Pasco is defined by the contrast between its coast, protected areas and cultural sites. Pasco County has 20 miles of coastline and four miles of beaches on its offshore barrier island. The region also offers everything from wildlife habitats to historic museums and recurring festivals. Nature can be the starting point, while history and events offer a different perspective on the county.
Coastal Landscapes and Protected Areas
The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve stretches along the coast of Pasco County. Starkey Wilderness Preserve also represents the protection of the landscape: it is one of the largest undeveloped areas in Pasco County and protects ecologically sensitive land in the county’s rapidly growing west. Its habitats include pine flatwoods, cypress domes, freshwater marshes, stream and lake swamps, sandhills and scrubland. This variety makes the preserve a striking counterpoint to the coastal areas.
From September 1 through January 31, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing are possible at Little Gator Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area. The area provides habitat for gopher tortoises and wood storks. It also reaches far back into history: Indigenous people quarried chert from the limestone formations there as long as 9,000 years ago, shaping the flint-like stone into tools.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park encompasses Anclote Key, Three Rooker Bar and North Bar. Activities there include sunbathing, wading in shallow water, camping in a tent, and watching the sunset and moonrise. Water conditions may vary; check current camping availability before planning your trip. Anclote Key is also home to a lighthouse dating to 1877.
Trails and Outdoor Experiences
Withlacoochee River Park has a canoe launch, a boardwalk and five miles of hiking trails. It also has multi-use trails, campsites—including an area for RVs—and a playground. Hiking, biking and fishing are also possible at Withlacoochee River Park. These trails and facilities offer different ways to spend time in the park.
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park offers a different focus: in some areas, the salt springs are more than 351 feet deep. Activities there include paddling, fishing, hiking and nature viewing. The Suncoast Trail is another option for anyone looking to include a trail in their plans: this paved multi-use trail opened in 2001 and is part of Florida’s statewide Greenways and Trails System.
Sections of the Cotee River, also known as the Pithlachascotee River, run through downtown New Port Richey. Activities there include kayaking, boating and guided experiences. Giraffe Ranch offers other guided activities, including safari experiences in four-wheel-drive vehicles, camel expeditions and Segway safaris. The Lift Adventure Park is located on a spring-fed lake and offers cable wakeboarding and an inflatable jungle obstacle course.
Museums, Festivals and Local History
Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum is housed in a historic railroad depot dating to 1912. Its exhibits include model trains representing the Atlantic Coastline and Seaboard rail lines, as well as memorabilia from Dade City’s World War II prisoner-of-war camp. Pioneer Florida Museum and Village is dedicated to preserving local history through restoration projects, educational programs, special events and historic preservation efforts. Its recurring annual events include the Scarecrow Festival, the Farm Festival & Quilt Show, the Raising Cane Festival and the Moonshine Festival; dates may change.
Another annual gathering is the Annual Kumquat Festival in Historic Downtown Dade City. It takes place on the last Saturday in January, with exact dates set each year. The program includes more than 300 vendors and sponsors, arts and crafts booths, a car and truck show, a farmers market, a children’s zone and a quilt challenge; individual offerings may vary from year to year. Kumquats are available fresh and in pies, cookies, smoothies, ice cream, marmalade, preserves and doughnuts; craft beer and sangria are also offered.
Discover more destinations: Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Hudson, Dade City, Holiday, New Port Richey, Bayonet Point, Trinity, Wesley Chapel.
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