Top 30 Things To Do In Citrus County, Florida - Updated 2024

1. See beautiful artworks at Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

A historical attraction in Citrus County, Old Courthouse Heritage Museum tells about the prehistoric and pioneer days of the county through exhibits and artifacts. Also, here you can view more recent collections and learn about how the country’s developments and the film industry have contributed to what Central Florida has become. Another attraction that may interest you here is the old courtroom, where Elvis Presley filmed his ninth movie entitled “Follow that Dream” and where also a lot of locals played as extras.

Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450, USA

Website: Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free but donations welcome

2. View manatees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

In the early 1900s, Homosassa Spring was a popular train stop, where lots of people would stop to picnic as the train cars were loaded with the fresh catch of the day like fish, cedar, and crabs. Now, the place serves as a home to many wildlife. It has an Underwater Observatory where people can walk beneath the spring and view freshwater creatures like manatees and many species of fish. Also, you’ll be given a chance to have an up-close encounter with Florida’s wildlife. The park serves as a home to many captive animals like flamingos, red wolves, black bears, Key deer, and more.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Address: 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446, USA

Website: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: 13 USD

3. Eperience primitive camping at Chassahowitzka River Campground

Are you looking for a place and activity where you and your kids can bond and be with nature? If so, then you have to visit the Chassahowitzka River Campground and experience everything it has to offer. This campground has an area of 5,677 acres (2297.4 hectares) and features campsites, hiking trails, rivers, creeks, springs, and more. It has 80 full-service campsites which include a primitive camping site where you can camp like the old days with no modern appliances and conveniences in hand. Also, you can engage in a lot of activities, such as biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, and more.

Chassahowitzka River Campground

Address: 8600 W Miss Maggie Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA

Website: Chassahowitzka River Campground

4. Attend the Citrus County Fair

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

An annual event in the county, Citrus County Fair features different exhibits that mirror the way of life of the locals as well as showcases different local products and produce. It has livestock shows, rodeo, breeding beef, poultry, handicrafts, farm produce, and more. To make the experience more enjoyable, they have free music, attractions, games, and special rides. You will also never get hungry here for there are wide arrays of food and drinks stalls scattered around the area.

Citrus County Fair

Address: 3600 S Florida Avenue, Hwy 41 South, Inverness, FL 34450

Website: Citrus County Fair

5. Go cycling at Withlacoochee State Trail

One of the longest paved rail-trails in the area, Withlacoochee State Trail is 46 miles (74.03 km) long which is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and skating. Also, there is an unpaved equestrian trail parallel to a portion of the paved trail. Moreover, it is recognized as National Recreation Trail, where you’ll have an opportunity to view plants and wildlife. Make sure not to skip this activity whenever you’re in the county.

Withlacoochee State Trail

Address: 3100 S. Old Floral City Rd. Inverness FL 34450

Website: Withlacoochee State Trail

6. Try kayaking at Hunter Springs Park

Citrus County features many nature parks and Hunter Springs Park is one of them, which offers lots of opportunities for learning and play. It is a recreational park with the most accessible spring that is open to swimming all-year-round. Another good thing about this park is it is newly renovated and features a beach, a natural shoreline, as well as a bathroom and changing areas. Also, there is a kayak launch and a boardwalk, where you can easily see manatees. Hunter Springs Park will make sure you have an amazing time while you’re here so bring the family with you when you visit.

Hunter Springs Park

Address: 18 NE 2nd St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

Website: Hunter Springs Park

Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)

7. Dine at Old Mill Tavern Homosassa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for a local eat, where you can have delicious food without breaking the bank, then you must head down to Old Mill Tavern. A lovely restaurant next to Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, Old Mill Tavern has a rustic ambiance set in a lodge-style space with hanging string lights and quirky sports decor. As for its menu, the restaurant offers varieties of beers and American grubs. Some of their bestsellers include the chili cheese dog and baby back ribs. Also, they have karaoke nights and live music which add to its entertainment value.

Old Mill Tavern Homosassa

Address: 10465 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA

Website: Old Mill Tavern Homosassa

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am - 12am; Wed - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am (closed on Tue)

8. Go sightseeing at Crystal River State Archaeological Park

With an area of 61 acres (24.68 hectares), Crystal River State Archaeological Park has so much to offer. The archaeological site portion of the park features pre-Columbian and native America burial mounds, temple, a plaza area, and more. But aside from its historical aspect, the place offers a coastal marsh where you can catch saltwater and freshwater fishes. Also, since it is a part of the state’s birding trail, you can see different species of birds here.

Crystal River State Archaeological Park

Address: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

Website: Crystal River State Archeological Park

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

Price: 3 USD

9. Have a picnic with your family at Cooter Pond Park

Located in Downtown Inverness, Cooter Pond Park is an excellent place to bring your family to be with nature and see wildlife. The park features an extensive boardwalk where you can watch turtles in their natural habitat. Also, this is one of the places in Florida where you can bird watch. Apart from the turtles and birds, another attraction here is the statue of oversize turtles, near the entrance, where lots of people love to take their photos. Have a lovely time sightseeing and learning about nature when you visit Cooter Pond.

Cooter Pond Park

Address: 181 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34450, USA

Website: Cooter Pond Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Enjoy picking blueberries at Bette's Blues Blueberry Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have you tried fruit picking? Bette’s Blues Blueberry Farm is a family-owned business and a former commercial farm. But, because of the huge demand for hand-to-table fresh fruits, the farm is now a fruit picking farm. Visiting the farm is one of the best things to do in Citrus Springs. They grow a variety of blueberries, which include thornless blueberries, and peaches. Another good thing about this farm is they don’t use pesticides, enabling its guests to taste the blueberries upon picking. It is an interesting activity for the family so make sure you bring them with you when you visit.

Bette's Blues Blueberry Farm

Address: 4752 W Abeline Dr, Citrus Springs, FL 34433, USA

Website: Bette’s Blues Blueberry Farm

11. Be one with nature at Three Sisters Springs (from USD 69.95)

A complete retreat from your busy city life, Three Sisters Spring is a 57-acre (23.07 hectares) refuge that features the clearest water among other springs in Citrus County. It features an extensive boardwalk that has a viewing platform where you can see manatees and other native wildlife. Another great thing about this area is it also has nature trails that you can explore and see other natural wonders of Citrus County like King’s Bay, Lake Crystal, and Magnolia Springs.

Crystal River: Manatee Snorkel Tour w/ In-Water Photographer

Duration: 3.0 hour

510 reviews

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12. Try wine tasting at Copp Winery & Brewery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A local favorite bar and brewery, Copp Winery & Brewery is a place you go to when you want to hang out with friends over a glass of beer or wine. The place has a homey ambiance with a patio and a bar seating option. As for their menu, they have classic American fare and homemade wines and a large variety of craft beers. Moreover, the winery has a brewpub license and federal approval.

Copp Winery & Brewery

Address: 11 NE 4th Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

Website: Copp Winery & Brewery

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

13. Play tennis at Whispering Pines City Park

Located just outside of downtown Inverness, Whispering Pines City Park is a large park that features beautiful wildflowers. It also has many amenities and facilities that will surely be enjoyed by the whole family, including large trails, playgrounds for the kids, sports complex, swimming pool, and more. Visit the park and have an astounding nature adventure while you can before you go back to your city life.

Whispering Pines City Park

Address: 1700 Forest Dr, Inverness, FL 34453, USA

Website: Whispering Pines City Park

Opening hours: 12pm - 4pm (daily)

14. Set your pets loose at Bark Central Dog Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A treat to all fur moms, dads, and their babies; Bark Central Dog Park features 15 acres (6.07 hectares) of off-leash areas that are enclosed by a fence. Here, dogs can run freely without owners getting worried. One of the good things about this park is it has separate portions for big and small dogs. Also, the park has a facility which screen dogs for shots, temperaments, and spay/neuter. Apart from the dog amenities, the park also has something for humans like the pond and indoor bathing facilities.

Bark Central Dog Park

Address: 6301 E Turner Camp Rd, Inverness, FL 34453, USA

Website: Bark Central Dog Park

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 10 USD

15. Go fishing at Fort Island Gulf Beach

Fort Island Gulf Beach is a family-friendly beach in Citrus County that features powdery white sand which is soft to the touch and makes a perfect photo backdrop. It also has a parking area, restrooms, showers, and more. Apart from swimming, you can also fish at the pier, walk along the boardwalk where you can observe wildlife, and go boating and park at the dock. Just make sure you put lots of sunblock before engaging in any activities to avoid sunburn.

Fort Island Gulf Beach

Address: 16000 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

16. Watch a race at Citrus County Speedway

A great place to be during Saturday nights, Citrus County Speedway is often packed with people from all walks of life, families, and groups of friends, wishing to have an adrenaline-pumping night by watching speedy cars flawless maneuver on the race tracks. The bleachers are all renovated to accommodate more people, as well as the kitchen. People love this race track in Citrus Country for its affordable entrance fee and food. Make sure you visit to experience the high people get from watching the racers drive their way to the finish line.

Citrus County Speedway

Address: 3600 S Florida Ave, Inverness, FL 34450, USA

Website: Citrus County Speedway

Price: 5 USD

17. Try paddleboarding at Kings Bay Park

A small park at the end of the road, King’s Bay Park is known to be the venue of many festivals in Citrus County. It features a small playground for the kids, a dock for boats, and a boardwalk where if you look closely, you’ll see manatees and other wildlife. Also, this park is perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Kings Bay Park

Address: D268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

Website: Kings Bay Park

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

18. Have a great time with nature at Holder Mine Campground

Located inside the Holder Mine Recreation Area, Holder Mine Campground is the perfect place to experience nature and all its glory. The campsite is surrounded by turkey oak trees that will shade you during the hot days and keep you cool during the nights. It has potable electric water that will make your life easier if you intend to stay for a day or two. Also, it features bathrooms with shower and restroom as well as dump station and pavilion. Additionally, the campsite has recreational activities in the form of two hiking trails and access to the Wildlife Management Area, where you can have picnics or go hunting.

Holder Mine Campground

Address: 4399 Trail 10, Inverness, FL 34452, USA

Website: Holder Mine Campground

19. Camp out at Potts Preserve

Located between the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, Potts Preserve is protected land with an area of 8,500 acre (3,440 ha) which serves as home to many wildlife. You’ll find here many species of birds which include Florida-Scrub Jay, a nearly extinct species of bird. You’ll also find a variety of wildflowers, local trees, and plants. Moreover, the area has hiking trails, campsites, as well as areas for birding, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and more.

Potts Preserve

Address: 2988 N Hooty Point, Inverness, FL 34453, USA

Website: Potts Preserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

20. Try hiking at Dames Cave

Another great hiking spot in Citrus County, Dames Cave is a 1.2-mile (1.93 km) trail that is used for hiking, walking, birding, and other nature activities. Dames Cave is the passageway that leads to more caves. One of the many caves here is Vandal cave, which has a collapsed roof entrance. Upon entering the cave, you’ll realize why it is called Vandal Cave, for it has graffiti throughout its walls. A lot of people like to shoot their photos here and use the vandals as their backdrop.

Dames Cave

Address: Trail 22, Lecanto, FL 34461, USA

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

21. Explore Peace Cave

If you’re willing to go underneath the surface and travel unknown places, then you have to visit Peace Cave. It is a karst cave, composed of dolomite, limestone, and gypsum rocks. When you hike to the inside of the cave, you’ll see natural wonders, you haven’t seen before. This cave is safe that parents can even bring their kids with them when they hike.

Peace Cave

Address: Co Rd 491, Lecanto, FL 34461, USA

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 24 hours

22. See the amazing exhibits at Coastal Heritage Museum

If you want to gain a deep understanding of Citrus County, then you have to visit Coastal Heritage Museum. It is located in the old City Hall building which has an exterior structure that is made of natural limestone. Also, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its interior ceilings which are constructed from Magnolia wood. The museum features exhibits and collections of artifacts, pieces of furniture, and photographs of the old life in the west side of Citrus County. You’ll surely learn a lot about the county’s history from the many displays available in the museum.

Coastal Heritage Museum

Address: 532 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

Website: Coastal Heritage Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

Price: 25 USD

23. Explore Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (from USD 25.0)

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One of the best ways to explore Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is through a scenic cruise. Here, you’ll be riding a covered boat and sailing around the Crystal River with a knowledgeable captain that will tell you facts and the history of the area. Look closely, for you’ll surely see here many underwater creatures like manatees, dolphins, turtles, otters, and more. Apart from learning its history and viewing wildlife, the cruise also offers picturesque scenery which will make you thank the creator for creating such wonderful things.

Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Duration: 1 hour

630 reviews

from USD

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24. Have a fun family day at Wesley Jones Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Looking for free things to do in Citrus County? Another one of the many beautiful parks in Citrus County, Wesley Jones Park is a family-friendly area where every member of the family will have something to keep them busy. It features sports courts and fields for basketball, volleyball, and softball. Also, it has a first-come, first-serve picnic area and a playground for kids as well as restrooms. If you want to secure a spot, you have to follow their rules on how to reserve.

Wesley Jones Park

Address: 2500 w 34434, 2510 W Castania Dr, Citrus Springs, FL 34434, United States

Website: Wesley Jones Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

25. Go biking at Flying Eagle Preserve

A section of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Preserves, Flying Eagle Preserve is a natural wonder waiting to be explored in Withlacoochee River watershed. It features 13 trails which are perfect for hiking with friends and family. Apart from the trails, you’ll also find here a campsite and picnic area, where you can rest, eat, and stay the night after an exhausting day of nature activities. Moreover, biking is the most popular activity that you can do here.

Flying Eagle Preserve

Address: 11080 E Moccasin Slough Rd, Inverness, FL 34450, USA

Website: Flying Eagle Preserve

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10:30am - 6pm (closed from Thu - Sun)

26. Be mesmerized with the scenic view of Bluebird Springs Park

If you’re looking for a picturesque place where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones and take amazing photos, then you have to visit the Bluebird Springs Park. It is a beautiful place perfect for people, birds, and pets. One of the attractions here is the oval-shaped spring, where you can swim all-year-round. Also, it has a playground for kids and a dog park for your fur babies. Additionally, this park is an excellent bird watching area where you can see many birds flying above during dusk and dawn.

Bluebird Springs Park

Address: 8950 Bluebird Springs Ln, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA

Website: Bluebird Springs Park

27. Explore Churchhouse Hammock Trail

Located just across Crystal River Mall, Churchhouse Hammock Trail is a great nature adventure for people who are looking for peaceful nature activities. This trail is one of the trails you can find at Crystal River Preserve State Park which features palm and cedar hammocks. It also has a wooden boardwalk that will lead you to many natural and picturesque trails like the jungle of palm Flatwoods and Bottomland hardwood forest that has surface limestone.

Churchhouse Hammock Trail

Address: 857 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

Website: Churchhouse Hammock Trail

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

28. Have a friendly game of basketball at Highland Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a chill place where you can lounge and chill then you have to spend an afternoon at the Highland Park. The park has an area of half an acre (0.20 hectares) and features a playground where kids can play freely, a basketball court where father and son can enjoy a friendly game of ball, and picnic tables where everyone can gather and spend some quality time.

Highland Park

Address: 600 N Wheeler Ave, Inverness, FL 34453, USA

Website: Highland Park

29. Stroll around Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

Located in the small town of Homosassa, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park was once a part of a plantation that supplied sugar to the southern delegations during the Civil War. The name of the park is after the owner of the old plantation, Dave Levy Yulee. What you’ll see now in the park are remains of the plantation, like the cane press, masonry chimney, iron gears, and more, which are noticeable from the road. Also, this Citrus County point of interest features picnic tables, pavilion, and restrooms which will make your experience in Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park more convenient.

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

Address: Co Rd 490, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA

Website: Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

30. Cruise your way through Crystal River Preserve State Park (from USD 25.0)

A state park in Florida, Crystal River Preserve is composed of 27,500 acres (11,128.85 hectares) of different landscapes and waterscapes, such as salt marshes, mangrove islands, tidal creeks, coastal scrub, hardwood forests, and pine flat woods. And the best way to explore the park is by riding a comfortable beach cruiser. By renting a cruiser, you’ll be able to navigate on your own and be able to use your time any way you want it. One of the best trails in the park is Loop Trail, which is surrounded by many trees like oak, palm, and cedar trees.

Beach Cruiser Rental in Crystal River

Duration: 1 day

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Come and visit the beautiful Citrus County

There are plenty of fun things to do in Citrus County from having picnics in its many parks, swimming in crystal clear springs, to viewing wildlife, fishing at the pier, and sightseeing at its archaeological and historical sites. This county is the perfect getaway if you wish to have a nature-filled and peaceful vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In case you’re still not convinced of why you should visit this place, make sure to check out our list of the top things to do in Citrus County.