Citrus County, FL Mobile Homes for Sale

Citrus County: Florida's Nature Coast & Manatee Capital

Welcome to Citrus County, the undeniable heart of Florida's beautiful "Nature Coast," nestled along the Gulf of Mexico. This unique county is world-renowned as the premier destination for encountering the gentle West Indian Manatee, offering unparalleled, regulated opportunities to observe and even swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural, spring-fed environments. The crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay, the Homosassa River, and the Chassahowitzka River form an aquatic playground teeming with life.

Beyond its famous marine mammals, Citrus County invites visitors to explore charming small towns, cast a line in bountiful waters, snorkel for scallops during the summer season, paddle pristine rivers, hike scenic trails, and delve into fascinating archaeological history. If you're seeking an escape focused on incredible wildlife encounters and authentic "Old Florida" nature, Citrus County offers an unforgettable experience.

Points of Interest in Citrus County:

1. Crystal River / Kings Bay / Three Sisters Springs: The epicenter of manatee activity, especially during cooler months (winter). Kings Bay, fed by numerous springs, is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Three Sisters Springs is an iconic sanctuary known for its breathtaking beauty (accessible via boardwalk, with seasonal kayak/swim access). Numerous tour operators offer manatee viewing and regulated in-water encounters here.
2. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: A wonderful park showcasing native Florida wildlife, including rehabilitated manatees, Florida panthers, black bears, alligators, and numerous bird species. Features the famous underwater observatory ("Fish Bowl") looking into the main spring head.
3. Swim with Manatees Tours (Crystal River & Homosassa): Citrus County is the only place in North America where you can legally participate in guided, in-water manatee encounters under strict federal and state regulations designed to protect the animals. Numerous permitted operators offer snorkeling tours.
4. Scalloping (Gulf Waters off Citrus County): A hugely popular recreational activity during the summer season (typically July through September). Families snorkel over shallow seagrass beds in the Gulf of Mexico searching for delicious bay scallops. (Requires saltwater fishing license and adherence to regulations).
5. Crystal River Archaeological State Park: A significant pre-Columbian site occupied for over 1,600 years. Explore impressive temple mounds, burial mounds, and plaza areas, visit the museum, and enjoy views overlooking Crystal River.
6. Withlacoochee State Trail: A 46-mile paved, multi-use trail perfect for cycling, walking, jogging, and skating. It runs through parts of Citrus County (including Inverness and Floral City), offering scenic views of forests, lakes, and small towns.
7. Fort Island Gulf Beach (Crystal River): The county's primary Gulf-front beach park, offering a sandy beach area, calm waters for swimming, a fishing pier, boat ramps, and picnic facilities west of Crystal River city.
8. Homosassa River & Chassahowitzka River: Beautiful spring-fed rivers flowing westward to the Gulf. Popular for boating, fishing (freshwater and saltwater), kayaking, and accessing various springs. The "Chaz" River is part of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, offering a more remote wilderness paddling experience.
9. Historic Downtown Inverness: The charming county seat centered around the historic Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Features a pleasant town square, local shops, restaurants, and direct access to the Withlacoochee State Trail.
10. Historic Floral City: A quaint community known for its beautiful "Avenue of the Ancients," a stretch of road lined with massive, ancient oak trees forming a picturesque canopy. The town also hosts annual Heritage Days events celebrating its history.

Whether you dream of a gentle encounter with a manatee, the thrill of finding scallops, or simply paddling down a pristine river, Citrus County offers a unique blend of wildlife wonders and relaxed, nature-based recreation on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast.