Old Homosassa
Discover Old Florida charm in Homosassa, a laid-back waterfront community with unique wildlife, historic dive bars, and a relaxed pace of life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Old Homosassa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Old Florida charm in Homosassa, a laid-back waterfront community with unique wildlife, historic dive bars, and a relaxed pace of life.
"This park is so stinking cute! Our boys absolutely loved the lighthouse and boat. What a unique and fun idea!"
🐒 Visit Monkey Island
Catch the monkeys from neighboring bars and restaurants for a unique spectacle!
🌳 Explore the State Park
See native Florida wildlife up close at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monkey Island
Florida Cracker Riverside Resort
Watch mischievous monkeys on their own island! A unique and entertaining sight for all ages.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Discover diverse Florida wildlife in a natural setting. A must-visit for nature lovers and families.
The Old Mill Tavern
Step back in time at this historic bar adjacent to an old sugar mill. Enjoy drinks with a side of history.
Homosassa Civic Club Playground
A charming, fenced playground featuring a lighthouse and shrimp boat replica. Perfect for kids!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Old Florida Charm
Plan for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Visit Monkey Island
Catch the monkeys from neighboring bars and restaurants for a unique spectacle!
🌳 Explore the State Park
See native Florida wildlife up close at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
🍻 Enjoy Local Dive Bars
Discover hidden gems like The Manatee Pub for a true local dive bar experience.
🍔 Grab a Bite at Monkey Bar
Enjoy taco Tuesday, pizza, and margaritas with a view of the Homosassa River.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Visit Monkey Island
Catch the monkeys from neighboring bars and restaurants for a unique spectacle!
🌳 Explore the State Park
See native Florida wildlife up close at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
🍻 Enjoy Local Dive Bars
Discover hidden gems like The Manatee Pub for a true local dive bar experience.
🍔 Grab a Bite at Monkey Bar
Enjoy taco Tuesday, pizza, and margaritas with a view of the Homosassa River.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
No-see-ums can be a nuisance, especially near the water.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking can be limited and unpaved, especially at smaller attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Old Homosassa's authentic 'Old Florida' charm and relaxed atmosphere. The unique attractions like Monkey Island and the well-maintained Civic Club Playground are big hits with families. While some note limited parking and the need for bug spray, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the area's natural beauty and welcoming community.
"This park is so stinking cute! Our boys absolutely loved the lighthouse and boat. What a unique and fun idea! Highly recommend!"
Rose Purvee
"My kids LOVE this park, and I am just tickled pink by the fact that the Homosassa Civic Club are constantly updating and adding to the park. I especially love the creative design of this park, which includes a simulated lighthouse and shrimp boat. I would love to see something similar in Crystal River where the wooden park once stood!"
Eri A
"Update , they added swings and a nice huge slide!
Nice little play area that's fenced in. The only scary part for me is the ladder going up and down to the tower for my 2.5 year old it's a little advanced. A great addition to Homosassa, I'll be back. Also, someone forgot to drill a screw so I'll bring my drill next time. I didn't see a restroom though."
Travis Powell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Homosassa is located in Citrus County, Florida. The closest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), about an hour's drive away. You can rent a car from the airport or arrange for shuttle services. Driving is the most common way to reach Old Homosassa, with access via US-19.
The main areas of Old Homosassa are relatively walkable, especially along the waterfront. However, to explore the wider area and attractions like the State Park, a car is recommended.
Having a car is the most convenient way to explore Old Homosassa and its surrounding attractions. Some areas are walkable, but a vehicle provides flexibility.
Public transportation options are limited in Old Homosassa. It's primarily a destination best explored by car.
Old Homosassa is a short drive from Crystal River, approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to see Monkey Island; you can view the monkeys from the neighboring bars and restaurants like the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort. 
Admission to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is typically a few dollars per person. Check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Old Homosassa is a community, not a ticketed attraction, so there are no general entrance fees to explore the area. Individual businesses and attractions may have their own admission costs.
While there aren't many formal tours, you can book fishing charters and boat tours from local operators in Old Homosassa for a personalized experience.
Operating hours vary by establishment. The State Park has specific hours, while bars and restaurants like the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar have their own schedules. It's best to check individual business websites or social media.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy wildlife viewing at the State Park, visit Monkey Island, explore historic dive bars like The Old Mill Tavern and The Manatee Pub, and enjoy waterfront dining. Fishing and boating are also popular activities.
Yes, Old Homosassa is family-friendly. The Homosassa Civic Club Playground is a hit with kids, and the State Park offers educational wildlife encounters.
At the State Park, you can see manatees, alligators, black bears, panthers, and various bird species. The Homosassa River is also known for its manatee population.
Old Homosassa is a prime spot for fishing, with access to the Homosassa River and the Gulf of Mexico. Many local charters are available.
Monkey Island is a small island in Old Homosassa where monkeys, originally from a neighboring state park, were relocated. You can observe them from nearby establishments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Old Homosassa offers a variety of dining options, from casual waterfront bars like the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar (known for pizza and margaritas) to local eateries and seafood spots.
Yes, being on the coast, Old Homosassa has several places offering fresh seafood. Many waterfront establishments feature local catches.
Look for fresh seafood, especially local catches. The Florida Cracker Monkey Bar is known for its pizza and margaritas.
Stacy's Groceries is a local store in Homosassa that offers discounts on various items, including frozen goods.
Options may be limited at some of the more traditional dive bars, but many restaurants will offer salads or vegetable-based dishes. It's best to inquire directly with establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront views, the unique playground with its lighthouse and shrimp boat, Monkey Island, and the historic dive bars like The Old Mill Tavern offer great photo opportunities. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting over the water. Midday can be bright, but the shaded areas and unique structures still make for good shots.
Yes, photography is encouraged at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from the animals.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Some private establishments might have their own policies, but most are welcoming.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the scenic waterfront and unique architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember to pack bug spray, as no-see-ums can be present, especially near the water.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
You can arrange fishing charters with local captains who know the best spots and can provide a memorable day on the water. Boaters will find direct water access from many properties, with some featuring boat lifts.
Exploring the river and coastal areas by boat offers a unique perspective of the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. Many local businesses cater to the boating and fishing community, offering supplies and services.🍻 History Buffs and Dive Bar Enthusiasts
This area is rich with local lore and offers a glimpse into the region's past. For those who enjoy authentic dive bars, The Manatee Pub is a highly recommended spot for its genuine atmosphere and local character. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Old Florida Charm
The area is dotted with historic buildings and landmarks, including The Old Mill Tavern, which sits beside a Civil War-era sugar mill. This blend of history and natural scenery creates a unique atmosphere that many travelers find captivating. It's a place where you can truly unwind, enjoy the local culture, and appreciate the simple pleasures of coastal living.
+1For those looking to immerse themselves in this charm, consider exploring the local shops, enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. The community's welcoming spirit, often highlighted by locals and visitors alike, makes Old Homosassa a memorable destination.
Wildlife Encounters in Homosassa
Beyond the State Park, the Homosassa River itself is a sanctuary for manatees, especially during cooler months when they seek out the warmer spring waters. Boat tours and kayaking excursions offer a chance to see manatees in their natural habitat, though it's crucial to observe them respectfully and from a distance.
A unique wildlife attraction is Monkey Island, located at the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort. This small island is home to a troop of monkeys that were relocated from a previous park. Visitors can watch their antics from the surrounding bars and restaurants, making it an entertaining and unusual wildlife viewing experience.
Historic Dive Bars and Local Haunts
The Old Mill Tavern is another notable spot, steeped in history and located next to an old sugar mill. It's a place where you can enjoy a drink and soak in the local lore.
These bars are not just places to grab a drink; they are community hubs where locals and visitors mingle, sharing stories and enjoying the unpretentious charm. Many of these local haunts, like the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, also offer food, such as pizza and tacos, making them great spots for a casual meal with a view. They are perfect for experiencing the unvarnished, authentic side of Old Homosassa.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit