Pasco County's Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park Is Now Part of Florida's America 250 Road Trip Celebration

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Just west of the busy US-19 corridor in Port Richey sits one of Pasco County's most overlooked natural treasures — and the Florida Department of Transportation just made sure the rest of the country knows it exists. Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Pasco County is now part of 'Road Trip Florida,' the Florida Department of Transportation's celebration of America 250. FDOT placed a new historical marker at the park.

FDOT has placed markers at historical sites across the state of Florida, with at least one in each county — making Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park the official representative of Pasco County in this statewide America 250 celebration.

What the Marker Says 

The marker describes Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park as a serene preserve that showcases Florida's wild side. The park includes mangrove forests, winding waterways, and miles of untouched coastline.

What Makes This Park Special 

The park's remote feel offers a glimpse of Old Florida while being surrounded by one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. "Even though you're never a mile or two away from all this on 19, it just feels like you're way out in the wilderness," said local historian Herman, who recently wrote a book about the area called "The History of Seven Springs." "There's getting to be fewer and fewer places where you can do that. Pasco County is lucky because we've got Werner-Boyce."

What to Do There

The park is a destination for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching — home to gray foxes, gopher tortoises, alligators, West Indian manatees, and more than 150 species of birds. The salt springs themselves are remarkable — one of the park's springs has been mapped to 320 feet deep. The park is also a destination for kayaking and outdoor recreation. Free guidebooks for Road Trip Florida are available at state rest stops and welcome centers.

Plan Your Visit 

Werner-Boyce is about 30 minutes from Wesley Chapel — an easy day trip for families looking for an outdoor adventure that feels nothing like suburban Pasco County. Kayak rentals are available on-site through Salty Dog Kayak Rentals.

📍 Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park — 8737 US Hwy 19 N, Port Richey, FL 34668 

⏰ Open daily — check floridastateparks.org for hours and entry fees