Welcome to The Nature Coast.

Florida's nature coast - The Thrill of the Wild
Brackish creeks run through a forest of towering pines and shady oaks where bald eagles build their nests, nature trails tour you through a habitat that's over a century preserved, and historical Florida enchants you with Southern hospitality. Covering nine counties, this 980,000 acre stretch known as Florida's Nature Coast is a sanctuary to 19 endangered species. Native American sites, wildlife parks, antique shoppes, antebellum homes, and pioneer museums dot the coast from Pasco County to Ochlockonee Bay in Wakulla County. Come experience the thrills first hand of Florida's Nature Coast.

A Living History
Blossoming rare flowers, sprouting ferns, and shady old trees, The Nature Coast highlights the true meaning behind Florida's name.

"A string of counties studded with emerald-like gulf waters, deep springs and rivers, stretching along the same Florida coast." This was how world-famous naturalist John Muir described The Nature Coast in 1867 and enchantingly the coast still holds this charm today. Much of the area has remained unchanged from its original appearance. A natural vacation wonderland for families, The Nature Coast offers unique and affordable adventures.

What's in the Area?
Recreation with Conservation. Our crystal clear springs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving with their extensive depth, underground caverns, exotic fish, clarity and cool 72°F temperature. Ranked among the top ten snorkeling spots by Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine, there are many locations to choose from including King Springs in Citrus County, Manatee Springs in Levy County, and Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon. As well, local salt flats and deep sea fishing grounds beckon you to unwind in old southern style. If your looking to leave your mark, set a new record in Hernando County where world record Tarpon are caught right off the coastline. Taylor County and Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County are renowned for their great scalloping and crabbing locations. And when you want water sports, visit the Gulf where canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing are popular pastimes. For an afternoon on the green, choose from the 50 golf courses located throughout the Coast.

Take a walk on the wildlife side.
State Wildlife parks and Wilderness boat tours cruise you through the jungle of the Nature Coast. Homosassa Springs offers an aquatic experience when you visit the State Wildlife Park's underwater observatory. Indian manatees and tropical saltwater fish are just a few of the regulars here. Wakulla County is home to the Apalachicola National Forest, a winter haven for thousands of migratory birds.

Historic Brooksville in Hernando County brings back the old town southern spirit of the 1800s with antebellum homes, antique shoppes, and scenic brick lined streets. The Heritage Museum enhances Brooksville by preserving the treasures of Hernando County's past. Other museum's and historical sites that enrich the Nature Coast with southern charm are the Pioneer Florida Museum in Pasco, Ted Williams Baseball Museum, Hitters Hall of Fame, and the ruins of the Yulee Sugar Mill in Citrus County.

Fine dining establishments invite you to sit a spell for the cuisine of your choice. From fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood served on the dock, to the homemade style of country cooking there is an assortment of restaurants available to satisfy your craving.

Pristine campgrounds, country inns, shops, wildlife parks, recreational activities, galleries, and restaurants. Live the adventure of Florida's Nature Coast.

The west Indian manatee, Florida black bear, bald eagle, Florida sand hill crane, red cockaded woodpecker, least tern, gopher tortoise, Florida panther and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are some of the endangered species that call the Nature Coast home.