Quick Answer
Things to do near San Antonio FL center on outdoor recreation, Saint Leo University events, historic sites, and day trips to nearby Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel. The community is rural, so most activities involve driving to destinations within 15 to 30 miles. For real estate questions, call Barrett at (813) 733-7907.
San Antonio FL is a small, unincorporated rural community in Pasco County, ZIP 33576. It does not have its own downtown entertainment district, shopping center, or theme park. What it does have is genuine Florida rural character, a university with public programming, access to natural areas, and a short drive to the broader amenities of Dade City, Zephyrhills, and Wesley Chapel. Here is a practical guide to what there is to do in and near San Antonio, organized by activity type.
Saint Leo University: Culture and Events On Your Doorstep
Saint Leo University (33701 County Road 52, Saint Leo FL 33574, (352) 588-8200, saintleo.edu) is the most significant cultural resource in the immediate San Antonio area. The private Catholic liberal arts university was founded in 1889 and is accredited by SACSCOC. The campus is open to the public for many events throughout the academic year.
Abbey Church and Grounds
The Saint Leo Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine monks since 1889, is open to visitors for Sunday Mass (typically 10:30am), weekday services, and occasional special events. The Abbey Church itself is an architectural gem rarely seen in rural Florida. The campus grounds include Lake Jovita (the small lake on campus, not the golf course) and manicured grounds worth a walk. No admission fee.
University Events and Athletics
Saint Leo University hosts public events including concerts, theatrical performances, guest lectures, and athletic competitions. The university competes in NCAA Division II (Sunshine State Conference). Home soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and swimming meets are open to the public. Check saintleo.edu/events for the current schedule. Parking is generally free for public events.
Mike Sansone Library
The university library is a resource for local residents, particularly for research, quiet study, and computer access. Community borrower cards are available for non-students for a nominal annual fee.
Golf: Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club
Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club (16401 Lake Jovita Blvd, Dade City FL 33525, (352) 588-9200, lakejovita.com) sits just north of San Antonio proper and is consistently ranked among the top private golf facilities in Florida. The property features two 18-hole courses: the North Course and the South Course. The South Course was ranked in Golf Digest's "Best in State" list. Both courses wind through the rolling hills of Pasco County, with elevation changes rare in Florida that make the experience distinctive.
Lake Jovita is a private club requiring membership or a member guest. Social memberships, tennis-only memberships, and full golf memberships are available at various price points. Non-members can access the club as a guest of a member. The restaurant at the clubhouse is highly regarded in the area and hosts private events. For buyers considering the Lake Jovita residential community, a membership review should be part of the due diligence process.
Outdoor Recreation and Natural Areas
Withlacoochee State Forest
Withlacoochee State Forest (Florida Forest Service, (352) 754-6777) is one of Florida's largest state forests at over 157,000 acres, accessible within 20 to 30 miles of San Antonio via US-301 north. The forest includes multiple recreational areas for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, camping, and freshwater fishing. The Croom Motorcycle Area within the forest is the largest off-road motorcycle area in Florida. Day use is free; camping fees apply. The Withlacoochee State Trail, a paved multi-use trail converted from a former railroad corridor, runs through the forest.
Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park (15402 US-301 N, Thonotosassa FL 33592, (813) 987-6771) is approximately 25 miles south of San Antonio and is one of the best-preserved natural areas in the Tampa Bay region. The park features Class II river rapids (rare in Florida), 7.5 miles of hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals ($10 to $17/hour), and a swimming pool open seasonally. Admission $6/vehicle (2025 rate). A genuinely worthwhile day trip from San Antonio.
Cycling on Rural Pasco Roads
The rolling terrain of the Lake Wales Ridge makes San Antonio area roads among the best in the Tampa Bay region for road cycling. County Road 52, Blanton Road, and the network of rural Pasco roads between San Antonio, Dade City, and Zephyrhills attract serious cyclists. There are no dedicated bike lanes on most rural roads, so riding requires attention to vehicles. The Withlacoochee State Trail also provides a paved, vehicle-free option about 20 miles north.
Kayaking and Freshwater Fishing
Lake Jovita (the small private lake on campus, not the golf course) is accessible for Saint Leo University students and guests. Withlacoochee River access points within 20 to 30 miles provide excellent freshwater fishing (bass, bream, catfish) and kayaking. The river is generally slow-moving and suitable for beginning paddlers. Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Trilby all have public river access points.
Nearby Dining and Local Eats
In and Near San Antonio (Within 5 Miles)
San Antonio itself has very limited dining. A few fast food options and a gas station convenience store near CR-52 cover the immediate area. The Saint Leo University dining facilities occasionally host public events. For anything beyond a quick stop, plan to drive.
Dade City Dining (8 to 10 Miles North)
Dade City has developed a genuine small-city dining scene. Lunch on Limoges (14139 7th St, Dade City, (352) 523-1895) is well-regarded for Southern comfort food in a historic downtown setting. Kafe Kokopelli is a local coffee and breakfast spot popular with locals. Dade City also has a Firehouse Subs, McDonald's, and several locally-owned restaurants along US-301. The Pasco County Farmers Market operates on Saturday mornings in downtown Dade City seasonally.
Zephyrhills Dining (12 to 15 Miles East)
Zephyrhills has a broader dining selection including chain restaurants along US-301 and some local options near the historic downtown area. Bruton Memorial Library in Zephyrhills occasionally hosts community events. The main draw here is retail and grocery access rather than destination dining.
Wesley Chapel Dining (15 to 20 Miles South)
Wesley Chapel has expanded dramatically and now has extensive dining along SR-54 and near the Wiregrass Ranch Town Center. Virtually every major chain and numerous independent restaurants operate here. For San Antonio residents, Wesley Chapel is the go-to for a wider restaurant selection, weekend dining out, and entertainment options including a movie theater (Cobb Wiregrass 16) and TopGolf.
Annual Events and Seasonal Activities
Dade City Kumquat Festival (January)
The Kumquat Festival in Dade City (typically the last Saturday of January) is a free community event celebrating the area's citrus heritage with vendor booths, live music, kumquat-themed food and drinks, and a small parade. Held in downtown Dade City, approximately 8 miles from San Antonio. According to the Dade City Chamber of Commerce, the event draws thousands of visitors annually from across the Tampa Bay region.
Zephyrhills Air Show
Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (Gene Fisher Airport, 38099 Airport Blvd, Zephyrhills FL 33542) hosts airshows and fly-ins periodically throughout the year. The airport is also home to Skydive City (4aesthetics Airport Blvd, (813) 782-8584, skydivecity.com), one of the most active skydiving dropzones in the country. Public spectating during jump operations is available at the airport and gives a front-row view of a high-volume skydiving operation. Tandem jumps for first-time skydivers start around $200.
Florida Strawberry Festival (March, Plant City)
The Florida Strawberry Festival (2209 W Reynolds St, Plant City FL 33566, (813) 752-9194, flstrawberryfestival.com) is one of the largest outdoor fairs in the Southeast, held annually for 11 days in late February and early March. Plant City is approximately 25 miles south of San Antonio via US-301. The festival features major concert acts, agricultural exhibitions, rides, and of course strawberry shortcake. Tickets typically run $10 to $15 for general admission. Worth the drive for any San Antonio resident.
Saint Leo University Homecoming and Family Weekend
Saint Leo University's homecoming weekend (typically October) includes events open to the broader community. Check saintleo.edu for the current year's schedule. The Founders Day celebration in the spring is also open to the public and marks the founding of the Abbey in 1889.
