City Guides: Things to do While Boating in New Port Richey, Florida
New Port Richey, located in Pasco County between Hernando Beach and Tarpon Springs, is a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the Sunshine State's natural beauty and charm. From the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico to lush parks and nature preserves, New Port Richey has something for everyone to do from a private boat dock for rent.
Whether you’re mooring at a marina, anchored at a private boat dock for rent or just passing through, here are a few things to add to your New Port Richey itinerary.
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
Photo: Tripadvisor
The 45-acre Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is a must-visit attraction for the nature lovers in your crew.. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including ospreys, herons, roseate spoonbills and manatees. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, an observation tower, a fishing pier and several walking trails that wind through mangroves and along the Gulf of Mexico. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the park's many waterways.
Sims Park and Orange Lake
Photo: Wikimedia
Sims Park is located in downtown New Port Richey. There’s a boat dock (which is convenient for those trailering a boat from a private boat slip rental), restrooms, an amphitheater, picnic pavilions, a kayak launch and more. The park is home to the popular Chasco Fiesta, an annual nine-day festival celebrating the Native American, Spanish and pioneer heritage of the area.
SunWest Park
Photo: SunWest Park (Facebook)
SunWest Park is a 70-acre waterfront park that offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. It features a pristine white sand beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, as well as a cable wakeboarding park and an inflatable obstacle course on the water. There are also picnic areas, a playground and a volleyball court. It’s a terrific spot to visit from a private boat lift for rent.
James E. Grey Preserve
Photo: Tripadvisor
Located along the Pithlachascotee River, the James E. Grey Preserve is an 80-acre nature preserve located just north of New Port Richey. The preserve features several hiking trails that wind through pine forests and along the banks of the river. The Florida Birding Trail goes through the area, so you may catch sight of scarlet tanagers, bald eagles, wood ducks and barred owls. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes to explore the river.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Photo: Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park (Facebook)
The 3,300-acre Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park is located just south of New Port Richey. The park features hiking trails through pine and oak forests, a saltwater marsh, tidal creeks and several springs that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Go kayaking, fishing and birdwatching or simply relax on the park's secluded beaches. Rent kayaks or bring your own from a private boat lift rental.
Gulf View Square Mall
Photo: Gulf View Square Mall (Facebook)
Looking for a little retail therapy? The Gulf View Square Mall is the perfect destination to shop till you drop. The mall features a wide range of stores, including major department stores, specialty shops and restaurants such as Best Buy, Dillard’s, Bath & Body Works and more.
Richey Suncoast Theatre
Photo: Wikimedia
For a bit of culture, check out the Richey Suncoast Theatre from a private boat dock for rent. Built in 1925, the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre is located in downtown New Port Richey. The theater offers a range of performances such as plays, musicals, variety shows, concerts and comedy shows.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a four-mile-long barrier island located just off the coast of New Port Richey. It’s only accessible by boat, so it’s the perfect place to visit from a private boat lift for rent. Four islands make up the park: Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. Camping, picnicking and swimming are popular on these secluded islands. Check out the 1887 Anclote Key Lighthouse at the southern end of the chain.
We hope this has given you a few ideas for places to visit from private boat dock rentals in New Port Richey. Let us know what you find. Happy boating!
