Authentic Florida: Stilt houses, natural beauty highlight Pasco County
Pasco County is home to many wonders. From sunsets to history, there’s plenty to discover in this beautiful Gulf Coast community located just north of Tampa.
Pasco County Stilt Houses & Three Water Adventures
Originally constructed as wooden fishing camps elevated over water on deep pilings, these historical stilt houses date back to the early 1900s. They are fascinating reminders of Florida’s past and are still being used by local families today.
You can view these nine surreal stilt houses situated off the shores of Pasco County, about 30 miles north of Tampa. Towering over clear, shallow water, with pelicans and cormorants perched along the railings while mullet jump, these structures provide a platform to enjoy the thriving marine life below.
When you visit Pasco County, on Florida’s “Nature Coast,” consider basing your stay in New Port Richey, the county’s western hub. From there you can embark on a weekend water tour that includes a sunset cruise, an island boating adventure; a river kayak trip; and finally, a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) excursion. With miles of coastline, you’ll discover plenty to see in this water lover’s paradise.
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A Sunset Cruise: Nine Iconic Stilt Houses
Before motorboats, fishermen would “pole out” (using long poles) to Pasco County’s fishing flats where fish were plentiful. Today, anglers still catch mullet, redfish, flounder, snook, cobia, blue crab and more. But during the early days, after a rigorous poling trek to the grassy flats, fishermen created resting places to prolong their trip known as stilt houses. “Squatters rights” determined the location, and as fishermen found the spot they liked, they built their lodge over the water. At one time, there were as many as 20 houses, but in 1968 Hurricane Gladys destroyed more than half. The Florida state legislature wanted to prohibit homes from being rebuilt. But Pasco County fought back, and the houses were “grandfathered in” allowing homeowners to rebuild.
The houses are remote. Water must be hauled in; while some have generators, others have no electricity at all.
One of the best ways to see the stilt houses is via a sunset cruise from Port Richey’s Gill Dawg Marina. Go with a planned tour, or rent your own pontoon boat. Once on the Gulf, you’ll see these rustic fishing lodges, and as the sun sets, the sky will transform into an amazing Technicolor pink-tangerine vista with the Pasco County stilt houses silhouetted against the sunset sky.
Island Adventure: Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Begin the next morning with a boat trip to Anclote Key Preserve State Park, one of Florida’s most stunning barrier islands, located off Pasco County’s southwest coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rent a pontoon boat (or take a chartered ferry) to an island the locals call the “sand bar,” a popular destination north of Anclote Key. Here you’ll join many boaters as they swim and snorkel in the clear shallow waters, picnic on the boat and visit with friends. Then cruise to the Gulf side of Anclote Key where you’ll be mesmerized by the pristine white sandy beaches, surrounded by aquamarine water under deep blue skies. If you are fascinated with shells, you’ll love the abundance of brightly-colored specimens that the island is known for. Hike to the Anclote Key’s historic 1887 lighthouse that frames a picture-perfect background. And you just might get lucky if a family of dolphins escort you on your return trip, surfing the boat wake while jumping in and out of the waves.
River Cruising on the “Cotee”
Pasco County’s Pithlachascotee River (locals call it the Cotee) is a scenic waterway that winds through New Port Richey. Many “old” Florida homes, including winter residences for several 1920s-era Hollywood legends line the river. Singer Johnny Cash later frequented the area, staying at his in-law’s river bungalow to fish and find solace.
Contact a local outfitter and meet up at Francis Avenue Park, east of Highway 19. The outfitter will bring kayaks and provide helpful tips and direction for the one-way journey. Glide with the tide down river for a leisurely two-hour paddle while admiring the Florida homes, the scenic shady river walk and beautiful birds. Your journey ends at the Gill Dawg Marina Tiki Bar & Grill, where you can deliver your kayak, then stroll over to the nearby docks for a delicious fresh seafood lunch overlooking the river.
SUP Werner Salt Springs State Park
Salt Springs State Park is mid-way along Pasco’s coastline. For a fun adventure, try a SUP ride through the inlets and bayous of the park’s salt marshes. Nearby Brasher Park is a good launching point where there is calm water and an easy paddle to the park. Your SUP outfitter will instruct you as to how to paddle, and you’ll easily acclimate to this fun sport giving you a fine view of the marine life below.
Once on the water, you’ll love this stunning coastal park, rimmed by mangroves with a plethora of birds and wildlife. You may spot a bald eagle in flight, an osprey catching its prey, dolphins and even manatees. Florida manatees are massive, yet harmless creatures with thick, leathery gray skin often found munching on sea grass. They occasionally surface for air, poking a small, whiskered snout out of the water.
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Drive Back in Time: Aripeka
Straddling the Pasco-Hernando County line is the community of Aripeka, named after a Seminole Indian chief. Going through the area is a drive through Florida’s past. Take Highway 19 to 595 (or Osowaw Blvd.), and meander these back roads for random glimpses of “old Florida.” Baseball legend Babe Ruth spent time fishing and hunting in the area, and you can’t help but love the tiny old homes and classic post office. Drive out to the local hangout, the Norfleet Fish Camp, near Hammock Creek. If you are hungry, head back south to the town of Hudson for a grouper sandwich at Get Hooked Grill Restaurant (adjacent to the Port Hudson Marina). Be sure to try Ms. Edna’s key lime pie while taking in a view of nearby wetlands.
JB Starkey Wilderness Park
East of New Port Richey is the JB Starkey Wilderness Park, 8,000 acres of Florida pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, marshes, sandhill and scrub. Now connected to the Suncoast Biking Trail, it dates back to 1937 when rancher Jay B. Starkey grazed his cattle. Today it is one of the largest undeveloped tracts in Pasco County. Twenty-seven miles of marked trails are available for biking, hiking and equestrian riding.
Key Vista Nature Park
In southwest Pasco County, the Key Vista Nature Park in the town of Holiday is a little gem worth visiting. Aptly named, it takes a short, 10-15 minute walk down a sandy trail shaded by pine trees where you’re likely to encounter a slow-moving gopher tortoise while admiring Florida’s purple berries and wildflowers along the path. The path concludes at the Gulf of Mexico where a climbing tower provides a spectacular birds-eye view. Nearby benches provide a little serenity to rest and enjoy the quiet. Afterward, stop by Miss Vicki’s on the River Bar & Grill for lunch (located near the Anclote Village Marina). Locals report the dry rub chicken wings are worth every bite.
Florida native Robin Draper is a columnist and owner of the award-winning 2015 “Blog of the Year” and “Best Travel Blog” and website, AuthenticFlorida.com, that features travel and lifestyle topics.