Citrus: Nature, Waterways and History

Citrus is a destination for anyone looking to combine nature experiences, aquatic landscapes and history. Wetlands, coastal marshes and tidal creeks shape the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. At the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the focus is on protecting West Indian manatees, while wildlife observation is also possible there. This gives you a range of starting points for planning your trip to Citrus: observing nature, following routes through varied landscapes and gaining insights into Florida’s history.

Discover Aquatic Landscapes and Manatees

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is particularly interesting if you would like to get to know the region’s wildlife. Large parts of the refuge are accessible to visitors only by water. You should take this special feature into account when planning your excursions. Three Sisters Springs drains into Kings Bay via a spring run more than 3,200 feet long. The area also has more than two miles of trails across 57 acres.

The St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve also demonstrates the diversity of the aquatic landscape. Five species of seagrass are found there: Shoal Grass, Manatee Grass, Turtle Grass, Widgeon Grass and Star Grass. Gentle recreational activities mentioned include stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and snorkeling. If you want your trip to focus clearly on water and wildlife observation, you can take these activities into account when choosing the right place to stay in Citrus.

Trails Through Nature and Wildlife

Several different routes are available for active days. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 47-mile paved rail trail. It is suitable for cycling, running, walking and skating. At Crystal River Preserve State Park, you can explore more than 27,500 acres of scrubland, pine forests, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and birdwatching are possible there year-round.

A seven-mile trail at Crystal River Preserve State Park passes through pine flatwoods, basin and tidal marshes, wet hardwood forests and swamp areas. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park complements these nature experiences with a 1.1-mile paved trail and an elevated boardwalk around Homosassa Spring. At the Underwater Observatory, you can observe fish and manatees beneath the surface of the spring. The park is also home to Florida panthers, red wolves, manatees, whooping cranes, black bears, bobcats and alligators.

History, Museums and Regional Traditions

Citrus also has plenty to offer travelers interested in culture. The museum at Crystal River Archaeological State Park displays artifacts from the archaeological site and provides insights into the way of life of ancient coastal inhabitants. It is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents three exhibitions on the 12,000-year history of Citrus County and Florida. During opening hours, it is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Fort Cooper State Park, four information panels along the 1.5-mile Seminole Heritage Trail explain the history of the Seminoles and the challenges they faced. There are also almost five miles of self-guided trails for birdwatching and wildlife observation; Lake Holathlikaha is used for fishing. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park contains the remains of a steam-powered mill that processed sugar cane into syrup, molasses and rum, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Events and local collections also give Citrus its distinctive character. The Florida Manatee Festival takes place every January in Crystal River and includes manatee tours, music, food stalls and local arts and crafts. The Floral City Heritage Museum features exhibitions on George Higgins, the Duval-Metz House, the Florida Cattle Industry and historic work equipment, among other topics. The Citrus County Fair showcases agriculture, horticulture, livestock, 4-H, FFA and fine arts.

Choose the Right Base

When choosing your accommodation, you can determine the focus of your trip: nature and water experiences, longer trails, museums or regional events. On days with varied interests, you can alternate between landscapes, wildlife observation and culture. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Citrus is particularly appealing if you want to organize your excursions independently and discover the character of the destination step by step.

For your further choice of location, you can also visit Inverness, Crystal River, Lecanto, Homosassa, Hernando and Floral City. For an overview beyond Citrus, Pinellas and Monroe are also available.

For the higher-level travel overview: Florida.