Port Richey’s waterfront district is located along the Gulf of Mexico both north and south of the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River. It isn’t well marked and doesn’t look like much from U.S. 19, but it houses some really nice businesses owned by determined entrepreneurs that are improving the area with help from the City of Port Richey.

On the north side of the Cotee River, there are several restaurants, boat rental, boat tours, and watering holes right on the Gulf. On the south side, similar businesses can be found – again, right on the Gulf, but it takes a little more work to find them.

The Bayou Business Association was a group of dedicated waterfront district business owners who work together to put on events and solve problems such as limited parking and visibility to help residents and visitors get out and “catch a coastal state of mind.”

The Waterfront Bayou Business District

The City of Port Richey is the largest commercial port in the county. The Bayou Business District is in the heart of the City on the waterfront along the Cotee River and Miller’s Bayou. There are many private residences within the business district which provides a good mixture of land use. Also within the district are natural public green spaces, fishing piers, and a boat ramp.

Off into the Gulf are the famous stilt houses and Anclote island, as well as several smaller islands that are fun to visit by canoe, kayak, SUP, or powerboat. Rental locations and tour operators are available on both sides of the Cotee River. There is a nice pier for fishing and a boat ramp at the park.

It’s a casual, waterfront place right smack off busy, noisy U.S. 19. Seafood, craft beer, wings, music, and fun are all in abundance here.