Looking for the best beaches near New Port Richey, Florida? You don’t have to search any further.
New Port Richey has an Old Florida charm and a small town feel. While it is primarily residential, it is just 35 miles from Tampa. Of course, spending a day by the Gulf of Mexico is the best thing to do there.
The town comes alive with special events and festivals like the Chasco Fiesta. This 9-day festival has been an annual tradition for over 100 years! You’ll see the floats, golf cart parades, and a deep history of Native American heritage.
As a local Floridian, these are my favorite 12 best beaches near New Port Richey, Florida, where you can spend a day at the beach and see the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Beaches Near New Port Richey
- Robert K. Rees Park Beach
- Anclote River Park Beach
- Fred Howard Park
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Clearwater Beach
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Madeira Beach
- St Pete Beach
- Gulf Port Beach Park
- Pass-a-Grille Beach
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 3.0 miles
- Traveling time: 9 minutes
- Nearest city: New Port Richey
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is a 45-acre beachfront park in New Port Richey, Florida. It offers a spacious 650-foot boardwalk, wildlife observation tower, and picnicking areas.
This beach has lovely white sand, and the water is relatively shallow, ideal for kids and adults. While kayaks and jet skis are unavailable to rent, swimming is allowed.
Speaking of kids, they also have a nice playground that is shaped like a little pirate ship. There are swings, slides, and other playground items near the water.
The picnic area has large pavilions ideal for a family cookout and barbeques. Nearby restrooms are nicely maintained and tend to be very clean. Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is also dog friendly, make sure to pack your doggie bags.
Anclote River Park Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 8.3 miles
- Traveling time: 17 minutes
- Nearest city: Holiday, Florida
Anclote River Park is a lovely spot for a quiet day at the beach. Located in Holiday, right on the Gulf of Mexico, Anclote River Park has about 300 feet of beachfront. Bring a beach chair or go swimming, you’ll find this park very laid back.
Anclote River Park is known for its bird watching and wildlife trails on its 31 acres. Bald eagles use the area for nesting during certain times of the year. A lifeguard is always on duty. It is located in a lovely neighborhood with plenty of lush trees.
There are lots of parking spaces and restrooms at this beach, which is well-maintained. There are plenty of peaceful locations to unwind, so you can escape crowds. This beach’s particular features include two activities that people like there: fishing and boating.
Anclote River Park is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 8.3 miles
- Traveling time: Depends; Ferry Time + Drive Time
- Nearest city: Tarpon Springs
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is an island three miles off the Tarpon Springs coast. Technically, Anclote Key comprises of three islands within the park: North Anclote Bar, Three Rooker Island, and South Anclote Bar. This beautiful area is surrounded by blue-green water and is only accessible only by ferry or private boat.
Anclote Key is like paradise on earth, with 11,773 acres to explore on the Gulf of Mexico. For those that want solitude – you’ve found one of the most remote beaches near New Port Richey. You’ll appreciate the lack of motorized vehicles and city traffic. All you’ll hear is the unique species of birds and waves as they splash against the white sandy beaches.
While exploring the island may be beckoning you, make sure to spend quality time at the beach. You could swim, sunbathe, grill out, and even stay the night if you bring a tent.
A beautiful historic lighthouse from 1887 situated at the island’s southern tip. So, bring your camera since you’ll get plenty of great photo opportunities.
Fred Howard Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 10.4 miles
- Traveling time: 27 minutes
- Nearest city: Tarpon Springs
In Tarpon Springs, there is a public park called Fred Howard Park. It features a 155-acre beach that frequently attracts sizable crowds. It’s a nice area to go on vacation since it’s peaceful and has lovely palm trees and greenery all around. The sand on the beach is smooth.
A mile-long, stunning causeway, a biking trail, and a butterfly garden can be found along the shoreline. The beach is open to the public for free, but you might have to pay for a parking spot.
Bring your food and beverages when you visit this beautiful location, as there are no vendors at the park. Instead, come with the whole family to Fred Howard Park for an exciting day of exploration. You may rent a kayak to see Florida’s diverse environment. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen in the Gulf of Mexico.
🌴 Recommended Hotel Near Fred Howard Park: Hampton Inn Tarpon Springs
Honeymoon Island State Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 18.2 miles
- Traveling time: 35 minutes
- Nearest city: Dunedin
Honeymoon Island State Park is a unique destination among Florida’s top beaches for family getaways.
With four miles of extensive, sugar-white sand beaches on the island, you will find so much natural beauty, including 3-miles of trails. Some wildlife includes great horned owls, gopher tortoises, osprey, and eagles.
There are a couple of nice swimming spots in Honeymoon Island State Park. The park is home to fish species such as snook, kingfish, ladyfish, and many others. Swimming, shelling, hiking, fishing, and bicycling are all popular things to do on the island.
The cost is $8 per vehicle, and it’s open at 8 am daily, 365 days a year.
Clearwater Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 27.1 miles
- Traveling time: 53 minutes
- Nearest city: Clearwater
On this famous beach, you can do anything that involves the use of water. You can jump into the emerald-colored water or stroll along the sugar-white sand beach. There are also lively performances by street artists and parties for other events. It is also a beach with everything you could want.
All year long, Clearwater Beach has a lifeguard on duty. This is the ideal place to visit for safety and premium beaches and hotels.
There are restaurants, bars, bathrooms, showers, parking, a place to change, and most places to rent. During spring break, many people gather on this beach.
You can set up a private boat tour to take you along the long coastline and to other places nearby where you can see dolphins in beautiful crystal clear water.
Caladesi Island State Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 29 miles
- Traveling time: Approximately 1 hour drive
- Nearest city: Dunedin
Caladesi Island State Park is a beach accessible by ferry or boat outside Dunedin, Florida. The beach has been chosen as one of the best in Florida for many years. Since the weather and the surroundings are pleasant, many people visit this beach.
Caladesi Island State Park has top-notch amenities in its class. Here at the beach, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas or go swimming in crystal-clear water. In addition, Cafe Caladesi is available, where you can buy drinks, snacks, and light meals.
You may also rent paddleboards and kayaks to ride with friends and family. Because it features kayaks and canoe paths that pass through mangroves, this park stands out from the other standard beaches. In addition, the thick mangrove forests are home to various wildlife.
The cost is $6 dollars for a ferry ride to access the island. The park is open daily from 8 am until sundown.
Indian Rocks Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 32.0 miles
- Traveling time: 55 minutes
- Nearest city: Indian Rocks Beach
There are over three miles of beautiful, readily accessible white sand beaches at Indian Rocks Beach in the Gulf of Mexico. The sunset at this beach near New Port Richey, Florida, is stunning.
If you have kids with you, Indian Rocks Beach is a great place to get together as a family with one of the best waterparks in Pinellas County. The three kilometers of the beach are perfect for swimming since the water is warm and shallow.
Nearby restaurants, shops, and things to do in Indian Rocks Beach make it a convenient destination.
You can see dolphins at sunset from the comfort of your balcony if you book a hotel in Indian Rocks Beach. This little coastal village has fantastic restaurants, boutiques, and fun things to do that you definitely should check out.
☀️ Read Next: The 7 Best Hotels in Indian Rocks Beach for Families
Madeira Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 35.4 miles
- Traveling time: Approximately 1 hour drive
- Nearest city: Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach is one of the most liked beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a charming beach community that attracts mostly wealthy, hip college students and visitors.
Although the beach is approximately 2.5 miles long, millions of tourists and residents visit it yearly because of the smooth sand and the quiet waters. The beach at John’s Pass Village has a lot to offer since there is so much to do! And you have plenty of excellent bars and restaurants within walking distance.
Madeira Beach is full of fun boat tours, from pirate ship rides to parasailing flights and private fishing charters! There’s truly something for everyone’s interest level here.
🌴 Read Next: 13 Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, Florida
St Pete Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 36.6 miles
- Traveling time: 1hr 7 minutes
- Nearest city: St Pete Beach
St Pete Beach was proudly ranked as the #1 beach in the United States in 2021 by TripAdvisor. This casual beach town has a laid-back, Old Florida vibe with quaint places to stay in St Pete Beach. However, it is also known for having one of the top luxury hotels, the historic Don CeSar.
One of my favorite spots in St Pete Beach is Upham Beach Park. It is the public beach closest to the Corey Avenue Shopping District and Pasadena Avenue, several blocks away. It is enough that I can walk to one of my favorite chocolate and dessert shops, CocoAddiction.
Upham Beach Park is one of the best-kept beaches in Pinellas County. It is simple to access and includes a sizable parking lot and a Paradise Grille on the property. Plus, you can rent beach cabanas, chairs, paddle boards, and play volleyball for a full day of fun!
After a day on the white sand, cleaning up is simple, thanks to the outdoor showers. Since there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach, it’s crucial to be aware of the weather and any potential hazards. This is a beautiful location to watch a sunset and grab a drink or dinner at the restaurants or bars in St Pete Beach.
Read Next: 14 Best Hotels in St Pete Beach Florida 🏝
Gulf Port Beach Park
- Distance from New Port Richey: 40.7 miles
- Traveling time: Approximately 1 hour, 3 minutes
- Nearest city: Gulfport
Gulfport Beach Park is a free public beach on the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay. People visit for the eclectic, fun vibe, the diverse forms of art, and the delicious restaurants.
Gulfport is an excellent place for a family gathering. Some of the amenities include:
- Outdoor covered picnic areas & pavilions
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Skate park
- Volleyball courts
- Kids playgrounds
- Free parking & public restrooms
Downtown Gulfport has independent stores, boutiques, and eateries that are worthy of a visit. Walk the brick-paved streets under the moss-covered live oaks, admire the adorable candy-colored cottages, or strike up a conversation with a resident to get a true sense of this “little town with a large heart.”
Read Next: The 13 Absolute Best & Fun Things to Do in Gulfport FL
Pass-a-Grille Beach
- Distance from New Port Richey: 45.6 miles
- Traveling time: Approximately 1 hr 9 minutes
- Nearest city: Pass-a-Grille (St Pete Beach)
Pass-a-Grille Beach is full of quaint charm and charisma that you will soon be saying this is your favorite beach town in Florida. You can bring your own beach gear or easily rent chairs, cabanas, paddle boards and other beach equipment.
While it is considered part of St Pete Beach, it has its own small downtown that is steps away from the beach. Here you will find old school bars like Shadracks, casual seafood restaurants, and shops with a beach feel. You must check out the best things to do in Pass-a-Grille Beach.
For those looking for a beautiful and peaceful location – close to downtown St Petersburg and St Pete Beach, this is your place!
Read Next: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Pass-a-Grille Beach FL
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, my top beaches near New Port Richey, Florida. Once you have visited, I would love to hear your thoughts on these beautiful parks. Please share your comments below!
FAQs: Best Beaches Near New Port Richey
Does New Port Richey have nice beaches?
Indeed, it does. New Port Richey is located near some of the state’s most picturesque beaches that include some of the highest-rated beaches in the US by TripAdvisor.
– Robert K. Rees Park Beach
– Anclote River Park Beach
– Fred Howard Park
– Anclote Key Preserve State Park
– Honeymoon Island State Park
– Clearwater Beach
How far is New Port Richey from the nearest beach?
Robert K. Rees Park Beach is the nearest beach to New Port Richey. It is located at a distance of 3.0 miles from New Port Richey.
Does Tarpon Springs have a public beach?
In Tarpon Springs, there is a public park called Fred Howard Park. It features a 155-acre beach that frequently attracts sizable crowds. It’s a nice area to go on vacation since it’s peaceful and has lovely palm trees and greenery all around. On the beach, the sand is smooth.
How far away is the Gulf from New Port Richey?
New Port Richey is along the Gulf of Mexico, about 35 miles northwest of Tampa. Its riverfront has a mix of nature, beaches, great shopping, restaurants, culture, and business, all with a small-town feel.
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