Homosassa Springs
Around Homosassa Springs
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Metro area · Florida · 170k people
Homosassa Springs
Locals say Nature Coast
Where the springs meet the Gulf
Spring tealNature green
Welcome to the Nature Coast, where the springs run clear and the manatees are never far away. Whether you're here for the fishing, the scalloping, or just to slow down, you'll find a friendly crew ready to point you to the best spots.
Clubs for Homosassa Springs
No clubs for Homosassa Springs yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Homosassa Springs. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Homosassa Springs. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Home to manatees and native wildlife.
- Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park Ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park Pre-Columbian Native American mounds.
- Fort Cooper State Park Historic fort on Lake Holathlikaha.
- Withlacoochee State Trail 46-mile rail trail for biking and hiking.
- Homosassa River Spring-fed river popular for boating and manatee viewing.
- Outdoors Kayak the Homosassa River to see manatees
- Outdoors Swim or snorkel at Three Sisters Springs
- With kids Visit the manatees at Ellie Schiller Wildlife Park
- With kids Bike the Withlacoochee State Trail
- Evenings Live music at waterfront bars
- Evenings Night fishing from local piers
- Locals love Natural springs and swimming holes
- Locals love Manatee viewing areas
Through the year
- Citrus County Fair Spring Annual fair with rides, livestock, and local food.
- Homosassa Blue Crab Festival March Celebrates the blue crab with food, music, and crafts.
- Florida Manatee Festival January Family-friendly festival highlighting manatee conservation.
- Crystal River Seafood Festival October Seafood vendors, live music, and waterfront fun.
Humid subtropical with hot, rainy summers and mild winters. Best times to be out are fall and spring. Best: Fall and spring, when it's warm but not humid.
Talk like a local
- “The springs”
- Any natural spring swimming hole
- “Scallop season”
- Summer, when bay scallops are harvested
- “Cracker”
- Old-time Floridian
- “Gulf”
- The Gulf of America, as in 'going to the Gulf'
Getaways
- Ocala Horse country and Silver Springs State Park.
- Tampa Bay City attractions, museums, and pro sports.
- Gainesville University town with natural springs and trails.
- Orlando Theme parks and entertainment.
Local flavour
Rooting for Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), Orlando Magic (NBA), Florida Gators (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Gulf grouper sandwich Fresh from local waters.
- Stone crab claws Seasonal Gulf delicacy.
- Key lime pie A Florida staple.
- Fresh orange juice
Where people go
- Natural springs and swimming holes Like Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
- Manatee viewing areas Winter gathering spots.
- State parks and wildlife refuges Chassahowitzka, Crystal River, etc.
- Fishing piers and marinas Gulf access and river fishing.
- Old Florida cracker-style restaurants Seafood shacks and local dives.
Heritage and traditions
Homosassa Springs is proud of its 'Old Florida' character—a laid-back, nature-first lifestyle centered on the springs, rivers, and the Gulf, where manatees and wildlife are as much a part of the community as the people.
Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — about to
Festivals
- Inverness Cooter Festival May Celebrates the cooter turtle with races, food, and family fun
- Inverness Celtic Festival November Celtic music, dance, and heritage in the historic district
- Homosassa Arts & Crafts Festival March Local crafts, live music, and food vendors
- Christmas Boat Parade on the Homosassa River December Decorated boats parade along the river at night
Landmarks with a story
- Old Courthouse Heritage Museum Historic courthouse turned museum in Inverness
- First United Methodist Church of Inverness A landmark of the town's religious heritage
Food traditions
- Scallop fritters Made from fresh bay scallops, a summer delicacy
- Fried mullet A traditional Florida cracker dish, often served with grits
- Swamp cabbage (heart of palm) Harvested from sabal palms, a pioneer-era food
- Blue crab boils A community feast with fresh blue crabs from local waters
- Gator tail Fried alligator, a novelty but popular at local restaurants
Music and arts
- Bluegrass and country music Popular at local festivals and gatherings
- Cracker folk crafts Net making, wood carving, and other traditional skills
A little history
- 1894-95 The Great Freeze of 1894-95
- pre-European The Timucua and Seminole peoples
- 1880s The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s
- 20th century The development of the Nature Coast tourism in the 20th century
- Game day Fishing tournaments
- Game day Scalloping competitions
- Outdoors Watch a sunrise over the Gulf
- Outdoors Hike the Fort Cooper trails
- With kids Attend the Cooter Festival
- With kids Visit the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
Locals speak with a Southern drawl, often using 'y'all' and 'fixin' to.' You'll hear 'gator' for alligator and 'the springs' for the local swimming holes.
Only here
- The Homosassa River is one of the few places where you can see manatees up close in the wild.
- The Cooter Festival celebrates the turtle with races.
- The area is known as the 'Nature Coast' for its unspoiled waterways.
- You can swim with manatees at Three Sisters Springs.
New here? A few tips
- Bring bug spray for mosquitoes, especially in summer.
- Learn to drive slowly for manatees in the rivers.
- Try the local seafood, especially grouper and scallops.
- The weather is hot and humid in summer, mild in winter.
- Be prepared for distances—everything is spread out.
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Nearby
Every areaOcalaFloridaWhere horses and springs set the pace.The VillagesFloridaWhere neighbors wave and strangers smileTampa BayFloridaWhere the Gulf breeze meets the city lights.GainesvilleFloridaGator country, cool springs, warm heartsLakelandFloridaWhere lakes and citrus meet.OrlandoFloridaThe City Beautiful, alive with lightDaytona BeachFloridaWhere the ocean meets the speedwayPalatkaFloridaWhere the river blooms with azaleas.
Homosassa Springs, FL. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.