Sports Coast

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Things to do at Sports Coast

Redefine your idea of a typical Florida vacation on a trip to Florida's Sports Coast, just a 30-minute drive from Tampa’s International Airport. It is an outdoor lover’s paradise that offers great sporting activities, ecotourism and outdoor adventures as an alternative to the typical theme-park experience. The area boasts 20 miles of shoreline to the west, hilly terrain to the east and more than 100,000 acres of pristine wilderness to explore in between

Did You Know?

Interesting & useful facts

1.

Pasco county is a bird watching paradise so bring your binoculars

2.

You can create your own tall tales with an African style safari adventure at Giraffe Ranch.

3.

Bay scallops are hiding in the gulf's shallow water on blades of seagrass and during scallop season they’re yours for the taking!

News About Sports Coast

Craft Breweries Along Florida’s Sports Coast: A Guide to 5 Standout Spots

Florida’s Sports Coast is a craft beer lover’s paradise, full of unique breweries that offer everything from industrial vibes to cozy, family-friendly atmospheres. Here are five must-visit…

Scalloping on Florida's Sports Coast

Embark on an unforgettable scalloping adventure along Florida’s Sports Coast – Pasco County, where the Gulf of Mexico awaits you. This annual event promises excitement for both…

Travel Guide to Wesley Chapel, Florida

In the heart of Florida's picturesque landscape lies a hidden gem expecting you: Wesley Chapel. Nestled within the vibrant landscape of Pasco County, Wesley Chapel offers a…

 

Parks & Beaches

Get outside and enjoy what Florida’s Sports Coast has to offer – some of the best ways to explore Pasco County’s natural beauty is on foot, by bicycle or by kayak. Take your time as you navigate the waterways and trails, observe wildlife or enjoy a relaxing picnic under a moss-draped oak. The County is home to over 30 parks including: Anclote Key, Green Swamp West, J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park, SunWest Park and Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. Each park is unique and has something different to offer, from fresh fed springs to off-road bike paths.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park features more than 4,000 acres of pristine estuaries and coastal hardwood hammocks. Visitors can enjoy fishing and paddling the inlets and bayous that wander through the salt marsh.

Find your own island paradise by visiting Anclote Island Preserve State Park. Enjoy the blue-green Gulf waters that lap gently along the sandy beaches of the four islands that make up the park. You can even take your 4-legged friends on an exploration of the northern-most island, which the locals refer to as the Sandbar.

Water Activities

If you want to truly feel the Florida vibe, you have to get on the water. And with year-round warm weather it’s always a great day to get wet. Whether you want to relax on a beach, steer a kayak through a mangrove tunnel, dive in the clear waters and explore man-made reefs or get some air while cable wakeboarding, you can find the perfect water escape along Florida’s Sports Coast.

Outdoor Adventures

With our unbeatable outdoor adventures, you’ll find the perfect place to get out and play under the warm Florida sun along Florida’s Sports Coast. From extreme adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and cable wakeboarding to family-friendly outdoor excursions through nature preserves and soaring hot air balloon rides, there’s never a boring day on Florida’s Sports Coast.

Scalloping

Grab your mesh bags and snorkeling gear and embark on an underwater Easter egg hunt with your friends and family along Florida’s Sports Coast – Pasco County!
The  scalloping season typically spans around 40 days, from July  August 18th giving you plenty of  time to dive into adventure!  Bay scallops are hiding on blades of seagrass just under the gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico, and during scallop season they’re yours for the taking. Scour the shallow waters for your prizes, then head back to shore and cook up your tasty reward from your adventure in the gulf.

Family Traveller USA | Scalloping Season Returns to Florida's Sports Coast July 19-28

Fishing

Gear up for your next unforgettable fishing trip along Florida’s Sports Coast. Located right on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, we’re the perfect place to make your next angling adventure a home run. With key sport fish like red drum, spotted seatrout and common snook, our temperate coastal waters have been luring scores of fishermen for years.

Family Friendly Activities

Take a fun-filled timeout from reality with a family vacation to remember on Florida’s Sports Coast. Here, you and your family will find endless ways to create lasting family memories. Test your limits on an aerial obstacle course, hike through pristine nature preserves, meet exotic animals and even take a snow hill in an innertube all along Florida’s Sports Coast.

Golf

Find the best golf vacation for you with the wide-variety of courses along Florida’s Sports Coast. Home to some of the best courses in Florida—including those designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer—your golf getaway will be filled with rolling fairways, well-maintained greens and varying wilderness areas that make every round of golf both challenging and enjoyable.

 

Shopping

A well-known destination for shopping and antiquing, there’s no better place to tackle your next shopping spree than along Florida’s Sports Coast. We’re home to some of the finest shopping centers in the Southeastern United States, including Tampa Premium Outlets, The Grove at Wesley Chapel and the famous Shops at Wiregrass. And in downtown Dade City you’ll find a unique shopping experience where you can visit boutiques and antique shops.

Local Eats

Take a break between adventures and head to one of our many eclectic and award-winning restaurants. They serve up some of the best locally grown ingredients, like the sweet and tangy kumquat, fresh seafood and more.

Get On the Water Along Florida's Sports Coast

Dulcet Lounge of New Port Richey is known for an eclectic mix of dishes, fresh ingredients and an upscale atmosphere. Florida Trend Magazine says, “Full-on uptown dining for NPR is as sexy as any enjoyed by the urban crowd. Jazz, salsa and stand-up comedy, plus lollipop wings and bone marrow for starters, veal skirt steak and diver scallops for dinner. Grouper Wellington and duck and waffles or prime rib for brunch, some of it flocked with pistachio dust and cauliflower puree.”

Special Events

Florida’s Sports Coast is home to many types of special events such as: art festivals, county fair, parades, carnivals, seafood & music festivals, 5k races, cyclocross events, motorcycle festivals, Volkswagen meets, youth lacrosse tournaments, obstacle races and much more!

READ ABOUT THE TOP TEN THINGS TO DO