Open 11 am - 4 pm
Discover Citrus County
Discover Citrus County
Welcome to a place where nature, history, and local charm blend into unforgettable memories. When you plan a trip to Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter, you’re also stepping into the heart of Citrus County, Florida — “The Nature Coast.” Explore hidden gems, delicious local eats, relaxing places to stay, and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Below are just a few of the places we love to recommend to our guests:
Places to Stay
Rest, relax, and enjoy your trip with these local favorites:
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Paddletail Lodge – Waterfront charm with cozy accommodations.
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The Cove Resort & Pub – Stay, dine, and enjoy Florida’s waterside vibes.
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Retreat at Crystal Manatee – A peaceful boutique stay close to the springs.
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Sweet Citrus Acres – A unique getaway nestled in nature.
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Crystal River KOA – Camping made easy, with everything from RV hookups to cabins.
Tours & Adventures
See Citrus County from the water with unforgettable local tours:
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Birds Underwater – Famous for manatee tours and snorkeling adventures.
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Exlporida – Guided eco-tours and nature experiences highlighting the best of the Crystal River area.
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Crystal River Watersports – Eco-tours, manatee swims, scuba diving, and family-friendly adventures.
- Kacey's Custom Adventures - Explore Crystal River and all it has to offer with Kacey's Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours.
- River Adventure Tours - Explore the Homosassa and Halls rivers by kayak or Paddle board!
Food & Local Flavor
Grab a bite, sip, or sweet treat at these local spots:
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Tea House 650 – Relaxing atmosphere with teas, coffees, and treats.
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Bubba Ques – A must-visit for BBQ lovers.
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Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters – Local coffeehouse with multiple locations across Citrus County.
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Guyer’s Ice Cream & Doughnuts – Old-fashioned sweets with a local twist.
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The Crab Plant - Fresh-caught Seafood Market and Restaurant.
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Crump's Landing - Waterfront Tiki Bar and Restaurant
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Homosassa Distillery - Handcrafted small-batch spirits, unique cocktails, tours and tastings.
- The Freezer Tiki Bar - Offers a quintessential Florida dining experience. Originally a seafood freezer, this cash-only, no-frills eatery serves up fresh, locally caught seafood in a laid-back, waterfront setting.
- Wallace's at the Green House - Nestled in a charming greenhouse setting, Wallace’s serves up fresh, seasonal dishes with a local twist. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, great cocktails, and a menu that highlights the best flavors of Citrus County. Perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or special outing.
- The Tipsy Tarpon - Perfect for cold drinks, casual bites, and enjoying Florida sunsets with friends and family.
- Bayside Kraft Kitchen - Savor the essence of land and sea, expertly combined to create an unforgettable waterfront dining experience that will leave you craving more.
Local Treasures
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Ziggy’s Bird Sanctuary – A wonderful place dedicated to the care and rescue of exotic birds, perfect for animal lovers.
- Crystal River Mini Golf - Enjoy 18-holes of pure family fun! Located in the charming downtown area of beautiful Crystal River.
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - Learn about our precious manatees in a spectacular setting. Situated right on King's Bay in the heart of Crystal River, the National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Visitors Center is not to be missed.
And that’s just the beginning! From hiking and biking the Withlacoochee State Trail, to exploring the history of The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins, to sunsets at Fort Island Gulf Beach, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Plan Your Visit
Pair your trip to Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter with local dining, tours, and attractions — and see why Citrus County truly is the hidden treasure of Florida’s Nature Coast.
Stay a little longer. Explore a little deeper. Discover Citrus County.
Even More to Explore
There’s so much to see and do here on the Nature Coast, we couldn’t possibly list it all! From swimming with manatees to exploring historic downtowns, Crystal River is the heartbeat of Citrus County adventures.
For a full guide to dining, lodging, shopping, events, and outdoor fun, visit our friends at Discover Crystal River — your one-stop resource for planning the perfect Florida getaway.