Best Places To Take Family Photos in New Port Richey, Florida
While it may not get mentioned often in the same breath as Clearwater Beach or Tampa, New Port Richey does have some great options for family photography. And one of those reasons is exactly why. The parks are less crowded, there is free parking and the light by the Pithlachascotee River is better than many places in Pinellas. These are the two main spots I take families to. Both are public parks, free and do not require a permit.
Sims Park
For families living in New Port Richey, Sims Park is my default location for photo shoots. I have taken more photos of families at Sims Park than at any place in Pasco County. This park is located along the waterway (the Pithlachascotee River) right in downtown New Port Richey. There are live oak trees covered with Spanish Moss, a boardwalk along the waterfront, an open field, a pier/dock, a gazebo and the historic Hacienda Hotel building – built in the 1920's and constructed out of white stucco and red tile -- all within walking distance of one another. At Sims Park you can easily capture four or five different images during one session, without ever leaving the park. That really helps when working with young children who tend to lose interest quickly and need to keep moving. The playground area allows young children to play while giving older children and adults a chance to relax and recharge from being photographed. The pier and gazebo offer excellent clean waterfront backgrounds. The trees provide soft filtered shade that does not require any additional lighting equipment on my part.
Best Times: Early morning hours or the hour just prior to sunset. The mid-day sun is too harsh and flat to fight. Summer months: the evening hours typically range between 7 pm – 8 pm; winter months: typically 5 pm – 6 pm.
Free Parking: The free parking lot is located near the Sims Lane entrance. However, this lot can fill up quickly on weekends. Plan on arriving 10–15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Also note that the first Saturday of every month a Street Market takes over downtown New Port Richey, so it would best to avoid that particular morning.
What You Need to Know: As a public park, you should expect people to be walking around while taking pictures. While it rarely becomes a problem, having some type of background activity adds a more organic and less posed feeling to your photos.
Frances Avenue Park
This park is where I recommend families visit if they want plenty of space. Frances Avenue offers everything Sims Park has – waterfront views, large trees providing shade, ample open space – however with very few visitors compared to Sims. Many times on weekdays, especially after school has let out, I have shot alone at this park. Because the canopy is thicker at Frances Avenue Park, there is generally more shaded areas allowing us to take advantage of longer windows of opportunity for shooting regardless of whether we choose to capture photos during the golden hour. Additionally, since there is no splash pad at Frances Avenue, your children will remain dry and you will save yourself the hassle of dealing with wet clothing/shoes.
When to Go: Similar guidelines apply as at Sims Park. Early morning hours or late afternoon/evening hours allow for optimal opportunities to photograph. Since Frances Avenue has more tree cover and larger shadows, you also have more flexibility with your timing during the middle portion of the day.
Free Parking: As always, this park offers free parking and generally remains empty.
What I look for in a location
Both parks work because they give me options without logistical overhead. Free parking, no permits, walkable variety, and enough shade to work with kids who aren't going to stand still and wait for the light to cooperate.
If neither of these fits what you're imagining — more open space, a wilder natural look, something different — Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park are worth knowing about. I can talk through what makes sense before we book anything.
Ready to book?
I'm based in New Port Richey and shoot throughout Pasco County and North Pinellas. If you want to talk through locations before committing to a date, that's part of the process.
Related: Family Photography at Sims Park — a closer look at my go-to location