Nature Coast facts for kids
The Nature Coast is a special part of Florida, a state in the United States. It's not an official region, but people use the name to describe a beautiful area along the Gulf of Mexico. This region is known for its amazing natural beauty and wildlife.
Contents
What is the Nature Coast?
The Nature Coast stretches along Florida's western side, next to the Gulf of Mexico. It includes eight counties, from west to east: Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco.
The name "Nature Coast" was first used to help people learn about and visit this area. It was part of a plan to bring more tourists to places like Levy, Citrus, Hernando, and parts of Marion and Pasco counties.
Many local businesses and groups use "Nature Coast" in their names. For example, the Nature Coast State Trail is a path for walking and biking. It goes through Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve protects over 800 square miles of coastal water. This preserve is found in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties.
Culture and Location
The northern part of the Nature Coast has a culture similar to the Deep South. This southern culture reaches down to Levy County.
The lower part of the Nature Coast, including Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, is often seen as part of the Tampa Bay Area. This means it's close to the bigger cities and activities around Tampa Bay.
Fun Activities in the Nature Coast
The Nature Coast is a great place for outdoor adventures. Many people enjoy hunting, fishing, and boating here. It's also perfect for bird watching and hiking through nature trails.
You can find many cool spots for snorkeling in the rivers along the Nature Coast. Diving and manatee tours are very popular. You can often find these tours in places like Crystal River, Homosassa, and Homosassa Springs.
If you like golf, there are also 50 golf courses in this area.
Amazing Wildlife
The Nature Coast is home to many different animals. You might see deer, wild pigs, and alligators. There are also raccoons, opossums, and various snakes.
Bird watchers can spot beautiful birds like roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, and egrets. You can also find many turtles. At least 19 endangered species live in this special region.
Places to Visit
Citrus County Attractions
- Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge (partly in Hernando County)
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Crystal River Preserve State Park
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Lake Rousseau
- Withlacoochee State Trail
- Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site
Hernando County Attractions
- The Heritage Museum
- Weeki Wachee Springs
Jefferson County Attractions
- Letchworth Mounds
Levy County Attractions
- Cedar Key Museum State Park
- Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
- Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
- Fanning Springs State Park
- Manatee Springs State Park
- Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
- Goethe State Forest
Marion County Attractions
Pasco County Attractions
- Pioneer Florida Museum and Village
- Starkey Wilderness Preserve
- Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
- Conner Preserve
Taylor County Attractions
Wakulla County Attractions
- Bradwell Bay Wilderness
- Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
- Ochlockonee River State Park
- San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
- Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail State Park
