If you’re trying to pick a place for family photos in New Port Richey, here’s the cheat code:
You don’t need the “most popular” spot. You need a place with good light, simple backgrounds, and room for your kids to move.
Here are 8 named locations in and around New Port Richey that consistently work great for family photos.
1) Sims Park
Sims Park is the go-to downtown spot, and the one I use more than any other in Pasco County. It sits right along the Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey, with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a waterfront boardwalk, an open field, a pier, a gazebo, and the historic 1920s Hacienda Hotel building, all within walking distance of each other. You can get four or five distinct looks without ever leaving the park, which matters when you’re working with kids who lose interest fast. The playground gives younger kids somewhere to burn off energy while older kids and parents get a break from the camera. The pier and gazebo are clean waterfront backgrounds, and the tree cover gives soft, filtered shade without needing extra lighting.
Best times: early morning or the hour before sunset. Midday sun here is too harsh. Summer evenings run roughly 7–8pm; winter, 5–6pm.
Parking: free, near the Sims Lane entrance, but it fills up on weekends — arrive 10–15 minutes early. Skip the first Saturday of the month if you can; that’s when the downtown Street Market takes over.
Best for: families who want an easy location with a lot of move-and-shoot variety.
2) Frances Avenue Park
Frances Avenue Park, at 5580 Frances Avenue, is where I shoot with families who want space and fewer people around. It has everything Sims Park has including water views, big shade trees, open grass with practically no foot traffic. On weekday afternoons after schools let out, I’ve shot here completely alone not a sole to be seen. The tree cover is thicker too, which buys you more flexible timing outside golden hour. No splash pad here, so no wet kids, no wet shoes.
Best times to shoot: Early morning or late afternoon into evening, same as Sims Park or anywhere else in Florida if you’re trying to shoot in Golden Hour time. The heavier shade gives you a little more flexibility through the middle of the day if you need it.
Parking: free, and the lot is never full.
Best for: toddlers, shy kids, and families who want a clean, uncluttered background.
3) Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
If you want that water, boardwalk, open sky looks, this is the choice. Pasco County’s listing includes features like a beach/swim area, observation deck, and outdoor shower.
Best for: bright, airy images and sunset sessions.
4) Robert Crown Wilderness Area
This is more “wild Florida”, wetlands, birds, and paddling vibes. It’s described as protected, undeveloped land west of New Port Richey.
Best for: families who want nature images and a more untamed look.
5) Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
If you love trails and that “Florida woods” feel, Starkey is a great pick. The official listing shows it at 10500 Wilderness Park Boulevard in New Port Richey.
Best for: older kids, families who like to walk, and anyone who wants a true outdoor feel.
6) Key Vista Nature Park
Just south of New Port Richey (Holiday area), this spot is excellent for a mix of nature trails + boardwalk. Best for: families who want greenery + a little “coastal nature” variety.
7) Anclote River Park
Another nearby Holiday option that’s popular for that “coastal park” look. Pasco County lists the address at 1119 Baillies Bluff Road.
Best for: families who want water nearby and a more open, coastal feel.
8) Anclote Gulf Park
Great variety in one place: Pasco County notes features like a fishing pier, boardwalk connection to Key Vista Park, playground, and restrooms (again—verify before you go in case of changes).
Best for: families who want a lot of looks in one stop without it feeling complicated.