Between Gainesville And Tampa Is A Florida Hideaway With Natural Springs And Peaceful Outdoor Fun

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Florida has 67 counties, a few of which — like “the Sunshine State” — have names that evoke nice pictures of what you may discover there. There’s Manatee County, the identify a reference to the big marine mammals that swim within the Manatee River, and Lake County, house to over 1,000 lakes. Then there’s Citrus County, as soon as a significant producer of lemons and oranges, and now a well-liked vacation spot for out of doors adventures. One of its most stunning hideaways is the peaceable Citrus Springs, named for the close by pure springs that are perfect for boating, swimming, and snorkeling.

Citrus Springs is positioned between Gainesville and Tampa on Florida’s Nature Coast, which extends for a whole lot of miles alongside the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump). Though located barely inland from the waterfront, the neighborhood gives easy accessibility to beautiful out of doors areas for leisure actions. “It’s a hidden gem of a place,” stated one resident on the rating web site Niche. “Very quiet with friendly people,” they continued. Another commented that Citrus Springs is “a nice little quiet town” off the vacationer radar. 

The 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, one in all Florida’s longest paved rail trails, is a good place for mountain climbing and biking by means of cypress forests and pure habitats for deer, bears, alligators, bobcats, snakes, birds, and extra. It runs south from the South Citrus Springs Trailhead by means of Withlacoochee State Forest, named by the World Wildlife Fund as one of many coolest locations you have by no means been in North America. Though there is a $2 day-use price for getting into the forest on the Visitor Center in close by Brooksville, the path is free to entry and open all 12 months.

The space’s stunning pure springs are one other large draw for out of doors enjoyable. About a 15-minute drive northeast of Citrus Springs, you may discover Rainbow Springs State Park, a well-liked escape for swimming, kayaking, tubing, and snorkeling in crystalline waters. Rent a kayak or canoe, or go on a tubing excursion. The park is open each day from 8 a.m. to sundown, although entry quickly closes when the park reaches capability at peak instances. Admission prices $5 per car.

In the opposite course from Citrus Springs, a couple of 25-minute drive southwest of city, is Three Sisters Springs, a part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. With seasonal manatees and Caribbean-colored waters, it is a dream vacation spot for wildlife fans. Explore the springs on foot by wandering alongside the park’s boardwalk (open each day 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Standard grownup admission ranges from $12.50 to $20, relying on the season.

If you wish to get out on the water, it is potential to entry the springs by kayak from one of many public boat ramps or kayak launches in close by Crystal River. The space can be thought of top-of-the-line snorkeling locations in America and is a good place to see manatees within the wild. To go on a guided floating journey with the prospect to swim with the marine mammals, take into account reserving a spot on the Crystal River Marvelous Manatee Tour ($80 per particular person). There are a few different outfitters that supply manatee excursions and swims within the space.

Though Citrus Springs does not have any accommodations, you’ll be able to keep close by in Dunnellon, which is near the doorway to Rainbow Springs. Lodging choices embody Comfort Suites and the independently run Gator Den Motel, which contains a terrace with river views. Another possibility is to camp inside Rainbow Springs State Park (websites from $30 per night time). Reservations could be conveniently made on-line. On your manner there, decide up picnic provides to take in your out of doors adventures at Winn-Dixie in Dunnellon, which not solely has a deli part, but in addition a “ready to heat” part with pre-cooked meals that simply should be warmed up. Or, if you would like a meal inside the city of Citrus Springs, go for hearty Italian meals at Moschello’s II, which boasts a 4.5-star ranking on Google.

Citrus Springs is an hour-and-a-half-drive from Tampa International Airport, thought of top-of-the-line airports within the nation for journey. At simply over an hour north by automobile, Gainesville, Florida’s greatest faculty metropolis, is even nearer, and Orlando can be a simple hour-and-a-half drive away. This makes Citrus Springs simple to get to, whereas nonetheless sustaining that hidden away and peaceable appeal excellent to your subsequent Florida trip.