Fun Things To do in Citrus County

Nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Citrus County is a hidden gem brimming with outdoor adventures, charming small towns, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re looking to swim with manatees in Crystal River, explore scenic hiking trails, or savor fresh seafood by the water, this area has something for everyone. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the best things to do in Citrus County, from must-see attractions to local favorites that make this slice of Florida truly special. Let’s dive in!

Lecanto, Florida

THINGS TO DO:

• YMCA
• Shoppes at Black Diamond – Target, Walmart, Petsmart, Hobby Lobby, Aldi
• Black Diamond Ranch Golf Courses (private golf courses & golf practice facilities)
• The Quarry Course – World renowned as the “Best 5 Consecutive Holes of Golf in the World”
• The OutPost (shooting and archery range)
• Twisted Oaks (driving range)
• Off Road Trails – large network of off road trails for full sized licensed vehicles

RESTAURANTS:

• Glory Days Grill– American food (Hosts Car Shows)
• World Fusion – Sushi & American/Asian Cuisine
• Texas Road House – Steakhouse
• Katch Twenty-Two – great higher end dining restaurant
• Los Magueyes – Mexican Restaurant (Live Mariachi at Beverly Hills, FL location)
• Paige’s Burger – Makes house made root beer
• Papa Willies Bar & Grill – Live music and karaoke in Beverly Hills, FL
• Breakfast Station – breakfast food in Beverly Hills, FL
• MC Wine Bar – wine bar with American and Filipino cuisine (Trivia nights, live music, wine events)

Crystal River, Florida

THINGS TO DO:

• Swim with Manatee Tours – with Explorida
• Manatee Encounters – boat tours with Explorida
• First Friday Markets – First Friday of every month at 5pm in downtown
• Crystal River Mini Golf
• Downtown shoppes on the Ave
• Kayaking Tours
• Fishing Charter Tours
• Scalloping tours with Florida Fishing Adventures
• Snorkeling (lots of charter boat tours or sunset rides)
• Three Sisters Springs Park / Boardwalk (see manatees)
• Fort Island Beach – small beach but a great spot to see sunsets (has a fishing pier that you can walk out on)
• Hunter Springs Park – waterfront
• Aggregation Distillery – Distillery and craft cocktail lounge (live music and food truck)
• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Trails
• Go Shark Fishing

RESTAURANTS:

• Seafood Seller & Café – usually is very busy on the weekends
• Bayside Seafood Grill – seafood cuisine and offers live music
• Vintage on the 5^th – higher end dining (usually requires a reservation)
• Waterfront Social – waterfront dining
• Pecks Old Port Cove – waterfront dining & motorcycle route stop
• Kellys Half Shell Pub – Irish pub flare
• St Johns Tavern – in downtown Crystal River
• The Crab Plant – waterfront dining
• Naha Sushi –
• Bayside Kraft Kitchen – new restaurant, waterfront dining
• Blackwater Fins – waterfront dining
• Kanes Cattle – Local steakhouse
• BubbaQues – BBQ
• Amy’s on the Ave – great lunch spot with a small boutique
• The Boilyard
• Copp Brewery and Winery – brewery and winery with food (live music, trivia nights)
• Tipsy Tarpon – waterfront tiki hut that offers live music

Hernando, Florida

THINGS TO DO:

• Lake Hernando (Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish)
• All American Airboat Tours
• Lakeside Golf Course & Driving Range – public golf course, driving range, and restaurant
  
  RESTAURANTS:
• Mariana’s – Our favorite Italian Restaurant in the county
• La Pergola Italian/Argentinian Ristorante
• Mikang Sushi – great sushi place!
• Sauced Hogs BBQ Bar and Grill
• Burger Station – local burger place really only serves burgers (cash only)
• Sabina’s Diner

Inverness, Florida

THINGS TO DO:

• Small Town Saturday Nights – Downtown Inverness on the Square
• 1st & 3rd Saturday from 9-12pm is Market at the Depot (farmers market)
• Liberty Park (they do Yoga in the park & concerts)
• Train Station – Duckpin bowling, games, and food
• Lake Boardwalk – great for dogs during the cooler months
• Third Friday Cruise In – car show in downtown on the 3^rd Fridays
• Withlacoochee State Trail – 47-mile-long paved bike trail that goes all the way to Brooksville
  
  RESTAURANTS:
• Oscar Penn’s – higher end dining (usually requires a reservation)
• Stumpknockers on the Square
• Coach’s Pub and Eatery
• Twysted Vyne – Beer and Wine Bistro
• Pine Street Pub – Love Music & Karaoke
• The Cove Pub & Grub
• Side Bar – They have great air fried wings
• Fisherman’s Cove
• Nine State Brewery – Brewery with food (live music, paint nights, trivia)

Homosassa, Florida

THINGS TO DO:

• Homosassa Wildlife State Park – narrated boat tours available
• Scalloping / Fishing / Boating (lots of boat charter options)
• Florida Cracker Monkey Island – spider monkey habitat on the river, its really cool!
• Homosassa Distillery – tours, tastings, and cocktails made with their own spirits
• Island Girl Cruises – narrated boat tour filled with fun, wildlife, and stunning views
• Nature Coast Eco Tours – Kayak tours, scenic boat cruises, springs excursions, hiking expeditions, full moon paddles, bioluminescence excursions.
  
  RESTAURANTS:
• Crumps Landing – Outdoor Tiki dining on the water (live music)
• Seagrass Waterfront – enjoy casual and relaxing dining with panoramic views of the Homosassa River.
• Wallace’s at the Greenhouse – known for award winning Chef
• Moschello’s Pizza
• Socos House of Eats
• Marguerita Grill – Waterfront dining (very patriotic atmosphere)
• Florida Cracker Kitchen – apart of Florida Cracker Riverside Resort (cash only)

Nearby Cities

Ocala

• World Equestrian Center