Explore Beautiful Port Richey: Top Things To Do
Port Richey is located on the southern coast of Pasco County in Central West Florida and situated on the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River. As a part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area and known for its rich heritage and exceptional riverfront, there are any number of Port Richey activities ready for you to experience and enjoy.
From leisure time on the beach to exploring the area's many waterways and outdoor adventures, or from dining and entertainment to activities for the whole family, this Port Richey things to do list is your guide to this unique Florida destination.
Boating around Port Richey
You cannot go wrong with renting a boat and cruising the many waterways around and near Port Richey. It is one of the activities in Port Richey that is a must do for boating enthusiasts. Known as the Gateway to the Gulf, Port Richey is a part of Florida’s Nature Coast and caters to fishermen and boaters alike. Rent a boat and see where it takes you.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Just off the coast is one of the Port Richey activities that will make you want to think about moving here. Anclote Key Preserve State Park is open from 8 AM to sunset and is located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, just south of Port Richey. It is a series of four islands that stretch over 11,773 acres in the blue-green waters of the Gulf. It has sandy beaches to enjoy at your leisure for swimming and sunbathing, as well as a historic lighthouse, a multitude of wild birds, and a picnic and grill area. The preserve does not provide water or supplies, so come prepared with your own provisions.
Anclote River Park
This destination park includes a 300-foot beach and boat launch along with designated fishing and picnicking areas with grills and tables. There are also restrooms, a playground, and kid-friendly hiking. Dogs are also allowed. The launch gets fairly busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly.
Port Richey Beach Destinations
When visiting Florida exploring beaches is always top of the list. This is no different when looking at Port Richey activities. In addition to the beaches in Anclote Key Preserve, these top beach spots near Port Richey and New Port Richey are filled with fun, relaxation, and sport, including:
South Anclote Key Beach
Howard Park Beach
Green Key Beach
Gulf Harbors Beach Club
Rooker Island
Family Fun around Port Richey
If you are looking for fun the whole family can enjoy these Port Richey activities more than fill the bill.
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
This free access, 45-acre community park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in New Port Richey. In addition to the beach and swimming area, it offers a boardwalk through mangroves and wetlands, an observation tower to view dolphins and sea cranes, picnic tables and grills, a playground, canoeing and kayaking access, and a fishing area.
Waterfront Park
Located near the waterfront, this family friendly park is the largest in Port Richey and one of the top Port Richey activities for families. It is a place to let the kids run around and enjoy the great Florida weather and Gulf breezes, and it includes a playground, picnic tables, walking trails, restrooms, and a kayak launch.
There are several other public parks in Port Richey for family-friendly activities, including Brasher Park, Oelsner Park, and Nick’s Park. All offer free launching for kayaks and canoes, while Nick’s Park also offers a motorboat launch as well.
Outdoor Adventures
A list of things to do near Port Richey is not complete without including the many outdoor adventures to be enjoyed in the area.
Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Known for its inlets and bayous that make their way through a protected salt marsh, this off-the-beaten-path Florida state park serves up a unique opportunity to paddle through mangroves and tidal creeks or into open bays of the Gulf of Mexico to see historic stilt houses. If your taste for adventure includes a kayak or canoe, this is a must do on the Port Richey activities list. The park also has short hiking trails, a scenic drive, and is teeming with wildlife. It is open daily from 8 AM to sunset and is located minutes from downtown Port Richey.
Starkey Wilderness Park
Just south of Port Richey, in the area around Lake Orange, is New Port Richey. One of the New Port Richey activities is to explore the Starkey Wilderness Park, a 12,000-acre park about 20 minutes east of town. The park offers up hiking, biking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and more. The biking path is a seven-mile paved stretch through the wilderness forest where it is possible to see all kinds of wildlife, including deer, hawks, owls, and other birds. The hiking trails that wind through the park are too numerous to name and are a hiker's dream. If exploring wilderness is your thing, you cannot go wrong here.
Shopping, Entertainment, and Dining
Downtown Port Richey
The downtown area offers up any number of Port Richey activities to enjoy, including museums, galleries, boutique shops, cafes, fine dining, theatre entertainment, and more.
Richey Suncoast Theatre
This performing arts complex located in historic downtown New Port Richey is a premier venue for live theatre, music, comedy shows, and more.
Dining in Port Richey
To round out your Port Richey activities list are the many different dining options for you to take in. From burgers and bar-inspired appetizers to family-friendly breakfasts or fresh fish and seafood, Port Richey dining can satisfy any taste palette and budget.
Check out Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill for delicious American fare or Hellas Restaurant or Mykonos for Greek and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. A local favorite is Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill, featuring island-inspired food, a tiki bar, hand-crafted cocktails, and live performances, all with a view of the Cotee River. A few more local favorites include Tarpon Tavern or Craft Street Kitchen.
Book Your Port Richey Vacation
With such a long list of Port Richey activities your visit to this unique Florida vacation spot will be filled with both adventure and relaxation. Don’t you think it’s time to book your trip and explore beautiful Port Richey for yourself?
