Tampa is a enjoyable metropolis by itself, however many vacationers choose to go simply south of the cityscape to take pleasure in solar and sand in 2 of America’s most famed seaside cities.
In fact, that may be Siesta Key and Clearwater, each consistently in a head-to-head duel yr after yr preventing for ‘#1′ honors.
Whereas coastlines south of Tampa are extensively thought of the most effective of the most effective, you by no means hear a lot about going north of the town as this area continues to be comparatively low-key by way of traveler curiosity.
It is time for that to alter.
Why? As a result of who would not need to go to hidden white sand seashores and uncover glistening waters beaming otherworldly shades of blue?
Swap Colourful Foliage For Pristine Turquoise Waters
In case you have not seen, folks completely lose their minds when fall rolls round.
Abruptly pumpkins are the world’s favourite fruit and leaves are extra wanted than 2020 rest room paper.
Whereas there’s nothing flawed with scoping out stunning again roads or lush forestry, there is not any unhealthy season for crystalline waters whereas basking within the solar, is there?
Roughly 90 minutes away, the northern area of Tampa boasts some unimaginable pure websites ready to be explored.
Nonetheless rockin’ 70-degree temps in fall, there is not any have to pack a sweater like most locations proper now.
Swimwear and a way of journey are all you want for the dynamic duo of Homosassa and Crystal River.
Homosassa: Florida’s Unknown Unique Getaway
Homosassa and Homosassa Springs are neighboring cities that go hand-in-hand so far as their choices to vacationers.
Boasting an array of wildlife, gorgeous blue waters, and small-town Florida appeal, you could not get additional away from the brilliant lights, crowded theme parks, and overhyped seashores than this.
Homosassa is not only a enjoyable phrase to say; it is a enjoyable place to go to, and fairly truthfully a thriller why it is no more standard.
Swim with manatees? Verify.
Kayak atop turquoise waterways harking back to Mexico’s cenotes? Yep, there’s that!
An island stuffed with monkeys? Yeah, it is Florida! Are you shocked?!
Whereas Monkey Island could also be tempting, a greater wager is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to bear witness to an array of wildlife, together with Florida’s most well-known residents, alligators, in addition to black bears, pink wolves, and even wild flamingos.
To your shock, chances are you’ll even see a hippo. No, not one in every of Pablo Escobar’s notorious beasts; this 64-year outdated former actor now makes use of Homosassa as a retirement dwelling and even has his personal Facebook web page.
The park solely prices $13 to enter and an extra $3 for a ship tour. Not too shabby, proper?
There are ample methods to discover Homosassa, together with scenic climbing trails, however kayaking is arguably the most well-liked technique via such top-rated corporations as Seven Sisters Kayaks.
Though, do not skimp out on the ‘Fish Bowl’ expertise, the State Park gives visitors the chance to ‘stroll with manatees’ and see underwater fish swimming within the spring.
Crystal River: Turquoise Waterways & A Hidden White-Sand Paradise
Crystal River is very like Homosassas, however it holds a secret solely locals learn about.
As standard as Florida has turn into, discovering unknown seashores worthy of visiting are actually few and much between.
Subsequent time you fly into Tampa, slightly than go to the same-o same-o everybody is aware of about, why not give close by Fort Island an opportunity?
Dwelling to wide-open white sand seashores, when you uncover this place, you will not be lacking the crowds of Siesta Key.
However there’s one other secret.
Fort Island just isn’t the one unspoiled seaside within the area. Simply south of Homosassa lies Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of place lined with calm waters and customary dolphin sightings.
Costing solely $5 to enter, no marvel it is so beloved by these within the know (4.5 Google score with over 6,700 critiques!).
That being mentioned, Crystal River just isn’t a “seaside vacation spot” per se however is the “Manatee capital of the world” as a leg up on Homosassa.
Ensure to take a look at Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge for the most effective “sea cow” recognizing all whereas taking in the identical eye-popping blue waters Homosassa has to supply.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
