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8 Amazing Beaches near New Port Richey, FL

Located just above Tampa, New Port Richey is an excellent alternative for beach holidays. Whether you're into kayaking, boating, fishing, or just chilling on the beach, there are plenty of options.
ItIsWild.com: Best Beaches near New Port Richey

New Port Richey in Florida is a fantastic holiday destination. The town has a lot to offer, from dazzling sandy beaches to extensive marine and wildlife.

The options here are diverse and plentiful, and the list highlights some of the best beaches around. There are excellent destinations, whether you’re into sunsets, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing under the sun.

Check out what New Port Richey has to offer.

Beaches near New Port Richey:

  1. Robert K. Rees Park Beach
  2. Gulf Harbors Beach Club
  3. Fred Howard Park
  4. Anclote River Park Beach
  5. Caladesi Island State Park
  6. Clearwater Beach
  7. Honeymoon Island State Park
  8. Anclote Key Preserve State Park

1. Robert K. Rees Park Beach

Beach in Florida
Source: unsplash
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 3 miles
  • Travel time: 10 minutes 
  • Activities: swimming, hiking, sunset watching, snorkeling

Robert K. Rees Park Beach is a small, 45-acre beachfront sprawling the Gulf of Mexico. It is widely known for offering immersive picnic and wildlife observation experiences. Thanks to its lush-green surroundings, it is home to many bird species like the Great Blue Heron.

The unique aspect of this beach is its one-of-a-kind boardwalk trail that leads to the lookout tower. While at the tower, you can view dolphins, cranes, and other sea creatures gracefully exploring the gulf. It’s a breathtaking spectacle, especially when gazing at the sunset. 

Also, the beach has two zones stocked with grills and picnic tables. There are sliders, swings, and other playtime equipment right by the ocean. But unfortunately, there are no kayaks or paddle boards for rent.

Swimming is allowed at Robert K. Rees Park Beach. In fact, the water is shallow and thus ideal for both kids and adults. The changing facilities are modern, clean, and in good condition. 

While outstanding in many ways, Robert K. Rees Park Beach doesn’t have fishing piers, sports facilities, or jet skis; it’s a nature getaway rather than a water playground. The parking spot is pretty limited, too, so go there early.

All in all, Robert K. Rees Park Beach is totally worth checking out if all you need is an outdoor picnic, crabbing, relaxing and sea life viewing sessions.

Related: 11 Gorgeous Beaches near Ocala, FL

2. Gulf Harbors Beach Club

  • Distance from New Port Richey: 4 miles
  • Travel time: 10 minutes
  • Activities: swimming, biking, sunset watching, snorkeling

If all you want to do is kick back and relax, then you should check out Gulf Harbors Beach Club. This is a private beach that guarantees a highly tranquil shoreline experience.

It mainly serves individuals trying to avoid overcrowded public facilities. The beach has clean, state-of-the-art amenities, including cabanas with beautiful seats and tables.

There isn’t much to do here but relax, snorkel, watch the sunset or catch glances of the marine life. While palm trees are here and there, there is plenty of space for biking or driving on the coastlines. 

Unfortunately, you must be a member and live in the Gulf of Mexico to access Gulf Harbors Beach Club. If not, you should be in a company of a family member who is a subscriber. 

Nevertheless, this beach’s private and quiet nature could be ideal for busy executives, especially those who want to enjoy the sunset while they work.

Related: 9 Gorgeous Beaches near Port St. Lucie, FL

3. Fred Howard Park

Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs Florida
Source: flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 11 miles
  • Travel time: 25 minutes
  • Activities: swimming, kayaking, picnicking, surfing, fishing, and sunset viewing 

Fred Howard Park is a public recreational facility located in Tarpon Springs. It has a 155-acre beach that attracts bustling crowds year after year.

It’s a perfect holiday escape spot with majestic palm trees and green surroundings that are home to eagles and ospreys. The shorelines consist of soft sands and, therefore, no need for shoes.

Fred Howard Park has many popular fishing spots. The vastness of the beach and the existing shades provide great conditions for relaxing or sunset viewing. Some of the amenities available at the site include picnic shelters, two playgrounds, and canoe and kayak launching areas.

Bordering the shoreline is a scenic, 1-mile long causeway, a biking trail, and a butterfly garden. The beach is accessible to the public for free, but you might need to pay for parking space.

Although it doesn’t have much water sports equipment, Howard Park is still one of the nicest beaches around. It is so quiet and serene. There are no food stands and restaurants, so carry your own food and drinks when visiting this amazing spot.

4. Anclote River Park Beach

  • Distance from New Port Richey: 8 miles
  • Travel time: 15 minutes
  • Activities: boating, fishing, swimming, sunset viewing, nature trails

Anclote River Park is a small 31-acre park in Pasco County with a 300-foot beach. It may not be as grandeur as Robert K. Rees Park Beach, but it sure has enough details to offer, from wildlife watching to nature trail cruising.

There is a designated place for swimming, and the water is pretty clean compared to some other spots. A lifeguard is always on duty, and the surroundings are pretty scenic with deep-green trees sprawling around, some with eagle nests. 

This coastline is well kept with ample parking and clean changing rooms. There are very nice relaxing spots; even better, some areas are secluded so you can avoid crowds. Also, boating and fishing are popular on this beach and are the two things that make it special.

What’s more, Anclote River Park Beach has vastly open areas that foster magnificent sunset viewing. It’s a great place to explore if you stay close by or enjoy wildlife.

Related: 11 Gorgeous Beaches near Ocala, FL

5. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park in Florida
Source: flickr/CC BY 2.0
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 29 miles
  • Travel time: 54 minutes
  • Activities: Kayaking, canoeingnature walking, paddling, swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking

Caladesi Island State Park offers a ferry and boat-accessible beach located in Dunedin. It’s a 54 minutes drive from New Port Richey. 

For many years, the facility has appeared at the top of many lists as one of the best beaches in the country. As of 2022, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) ranks it as the second-best.

There are many reasons why people flock to Caladesi Island State Park. Perhaps the most important ones are its mild weather and rental amenities.

This beach’s sparkling waters make fishing and swimming pleasant and fun. And at a small fee, you can enjoy boat, canoe, and paddle board rides with friends and family.

Caladesi Island State Park is an excellent gateway for nature walks. Unlike others with only boardwalk trails, this one includes canoe and kayak trails that cut through mangroves. 

While on your seaside trails, you’ll be able to see Blue Herons and other bird species roaming around. There are also a few wildlife animals hiding in the thick mangrove trees.

What’s more, Caladesi Island State Park has best-in-class amenities. There are concession stands and a cafe for meals, snacks, and drinks.

Related: 9 Gorgeous Beaches near Port St. Lucie, FL

6. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach in Clearwater Florida
Source: unsplash
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 25 miles
  • Travel time: 55 minutes
  • Activities: boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, shell hunting, snorkeling

One of Florida’s finest and biggest beaches worth exploring is Clearwater Beach. This gem is always abuzz with activity 24/7 and, therefore, a top choice for holiday and family picnics. 

Any water activity you can think of takes place on this trendy shoreline. You can dive into its emerald-colored water or simply enjoy a walk across the sugary white sandy coastline.

Not only is Clearwater beach a stone’s throw distance from restaurants and hotels. It’s also close to water sports rental equipment like boats, canoes, and kayaks. There are plenty of umbrella shades to rest under as you watch life goes by. 

Besides its blue waters and sugar-white sands, this spot is also popularly known for having one of the longest fishing piers from where you can fish or enjoy tranquil sunset moments. At night, many bars along the coast remain open for business.

The beach is usually abuzz with private boat tours. You can hire one to ride across the extensive coastline and other close-by zones to catch magnificent dolphin views. There is also rich marine life to observe, such as stingrays and manatees.

As one of the busiest beaches in the area, there is always a lifeguard on duty all year round. And every once in a while, you might be lucky to indulge yourself in lively performances from street artists amongst other special event celebrations.

7. Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida Arial View
Source: depositphotos
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 19 miles
  • Travel time: 35 minutes
  • Activities: paddle sports, swimming, fishing, biking, nature walk, picnicking

Combining an island, a park, and a beach experience all at once, Honeymoon Island State Park is supremely magical. Like Clearwater Beach, it’s also one of the most-lively beaches in Florida for family vacations and fishing expeditions. 

The spot has over four miles of a wonderful beach to explore. A walk through one of the trails leads straight into one of the few remaining virgin pine forests on the island. If you turn your head towards the sky, you’ll see many bird species flapping around.

There are a few cool swimming spots on Honeymoon Island State Park. The park is also popularly known for harboring the mightiest fish species like snook, kingfish, ladyfish, and many others. The beach can hook you up with marine equipment on rental.

Besides fishing and watersports, you can opt to ride a bike or explore walking trails that connect to other unspoiled islands like Caladesi.

It’s common to see visitors taking a walk on the island’s vast, sugar-white sandy shorelines. And when it’s time to relax, there are a couple of shops for coffee, ice cream, and food.

Related: 11 Gorgeous Beaches near Ocala, FL

8. Anclote Key Preserve State Park

Anclote Key Preserve Park Lighthouse in Florida
Source: unsplash
  • Distance from New Port Richey: 12 miles
  • Travel time: 30 minutes
  • Activities: bird watching, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, camping

Located in Tarpon Springs, Anclote Key Preserve State Park has another beach that you can explore in the much-famed Gulf of Mexico. The park is one of the hidden gems with a laid-back, 403-acre beach.

Unlike most beaches, this one comprises four amazing islands-Three Rooker Island, North Anclote Bar, Anclote Key, and South Anclote Bar. Basically, you’ll have quite a lot to explore.

If you are into birding, this beach should be at the top of your list. It has a whopping 43+ bird species to spot. That includes bald eagles, piping plovers, oystercatcher, and many more.

This public island permits swimming. However, there is no lifeguard on duty, so be sure to look out for yourself, friends, and family members. Paddleboarding, snorkeling, and boating are also common activities on the island. 

What’s more, there’s also a historic lighthouse on the island that dates back to 1887. Adjacent to it lies perfect camping spots, making for a primitive but unique camping experience.

Although Anclote Key Preserve State Park is free to the public, it’s a boat-in location that you can’t access by car. Several ferries run from Tarpon Springs, so even getting here is an adventure.

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