Homosassa, about 75 miles north of Tampa in West Central Florida, is a water-lover’s paradise. Home of manatees, spring-fed rivers, waterfront resorts and restaurants, and some of the best scalloping spots in Florida, Homosassa is an ideal family-friendly fishing and outdoor destination.
Families with children will want to spend at least a few hours seeing wild manatees and resident animals at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, whose accessible amenities and services include boat tours, a visitor center, and the Pepper Creek Trail, an excellent spot for birding. The Gulf of Mexico, Homosassa River, and Chassahowitzka River in nearby Chassahowitzka are ideal places for scenic paddling, boating, and fishing adventures, and the brackish river waters mean anglers can fish for both saltwater and freshwater species. The Chassahowitzka River Campground’s boat launch, rentals, campsites, and camp store make it easy to plan a multi-day river adventure.
During scallop season, families of all ages descend on the Gulf waters of Homosassa for a family-favorite summertime activity: hunting for bay scallops in the shallow seagrass beds a few miles offshore, and many local companies offer charters and boat rentals. When the scalloping and fishing are done for the day, anglers can opt to have a local restaurant prepare their catch.
Going out to eat doesn’t have to mean leaving the water behind, thanks to the many waterfront bars and eateries of Homosassa. At the Monkey Bar and Florida Cracker Kitchen, guests can sip drinks and spy the monkeys that live on the tiny island nearby, and water views can be found at Seagrass Waterfront Restaurant Gift Shop & Resort, Crumps’ Landing, and The Shed[1] . Fresh-from-the-dock seafood and stellar fish dips can be found at Shelly’s Seafood Market right on the river, and the Wild Sassa food trailer, situated next to Shelly’s, serves fish tacos, shrimp, and more with dog-friendly outdoor seating. A mile inland, visitors can grab lunch at local landmark The Museum Cafe, known for its Cuban sandwiches. Spanish bean soup, and guava pastries, and walk to nearby Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park.
Plan your trip at Discover Crystal River.
FAMILY FUN
Go scalloping in the summertime, see manatees, and visit the parks and playgrounds.
MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the museums and see historic sites that tell about the area’s past.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Hit the trails, visit the parks, and get on the water.
WATERWAYS
Explore the rivers and see the springs.
BEACHES
Homosassa is a short drive from small, family-friendly Gulf beaches.
ACCESSIBILITY
Check out the area’s accessible attractions.
DINING
Enjoy seafood and live entertainment on the water, grab some fresh donuts, and sit down to a plate of barbecue.
SHOPPING
Find gifts and treasures in the shops of Homosassa.
GOLF
Tee off on the area’s sunny golf courses.
PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Bring your four-legged family member along to dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and attractions.
PLACES TO STAY
Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit any travel style or budget.
