Lying on the Gulf Coast, near the southern tip of the Big Bend, is the quaint fishing town of Homosassa. This charming Floridian town is in Citrus County and is a great destination for soaking in the scenic beauty. Travelers can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities when in Homosassa and visit several State Parks such as Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill State Park. The best months to visit the town are March, April, and November. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stay at Airbnb vacation rentals or riverfront resorts such as Homosassa Riverside Resort, Seagrass Waterfront Resort, and MacRae’s of Homosassa. This scenic town is also famed for its seafood so make sure you dig into some delicious shrimps when visiting! Walk down the town and explore the operational port in the Gulf of Mexico and stop by at a tiki bar to sip on some cocktails. If you’re visiting Homosassa in November try to attend the annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival which attracts plenty of tourists. Here’s a look at some fun things to do in Homosassa, Florida.
1. Get close to manatees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
When in this lively town you must stop by the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which has a floating underwater observatory. The State Park is home to sea cows or manatees which are endangered mammals. This top attraction in Homosassa attends to injured and orphaned manatees helping in their rehabilitation. You can get close to these majestic creatures that are present in the park. The floating observatory allows you to walk underwater and watch different kinds of marine creatures, including manatees. You can also espy animals in their natural habitat such as black bears, red wolves, and bobcats.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Address: 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
2. Check out Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial
For a reflective thing to do in Homosassa this weekend, visit Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial, which as the name suggests is dedicated to war veterans. The memorial is flanked by two statues of soldiers and the American flag. A plaque mentions the names of veterans honored with the Purple Heart award for their extraordinary sacrifices. You can stop by this peaceful place to pay tribute to the brave hearts in this somber spot. It is quite a small memorial so make sure you don’t drive past and miss it!
Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial
Address: Yulee Dr (Across From Homosassa Elementray School), Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial
3. Take an airboat ride with River Safaris
Get the best airboat services with River Safaris, which is one of the best experiences if you don’t know what to do in Homosassa, Florida. These airboats take you all the way to places that riverboats can’t reach and let you glimpse the serene natural surroundings on the Homosassa River. You can espy the backwaters and estuaries, mangrove-covered islands, and Indian shell mounds. If you get lucky vou might even spot a dolphin or two! You can choose from a number of safaris with the most popular ones being the Spectacular Scenic Safari, St. Martins Grand Dolphin SMO, Dolphin Ride and Quest, and The Safari Sunset Airboat Tour. The safaris are between an hour or two hours, depending on which one you take, and start at USD 38.
River Safaris
Address: 10823 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Florida 34448
Website: River Safaris
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm (daily)
Price: From 38 USD
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4. Catch redfish in Crystal River
Crystal River is a beautiful body of water and a wonderful place tourists can visit when in town. Catch the sunset on the crystal clear waters of the river - which gives it its name. The sun’s rays gleam resplendently and when they fall on a shoal of fish it’s a magical sight. You can also spot many manatees in this river. Another fun activity which people come here for is fishing as the river is home to redfish. If you are in Homosassa, do not leave without catching a few redfish!
5. Enjoy seafood at Riverside Crab House
Enjoy the delicious local seafood with friends and family at Riverside Crab House. This eatery overlooks the river and is known for its scrumptious seafood. You can even espy the Monkey Islands from here! They have some delicious seafood buckets and offer snow crab and Dungeness crab. The clam chowder and homemade chips are also popular with locals and travelers alike. The eatery also has a variety of lip-smacking appetizers and drinks. Drop by with your friends and family to enjoy a meal and if seafood is not your cup of tea, you can always grab a drink from the bar!
Riverside Crab House
Address: 5297 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34448
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 9pm; Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat - Sun: 8am – 10pm
6. Take your toddler to PediAquatics Swim School
Let your toddlers enjoy swimming under the expert guidance of PediAquatics Swim School. The lessons are designed in a way that helps in the maximum adaptation of techniques by babies and toddlers. The idea is to imbibe survival swim lessons. Here, children are provided basic training. Initially, the lessons last for only 10 minutes. Also, each month, two Fridays are dedicated to the kids’ parents so that they can work and learn together with them. Children as young as six months can be enrolled for the lessons!
PediAquatics Swim School
Address: 2211 S Whitehurst Ave, Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: PediAquatics Swim School
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 7:30pm (closed Sat & Sun)
7. Listen to live music at High Octane Saloon
Want to relish some good dishes, enjoy a drink, listen to live music, and do some shopping all at once? Well, if your answer is yes we know just the place for you - High Octane Saloon! This popular nightclub in Homosassa is frequented by tourists who want to dig into delicious American grill fare. The nightclub has a eclectic decor and adding to the quirk factor is that the beer tap has been crafted from the motor of an authentic Harley Davidson bike. The walls even have the Harley Davidson’s mounted! You can catch live music at the back bar courtesy local musicians. The place even has a DJ who belts out the latest tunes.
High Octane Saloon
Address: 1590 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: High Octane Saloon
Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 2am; Mon: 6pm – 1am
8. Discover the wild side of Florida at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Discover the wilderness of Florida at Ellie Schiller Homosassa State Park when in Homosassa. It is known for its vast fauna and flora and has varied species of birds, fishes, plants, and animals. You can spot black bears, hippopotamus, alligators, snappers, large jacks, and more at the state park. There are a number of fun outdoor activities you can indulge in when here. Go trekking or bird-watching as you rejuvenate your senses in the lush green surroundings. You can also take boat tours at this majestic state park.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Address: 9350 W Fishbowl Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, United States
Website: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)
9. Visit the ruins of Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
If you like antiques and history, do not miss out on the ruins of Yulee Sugar Mills Historic State Park. The state park belonged to Davy Levy Yulee who served as a member of the Territorial Legislative Council. The ruins of the erstwhile sugar plantation spreads over 5,100 acres (2,064 hectares). Its notable features were the 40 foot (12.2 meters) tall limestone chimneys, a cane press, and iron gears. The mill was a prominent source of sugar products during the civil war to the Southern troops.
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
Address: Co Rd 490, Homosassa, FL 34448
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Browse through some interesting antiques at Comanche Moon Curios
What better place than Comanche Moon Curious to check out some intriguing antiques? This gallery has an entire building dedicated to the brilliant antique collection of Homosassa. From vintage car miniatures to rustic furniture, they have it all! The wide variety of antique collection makes it a popular tourist haunt. Don’t miss checking out the vintage Coca Cola memorabilia or antique fire alarms on display when here.
Comanche Moon Curios
Address:1821 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: Comanche Moon Curios
Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 6pm (closed on Mon)
11. Go on a scalloping tour with friends
If you are in Homosassa in July or September head to the Crystal River for a scalloping tour with Air Tank Divers Scalloping Tour. They make sure that everybody who comes to them experiences scalloping in the best way possible. Also, they provide you with diving equipment including fins, a catch bag, snorkel, and a fishing license. They make sure your tour is hassle-free. Get to spend your time with your loved ones while collecting scallops. This tour can take between six to seven hours and groups of up to six people can take this tour.
Air Tank Divers
Address: 9027 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Air Tank Divers
12. Pet alpacas at Alpaca Magic
Are you an animal lover? If so, do not miss out on the chance to get up-close to the most friendly and jolly animal - the Alpaca. The Suri alpacas in Alpaca Magic has an unusual kind of fiber, which makes them stand out from other camelid families such as guanaco, llamas, Huacaya, vicuna, and camels. You can visit Alpaca Magic and spend some time playing with these cute animals. If you are in Homosassa with kids then Magic Alpaca is a must-visit!
Alpaca Magic
Address: 4920 W Grover Cleveland Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Alpaca Magic
Opening hours: 10am – 2pm (daily)
13. Enjoy shopping at Homosassa Square
If you are looking for a one-stop shopping destination then head to Homosassa Square. It is the perfect spot to get everything you want. The place is privately owned and is a major shopping destination for people living in Homosassa and nearby. It is known to be a value-oriented shopping center with amazing services. They provide all major kinds of things for your day-to-day use. You can pick up gifts for friends and family back home from here.
Homosassa Square
Address: 4500 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Homosassa Square
14. Get a massage at Ideal Health Enrichment Center
What is a vacation without a spa? If you’re in Homosassa do take a day off and go to Ideal Health Enrichment Center to relax and spend some quality time treating yourself. The center has a group of well-trained therapists who cater to the needs of the customer and recommend what’s best for them. Also, they provide the best-customized massage for you as they believe that the client knows what’s best for themselves.
Ideal Health Enrichment Center
Address: 5494 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Ideal Health Enrichment Center
Opening hours: Mon – Tue: 9am – 5:30pm; Wed – Fri: 9am – 7pm; Sat: 9am – 4pm (closed on Sun)
15. Go for a relaxing stroll along Crystal River
One simply can’t come to Homosassa and not see the intriguing Crystal River. It is a coastal river known for its natural springs and amazing wildlife. The river is also known to be the home of the playful manatees. It is the center of some incredible water activities such as kayaking, boating, sunbathing and more. You can also canoes around the river and watch the playful manatees.
16. Try Cuban food at Museum Cafe
Do not miss out on the best Cuban food in Homosassa at Museum Cafe. This cafe is well-known for its amazing Cuban dishes such as Cuban sandwiches, guava pastries, yellow rice, and other popular delicacies. As the name suggests, the cafe is heavily museum-inspired and has a lot of antique artwork. The cafe has hospitable staff and you can relish some tasty Cuban specialties here.
Museum Cafe
Address: 10466 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: Museum Cafe
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm; Sat: 10am – 4pm (closed on Sun)
17. Enjoy snorkeling in Homosassa River
What can be more fun than snorkeling in the Homosassa River with manatees and other water animals? We’re sure that it can’t get any better! Go scuba diving with our trained professionals so that you get the best underwater experience. The joy of swimming with manatees and dolphins is priceless. Also, you get the chance to touch them and enjoy a day getting up-close to these playful marine mammals.
18. Tee off at Southern Woods Golf Club
Enjoy a warm day in Florida by teeing off in the golf course of Southern Woods Golf Club. You can spend the day with your family or friends amid nature doing activities like swimming, playing, gymming or just holidaying. The golf club also has some amazing dining facilities. Apart from that, they have special arrangements for kids which include a play area, a small-size pool, three-sided racquetball, and handball courts. This amazing place cannot slip out of your bucket list.
Southern Woods Golf Club
Address: 1501 Corkwood Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Website: Southern Woods Golf Club
Opening hours: 6:30am – 7pm (daily)
19. Have a few drinks at Jim's Club 19
Grab a few drinks in Jim’s Club 19 with a bunch of friends when in Homosassa. The club is undoubtedly the coolest place in the city with a large number of people visiting every day. It has a number of refreshing cocktails and also has live music so you can unwind here after a long tiring day. If you are here on a Thursday don’t forget to sing your favorite song as it is karaoke night.
Jim's Club 19
Address: 3383 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Website: Jim’s Club 19
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 2am; Sun: 1pm – 12am
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in Homosassa
Homosassa is a great place to be if you love the outdoors. Go for a walk along the Crystal River and watch the sunset over the waters. Go hiking or snorkeling. You can also pet alpacas and see manatees when in this charming town. Remember to keep this list on things to do handy the next time you’re here.