See Citrus County
Discover why this beautiful area an hour north of Tampa is nicknamed Florida’s Nature Coast.
WHY I LOVE IT
From Homosassa Springs to Kings Bay, the communities of Citrus County are filled with hundreds of natural waterways. My family heads to the water every chance we get, from renting a boat to cruise the Homosassa River to basking in the sun at Fort Island Beach.
BIRDING IN PARADISE
Whether you’re paddling down the Withlacoochee River by canoe, hiking the Chassahowitzka River Trail or driving along state Route 44, you’ll find a diverse range of bird-watching options to suit every preference. Citrus County has 21 sites that are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail ( floridabirdingtrail.com), a network of hundreds of top-notch birding sites across the state. (Check the website for closures before you visit.) A few favorites include Crystal River Preserve State Park, to see water birds like spotted sandpipers, clapper rails and least bitterns, and Fort Island Gulf Beach, where bald eagles and northern harriers soar in winter.
DIVE RIGHT IN
If you visit Citrus County in winter, strap on your snorkeling gear and join a manatee tour for your chance to come face-toface with one of these gentle creatures. From November through March, manatees flock to the warm springs of Citrus County to take shelter during winter. This area is the only place in the country where you can legally (and respectfully) paddle and float alongside this threatened species.
ESSENTIALS
EAT Fresh fish from the Wild Sassa seafood truck in Homosassa
STAY Plantation on Crystal River hotel (ecofriendly) in Crystal River
PLAY Kayak through Chassahowitzka River