Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Citrus County, Florida’s ‘Nature Coast’

Here are some of the best places to play, eat, and stay in Citrus County.

Things to do in Citrus County

Search for scallops in the Gulf

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Scalloping season runs from July 1 to September 24 in Citrus County, and it’s one of the most popular activities to do in the area during the summer months. My group went on a scalloping charter with Paddletail Waterfront Adventures, and while snorkeling through the Gulf looking for scallops was fun, what really stood out to me on the excursion was the service. Captain Paul Cross and his team have hospitality down to a tee, and I loved being able to alternate between swimming and searching for scallops and lounging on the boat in the summer sun.

Paddletail Waterfront Adventures: 704 NW 6th St, Crystal River, FL 34428

Kayak through beautiful waterways

Unfortunately, our kayaking tour through Three Sisters Springs was cut short due to Florida storms, but what I did get to experience was fun. Our professional guide with Kacey’s Custom Adventures led us from Pete’s Pier onto the gentle waters of Kings Bay, and we were able to see local birds and get a few good strokes in before we had to turn back.

Tandem and solo kayaks are available for rent, as well as clear kayaks for a unique experience, especially for an evening out on the water. If you’re visiting Crystal River in the summer, be flexible with your plans in case a rainstorm rolls in.

Kacey’s Custom Adventures: 1 SW 1st Place, Crystal River, FL 34429

Visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park

I studied anthropology in college, so visiting this state park was one of the highlights of my trip. We came here on a cool morning right before the summer heat kicked in, so we were able to wander around the pre-Columbian burial and temple mounds before it got too hot (there are six mounds in the complex in total).

This National Historic Landmark is one of Florida’s important Indigenous heritage sites, once a gathering place and trading hub for coastal communities more than 1,600 years ago. Today, you can stroll interpretive trails, check out artifacts in the small on-site museum, and take in views of the river from scenic overlooks.

The majority of the park is flat with wide, paved paths, so it’s easy to navigate. However, there are stairs to climb one of the mounds, but once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding area.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34429

Bike the Withlacoochee State Trail

At 46 miles, the Withlacoochee is the longest state trail (a designated recreational route) in Florida. It’s mostly shaded and paved, making it a popular place for bikers, walkers, and joggers alike. The route winds through small towns, nature preserves, and scenic stretches of old railroad corridor, so there’s plenty to see along the way. We rented e-bikes from Select e-bike, a family-owned shop in Inverness, to explore the trail.

Most e-bikes can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour and cover up to 45 miles on a single charge. I liked being able to alternate between pedaling and coasting on our ride through Citrus County. If e-bikes aren’t your style, you can always explore the trail using a traditional bike or on foot.

Select e-bike: 565 US Hwy 41 S, Inverness, FL 34452

See Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

I never expected to find a mermaid show in the middle of Florida, but there is one. Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located about halfway between Crystal River and Inverness in Lecanto. You can come here to watch performers dressed as mermaids swim and sing underwater or to pet stingrays and starfish at the interactive aquarium. While the show was enjoyable for me as an adult, it seemed to be a real hit with little kids. If you don’t want to leave the magic behind, you can also purchase your own mermaid tail to bring home with you.

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter: 4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461

Where to eat in Citrus County

Beans & Greens Coffee House

Beans & Greens Coffee House is a small, cozy spot in Crystal River. They’re open for breakfast and lunch, and if I lived in the area, I could see myself tucking myself into one of the comfy chairs to work here for an afternoon. Beyond ordering smoothies, club sandwiches, and a variety of teas from the counter, the coffee house also sells a variety of houseplants, including snake plants, prayer plants, and succulents.

Beans & Greens Coffee House: 1927 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters

There are four different Cattle Dog locations throughout Citrus County, and I had breakfast at the one in Crystal River. This local coffee chain serves breakfast sandwiches and baked goods like cinnamon buns and breakfast bread, as well as signature drinks. I had the Carmelita latte, which is flavored with caramel and white chocolate, and it was a sweet way to start my day exploring.

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters: 638 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428

Katch Twenty Two

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Located halfway between Crystal River and Inverness in Lecanto, Katch Twenty-Two is an upscale dinner spot serving elevated dishes inspired by the land and sea. I sampled the filet of beef, one of the tenderest I’ve ever tasted, and the truffle and mushroom risotto, which was sharp and flavorful. When you’re ready to round out your meal, the Basque cheesecake is simple, rich, and a great end to a delicious evening.

Katch Twenty Two: 2924 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461

Twysted Vyne

This cozy lunch and dinner spot is situated right in downtown Inverness, so it’s easy to pop in here in between touring the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and wandering along Old Main Street. Beyond serving shareable salads and hearty sandwiches like the Toasted Tuscan Italian (Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, provolone, lettuce, onion, and tomato), Twysted Vyne transforms into a trivia and live music venue in the evening. Plus, signed guitars line the walls as an homage to the lively acts that have performed here.

Twysted Vyne: 103 W Main St, Inverness, FL 34450

Where to stay in Citrus County

Paddletail Waterfront Lodge

Named for the manatees that famously frequent local waterways, Paddletail Waterfront Lodge is the perfect home base for exploring Crystal River. When you stay at this waterfront property, you can easily move from your comfy room to Kings Bay, where manatees flock in the winter months. Book an excursion at the on-site dive shop for a stress-free way to get out on the water. If you start your day early, you can pick up a grab-n-go breakfast bag from reception, but I loved getting my morning latte from Grassroots Cafe, the coffee shop in the lobby.

Paddletail Waterfront Lodge: 614 NW US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428

The Cove Resort & Pub

Tucked away from the main road in Inverness, The Cove Resort and Pub gives you the feel of being fully enveloped in nature without being too far from downtown. There are plenty of places to park your RV on site, as well as five lodging options you can choose from. I stayed in the spacious three-bedroom Swampwater Farm that would be good for families looking for a quiet vacation spot. But there’s also the 400-square-foot Love Shack that’s perfect for solo travelers or the sprawling Founder’s Lodge, which comes with two master suites and a private pool and is a great place for family reunions or gatherings.

The Cove Resort & Pub: 1242 S Cove Camp Point, Inverness, FL 34450

How to get to Citrus County

Citrus County is located in Central Florida, close to some of the state’s larger cities. If you plan to arrive by plane, you’ll most likely fly into either Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Orlando International Airport (MCO). Tampa’s about an hour away by car, and the drive to Orlando will take you around an hour and a half. There are other cities nearby, like Ocala (about 55 minutes away) and Gainesville (about an hour and 10 minutes away), both of which also have airports.

Since I live in Miami, I drove myself to Citrus County. It’s possible to explore Crystal River or Inverness on foot once you’re in town, but the easiest way to get from any of the airports I mentioned above to the county is by car. Likewise, if you want to visit both Crystal River and Inverness on your trip, like I did, you’d need a car to travel between the two. They’re about 20 miles away from one another, and there isn’t public transit that can take you from one town to the other.