Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, New Port Richey is a largely residential community north-west of Tampa. It’s home to picturesque green spaces, nature preserves and recreational facilities, as well as an engaging history museum. New Port Richey is famed for hosting the 11-day Chasco Fiesta, which celebrates the area’s Native American heritage.
Things to do in New Port Richey
Take a step back in time at the West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library, which houses more than 1,000 books from the personal collection of Elroy M. Avery. In addition to historic photographs, vintage tools and antiques, the museum also exhibits period clothing and artefacts from the region’s Native American peoples.
The West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library is located within Sims Park, a long-established green space on the edge of Orange Lake. Kids can let loose in the children’s playground or cool off in the splash pad while older visitors can launch a kayak to explore the Pithlachascotee River. In addition to the park’s leafy walking trails, there are several pavilions that are ideal for picnics.
The Pithlachascotee River also flows through James E. Grey Preserve, a 32-hectare protected area of swamps and uplands. Follow the boardwalk trail of the Palmetto Loop to explore the floodplain forest while keeping your eyes peeled for native birdlife and gopher tortoises. Alternatively, you can stretch your legs on the Uplands Trail, which traverses a tract of upland scrub and is particularly impressive when the roserush and tarflower are in bloom.
Getting around New Port Richey
New Port Richey is around 45 minutes’ drive from Tampa and Tampa International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North America. Buses travel to New Port Richey and connect some of its attractions, although renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the city.