Along the Gulf of Mexico awaits the Florida of yesteryear. Remove the throngs of tourists who flock to larger Florida destinations, and enjoy a quieter, original Florida where warm waters off of Anclote Island serve as a fishing hotspot and families can immerse themselves into the natural setting of palm trees and wildlife habitats in a destination rich in nature preserves and parks. Now, imagine this world is just 25 minutes from Tampa and its attractions and a daytrip from theme parks like Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. What you’ll find is a family-friendly, wallet-friendly, and relaxing getaway that makes Visit Pasco, Florida so special.
In fact, we have 5 good reasons you should visit Pasco County in 2018:
Wilderness Preserves
Get to know the Florida wildlife found in Visit Pasco at its plentiful state parks and wildlife preserves. The 403-acre Anclote Key Preserve State Park, accessible only by boat and ferry, is a true remote getaway where families can camp and explore, or you can canoe through the quiet mangrove-lined springs of Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. The 8,300-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is filled with 13 miles of nature trails, 10 miles of horseback riding trails, and more than 7 miles of paved trails, which connects to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail, just perfect for biking, skating and taking little ones out in strollers.
Outdoor Fun and Games
Besides the more than 30 parks and preserves that make up Visit Pasco, active families will love exploring attractions like Treehopers Aerial Adventure Park, the largest zip line adventure park in Central Florida where kids as young as 5 can fly through the forest. SunWest Park, which is built on 70-acres of land surrounding a spring-fed lake, provides on the water fun with an inflatable Aqua Park playground and cable-line wakeboarding.
Fresh South Florida Cuisine
The land of Visit Pasco is home to many of Central Florida’s agriculture farms, and families get to enjoy the spoils with many local restaurants offering farm-to-table menus. Try Kafe Kokopelli, located in a 100-year-old former Ford Motor Company factory in Dade City for a unique atmosphere paired with a seasonally changing menu. For an artisan menu from a scratch kitchen with craft brews, try Craft Street Kitchen in Trinity, and be sure to enjoy casual waterfront dining at Gill Dawg in Port Richey, which features live music and fresh seafood.
Abundant Accommodations
Families visiting Pasco will find a new, sleek and inviting Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, adjacent to the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Suncoast Parkway. There are also a number of accommodations providing home-like stays perfect for larger families, including Comfort Inn, Quality Inn and Suites and Fairfield Inn and Suites. Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel features up to two-bedroom suites with kitchens and living space, kids’ programs, pools and world-class golf and tennis. Rentals can also be found on Gulf Island Beach and Tennis Club, overlooking the Gulf from Hudson, Florida. The area is also home to numerous campgrounds and RV camps, as well.
Upscale Shopping
While the wildlife and natural areas abound, Visit Pasco also offers upscale shopping, such as the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, which is an outdoor mall with an array of dining and entertainment options the entire family can enjoy. Pasco is also home to the Tampa Premium Outlets, where brand names at discounted prices are available at every turn.
Discover more about Pasco County’s offerings for your next vacation at Visit Pasco, Florida.