Citrus County is part of Florida's Nature Coast, and that truly comes to life when looking for things to do 'off the beaten path' whether with the entire family or a couple's adventure.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Citrus County. And since it’s part of the Florida Nature Coast, it is loaded with numerous parks and campgrounds.
Top 5 Things To Do In Citrus County, Florida
1. Swim with (or just watch) manatees
2. Salt or fresh water fishing
3. Explore the many springs (picnic, hike, canoe or kayak, scuba or snorkel)
4. Have fun shopping for antiques and collectibles
5. Discover History from 500 B.C. to the Present at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
More about each:
1. See and swim with manatees in Florida
Manatees: if you’ve ever wanted to see these fascinating shy creatures (also called “sea cows”, and actually related to the elephant) the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge could be your best bet, from November to March each year. You can even get in the water and swim with the manatees. You can book a guided manatee snorkel tour through many commercial dive shops in the town of Crystal River. The Web site of the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge lists tour operators who’ll take you see manatees, snorkel with manatees, etc. Also listed are boat rentals, diving instruction, and other activities.
Note: if you rent a boat on your own, be very careful not to disturb the manatees! Read more at the Friends of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge site. Also, be sure to read tips at Save the Manatees.
Captive manatees, meanwhile, can be seen year round at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, 7 miles south of Crystal River on Highway 19.
4150 S. Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, Florida 34446
(352) 628-5343
2. Salt or freshwater fishing:
Best fishing spots in Citrus County
Top three saltwater fishing spots in Citrus County
3. Explore the many springs (picnic, hike, canoe or kayak, scuba or snorkel, birding, wildlife viewing):
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Great Florida Birding Trail, Citrus County Section
4. Have fun shopping for antiques and collectibles:
Antique Stores in Citrus County Florida
Citrus County, FL Antiques and Collectibles
more places to shop for antiques in Citrus County Florida
5. Crystal River Archaeological State Park-
Crystal River Archaeological & C.R. Preserve State Parks,Yulee Historical Ruins is one of my favorite places to visit. The history of this place is amazing, and you won't believe the cool museum pieces they have there. The most fun we had was a chilly full moon evening at "Moon over the Mounds" with an awesome guided tour.
3400 N. Museum Point
Crystal River, Florida 34428
(352) 795-3817
A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden. The six-mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years the site served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans. People traveled to the complex from great distances to bury their dead and conduct trade. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year. Although primarily an archaeological site, the park sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh. Anglers may catch saltwater and freshwater fish. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers bird-watchers the chance to observe a variety of birds.
Events at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
date: February 22, 2013
MOON OVER THE MOUNDS
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
date: March 22, 2013
MOON OVER THE MOUNDS
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
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