Enjoy the natural rhythm of island time and explore our islands where hundreds of species of birds and animals make their home. From sunrise to sunset, a stroll along the shorelines and marshes reveals the ongoing cycles of the Nature Coast.

Area Attractions

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

A group of restricted access islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Includes a major seabird rookery and an 1850´s lighthouse on Florida´s highest coastal elevation. Boats are available at Cedar Key.

 

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

A unique scrub habitat on the mainland offers walking and birdwatching, few marked trails.

 

Cedar Key Museum State Park

Established in 1962 and dedicated to St. Clair Whitman who operated the first museum in Cedar Key. Most of Mr. Whitman´s collections are displayed in the museum. These collections include exhibits on the Timucuan Indians, antique glassware, old bottles, a very complete collection of sea shells, items from the pencil manufacturing days, fiber broom and brush manufacturing, and photographs of old Cedar Key.

 

Shell Mound Park

A prehistoric Indian mound and nature trail off Highway 347 on CR 326 outside Cedar Key offers camping, boat ramp, and picnicking. Call 352-221-4466 for more information.

 

Manatee Springs State Park

A Florida first magnitude spring, offers diving, swimming, picnicking, boat ramp, canoe rentals, and an elevated boardwalk through primordial cypress wetlands into the historic Suwannee River.

 

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

A new 40,000 acre refuge, offers nature driving and hiking trails for wildlife observation and photography and access to the famous Suwannee River.

 

Waccassassa Bay State Preserve

A 31,000 acre limited access preserve between Yankeetown and Cedar Key offers access to canoeists and campers for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, photography and historic site exploration.

 

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Located in Maitland, Florida, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is an urban environmental nature center that specializes in the rescue, medical care, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned raptors (birds of prey).