Welcome to Florida’s Nature Coast
Homosassa sits in Citrus County on Florida’s Nature Coast, a quiet stretch of the Gulf coast known for clear spring-fed water, wildlife, fishing and small-town charm. It is a slower, greener side of Florida.
Walden Woods South is one of Florida’s newer 55+ communities, with newer homes and low lot rent, and it puts you close to all of it: Homosassa Springs, Crystal River and the Gulf of Mexico.
What you can do here
Outdoor activity is part of everyday life on the Nature Coast.
Manatees and wildlife
Crystal River and Homosassa are well known places to see manatees, which gather in the warm spring water in winter. Birders and wildlife watchers have refuges and state parks to explore.
Springs and rivers
Paddle a kayak or paddleboard on spring-fed rivers, or watch the water from a boardwalk.
Fishing and boating
Fish the Gulf and the rivers, or take a boat out from local ramps and marinas.
Scalloping
Each summer, visitors search the shallow Gulf waters for bay scallops. A Florida saltwater fishing license is generally required.
Trails and parks
Walk or bike the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, and explore Crystal River Preserve State Park and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.
Waterfront seafood
Waterfront restaurants and seafood shacks serve some of the freshest catches in the state.
Homosassa
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., lets you watch manatees and fish through an underwater observatory and meet native Florida animals that cannot live in the wild. Check the park’s website for current hours and ticket prices.
South of town, the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge protects coastal marsh and creeks, and is popular with paddlers and birders. Around Homosassa you will also find waterfront restaurants, fishing charters and boat access to the Gulf.
Crystal River
Crystal River, a short drive north in the same county, is known as the place to see manatees in the wild. The manatee season at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge runs from November 15 to March 31, when manatees gather in the springs to escape cold Gulf water.
- Three Sisters Springs. In winter, its boardwalk is the best above-water place to watch manatees. Access is by shuttle, and entry fees are set by the City of Crystal River, so check before you go.
- Crystal River Preserve State Park. Trails and boardwalks through coastal hammock and marsh, including the Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park. A state park at 3400 N Museum Pt.
- Fort Island Trail Park. A county park on W Fort Island Trail, along the water.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge has current visitor information.
Around the region
To the south in Hernando County, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is another popular spring and day trip. Tampa and Orlando are both reachable by car for theaters, shopping, major medical care and Florida’s well-known attractions.
Getting here
Tampa International Airport is the closest major airport, about 55 miles away in a straight line. Orlando is roughly 89 miles and about 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
Plan around the seasons
Winter is manatee season, from November 15 to March 31 at the Crystal River refuge. Summer is bay scallop season. In 2026 it ran from July 1 through September 24 in Citrus County. Dates change from year to year, so check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you plan a trip.
Ready to see it in person?
Tour the community and take a look at the homes that are available now.
Questions about a home or the community?
Call us during office hours or send a message. We are happy to help.
A 55+ manufactured home community
10600 S Ardmore Dr, Homosassa, FL 34446
Mon to Fri, 8am to 12pm
Weekends by appointment only