Connect with Nature off the Beaten Path! Discover and Explore the Real Side of Florida Many Don't See!
Discover the Nature Coast and Explore Citrus County
The Nature Coast is full of wildlife preserves and off the beaten path hiking trails. This map connects you with our favorite spots to wander.
Exploring
Looking for unique Florida adventures that you won't find anywhere else? Check out
our favorite local spots and must see attractions.
Lodging
Citrus County has a variety of awesome locations to rest your head. Skip the chain hotels and stay with a locally owned and operated business!
Our Local Favorites and Must See Attractions
Citrus County is a place where nature, history, and vibrant communities come together in ways you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, exploring historic sites, enjoying fresh seafood, or supporting small businesses, there’s always something new to discover. The Nature Coast is full of hidden gems and one-of-a-kind Florida attractions just waiting to be explored. We’re sharing our favorite local spots and must-see places so you can make the most of your visit.
Step back in time and learn about the rich Native American history of the Nature Coast. Pay a $3 parking fee to enjoy the on-site museum, filled with artifacts and knowledgeable guides ready to share the stories of the Indigenous cultures that thrived along the Crystal River. Wander the paved walking trails under ancient oak trees as you discover the different ceremonial mounds marked with informative plaques. Take the wooden staircase to the top of Temple Mound A for sweeping views of the Crystal River. This location is our favorite because it also offers easy access to many nearby trails in the Crystal River Wildlife Preserve.
From childhood memories to today, this park remains our favorite place to see native Florida wildlife up close. Open since the 1900s, visitors once arrived by train to marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Homosassa Springs. Today, park at the visitor center on HWY 19 and choose your ride to the main park: cruise down Pepper Creek on a pontoon boat or take a tram through scenic wooded trails. Explore a network of boardwalks that showcase the diverse species of the Nature Coast: panthers, otters, flamingos, alligators, and much more. Don’t miss the amazing Fish Bowl underwater observatory, where you can get a front-row seat to manatees and other marine life hanging out.
If you want a truly unique experience that represents the Florida we grew up in, look no further! This aquarium is equal parts education, interaction, and entertainment. Get an up-close look at a diverse variety of marine life through educational exhibits and touch tanks. Stingrays, Sharks, Horseshoe Crabs, and more! Discover the unforgettable mermaid shows, inspired by the historic Weeki Wachee tradition. This hidden gem is one of those spots you can't miss when you are visiting Citrus County. It's the perfect place for anyone wanting a glimpse at the underwater world of the Nature Coast.
Get Off the Beaten Path and Into Nature
Our Favorite Hiking Spot:
7 Mile Loop Trail
Know Before You Go: There are many trails to hike within 20,000 acre nature preserve. Discover a variety of scenic landscapes all in one place: hardwood forests, salt marsh, palm hammocks, & mangroves.
Located at:
1001 SE Old Rock Rd, Yankeetown, Florida
Our Favorite Hiking Spot:
Oak Hammock Trail
Know Before You Go: There are about 3 miles of trails to explore through pine forest and salt marsh habitats. The wooden observation tower provides panoramic views of the Gulf Coast wetlands.
Located at:
6112 S Mason Creek Road, Homosassa, Florida
Our Favorite Hiking Spot:
Lastinger Tower Trail
Know Before You Go: This trail system is easy & well marked. The observation tower is just a short walk from the parking lot and offers scenic views of the serene backwaters of Homosassa.