Pasco County, also known as Florida’s Sports Coast, offers a very different experience to a lot of West Florida’s famous destinations such as Tampa, Clearwater & St Pete’s. It’s very much focused on nature whether you’re up for adventurous bucket list activities like skydiving and hot air ballooning or just relaxed walks, hikes, wildlife spotting and picnics.
Sports Coast is located only 35 minutes north of Tampa International Airport. If you enjoy leisure sports and an active lifestyle then Sports Coast is for you. Here is a list of top activities we enjoyed.
WHAT TO DO IN SPORTS COAST
Explore nature on hikes & walks
Part of what makes Pasco country special is its large focus on ecotourism with untouched nature and wildlife. There are so many nature parks and trails you can enjoy.
Go for a trek or hop on a bike tour. The trails are flat so they are not challenging activities and can be taken at your own pace, exploring as much or as little as you wish. You’re guaranteed to spot wildlife on your way. There are plenty of guided tours to take as well if you want a more educated experience.
Click HERE for a range of parks and trails.
Gill Dawg’s Sangria Sunset Tours
One of Pasco County’s pride and joys are their stilt houses. We ended our busy time at Sports Coast with a sunset sangria tour with Gill Dawg, cruising through Port Richey and spotting the beautiful remaining stilt houses.
Upon arrival we were greeted with a generous glass of Sangria which we finished before boarding the speedboat and heading off towards the sunset. On the day that we visited the tides were low and the waters were so calm. The tour was incredible. If you want to go off on your own adventure you can also rent kayaks, paddleboards and pontoon boats.
Check out this iconic stilt house with the American Flag on it below. More information on how to book can be found HERE.
5419 Treadway Dr, Port Richey, FL 34668
TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure
TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park is the largest zip line aerial adventure park in Central Florida. It has 9 aerial obstacle courses amongst trees at different levels. We had so much fun on the courses. There is something for everyone regardless of fitness level.
I personally loved the zip lines within the courses!
In case you’re scared of heights, don’t worry, it’s very safe. Everyone wears a harness and is given a safety briefing / trial run on the ground before going off to do their monkey business!
27839 St Joe Rd, Dade City, FL 33525
The Lift Adventure Park
Who doesn’t love a good adventure park? Especially when there’s water involved.
Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling on the day you can go wake boarding. paddle boarding or just hop on the bouncy inflatable aqua park! I personally went for the aqua park but didn’t last long before I slipped and fell into the water. You feel like a kid all over again.
17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, FL 34667
WHERE TO EAT
When it comes to food whilst visiting Sports Coast you’re looking at real comforting southern food! Forget the trendy street food, this is where you’ll find the good old delicious American classics.
Craft Street Kitchen
Craft Street Kitchen was my food highlight when visiting Sports Coast. Good quality local food, fun cocktails and delicious desserts. If you visit make sure you don’t miss out on the Buffalo Cauliflower with Hot Sauce, Celery and House Bleu Dressing, yum! The vibe is rustic and industrial with a lively atmosphere.
3216 Little Rd. Trinity, FL 34655
Whiskey Joe’s
Whiskey Joe’s is a chilled hangout with waterfront views, local seafood, live music and tropical cocktails at the Tiki Bar. We were lucky to spot dolphins as we were waiting for our food. Their cocktail list is huge and their Pina Colada was dangerously good!
7835 Bayview St, Port Richey, FL 34668
WHERE TO STAY
Springhill Suites Suncoast Parkway
Springhill Suites by Marriott is a brand new building with beautiful and modern suites. The rooms are very spacious with a divider between the work and sleeping area.
The hotel’s location by the motorway makes it great for road trips as it’s right in-between a lot of Sports Coast activities and only 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
CHECK OUT WHAT DO TO IN THE FOLLOWING NEARBY DESTINATIONS:
TAMPA
ST PETE’S/CLEARWATER.
