Most people think of Zephyrhills and see a bottle of water. That’s it. They imagine a sleepy retirement pocket of Pasco County where the biggest thrill is a slow-moving train or a particularly enthusiastic game of shuffleboard.
They’re wrong.
Honestly, if you only stop at the gas station to grab a cold drink while passing through on US-301, you’re missing the weirdest, most adrenaline-fueled town in Central Florida. This place is the skydiving capital of the world—literally. It’s also a spot where you can find Class II rapids in a state that is notoriously flat as a pancake.
Whether you’re a local looking to break the routine or a traveler tired of the Disney crowds, there are plenty of surprising things to do in Zephyrhills FL that don't involve a theme park ticket.
The Skydiving Capital You Didn't Know Existed
You’ll hear them before you see them. The twin-engine planes hum constantly over the municipal airport. If you look up on any clear Saturday, the sky is peppered with colorful squares.
Skydive City Z-Hills is legendary. It’s not just a local business; it’s a global hub that draws jumpers from over 80 countries. I’ve seen people save up for years just to make a pilgrimage here. It’s got this gritty, authentic "vibe" that you just don't get at corporate adventure parks. They perform about 70,000 jumps a year. That is a staggering number for a town of roughly 18,000 residents.
If you aren't ready to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? You can still hang out at the "Birdhouse" and watch the pros. It’s free to watch. The atmosphere is strangely addictive. You’ll see world-class athletes, weekend warriors, and nervous first-timers all mingling over beer and burgers at the onsite cafe. It’s one of those rare places where the "expert" community is actually welcoming to outsiders.
Hiking the Rapids at Hillsborough River State Park
Florida isn't supposed to have whitewater. We have swamps, mangroves, and beaches. But about 11 miles south of downtown Zephyrhills, Hillsborough River State Park breaks all the rules.
The river here drops over a limestone shelf, creating genuine Class II rapids. It’s not Niagara Falls, but hearing the roar of water in the middle of a pine flatwood forest is jarring in the best way.
The park has over seven miles of trails. If you want my advice, take the Baynard Trail. It crosses a suspension bridge that feels like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. It’s old Florida. Giant cypress trees with knees sticking out of the black water like gnarled fingers.
- Pro Tip: Rent a canoe at the park headquarters. If you paddle upstream, it’s a workout. But drifting back down toward the rapids (before the portage points, obviously) is the most peaceful hour you’ll spend in Pasco County.
A History Lesson in a WWII Barracks
People forget that Zephyrhills played a massive role in World War II. In the early 1940s, the population basically doubled overnight because the Army Airfield became a training ground for the 10th Fighter Squadron.
The Zephyrhills Museum of Military History is actually housed in an original WWII infirmary. It’s the only building left from that era at the airport. It’s small. It’s quiet. But it’s packed with personal items from the men who trained here on P-51 Mustangs before heading to the European theater.
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The volunteers there are usually veterans themselves. They don't just point at a glass case; they tell you what it actually felt like to be a 19-year-old kid from the Midwest suddenly dropped into the humid, buggy wilderness of 1943 Florida.
The Railroad Roots
Down on 5th Avenue, there’s the Zephyrhills Depot Museum. It’s a restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line depot. You’ve probably seen the murals around town—they celebrate this era. The museum explains how the town went from a "nascent settlement" to a railroad hub. Plus, it has a killer exhibit on the "Water Story." Yes, the water the town is named after. The bottling company has been a staple since 1964, and the museum actually explains the geology of why the water here tastes the way it does.
Downtown Vibe: Breweries and Roosters
Downtown Zephyrhills is having a bit of a moment. It’s still quaint, sure, but it’s evolving fast. City Manager William Poe recently mentioned that developments that used to take decades are now happening in two years.
Zephyrhills Brewing Company is the heart of the "Sports Coast Ale Trail." They usually have 25+ beers on tap. I’m partial to the Zepha Hefa, but they rotate through stouts and IPAs that hold their own against anything you’d find in Tampa or St. Pete.
They often have food trucks parked outside because, honestly, the best way to eat in Z-Hills is to find whatever truck is serving that day.
- Watch for the chickens. Seriously. There are local roosters that just roam the streets. It’s part of the charm.
- The Murals. Take 20 minutes to walk 5th Avenue. The public art here is legit. It turns a standard walk into a scavenger hunt of local lore and historical snapshots.
Keeping it Local: Parks and "WaterPlay"
If you have kids, you basically have to go to Zephyr Park. It’s got this 7,000-square-foot splash pad called WaterPlay. It’s free. In the Florida heat, "free and cold" is the winning combination.
The park is shaded by massive oaks that are draped in Spanish moss. There’s a mile-long walking path that circles a lake. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see people doing yoga, kids falling off skateboards, and old-timers feeding the ducks. It feels like a real community space, not a manicured tourist trap.
What’s New for 2026?
The city is dumping a lot of money into recreation right now. Hercules Park is getting a $7 million facelift. We’re talking new trails, upgraded playgrounds, and even better biking paths.
Also, keep an eye on the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center. It’s not just tennis—it’s become a hub for pickleball and padel (which is basically tennis’s cooler, faster-paced cousin). If you want to see where the "new" Zephyrhills is heading, that’s the spot. It’s professional-grade, sleek, and draws people from all over the region.
Dealing with the "Real" Zephyrhills
Let’s be real for a second: the traffic on US-301 can be a nightmare. If you’re trying to get through town at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, bring your patience. The city is working with the DOT to widen roads and fix the light sequencing, but growth brings growing pains.
Also, if you’re looking for high-end luxury shopping? You’re in the wrong place. Zephyrhills is about grit, nature, and community. It’s about eating soul food at Steph’s or grabbing a Cuban sandwich that actually tastes like it came from Ybor City.
How to Spend a Perfect Saturday
Start early at Hillsborough River State Park. The trails get humid by noon, so hit the rapids first.
Head into town for lunch. Find a local spot—maybe something on 5th Avenue.
Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Military History. It’s air-conditioned (crucial) and deeply moving.
Finish the day at Skydive City. Even if you don't jump, grab a drink at the bar, watch the sunset, and cheer for the parachutists as they hit the landing zone. There is no other place in Florida where you can end your day with that kind of view.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Jump Calendar: If you want to see the big skydiving festivals, check the Skydive City website for their event schedule—festivals draw huge crowds and have a great energy.
- Pack Water Shoes: If you’re heading to the state park or the splash pad, don't rely on flip-flops. The river rocks can be slippery.
- Support Local: Skip the chains on the highway. Drive three blocks in and visit the breweries or the small cafes downtown; that’s where the actual "Z-Hills" culture lives.
- Verify Museum Hours: The Depot and Military museums are often run by volunteers and might have limited hours on weekdays, so call ahead before you make the drive.