Tampa is a fun city on its own, but many vacationers opt to go just south of the cityscape to enjoy sun and sand in 2 of America’s most renowned beach towns.
Of course, that would be Siesta Key and Clearwater, both constantly in a head-to-head duel year after year fighting for ‘#1′ honors.
While coastlines south of Tampa are widely considered the best of the best, you never hear much about going north of the city as this region is still relatively low-key in terms of traveler interest.
It’s time for that to change.
Why? Because who wouldn’t want to visit hidden white sand beaches and discover glistening waters beaming otherworldly shades of blue?
Swap Colorful Foliage For Pristine Turquoise Waters
In case you haven’t noticed, people absolutely lose their minds when fall rolls around.
All of a sudden pumpkins are the world’s favorite fruit and leaves are more sought after than 2020 toilet paper.
While there’s nothing wrong with scoping out beautiful back roads or lush forestry, there’s no bad season for crystalline waters while basking in the sun, is there?
Roughly 90 minutes away, the northern region of Tampa boasts some incredible natural sites waiting to be explored.
Still rockin’ 70-degree temps in fall, there’s no need to pack a sweater like most places right now.
Swimwear and a sense of adventure are all you need for the dynamic duo of Homosassa and Crystal River.
Homosassa: Florida’s Unknown Exotic Getaway
Homosassa and Homosassa Springs are neighboring towns that go hand-in-hand as far as their offerings to tourists.
Boasting an array of wildlife, stunning blue waters, and small-town Florida charm, you couldn’t get further away from the bright lights, crowded theme parks, and overhyped beaches than this.
Homosassa is not just a fun word to say; it’s a fun place to visit, and quite honestly a mystery why it’s not more popular.
Swim with manatees? Check.
Kayak atop turquoise waterways reminiscent of Mexico’s cenotes? Yep, there’s that!
An island full of monkeys? Yeah, it’s Florida! Are you surprised?!
While Monkey Island may be tempting, a better bet is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to bear witness to an array of wildlife, including Florida’s most famous residents, alligators, as well as black bears, red wolves, and even wild flamingos.
To your surprise, you may even see a hippo. No, not one of Pablo Escobar’s infamous beasts; this 64-year old former actor now uses Homosassa as a retirement home and even has his own Facebook page.
The park only costs $13 to enter and an additional $3 for a boat tour. Not too shabby, right?
There are ample ways to explore Homosassa, including scenic hiking trails, but kayaking is arguably the most popular method through such top-rated companies as Seven Sisters Kayaks.
Although, don’t skimp out on the ‘Fish Bowl’ experience, the State Park offers guests the opportunity to ‘walk with manatees’ and see underwater fish swimming in the spring.
Crystal River: Turquoise Waterways & A Hidden White-Sand Paradise
Crystal River is much like Homosassas, but it holds a secret only locals know about.
As popular as Florida has become, finding unknown beaches worthy of visiting are now few and far between.
Next time you fly into Tampa, rather than visit the same-o same-o everyone knows about, why not give nearby Fort Island a chance?
Home to wide-open white sand beaches, once you discover this place, you won’t be missing the crowds of Siesta Key.
But there’s another secret.
Fort Island is not the only unspoiled beach in the region. Just south of Homosassa lies Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type of place lined with calm waters and common dolphin sightings.
Costing only $5 to enter, no wonder it’s so beloved by those in the know (4.5 Google rating with over 6,700 reviews!).
That being said, Crystal River is not a “beach destination” per se but is the “Manatee capital of the world” as a leg up on Homosassa.
Make sure to check out Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge for the best “sea cow” spotting all while taking in the same eye-popping blue waters Homosassa has to offer.
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