One of the biggest questions people ask before moving to Valrico, FL is "what is there to do?" The answer: more than you might expect from a suburban community in eastern Hillsborough County. Valrico (ZIP codes 33594 and 33596) blends small-town charm with easy access to everything Tampa Bay has to offer, from local restaurants and parks to family activities that make the area one of the best places to live in the region.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Valrico FL?
Valrico's dining scene has expanded significantly in recent years, with a mix of local favorites and well-known chains along the Bloomingdale Avenue and SR-60 corridors. While you will not find the trendy downtown Tampa restaurant scene here, Valrico delivers on quality, value, and variety:
- Local favorites: Valrico has a strong lineup of independently owned restaurants serving everything from Southern comfort food to authentic Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines. These are the spots locals recommend on the neighborhood Facebook groups.
- Bloomingdale corridor dining: The stretch of Bloomingdale Avenue near Bloomingdale offers the highest concentration of restaurants in the area, including both sit-down and fast-casual options.
- SR-60 (Brandon Boulevard): The northern edge of Valrico along SR-60 connects to Brandon's extensive dining and shopping corridor, adding dozens of additional restaurant options within a 5-10 minute drive.
- Date night options: Several upscale-casual restaurants in the Valrico-Brandon area offer the ambiance and menu quality for a proper night out without driving into Tampa.
For groceries and specialty food, Valrico is well-served by Publix (multiple locations), Winn-Dixie, and nearby Sprouts and Whole Foods in the Brandon area.
What Parks and Outdoor Activities Does Valrico Offer?
Valrico's park system and outdoor recreation options are a major draw for families and active adults:
- Bloomingdale Park: One of the area's most popular parks with sports fields, playground, walking trails, and picnic areas
- Alafia River State Park: Just minutes from Valrico, this state park offers mountain biking trails (some of the best in Florida), hiking, horseback riding, camping, and paddling on the Alafia River
- Lithia Springs Park: A short drive from Valrico, this Hillsborough County park features a natural spring-fed swimming area, picnic shelters, and kayak launches
- Edward Medard Conservation Park: A 1,284-acre park with a 770-acre reservoir for fishing, boating, and nature trails. Located just south of Valrico
- Community pools and recreation centers: Several Valrico subdivisions have community pools, tennis courts, and recreation facilities for residents
For golfers, the area offers multiple courses within 15 minutes of most Valrico neighborhoods, including Bloomingdale Golfers Club.
What Family-Friendly Activities Are Near Valrico?
Families are the backbone of Valrico's community, and the area delivers plenty of kid-friendly activities:
- TopGolf and Main Event: Located nearby in Brandon/Tampa, these entertainment complexes offer bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more
- Glazer Children's Museum: A 20-minute drive into Tampa for hands-on learning experiences
- Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa: Both accessible within 30 minutes, perfect for day trips
- Beaches: Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are 45-60 minutes west, close enough for day trips, far enough that you do not deal with beach-town traffic daily
- Youth sports: Valrico has strong youth sports leagues including soccer, baseball, football, and basketball. The area's parks and school facilities host games and tournaments year-round
Discover the Valrico Lifestyle in Person
Barrett Henry does not just sell homes, he helps buyers discover the Valrico lifestyle. Let Barrett show you the neighborhoods, the local spots, and the hidden gems that make this community special.
What Shopping Is Available in Valrico?
Valrico proper has convenience shopping along its main corridors, but the real retail action is just minutes away:
