Even though Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is still recovering from the…read moreimpacts of Hurricane Helene, our visit was outstanding and absolutely worth the stop. The staff and volunteers clearly care deeply about the park and its mission, and their dedication really shows. While a few areas are still in the process of being repaired, the park remains beautiful and full of life. The wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, and the park does a wonderful job showcasing Florida's native species in a natural and respectful setting. Seeing the manatees up close was a highlight, and the underwater observatory provides a truly unique perspective you won't find in many places. What impressed us most was how well the park is being maintained despite the storm damage. Paths are clean, signage is clear, and the staff members we encountered were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. It's obvious that a lot of hard work is going into restoring everything while still making sure visitors have a great experience. If anything, visiting during this recovery period gives you an even greater appreciation for the park and the people who take care of it. Their resilience and commitment to conservation are inspiring. If you're traveling through the Homosassa area, this park is absolutely worth your time. It's a special place that celebrates Florida's wildlife and natural beauty, and we're already looking forward to coming back once the final restoration work is complete.

Originally, we road-tripped north almost 2 hours to experience a rare opportunity to swim amongst…read moremanatees in a natural setting. When we arrived we found out that the manatees had migrated away from the springs about 2.5 weeks ago. Disappointed we drove about 6 miles south and happened upon Homosassa Springs State Park, where they have 3 resident manatees that live in the springs year round. This small state park, was devastated by the hurricane several years ago. They have photos showing how high the waters were and many buildings are still closed. We had to wait for the tram to take us across the way to the park, they also have a boat to get there in a unique way. However, the water was too low to enjoy the boat ride. The park has about 3-4 manatees during the off season and you just have to look for them as they live in a natural setting. Eventually we found them a bit down river from the springs. Once in a while you'd see their nose pop up for air. They are such beautiful creatures. There is also a small zoo with a black bear, flamingoes, a white tailed deer, reptile case, an array of birds, and a variety of wild cats. They used to have a hippo but she died about 10 months ago. Definitely worth the $13 entry fee. It's a cute and well maintained park that is about at 75% of its operating capacity due to closed buildings that have not yet been renovated following Hurricane Milton. Although, we were disappointed to miss out on a once in a lifetime experience to *actually* swim amongst manatees, being able to see them in their natural habitat was truly special.

LOVE THIS PARK! it offers easy drop in access for your paddlecraft and has a beachy swimming area…read moreto enjoy for when you're done. Parking is limited but there are many other places to park nearby.

Florida has some amazing parks. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area…read more The beach here is gorgeous and there are chance encounters with the manatee, but no touchie!

They tore it down and are going to build another playground. Not sure when the new one will be…read morecompleted. It was our favorite playground around.

This park is closed. The gates are locked and there is a sign posted that it's closed due to safety…read moreconcerns.

It looks like at one point this may have been a nice park, but when we went there was litter on the…read moreground, a broken climbing rope, and what seemed like a homeless couple and their dogs living out of the area next to the bathrooms.

Took multi generation family "to the beach" during a visit to Florida in April. Fort Island Trail…read moreBeach seemed like a good start for us and we enjoyed our visit. Arrived around 11 on a weekday and had a choice of parking spaces. Beach was recently smoothed, keeping in mind the area had suffered during a hurricane 6 months earlier, we found facilities were adequate. Row of porta-potties were available. Boat launch and fishing piers were still closed but we wanted beach that day. There are two rock breakwaters at the far edges of beach and several people were climbing and exploring while tide was out. Rocks were covered towards high tide. Line of markers indicated outer edge of swim area. No lifeguards (we knew that in advance) Plenty of room to set up towels, chairs and toys and room to next group. Kids were originally disappointed no crashing waves (they're use to Atlantic Ocean) but quickly decided the Gulf was better as they weren't getting knocked over. We brought our lunch: be aware, lots of birds trying (and some succeeding) to steal food.

I liked the Area , not all was accessible do to repairs from last years hurricane but all in all is…read morewas nice until the alarm let us know the weather was turning and pretty fast it did ,I also enjoyed the drive there and back . Bring Mosquito repellent !!!

Great place for a hike but make sure you take your water with you because it is a seven mile walk…read more Established as an aquatic preserve to protect the sensitive estuaries between Crystal River, a spring fed major river frequented by manatees, and the Gulf of Mexico, Crystal River Preserve state park spans 20 miles of the gulf coast between Yankeetown and Momasassa. The park is open from 8am to sunset daily. If your into walking this is a must see but don't forget the bug spray.

I have taken my dogs multiple times to the hiking trail that goes to the overlook. It's about 1.7…read moremiles round trip and we love it for a quick outing! I have seen quite a few gators out in the water and the dogs love the walking path. It's shaded in a lot of areas as well which is nice in the Florida sun.

Been coming here for 15+ years and glad much hasnt changed even after everything they have been…read morethrough with hurricanes and everything. The people that work here and the people on the water are great had a euphoric day!

Great location for kayaking, etc. There's so many places to explore…read more We arrived on a Sunday and heading down to the boat launch. There were a lot of people in/on the water having a good time. Heavy kayak/boat traffic, but everyone was respectful of each other. We took the kayak out on a Tuesday and had a peaceful time. We went to Seven Sisters Springs - didn't cave dive but it was crystal clear. Also ventured down to the crack - but it was murky (from the hurricane) and we couldn't see it. We saw many fish, crabs and even river otters on our trip! The campground itself is good. It's heavily wooded and if you go, be sure to bring bug spray. The horseflies are awful (I have a bunch of painful bites). We can't sit outside and enjoy the weather. All in all not a bad place to camp.

My friends and I have been using River Adventure Tours over 5 years now for our annual scalloping…read moreadventure! A day out on the water with this outfitter has always been super fun regardless of the number of scallops caught. My group has gone out with a few different captains, all of which have been knowledgeable & safe. The booking process is pretty easy. I always book online - you can even sign the waiver through their website so there is no paperwork to take care of when you arrive at the dock. The boats are comfortable for the short ride out to the scalloping site and we always bring along a well stocked cooler of drinks and snacks to enjoy during our trip. All the snorkel equipment needed to dive for scallops is included in the tour. In general, the equipment is nice and well maintained. The conditions have been a little different every year I have gone - sometimes we catch a lot, sometimes a little. The captain has always dived with us to help search for scallops and moves to new locations as necessary. Cleaning the scallops after returning to the docks has always been easy - sometimes there is a group of high school students who will clean them for you for a fee. If they aren't around, there is a station to clean them yourself, and the captain has always been around to help / walk us through the best process. We will be back again!

Came to Homosassa just to visit and check it out. Found this place online, called and booked my…read morepaddle board. When I arrived it just a lil shed you check in at- the worker that helped me was, she was amazing! More than a worker a line of hot spots along the water information center! Yes this girl had all the details to guide me safely on the water as well as back to the shop at the end of my tour! I have already told people to book here and go on the Homosassa river- serious beautiful experience! Thank you! Best 420 Day ever!!!

Out on a motorcycle ride recently with some friends, decided to do the Ozello trail. One of the…read moreriders with us is a new rider and had never been down the Ozello trail, so we took it nice and slow. No need to see bikes go into the drink! At the end of the trail, there is a nice little park and boat ramp overlooking the water, and we stayed there for about an hour just breathing in the salt air and watching little hermit crabs crawl over the rocks. Good times. I can see that the place could easily handle a picnic or two, and it kind of bugs me that we didn't bring anything to picnic with except some drinks, but perhaps next time.

Good little ramp, plenty of parking. Watch the tides, especially in winter! Not bad for free…read more Excellent fishing waters. Great for kayaking too.