley Chapel is a little farther away from Dade City but provides an excellent value for your stay. This hotel puts you close to local attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and the Wesley Chapel District Park. Sitting about 15 miles away from Dade City, this hotel puts you central to both Dade City and the Tampa International airport. The hotel boasts an outdoor heated pool, a deluxe complimentary breakfast, and an on-site fitness center.
How do you explore what Dade City, Florida, has to Offer?
For a small city, Dade City has big offerings for its guests to enjoy. Get outdoors and enjoy the parks and hiking trails the city has to offer. Head over to Withlacoochee River Park to hike and enjoy the fresh air. This 260-acre park is an excellent place to camp, hike, and canoe. The Hardy Trail is a little closer if you're looking for something to experience in Dade City. This mile-long trail is shaded and is a great place to ride bikes, go for a run, or enjoy a pleasant walk.
Take the kids to Dade City Wild Things to get up close and personal with wildlife. Dade City Wild Things boasts that it's not your typical zoo. The zoo allows you to get close and genuinely experience the animals. Pet a tiger, hold a sloth or cuddle with an otter. Take a swim and interact in the water with these animals as well. Very few places let you get this close to experiencing the animals. The zoo also has a picnic area and botanical garden to enjoy as well.
Get a dose of history by visiting the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village during your stay. The museums' inception is contributed to a generous donation of old farm equipment in the 1960s. The museum is actually a series of buildings that take you back through Florida's storied past. The buildings include the main museum, a restored Overstreet House, a one-story schoolhouse, a church, and a depot. Group tours are available to explore this piece of Florida history.
Dade City is a small community, but it's got plenty to do. Explore the vibrant downtown, get up close and personal with wildlife, or go for a scenic hike. With affordable hotel options or luxurious stays, and only an hour away from a major airport, Dade City is a beautiful place to visit. Instead of braving the big crowds of Tampa, you'll get to learn about Florida's history and enjoy the quaintness that Dade City has to offer.
FAQs about hotels in Dade City
How much does a cheap hotel in Dade City cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Dade City can be as cheap as $103.70 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Dade City cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Dade City has been $132.49 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Dade City cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Dade City has been $180.62 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Dade City, FL
Below are reviews of the city of Dade City, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Location
Thomas W., from 25-Mar-2026
"Dade City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dade City is our hometown for 76 yrs. We retired and moved to north Florida. We love our home town and it is growing very fast.
James B., from 25-Dec-2025
"Shopped downtown had great walk"
Score
5.0 / 5
Shopped downtown had great walk 301 s for steakhouse.
Carissa L., from 25-Dec-2025
"GREAT Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved both restaurants we used for brunch and rehearsal dinner! Food was delicious! The Green Door for rehearsal dinner and brunch at Lunch on the Limoges!
Eileen L., from 13-May-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Dade City, FL shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 4 reviews