March Nights by Moonlight
- Rachel
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Nature Coast glows in ways you have to see to believe. Enjoy these scenic nights hiking moonlit trails, kayaking along shimmering waters, and dining dockside under the Full Moon.
a Little Moonlight Goes a Long Way
Throughout history the arrival of the full moon has encouraged people to gather outdoors, celebrating traditions and making the most of the bright moonlight. For us, it's the best time to slow down and recharge.
Many people don't realize that the full moon is not just a one-and-done event! The nights leading up to it are often just as beautiful, and bright moonlight tends to linger for a day or two after. With this window of opportunity, we always find a way to get outside and make the most of the Nature Coast after dark: hiking, kayaking, fishing, and maybe a little dancing in the moonlight.
Here are some of our favorite ways to make the most of the Full Moon across Citrus County.
Full Moon Over the Mounds in Crystal River
I first experienced the Moon Over the Mounds tour at Crystal River Archaeological State Park back in 2023 and it remains one of my most memorable evenings under the Full Moon. The winter air was that perfect balance of cool but comfortable, just chilly enough to throw on a long sleeve shirt and grab a cup of hot cocoa.
As we walked through the park, tiki torches lit the pathways and cast a warm amber glow across the massive oak trees draped in spanish moss. Our informative guide walked us around to the different ceremonial and burial sites, while the moonlight started to rise and shine through the tree line.
When we reached the largest mound, a wooden staircase leads to the top for a sweeping view of the full moon shining over Crystal River. Standing there and looking out across the water at this moonlit landscape is something that stays with you long after the night ends. This has become an incredibly popular activity over the years and fills up quickly, so planning ahead is the best way to make sure you do not miss it. Learn more at: Friends of Crystal River State Parks
Full Moon Kayaking on the Chassahowitzka River
My Full Moon experience in 2024 was an unexpected kickstart to becoming a guide at Nature Coast Eco Tours. I signed up to kayak with Jodi after she posted an unforgettable photo of the full moon glowing over the Chassahowitzka River. We departed an hour before the sunset during the pastel colored transition between the golden hour and twilight. There was no boat traffic, no paddlers, and Seven Sister Springs was a ghost town. Just our small group of 6 and the calm waters of the Chaz.
Paddling down river, nature felt more alive then I could have ever imagined. There was so much wildlife to see along the way: otter, night herons, turtles, and even a manatee. We quickly reached a wide open bay, where panoramic views of a colorful sunset surrounded us. After the sun dipped behind the horizon, the light of the moon started to glow through the palm trees. Floating peacefully, we watched as the full moon got bigger and brighter, rising into the sky over this totally wild and primitive landscape.
The moonlight danced across the water, and at times it felt like it was pulling us along as we kayaked through its shimmer. With very little light pollution, the stars and planets were incredibly easy to see with the naked eye. Drifting down the river, looking up at the stars, I kept thinking about the native tribes who once paddled beneath this same night sky. Every so often, a barred owl broke the calm silence with its unmistakable "who cooks for you" call, a small reminder of how lucky we are to have access to this incredible wildlife refuge. Places like this don't exist much anymore, but that Old Florida feeling stays strong on the Chassahowitzka River.
Full Moon paddles take place every month. 2026 happens to have 13 Full Moons and is known as a Blue Moon year. Learn more about moonlight kayaking at: www.naturecoastecotours.com/full-moon-kayaking
Trails and Shorelines under the Full Moon
Not every full moon adventure has to involve a guided tour or group activity. Sometimes the simplest and most accessible way to enjoy the moonlight is by taking a casual stroll.
At Fort Island Trail Beach, you get the best of both worlds. Watch as the sun sets over the Gulf, then turn to the eastern sky to see the full moon rise over Crystal River. Take a walk on the sandy beach, explore the tidal pools, or fish off the dock.
Inverness offers gently lit walking areas throughout the city, including the boardwalks and paved paths at Wallace Brooks Park. This is a great place to wander in the moonlight, surrounded by scenic Lake Henderson.
In Yankeetown, you can really go off the grid at Bird Creek Beach. Leave before sunset and take a breathtaking drive down Follow That Dream Parkway. If you want to see the Full Moon and some wildlife (without a lot of work) this is the spot. Be on the lookout for Dolphins, Osprey, Roseate Spoonbills, and more!
Special and Rare Moments to Plan For
March 2026 brings a total lunar eclipse just before sunrise. During an eclipse, the full moon can take on a deep reddish color as it passes through Earths shadow. This is why they often call it a Blood Moon. Because the moon will be so low in the sky, our local beaches will offer some of the best chances to get a clear view of the lunar eclipse. Local viewing window will be between 6-6:30am here in Crystal River, Florida.
Everyone talks about watching the full moon rise, but watching it set over the Gulf is an amazing experience too. Fort Island Trail Beach and Bird Creek Beach are two of the best local spots to catch this scenic moment when the moon goes down, and the sun comes up. It's well worth the early start.
If you want to time things just right, apps like Daff Moon make it easy to track exactly when and where the moon will rise and set in your area.
Dining and Dancing in the Moonlight
Eating dockside takes on a whole new vibe under a full moon, with good local food, live music, and waterfront views all coming together for a perfect night. There are lots of places to choose from in Citrus County, but these are the ones we frequent the most:
Homosassa Springs
Crystal River
Inverness
Yankeetown
Learn More About the Full Moon
Most years have 12 full moons, but 2026 is a rare “blue moon” year: it will have 13 full moons, including 3 Super Moons! Curious about when to catch them all? Check out our latest blog: 13 Full Moons to Watch in 2026.
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