Spring water, marshes and traces of past ways of life give Citrus a multifaceted character. St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve encompasses wetlands, coastal marshes and tidal creeks. Five seagrass species grow in its waters: Shoal Grass, Manatee Grass, Turtle Grass, Widgeon Grass and Star Grass. Recreational opportunities are also tied to the landscape: the Preserve promotes stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and snorkeling as low-impact activities.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge protects West Indian manatees and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Large areas of the refuge are accessible to visitors only by water; check current access conditions before your trip. Three Sisters Springs offers a different natural setting: a spring run more than 3,200 feet long flows from there into Kings Bay. The site also spans 57 acres and has more than two miles of trails.
Trails through diverse landscapes
At Crystal River Preserve State Park, the landscape shifts between scrubland, pine and hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. The expansive area covers more than 27,500 acres. Hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and birdwatching are offered year-round. A seven-mile trail passes through pine flatwoods, basin and tidal marshes, wet hardwood stands and swamp areas. This brings together activities in and on the water with trails that cross different habitats.
You can also experience nature in different ways at other locations. At Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, an underwater observatory offers a view of fish and manatees beneath the spring’s surface. A 1.1-mile paved trail and an elevated boardwalk lead around Homosassa Spring. Fort Cooper State Park has nearly five miles of self-guided trails for bird and wildlife viewing; fishing is available at Lake Holathlikaha. The Seminole Heritage Trail is a 1.5-mile loop. Four interpretive panels explain Seminole history and the challenges the Seminole people have faced.
Withlacoochee State Trail offers a different focus: this 47-mile paved rail-trail is suitable for cycling, running, walking and skating. By comparison, the trails at Fort Cooper and the routes through Preserve State Park are described as shorter and pass through specific named natural areas. Your choice of route therefore also depends on whether you would rather explore a longer rail-trail or trails centered on landscapes and nature.
Local archaeology and history
At the Crystal River Archaeological State Park museum, you can see artifacts from the archaeological site and learn about the way of life of ancient coastal residents. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Check opening hours before your visit. At Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, the remains of a steam-powered mill that processed sugarcane into syrup, molasses and rum bear witness to the past. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum offers another window into the past: three exhibits cover 12,000 years of Citrus County and Florida history. Admission is free; the museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check opening hours before you arrive. Frazier/Williams Cemetery, also called Floral City Community Cemetery, also holds a place in the region’s historical memory: it is a stop on the Black History Trail.
Festivals and local themes
The Citrus County Fair showcases agriculture, horticulture, livestock, 4-H, FFA and visual arts. Individual exhibits may vary from year to year. The Florida Manatee Festival takes place annually in January over two days in Crystal River. The program includes manatee tours, music, food vendors and local crafts; check event dates before your trip.
The Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival features edible arts and crafts and local seafood. The festival also includes a tour of the Homosassa History & Heritage Center; program details may change. The Floral City Strawberry Festival highlights local agriculture, with fresh strawberry shortcakes and strawberries for sale to festival visitors. Its dates and details may also change. Floral City Heritage Days aims to preserve and expand knowledge of the history and prehistory of Citrus County, Florida and the surrounding areas.
Then search for hotels in Citrus and check the location of specific options against the places you plan to visit. This lets you choose a base that suits your plans without assuming a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Inverness, Crystal River, Lecanto, Homosassa, Hernando, Floral City, Okaloosa, Jefferson County.
For the broader travel overview: Florida.
