Things To Do In New Port Richey
Things To Do In New Port Richey
Nestled along the Pithlachascotee River, The Cotee River, for short, is the residential community of New Port Richey. There are many fun things to do in, and around, New Port Richey!
Stilt Houses of New Port Richey
The stilt houses are just off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, about a mile offshore, perched atop a collection of pilings. Dating back to the 1930s, there are a few remaining stilt homes that are still standing. These fish camps once gave shelter to fishermen during a storm and where they could store their catch.
These stilt homes are privately owned and are handed down throughout the generations, as no new homes can be built. Each home has its unique character and paint color. The stilt homes make for a colorful history in New Port Richey.
Boating
New Port Richey sits along the Pithlachascotee “Cotee” River which runs out to the Gulf of Mexico. The river offers a nice view of the river homes ranging from original to modern. We enjoy taking the boat up the river to Sims Park and back down, just to get out on the water. We’ll have our coffee and morning snack!
Once you exit the river into the Gulf, you will see the various stilt houses and have access to the grass flats and the Gulf. From here, you can throw the hook on Durney Key, or head south towards Anclote Key, as a suggestion.
Durney Key is a small island that is a popular destination for kayakers and boaters, alike. It’s very popular on the weekends to hang out, raft up, and chill.
If you’re looking to rent a boat to enjoy the beautiful waterways, please keep an eye on the weather and tide charts, and don’t forget your sunscreen to
avoid getting a sunburn!
Cotee River Brewing Company
The first brewery in New Port Richey, Cotee River Brewing Company, offers visitors a taste of their small craft brews made on-site. The taproom also serves seltzers and wine. The brewery is decorated in a rustic theme and showcases many photos from life along the Cotee River from the past 100 years!
Live music is scheduled every Friday and Saturday night, starting at 7 p.m. The tap room does not serve food, however, guests may bring outside food to enjoy.
Chasco Fiesta
If your visit to the New Port Richey area happens to fall during the last half of March, you’re sure to find exciting events at the Chasco Fiesta.
This 9-day long fiesta has something for everyone with daily musical entertainment, a 5k, golf tournament, boat parade, car truck and bike show, and food vendors of all types. This is a non-profit event that benefits more than 20 local charities.
SpinNations Skating Center
Come on, you know you want to! Dust off those old rollerskates or rent a pair on-site and shake your groove thang while roller skating at SpinNations. After a leak damaged the skating floor, great efforts have been made for a pristine, newly coated floor. Come for a spin or host a birthday party at the rink.
Werner Boyce Salt Springs
Escape from the hustle and bustle with a visit to this beautiful state park. Spanning over 4 miles of coastline, these salt marshes and mangroves are a kayak and birder treasure trove! Utilize the onsite kayak rental outfitter to explore the mangrove trails and tidal creeks.
A popular destination to paddle to is Durney Key, just off the coast. Depending on the weather and tides, a lot of kayakers will venture out to the Key and have a picnic.
Furthermore, this park is home to raptors, wading birds, shore birds, and migratory birds and is a birder’s paradise, being recognized by the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Richey Suncoast Theater
Originally opening in 1926, this historic theater offers a variety of theatrical productions, comedy acts, and special engagements. Tickets are affordable and support this 501(c)(3). Consider your next date night to include dinner and a show. Support local arts!
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
If you love hiking, biking, camping, or picnicking, you will love a visit to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. This 8,300-acre park is a nature lover’s paradise with a 7+ mile paved multi-use trail that leads out to the Suncoast Trail, hiking trails, a campground, equestrian corral and trails, and an active educational center.
Over 177 species of birds have been viewed from the park, along with countless other animals like deer, tortoises, opossums, rabbits, snakes, and more!
Merlin’s Magic Shop
This is a premier brick-and-mortar magic shop offering tricks, cards, juggling, clown and stage make-up, novelties, books, and accessories for beginners to advanced magic performers. Stop in and pick up some props to impress your friends at your next party!
Sims Park
Situated in the heart of the historic downtown New Port Richey, Sims Park is a family-friendly park with a splash pad, playground, kayak launch, band shell, sitting areas, and riverfront walkway. Concerts and special events are often held in the park.
Sims Park has lots of walking paths around a lake, along the river, and through the playground areas. We enjoy taking an evening stroll just before sunset, the park is very serene and enjoyable.
Cotee River Bikefest
For one weekend in October, downtown New Port Richey is transformed into a massive bike festival with live music on multiple stages, food and retail vendors, and hundreds of bikes, trikes, and carts. Come out and enjoy some food, music, and the best people-watching entertainment!
Axe Hole
It seems like every town, these days, has an axe-throwing venue. New Port Richey is no exception, and Axe Hole is the first of its kind located downtown. Date Night? Birthday Party? Special Event? Gather your friends for an exciting time throwing axes.
Where To Stay In New Port Richey
Whether you’re coming to New Port Richey to visit family, coming for business, or just looking for an interesting place to visit, there are many accommodations to suit your needs.
Day Trippin’ from New Port Richey
Looking for other things to do in the area? There’s plenty to see and do!
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Breakin’ It Down: Things To Do In New Port Richey
New Port Richey is located in the northernmost part of the Tampa Bay Region and has many things to do during your visit. There are plenty of options for kayaking, hiking, shopping, dining, and festivals in the historic downtown.