The waters off of the western side of Pasco County are perfect for sport fishing. You can catch Tarpon, Grouper, Snook, Redfish and several varieties of Snapper. Many of the fishing charters here are catch-and-release and adhere to industry standards to limit the stress on the fish. The Coastal Conservation Association also works very closely with our destination to ensure that tournaments can be catch-and-release and that the seagrass bed and fish breeding areas along our waterways are kept clean and secure for the future of our fish and other aquatic populations.

Scallop season in Pasco County is 37 days long beginning on July 1 and ending August 6. Florida’s Sports Coast is one of the few places in Florida where you can snorkel and catch bay scallops. Typically found in the sandy or grassy areas in the Gulf, this local attraction is like an underwater Easter egg hunt – Florida style! It’s best to go out with a fishing guide since they will provide the snorkels, mesh bags and fishing licenses needed for your scalloping adventure. Visitors are limited to 2 gallons of scallops in the shell per person or a maximum of 10 gallons per boat per day.
Pasco County recently increased its scalloping season from 10 days to the current 37 days after several years of careful monitoring of the scallop beds to ensure a sustainable populations of scallops for the future seasons.

This iconic attraction along Florida’s Sports Coast coastline is comprised of four islands- Anclote Key, North Anclote Bar, South Anclote Bar and Three Rooker Island. The 11,773-acre park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands on the southern end of the island and several weekends a year it opens up for visitors to climb its’ narrow winding staircase to get one of the most spectacular views from the very top. Visitors can swim and sunbathe at the beach, fire up a grill and enjoy a picnic, or pitch a tent and enjoy a night of primitive camping under the stars. This island is also known for its abundance of shells, white sands and calm waters. This island can only be reached by boat with Windsong Charters and Boat Rentals (you can hire a captain or rent a boat if you have your captain’s license) or through Island Paradise Charters (they offer a 6-hour round trip with lunch included on a larger 30 passenger boat).

Bring your own kayak or paddleboard or you can rent a single or double kayak from Salty Dog Kayaks located at the water’s edge inside the state park. Paddle through the inlets and bayous that run along the Pasco County coastline. View the wildlife hidden among the mangroves that line the waterways and salt marshes or paddle out to one of the nine stilt houses that are sprinkled along the Gulf. While there is no swimming in this state park, visitors can hike the Springs Trail that winds through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks where you can see several small artesian springs and sinks. On a low tide, you can enjoy a tidal waterfall, just past Salt Spring. This location is also a birder’s paradise with several viewing stands located on our Springs and Eagle trails where you might see bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, the elusive black rail, hawks, wading birds, shorebirds and migratory songbirds galore.

Located in Dade City is a licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species from giraffes and zebra to lemurs and pygmy hippos. The ranch is situated on 47 acres of rolling countryside adjoining Florida’s second largest wilderness area, the Green Swamp. With huge live oaks, native orchids, lush pastures and ephemeral wetlands, the ranch is also a native wildlife preserve. Every night up to 200 sand hill cranes roost on the grounds. Learn about exotic animals from an expert guide from the comfort of a specially designed 4-wheel-drive vehicle, camel-back safari, Segway safari, llama trek, or even your own vehicle while zebra, ostrich and deer roam freely around you. Learn about their conservation efforts and how they are helping to preserve species that are endangered or extinct in the wild. This is the ultimate eco-adventure!

Built from an old quarry, this spring fed lake attraction offers a full beach area, wakeboarding facility and a one of a kind inflatable playground along with beach volleyball areas and kayaking nearby.

Zipline through an ancient Florida forest on any one of ten different ropes courses for skill sets from beginner through advanced.

This 9-day, non-profit event located in New Port Richey takes place in March and has been held annually for over 100 years featuring music, street and boat parades and activities for the whole family. The Chasco Native American portion of the festival includes booths with arts & crafts, Hoop Dancing, Aztec Fire Dancers, Alligator wrestling and a reptile demonstration, a Native American Music featuring world class American drummers and dancers from many tribal backgrounds.