Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is an animal rescue center in a forest beside a beautiful clear natural spring. It is gorgeous to walk around the spring and see the animals. There are bright orange flamingoes, and cute woodstorks. Owls, eagles, and red-tailed hawks are nice to see. A large hippo that was a movie star walks into the water and swims around. You can go underwater and see the fish and manatees in the spring, though the windows in the underwater area need to be replaced because they are badly scratched up. There are pelicans, great blue herons, and alligators.

Another fun attraction is Weeki Wachee Springs and its mermaid shows.
Have lunch or dinner at Crystal River town, eleven minutes north of Homosassa Springs. It's a cute town with a main street, Citrus Ave, where you can find some nice restaurants. This town is also teeming with springs. Enjoy a walk around Hunter Springs Park, or a visit to the Crystal River National Wildlife Preserve to see Three Sisters Spring and the wintertime manatees.

Directions

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa FL 34448. This is 1.5 hours west of Orlando.
Open daily 9-5:30.
Admission is $13 for adults, and $5 for children aged 6-12.
Save time by parking in the parking lot next to the center, at 9328 W. Fishbowl Dr, Homosassa FL 34448 (see red tab on map). If you park in the main parking lot at the state park address, you must wait to catch a boat or shuttle tram.

Click on map for interactive view