New Port Richey Guide | Pasco County
New Port Richey, about 45 minutes north of Tampa, is one of the most underrated cities in the Tampa Bay area. Visitors are often surprised to learn that it has a bustling historic downtown, a thriving brewery scene, and a historic hotel right at the heart of it. Here are five ways to make the most of your visit.
1. Grab coffee and breakfast downtown
Start your morning slowly with coffee at Mountaineer, a favorite among locals. Just a few blocks away, you can sit down to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Heschel’s Scratch Kitchen. The World Famous Chicken Benedict is a popular order, with seasoned, buttermilk-battered fried chicken served on top of a biscuit.
2. Walk Sims Park and along the Cotee River
Sims Park, in the heart of New Port Richey, is a wonderful place to take an easy walk after breakfast. In addition to the path around Orange Lake, visitors can walk under the canopy of massive oak trees down to the banks of the Pithlachascotee River (known locally as The Cotee).
If you visit Friday through Sunday between 1 pm and 4 pm, you can stop by the West Pasco Historical Society to dive deeper into New Port Richey’s interesting history.
3. Paddle Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
A nearly 4,000-acre state park along the Gulf is just about ten minutes north of downtown New Port Richey. Visitors can hike the trails at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, but the best way to see it is by kayak, as the park protects more than four miles of coastline. Paddle back to the Salt Spring and out to Salt Springs Run, the connection to the Gulf, where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and stingrays are often spotted. Plus, visitors will get views of historic stilt houses in the distance.
If you don't have your own kayak or canoe, I own Salty Dog Kayak Rentals inside the park, where you can rent single and tandem kayaks or canoes.
RELATED: Kayak to a Small Island & Historic Stilt Houses North of Tampa
4. Shop and sample the brewery scene
Back in downtown New Port Richey, be sure to shop locally at places like MADE - Artisan Hall, where you’ll find a curated mix of gifts, art, and handmade goods from talented local artisans and creators.
The White Heron Gifts & Tea, a nationally recognized tea room and gift shop, is a worthwhile stop as well. It’s owned by the only tea sommelier in the Sunshine State, and you can browse more than 100 teas, along with trinkets, cards, jams, and more.
New Port Richey has a surprisingly rich brewery scene, with places like Emerald Coast Brewing, Cotee River Brewing, Dented Keg Ale Works, and Infusion Brewing Company.
For additional nightlife, be sure to stroll through the new Railroad Square and check the Richey Suncoast Theatre plays and performances throughout the year.
5. Spend the night at The Hacienda
The Hacienda Hotel is the crown jewel of downtown New Port Richey and an ideal place to spend the weekend. You won’t miss it because it’s bright pink!
The 1920s hotel went through a meticulous restoration and reopened in 2022. Today, there are 40 rooms and a fabulous restaurant, Sasha’s on the Park. Take time to wander the halls to see some of the famous faces who helped shape New Port Richey in its early days.
