Explore Hudson Florida: Top Things To Do And See

You can find so many unique places by simply choosing to get off the highway and take the back roads. Hudson, Florida is a small town located on the Gulf Coast of Florida located off US 19 and one of the coolest places I have visited yet.

Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do in the area. This city has roughly 12,000 folks living there, but it’s one of the best places if you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing day at the beach.

Hudson has plenty of things for you to do, see and explore. And not too far away from more popular cities such as Tampa or St. Pete.

Things To Do And See in Hudson Florida

I will go into more detail below, but this area has some of the most beautiful state parks, birding trails to hike, paddle and more. You can see various birds and maybe even a bald eagle.

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One of the top attractions here is Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. This beautiful park features hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s natural springs, which are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.

In addition to outdoor activities, Hudson also has a vibrant arts and culture scene.

The Pasco-Hernando State College Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of shows and events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance performances. 

The West Pasco Art Guild and Gallery is nearby in New Port Richey and another great place to experience the local arts scene.

Enjoy rotating exhibits featuring the work of local artists. Whether you’re a fan of the performing arts or visual arts, Hudson has something to offer.

Festivals? You will find plenty of those here including haunted houses and Halloween festivals. 

Live entertainment? Absolutely. You will find live music at craft breweries as well as live concerts including tribute bands at Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre. 

In addition to the concerts, you can also enjoy Broadway productions with famous plays such as Cats, Tootsie and even the musical White Christmas during the holiday season. 

Ice cream anyone? You’ll find the best ice cream parlor in the area at Hudson Beach Ice Cream Parlor. 40 flavors to choose from, and every one is scrumptious. 

Add in fantastic restaurants, breweries with some of the best beer in the state, and you have the ideal place the whole family will enjoy. Even better? It’s near the beach.

At the bottom of this article, I have included additional links to help you plan a getaway to this welcoming town on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Let’s dig in.

Why Hudson Florida Is a Great Place for a Vacation

Get away from it all! Hudson is a popular destination for visitors looking for a quiet, relaxed vacation away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Yet it is only a fun Florida road trip away from larger cities.

The beautiful Gulf of Mexico is the main draw which offers visitors plenty of things to do. The list of fun things as far as water activities include fishing, boating, and swimming. 

Love to be outdoors? The town also has several parks and nature preserves that are perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and plenty of picnic tables for picnicking.

For those interested in history and culture, Hudson has several museums and galleries that showcase the town’s rich heritage.

The West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library is a must-visit for history buffs, while the Pasco Fine Arts Center offers a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year.

However, it is important to note that Hudson is a small town with limited tourist infrastructure. Visitors looking for a lively nightlife scene or a wide range of dining options may be disappointed.

Please keep in mind though that the town is small and may not offer the same amenities and attractions as larger tourist destinations. If you are looking to get away from the tourist traps, this is a great option to explore.

Things to Do in Hudson Florida

Hudson, Florida is a small town located in Pasco County. Although it may not be as well-known as other Florida cities, it has a lot to offer visitors.

Here are some of the top things to do in Hudson, Florida.

Beautiful Beaches

Hudson is home to several beautiful white sandy beaches. One of the most popular is Hudson Beach Park, which has a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Anclote Key Preserve State Park, which has four miles of pristine beaches. 

One of the most popular beaches in Hudson is Hudson Beach Park, which offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Note: In case you ask for directions, locals may refer to this park as Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park.

Abundant Wildlife

One of the best things about Hudson Florida is its abundant wildlife and a fantastic destination for nature lovers.

The town is home to several nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park and the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. 

Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Relaxed, Laid-Back Atmosphere

Hudson Florida is a great place to relax and unwind. The town has a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, enjoy a picnic in one of the town’s many parks, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs also located along the Gulf of Mexico got it names from the fish of this name that can grow 4 to 8 feel long.

It is a nearby Hudson and also known for its Greek culture and sponge diving industry. Visitors can take a boat tour to learn about the history of sponge diving and watch a sponge diver in action. 

Also in Tarpons Springs, check out the spectacular living reef at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. Watch the scuba divers jump into the tanks to feed the large fish.

Afterward, explore the historic downtown area and check out the fantastic restaurants in the area.

Water Sports

Hudson is located on the Gulf of Mexico, which makes it a great destination for those that love water sports. Visitors can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the local waterways. They can also go fishing or take a sunset cruise.

​Traveling with kids? They will enjoy the Splash Pad at Sunwest Park. This park is built on the former site of a limestone mine and sits on the shores of a 70 acre spring fed lake with a white sandy beach.

There is also Veterans Memorial Park Pool for cooling off. It too has a splash pad as well as volleyball courts, soccer fields, basketball court, fitness trail, bbq, picnic tables and more.

Lift Adventure Park offers wakeboarding and is with SunWest Park. You can also enjoy Aqua Chimp which is a floating jungle ropes course as well as Aqua Park. So many fun things to do.

For divers, Hudson Grotto owned by Scuba West offers dives as well as diving school. This prehistoric limestone sink is over 100 feet deep in some areas and the oldest inland body of water in Pasco County. 

Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary

The Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary is located in nearby Wesley Chapel.

It is home to over 700 various species of birds from around the world, including parrots, macaws, and cockatoos.

Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the different species.

Aripeka Sandhills Preserve

The Aripeka Sandhills Preserve is a nature preserve located in nearby Spring Hill. It features over 100 acres of sand hills, scrub, and wetlands. Visitors can hike the trails and observe the local wildlife.

Weeki Wachee (Weeki Wachi)

Weeki Wachee (correct spelling is Weeki Wachee though some spell it Weeki Wachi) is a nearby city that is known for its mermaid shows and the crystal clear Weeki Wachee River.

Visitors can watch live mermaid performances and learn about the history of Weeki Wachee Springs. 

Love to kayak or canoe? The Weeki Wachee River and springs are beautiful inside the state park.

Once you leave the park, however, the river is not as pretty due to too many people and not enough protection for the river. 

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

The Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a nature preserve located in nearby New Port Richey. It features over 8,000 acres of wilderness, including hiking and biking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park

The Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is a nature preserve located in nearby Port Richey. It features over 4,000 acres of salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and pine flat woods. Visitors can hike the trails and observe the local wildlife.

Paint Ball 

GTX Gator Paintball Extreme, the largest paintball park in Florida, has paintball games you might want to check out. Don’t want to get dirty? Try hydroball which uses water guns instead of paint.

Escape Rooms

Rainy day on your vacation? No worries. Check out Hudson Escape Rooms where you can fight your own Zombie Apocalypse.

Where is Hudson Florida?

Hudson Florida is a census-designated place located in Pasco County, Florida, United States. It is situated on the west coast of Florida, approximately 40 miles north of Tampa. Hudson is a small community with a population of around 12,000 people.

Closest Airport to Hudson Florida

The closest airport to Hudson in Florida is Tampa International Airport, which is approximately 35 miles south of Hudson.

The airport is served by a number of major airlines, including Delta, American, and United. There are also several smaller airlines that operate out of Tampa International Airport.

Visitors to Hudson can also fly into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, which is approximately 40 miles south of Hudson. This airport is served by several major airlines, including Allegiant Air, Delta, and Sun Country Airlines.

Once visitors arrive at the airport, they can rent a car or take a taxi to Hudson. There are several car rental companies located at both Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Taxis are also available at both airports for those who prefer not to drive.

How to Get to Hudson Florida

Hudson Florida is a coastal town situated in Pasco County, Florida. It is accessible by different transportation modes, including air, road, and water. In this section, we will discuss the different ways to get to Hudson Florida.

By Air

The nearest airport to Hudson in Florida is Tampa International Airport, located approximately 30 miles south of Hudson. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to get to Hudson. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Car

Hudson Florida is located off US Highway 19, which runs north-south along the Gulf Coast of Florida. If you are driving from the north, take Interstate 75 south to exit 275, then take State Road 56 west to US Highway 41. From there, turn right onto US Highway 19 and continue south until you reach Hudson. If you are driving from the south, take US Highway 19 north until you reach Hudson.

By Water

Hudson Florida is also accessible by water off the Gulf of Mexico. There are several marinas and boat ramps available for boaters.

The closest marina to Hudson is the Hudson Beach Marina, which offers transient boat slips, fuel, and boat rentals. 

Attractions Near Hudson Florida