Things to Do in Homosassa, FL
The Insider’s Guide
Homosassa attractions revolve around natural wonders and activities, like swimming with manatees, scalloping, golfing, or fishing on one of its breathtaking rivers.
However, that’s not all — a family-friendly itinerary could also include historic and printing museums, antique shops, and golf courses!
Planning a longer trip around the Nature Coast? Check out our Florida weekend getaways guide for more easy escapes that pair perfectly with a Homosassa stay.
So, let’s look at the top natural attractions in Homosassa first, and then we’ll also examine some of its more commercial offerings.
THINGS TO DO
The 12 Best Things to Do in Homosassa
Homosassa has unique things to do year-round. But bear in mind that some activities depend on the season.
Before exploring all these activities, it’s helpful to understand the area itself – check out where Homosassa, Florida is located.
Before planning your itinerary, check our Homosassa Weather Guide to make sure you choose the best season and conditions for your favorite activities.
In Homosassa, the summer season lasts from May to October – and it’s typically marked by warm weather, picturesque nature, and plenty of activities, like scalloping.
On the other hand, winter months are usually from November to March. During this time, visitors can view the manatees, go canoeing and kayaking, or embark on one of the wildlife tours.
Swim & Take Photos with Manatees
Overview: Swimming and taking photos with endangered manatees is one of the most popular activities in Homosassa, FL. These gentle, majestic sea cows swim in crystal-clear waters of Homosassa, which makes it a unique opportunity to meet them.
Perfect for: Families with children, nature enthusiasts, diving and sea life enthusiasts
Why Go: Experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with manatees and take photos to prove it
Ideal Season: Winter season (November to March)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Insider Tip: When taking photos, do not use flash as it can startle the animals.
Embark on a Scalloping Adventure
Overview: Homosassa is known as the “Scalloping Capital of the World”, and both tourists and locals enjoy this underwater adventure during the summer season. The thrill of hunting for scallops is heightened by the amazing waters and nature of the region.
Perfect for: Adventurers, families, food lovers, beginners and expert snorkelers
Why Go: Besides being a long-standing tradition in Florida and Homosassa, scalloping is a fun group activity. And you get food afterward!
Ideal Season: Typically runs from July 1st to September 24th
Duration: Around 4 hours
Insider Tip: Morning tours are usually less crowded and there’s a smaller chance of thunderstorms.
Visit the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Overview: From an underwater observatory to captive wildlife and endangered species, Ellie Schiller State Park is a true gem for nature lovers. Observe fish, wild manatees, red wolves, and more.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, group outings, families, hiking
Why Go: Enjoy the gorgeous nature in the park and meet all sorts of endangered species, like Key deer, alligators, red wolves, wild birds, wild manatees, whooping cranes
Ideal Season: Park is open year-round, with working hours from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; ticket counters close at 4:45 p.m.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Insider Tip: Wild manatees can be spotted during winter months, usually in the Blue Waters area.
Overview: Monkey Island was created in the 1960s on the Homosassa River. Several spider monkeys live here: Ralph, Sassy, Ebony, Emily, and Eve — Ralph is the alpha male, and Sassy is the matriarch.
Perfect for: Families with children, nature enthusiasts, photographers
Why Go: Take in the stunning scenery of Monkey Island and the Homosassa River, and enjoy the playful nature of these primates
Ideal Season: Winter season (November to March) might be a better choice, because of fewer crowds, but also more opportunities, like manatee viewing and annual festivals
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour, plus additional activities
Insider Tip: You can’t interact directly with the monkeys, but you can see them and take photos from nearby Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, and especially from the Monkey Bar Restaurant.
Reel in the Excitement with a Fishing Adventure
Overview: Homosassa, FL is one of the best locations for different types of fishing. With breathtaking rivers, flats, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico, this area is a must for anyone who loves the thrill of fishing.
Perfect for: Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, deep sea fishing, scalloping
Why Go: Homosassa offers many different types of fishing experiences and a variety of species. Besides, you can always book the attractive scalloping adventure and take in amazing landscapes and wildlife as you wait for the fish to bite.
Ideal Season: Usually from early spring to late fall, although the best season for fishing in Homosassa will depend on the type of fishing and the species.
Duration: Inshore fishing usually lasts from a few hours to a full day. Nearshore fishing takes about 5-6 hours, whereas deep-sea fishing trips can take all day.
Insider Tip: Check deeper channels and reefs for species like mahi mahi, grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Ask the friendly staff at TradeWinds Homosassa Vacation Rentals for their recommended captains.
Boat Along Three Gorgeous Rivers
Overview: The Homosassa River, Crystal River, and Chassahowitzka River offer scenic spots, soothing nature, and exotic wildlife. Not only that, but these three rivers are close to each other, so you can even make a boat tour day out of them.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, nature lovers, first-time visitors, couples
Why Go: You’ll get to know the area better in relaxed atmosphere, with all of its wildlife, natural beauty, and outdoor activities.
Ideal Season: General boat tours can be enjoyed year-round. For more specific tours, like manatee viewing and scalloping, check with local agencies.
Duration: Airboat rides take 1-2.5 hours, while pontoon boat tours and nature coast tours take about 2 hours.
Insider Tip: Beside tours, you can also enjoy kayaking and canoeing on these rivers.
Discover Unique Trails on Horseback in Ocala
Overview: Ocala, Florida, is famous for its horseback riding trails and riding centers. The place is called the Horse Capital of the World, and it’s only 35 miles away from Homosassa.
Perfect for: Horse lovers, nature lovers, families
Why Go: Enjoy the rich equestrian culture of Ocala and numerous horse farms, horse shows, riding centers, and events.
Ideal Season: Fall and spring are considered the best for horse riding, because of the pleasant temperature and rich wildlife in Ocala
Duration: 1-2 hours
Insider Tip: Book in advance and state your experience level so the guides can match you with the right horse.
Explore the Olde Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum
Overview: If you’re a fan of arts, galleries, and printing, the Olde Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum is for you. Owned by Jim Anderson, a longtime printer, this establishment brings hands-on tours, works of local artists, and an astonishing collection of printing equipment.
Perfect for: History and art fans, families, students
Why Go: Check out operational machines like iron letterpresses and a linotype machine from 1886, embark on interactive tours, and learn about the region’s rich history.
Ideal Season: The museum is open year-round, but fall and spring seasons might be best for outdoor activities because of mild weather.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Insider Tip: The on-site Museum Cafe is a hidden gem, with delicious Cuban cuisine.
Hike and Bike Your Heart Out
Overview: With many hiking and biking trails, Homosassa is perfect for pedalling away! Pick an easy trail or a challenging route, depending on your skill level, and enjoy the wildlife, scenery, and water ecosystems along the way.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, families, photographers
Why Go: Explore lush forests and crystal-clear waterways as you embark on trails in Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park or Pepper Creek Trail.
Ideal Season: Typically fall and spring because of milder temperature, but winter might be good too if you want to see manatees.
Fall is especially great for outdoor exploring — check out our Fall Activities in Homosassa guide for more ideas on seasonal adventures.
Duration: Most trails range from 1 to 5 miles. Shorter walks will take 1 to 2 hours, whereas longer hikes and trail rides require around 2-4 hours.
Insider Tip: If you encounter animals, keep a safe distance and do not feed them. Make sure to start early and avoid high temperatures throughout the day.
Grab a Delicious Meal at NautiTime Seafood n Wing Shak
Overview: Seafood and wings? Why not! NautiTime Seafood n Wing Shak is a famous, laid-back restaurant with a unique blend of seafood, wings, and delicious sauces.
Perfect for: Families, food lovers, seafood aficionados, pet owners (the restaurant is pet-friendly)
Why Go: The restaurant is well-known for its great dishes, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere. Start with a sampler platter, or get a lobster roll, fried shrimp basket, Cuban sandwiches, and, of course, the accompanying sauces!
Ideal Season: NautiTime Seafood n Wing Shak is open year-round, but if you like to eat outdoors, consider fall or spring.
Duration: Usually 1-1.5 hours.
Insider Tip: The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Shop at the Charming Pepper Creek Pottery Store
Overview: Pepper Creek Pottery Store is a clay studio and gallery founded by local artists Angela Davis and Martha Ann Brunsink. The studio showcases the works of six local artists, some of which can often be seen working on-site.
Perfect for: Art lovers, families, gift shopping
Why Go: Check out a wide range of functional, garden, and decorative art pieces. Learn about the creative processes of artists and talk to them in the studio. Plus, the studio is located in the Art Shops of Old Homosassa, close to many restaurants and shops.
Ideal Season: Pepper Creek Pottery is open all year.
Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Insider Tip: There are fewer people on weekdays, so it’s easier to have a one-on-one with local artists.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
Overview: Homosassa offers a wide selection of golf courses. From expert, championship-level courses to relaxed, enjoy-your-drink-while-you-play fields, Homosassa golf courses are a must for all golf enthusiasts.
Perfect for: Golf players, both advanced and beginners
Why Go: Homosassa golf courses are unique in that they offer a sublime mix of courses and scenery. Choose between rolling sand hills, tree-lined fairways and courses designed by such names as Ron Garl. Popular courses include Cabot Citrus Farms, the world class 18-hole golf course (previously known as World Woods Golf Club), the 18-hole Sugarmill Woods Country Club and another 18-hole Citrus National Golf Club.
Ideal Season: Golf can be played year-round in Homosassa.
Duration: Depending on the course and players’ level, a typical round of golf lasts 4-5 hours.
Insider Tip: Book tee in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Stay in the Heart of Homosassa’s Adventure
From scenic river cruises to exhilarating wildlife encounters, Homosassa is a destination like no other.
When the day is done, TradeWinds Homosassa Vacation Rentals welcomes you to relax in one of our riverside vacation rentals.
With boat docking right outside your door and easy access to rentals across the river, your next adventure is always within reach.
Stay with us and make the most of everything Homosassa has to offer!
