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34 | www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com | 35
on the
The summer months are
about to grace us with high heat
and humidity, however there is still
some time to make it outside before
the only place we want to venture to
is a pool. The Nature Coast boasts
amazing parks, trails, beaches and
wildlife, hence the name. We’ve
found the best spots to get out
and get active, so grab some sun
screen and a water bottle and get ready!
NATURE COAST
The Nature
Coast covers
9 counties.
FACT:
X FEATURE STORY
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X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
FORT ISLAND THREE SISTERSX FEATURE STORY X FEATURE STORY
{ {} }This 15 acre park holds
1000 feet of white sand beach front, including a jetty which is
perfect for little swimmers. There is a long pier for fishing, and a boat ramp for those who want to venture out. Fort Island Gulf Beach is known for amazing sunsets and dolphin viewing.
Three Sisters Springs provide the perfect habitat for the West Indian Manatee all year round. In fact, certain areas of the springs
are closed from November 15th until March 31st in order to protect the once endangered species. You are guaranteed to spot several manatees in the beautiful crystal blue waters while walking the 1500 foot boardwalk. For even more of an adventure, contact a local dive shop to swim with these gentle giants.
16000 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL www.bocc.citrus.fl.us
1502 Southeast Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL www.fws.gov/crystalriver
Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping
Cost: Free Cost: Free
Citrus County is
the only place in
the world where
you can legally
interact with
manatees.
FACT:
Sports Afield named the area around Crystal River
as one of the 12 Best Fishing Spots in North America.
FACT:
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www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com | 39
X X X X X
BAYPORTX FEATURE STORY X FEATURE STORY
{ }
Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping X X X X X X X
WITHLACOOCHEE{ }12449 Withlacoochee Boulevard Dade City, FL www.pascocountyfl.net
Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping
COST: $2 parkingCOST: Ramp charges may apply
The newly renovated Bayport Park expanded from a mere 1.5 acre park, to an expansive 7 acres. Newly added boardwalks boast
panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico where plenty of wildlife
can be seen. It’s the perfect park to enjoy a relaxing
picnic lunch.
4140 Cortez Boulevard Spring Hill, FL www.hernandocounty.us
With 610 acres, and 13 miles of nature trails to explore, it will be easy to get caught up with nature at the
Withlacoochee River Park. Here as you explore, look for wildlife such as Bald Eagles, Gopher Tortoises, Great Blue
Herons, Alligators, and much more. For you history buffs, there is also a replica of an 1840’s Indian Village, complete
with a school house, church and log cabin.
38 | www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com
The Nature
Coast consists
of 980,000 acres.
FACT:
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X Varies Varies X X X X Varies Varies X X X X X X Day Camps
THE HERNANDO COUNTY
X FEATURE STORY X FEATURE STORY
{ } Various Locations Hernando County, FL www.hernandocounty.us
Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping
COST: $8-$13
Grab your kayak (or canoe) and get ready to paddle through miles of winding creeks, trails and beaches. You will really feel one with nature exploring the Nature Coast this way. Make a pit stop among
the trail at one of the many parks or boat ramps and give your legs a stretch. Don’t
forget a lunch and trail mix to keep you going!
If you are looking for the ultimate state park, look no further than the Weeki Wachee Springs
State Park of Spring Hill. From river boat cruises, diving, kayaking, animal shows, and its very own water park, Buccaneer Bay, Weeki Wachee has something for any age. This park is known for its famous live mermaids,
who wow guests with several shows a day.
WEEKI WACHEE{ } 6131 Commercial Way Spring Hill, FL www.weekiwachee.com
The Nature Coast
was ranked among
the top 10 snorkeling
spots by Rodale’s
Scuba Diving
Magazine
FACT:
FACT:
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X X X X
HOMOSASSA SPRINGSX FEATURE STORY
{ }
Docks Restrooms Picnic Swim Trails Bike Fishing Wildlife Playground Camping
COST: $5-$13
This park starts your adventure by pontoon boat as it takes you through scenic natural
Florida to the Wildlife Park. Here, you can experience several ecological communities such as
wetlands, hydric hammock, spring run streams and a second magnitude spring. What does this all mean- an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Pick up a map at the visitors
center to see where you can spot each ecosystem and
its inhabitants.
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard Homosassa FL www.homosassasprings.org
The Nature
Coast Is
home to 19
endangered
species.
FACT:
Sour
ces:
www.
natu
reco
astc
oalit
ion.
com
, www
.swim
with
thefl
orid
aman
atee
s.com
, Tra
vel A
dven
ture
s; Flo
rida’s
Nat
ure C
oast
DID WE INSPIRE YOU? Take a picture of your visit and post it on our Facebook page, who knows you might even see yourself in our June issue!
