10 Things to Do in Central Florida Within An Hour of Tampa
When people hear Central Florida, they often think of Orlando and the theme parks.
But there is another side of Central Florida that I think deserves just as much attention.
The area around Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Spring Hill, Hernando Beach, Dade City, Crystal River and Homosassa is especially interesting for people who enjoy being outdoors and want to experience a more relaxed side of Florida. As a REALTOR® serving the Tampa Bay area and surrounding communities, I also think exploring these places is one of the best ways to understand what living in this part of Florida is actually like.
Here are 10 things to do in Central Florida near Tampa and Brooksville that I think are worth putting on your list.
1. See the Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Let's start with one of the most recognizable attractions in the area.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park combines classic old-Florida tourism with one of the area's most beautiful natural resources. The park is home to the famous Weeki Wachee mermaid shows, Buccaneer Bay, wildlife experiences and access to the Weeki Wachee spring and river. The spring is a first-magnitude spring, and the park describes the surrounding area as a major destination for swimming and paddling. And honestly, that's what makes Weeki Wachee so fun. You can come for the quirky Florida history, the mermaids or the family attractions — or come simply because you want to get out on the water. Planning note: The park currently lists changes to some experiences because of low water levels, so check the official park information before your visit. Why I love it: It's uniquely Florida. You won't find another place quite like it.
2. Get Up Close With Wildlife at Homosassa Springs
If you love wildlife, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park should be on your list. The park surrounds the Homosassa spring and features an underwater observatory, nature trails and opportunities to see manatees and other Florida wildlife. The park is home to wildlife ambassadors including black bears, alligators, bobcats, whooping cranes and other species. The spring itself is part of the larger Homosassa Springs group, which contains nearly 30 springs. The Florida State Parks system notes that the spring system is a first-magnitude spring and forms the headwaters of the Homosassa River. This is one of those places where you can spend a couple of hours and walk away having seen a side of Florida you probably didn't expect.
Current note: Florida State Parks currently says shuttle boat service is unavailable because of low water levels, so check before visiting.
3. See the Manatees in Crystal River
Just a little farther north, Crystal River is one of the most famous wildlife destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established specifically to protect the threatened Florida manatee, and the area includes Three Sisters Springs, one of the region's best-known natural attractions. Visitors can explore the refuge, walk the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs, take guided tours, paddle and — depending on the season and current regulations — experience the area's incredible spring and manatee habitat. Crystal River is also one of the destinations I'd recommend to anyone who tells me they love kayaking, fishing, wildlife or being on the water.
It's about an hour north of Tampa, which makes it a very doable day trip from the Tampa Bay area.
4. Bike or Walk the Withlacoochee State Trail
If you're more into biking, walking and exploring nature than traditional tourist attractions, check out the Withlacoochee State Trail. The trail stretches about 47 miles through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties and passes through forests, ranches, small towns and natural areas. One of the coolest aspects of the trail is that it connects several communities and includes portions through the Withlacoochee State Forest and Croom Wildlife Management Area. You obviously don't have to bike the entire trail. Pick a trailhead, go for a few miles and turn around. For people considering moving to Brooksville, Spring Hill, Ridge Manor or other nearby communities, outdoor amenities like this can be a huge part of the lifestyle.
5. Explore Downtown Brooksville
Not everything has to involve getting sweaty or covered in sunscreen. Spend an afternoon in downtown Brooksville. Brooksville has historic buildings, independent shops, restaurants, museums, murals and local events. The area also has a distinctive old-Florida feel that is very different from the larger suburban communities closer to Tampa. One of the fun things to do is simply park the car and walk around.
Look for the area's murals, local shops and historic architecture, then stop somewhere for lunch or coffee. And if you're considering moving to Hernando County, I'd strongly recommend spending some time here before deciding which part of the county feels right for you.
6. Take a Trip to Dade City
Another community worth exploring is Dade City. Located east of Brooksville, Dade City has a historic downtown filled with antique stores, local restaurants, boutique shops and historic buildings. Visit Florida also highlights attractions including the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village and the city's self-guided historic walking tour. It's a great place for a slower afternoon. Grab lunch, browse the shops and walk around downtown. Dade City also gives you a taste of the more rural side of Pasco County, which is something a lot of people don't realize exists when they think about the Tampa Bay area.
7. Explore Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Want a completely different type of Florida scenery? Head toward Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey. Instead of a traditional freshwater spring, this park protects a coastal landscape of salt marshes, mangroves, tidal creeks and Gulf waterways. You can hike, paddle, bird-watch, fish and explore the park's network of natural environments. The park also has kayak and canoe access and protects four miles of Gulf coastline. This is a particularly good choice if you want to experience the Tampa Bay side of the region while still feeling like you've gotten away from the city.
8. Spend the Day on the Water in Crystal River
One of my favorite things about this part of Florida is that you don't have to be a hardcore adventurer to enjoy the water. In and around Crystal River, there are opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and wildlife viewing. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge specifically highlights paddling, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography as recreational opportunities. The area combines freshwater springs with the Gulf of Mexico, giving you a pretty incredible variety of scenery within a relatively small area.
Bring a kayak — or rent one — and spend a day exploring.
9. Visit Hernando Beach
When people think about Florida beaches, they often immediately think of Clearwater, St. Pete or Sarasota. But the Hernando County coastline offers a different experience.
Hernando Beach gives you easy access to the Gulf, waterfront scenery, boating and some beautiful West Coast Florida sunsets. And if you're considering buying property in the Brooksville or Spring Hill area, it's worth taking a drive west and exploring the coastal communities as well. One of the biggest advantages of this part of Florida is that you can live inland and still have the Gulf within reach. That lifestyle is very different from what you'll find in the more heavily urbanized portions of Central Florida.
10. Get Lost in the Withlacoochee State Forest
Finally, head into the Withlacoochee State Forest. This is where I'd send someone who tells me:
"I don't really care about tourist attractions. I just want to be outside."
The forest provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, camping and other outdoor recreation.
The Withlacoochee State Trail also passes through some of the forest's more natural sections, giving visitors access to long stretches of Florida landscape that feel surprisingly remote considering how close they are to Tampa Bay.
Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray — and give yourself some time.
Florida's natural side is worth slowing down for.
Why I Think This Part of Florida Is Worth Exploring
What I love about the area around Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Dade City, Crystal River and the surrounding Nature Coast is that you get a much broader range of lifestyles than you might expect.
You can be close to Tampa Bay and major shopping and amenities while still having access to: Springs. Rivers. The Gulf of Mexico. Hiking trails. Wildlife. Historic small towns. Large natural areas. And that's something I encourage people to consider when they're looking at homes in this part of Florida. You aren't just buying a house. You're choosing the lifestyle and community around it.
Thinking About Moving to the Brooksville & Tampa Area?
If you're researching things to do in Central Florida because you're considering a move, I'd encourage you to get out and explore the communities you're interested in. Visit the parks. Try the restaurants. Drive through the neighborhoods. Spend some time on the water. See what the area feels like on a normal day — not just when you're looking at houses online. I'm Jarid Weddle, REALTOR® with RE/MAX Marketing Specialists, and I help buyers and sellers throughout Hernando County, Pasco County and the surrounding Tampa Bay area.
Whether you're relocating to Florida, moving within the Tampa Bay region, looking for a home near the Gulf, or trying to find a community that fits your lifestyle, I can help you explore your options.
Jarid Weddle, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Marketing Specialists, Call or Text: 352-710-8984
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