Attractions

Location

Located along Florida's west-central coast and the Gulf of Mexico, Citrus County is approximately 70 miles north of Tampa and 60 miles north west of Orlando. The next largest city is Ocala, 35 miles to the north west.

Description

Rolling hills and naturally beautiful crystal clear springs, rivers and lakes set this section of Florida apart from cities in the state. Environmentally and ecologically conscious, Citrus County has set aside over 152,000 acres out of its 683-square miles to preserve wildlife. Most noteworthy, Citrus County is the home to the largest herd of endangered manatees in the state. Northern and eastern sides of the county are bound by the Withlacoochee River, the east by the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes and the west by the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate

Average year-round temperature is 70 degrees, with an average of 294 days of sunshine. Winter temperatures average 60.1 degrees and summer temperatures average 82.4 degrees.

Boating

Whether you own an inboard or outboard (or traditional manpower), sailboat, jet ski, or pontoon, there's a water body ready to accommodate your needs. Citrus County maintains a number of public boat ramps throughout the area and if you are looking for more permanent moorings, there are a number of privately owned marinas and boat storage yards.

SILVER SPRINGS, Florida... Throughout history, Silver Springs has been a timeless oasis and a place of unparalleled natural beauty, offering respite to early settlers who drew sustenance from its 99.8 percent pure artesian spring waters.

Concerts

Rock Crusher Canyon Music Park attracts some of the best entertainers from around the country. See your favorite recording artist in a relaxing atmosphere. A unique amphitheater under the stars where friends and family can enjoy terrific food, entertainment and beautiful Mother Nature.

Diving & Snorkeling

Numerous dive sites, inland springs." "72OF year-round temperature, underwater visibility between 20 and 100 feet. No unpredictable seas; no strong currents." "Affordable accommodation, extremely enjoyable." This is how Citrus County is described by visitors.

Hiking

As a hiker, you'll enjoy a wide range of choices. You can hike through sand hill, scrub, hardwood hammock, hydric swamp, prairie and marsh. Many trails go through several or all of these land types; all you need is the time and the stamina to follow them.

Birdwatching

You can plan a trip by automobile and see many of the birds which live in Citrus County. If you prefer to go by foot, hiking trails are established in a number of public lands. These include long and short trails. Many believe there is nothing more relaxing than birding by boat, and in Citrus County the birder/fisherman can combine a day of casting and watching.

Fishing

If freshwater is your preference, then you have your choice of sunshine bass in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain, speckled perch in Lake Rousseau, catfish in the Withlacoochee or the ultimate southern quarry, the Florida Largemouth Bass, just about everywhere.

Heritage

Pre-Columbian mound builders, Spanish explorers, Civil War blockade runner, "stolen" courthouse, gigantic fishbowl, even Elvis Presley are a part of Citrus County's history and present day lure.