The Pithlachascotee River runs through the center of New Port Richey; to the west, the city borders the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The river and Gulf coast give the area distinct geographical points of reference. There are also parks, natural areas and historic sites. This lets you plan your visit around your interests in water activities, nature or local history.
Nature Between the River and the Gulf
Many parks along the Pithlachascotee River offer public boat ramps and kayak launch points. James E. Grey Preserve is an 80-acre wildlife preserve on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Alongside the river parks, you’ll find a preserve and a connection to the regional birding trail.
Nearby, west of the city center on the Gulf, lies Robert K. Rees Memorial Park. A 650-foot-long boardwalk leads through mangroves and wetlands to a two-story observation platform. This coastal park offers a different landscape from the river parks. Visitor conditions may change, so check current advisories before your visit.
Parks and Activities on the Cotee River
Sims Park is on the Cotee River. Its facilities include a playground, a splash zone, outdoor exercise equipment and an amphitheater. The park’s boat ramp provides direct access to the Cotee River for boating and other water activities.
Cotee River Park stretches from downtown New Port Richey to the city limits and is used for walking and cycling. As well as access to the water, you’ll find a park used for walking and biking. The two examples offer different highlights: Sims Park combines park facilities with a boat ramp, while walking and cycling are among the stated uses of Cotee River Park.
New Port Richey has free parking, pedestrian-friendly streets, golf cart access and pet-friendly areas. A free DART trolley also runs through downtown. Transportation services may change, so check current transportation information before your visit.
Local History, Art and Events
The West Pasco Historical Society Museum is located in downtown New Port Richey, in Sims Park. It is housed in a renovated 1915 schoolhouse that was moved to this location in 1980. The exhibit about New Port Richey occupies the museum’s largest room. It covers the city’s founding fathers, early settlers and several of the city’s early businesses.
“Tides of Time: A Visual Art Experience” offers a different way to explore local history. This permanent public art exhibit features eleven individual presentations at various historic landmarks in New Port Richey. QR codes provide visitors with information about the history of the associated buildings; there is also an audio-guided tour narrated by local historian Gary Vitacco-Robles.
Live performances take place at the Richey Suncoast Theatre. It was originally the Thomas Meighan Theatre. The Chasco Fiesta is another recurring event: every spring, it brings nine days of events to Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. Visitors can take part. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance, as the annual schedules may change.
Use Your Reason for Traveling to Guide Your Accommodation Search
When searching for a hotel in New Port Richey, you can start by deciding what you’d like your stay to focus on. The Chasco Fiesta offers a seasonal reason to visit in spring; the museum, art exhibit and theater each offer a different cultural focus. If you’re more interested in river activities, specific options include a boat ramp, kayak launch points, and walking and cycling opportunities.
Explore more destinations: Zephyrhills, Holiday, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Bayonet Point, Hudson, Port Richey
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