Share The Article

Tampa is a fun city on its own, but many vacationers opt to go just south of the cityscape to enjoy sun and sand in 2 of America's most renowned beach towns.

Of course, that would be Siesta Key and Clearwater, both constantly in a head-to-head duel year after year fighting for ‘#1' honors.

While coastlines south of Tampa are widely considered the best of the best, you never hear much about going north of the city as this region is still relatively low-key in terms of traveler interest.

It's time for that to change.

Why? Because who wouldn't want to visit hidden white sand beaches and discover glistening waters beaming otherworldly shades of blue?

In case you haven't noticed, people absolutely lose their minds when fall rolls around.

All of a sudden pumpkins are the world's favorite fruit and leaves are more sought after than 2020 toilet paper.

While there's nothing wrong with scoping out beautiful back roads or lush forestry, there's no bad season for crystalline waters while basking in the sun, is there?

Roughly 90 minutes away, the northern region of Tampa boasts some incredible natural sites waiting to be explored.

Still rockin' 70-degree temps in fall, there's no need to pack a sweater like most places right now.

Swimwear and a sense of adventure are all you need for the dynamic duo of Homosassa and Crystal River.

Homosassa and Homosassa Springs are neighboring towns that go hand-in-hand as far as their offerings to tourists.

Boasting an array of wildlife, stunning blue waters, and small-town Florida charm, you couldn't get further away from the bright lights, crowded theme parks, and overhyped beaches than this.

Homosassa is not just a fun word to say; it's a fun place to visit, and quite honestly a mystery why it's not more popular.

Swim with manatees? Check.Kayak atop turquoise waterways reminiscent of Mexico's cenotes? Yep, there's that!An island full of monkeys? Yeah, it's Florida! Are you surprised?!

While Monkey Island may be tempting, a better bet is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to bear witness to an array of wildlife, including Florida's most famous residents, alligators, as well as black bears, red wolves, and even wild flamingos.

To your surprise, you may even see a hippo. No, not one of Pablo Escobar's infamous beasts; this 64-year old former actor now uses Homosassa as a retirement home and even has his own Facebook page.

The park only costs $13 to enter and an additional $3 for a boat tour. Not too shabby, right?

There are ample ways to explore Homosassa, including scenic hiking trails, but kayaking is arguably the most popular method through such top-rated companies as Seven Sisters Kayaks.

Although, don't skimp out on the ‘Fish Bowl' experience, the State Park offers guests the opportunity to ‘walk with manatees' and see underwater fish swimming in the spring.

Crystal River is much like Homosassas, but it holds a secret only locals know about.

As popular as Florida has become, finding unknown beaches worthy of visiting are now few and far between.

Next time you fly into Tampa, rather than visit the same-o same-o everyone knows about, why not give nearby Fort Island a chance?

Home to wide-open white sand beaches, once you discover this place, you won't be missing the crowds of Siesta Key.

But there's another secret.

Fort Island is not the only unspoiled beach in the region. Just south of Homosassa lies Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park, a blink-and-you'll-miss-it type of place lined with calm waters and common dolphin sightings.

Costing only $5 to enter, no wonder it's so beloved by those in the know (4.5 Google rating with over 6,700 reviews!).

That being said, Crystal River is not a “beach destination” per se but is the “Manatee capital of the world” as a leg up on Homosassa.

Make sure to check out Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge for the best “sea cow” spotting all while taking in the same eye-popping blue waters Homosassa has to offer.

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

??Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

HOMOSASSA SPRINGS — Under a bruised sky Thursday afternoon, a man twirled a green sign beside a quiet stretch of South Suncoast Parkway in Citrus County. It was emblazoned with two words: “Got weed?”

No matter that Hurricane Helene was rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, some 190 miles away and marching ever closer. No matter that forecasters said the storm would be among the largest to threaten the region this century, likely leaving no part of Florida untouched by wind, rain or storm surge.

“Meh,” shrugged Dave Campbell, 52. “I’ve got business to do.”

And business, he said, was good. He declined to give specifics but said he’d had a steady stream of customers at Freedom Vape all day.

He showed little interest in stopping even though his store was located in Zone A, which was under an evacuation order.

Further down the parkway, a street sign flashed: “SEVERE WEATHER WARNING. USE CAUTION.”

Forecasters predicted 10-15 feet of “catastrophic, life-threatening storm surge” along this swath of marshy Gulf Coast, where many residents are still reeling from Hurricane Idalia.

No matter to Campbell, who kept spinning the sign and offering a thumbs up to anyone who passed.

Originally from Arkansas, he said he moved to Florida from West Virginia and started the shop about five months ago. He lives in an RV parked around back.

Tonight, though, he said he’ll sleep inside the business.

He shooed away a lovebug from on his T-shirt and readjusted his oversized red, white and blue cowboy hat.

Then he went back to twirling the sign, the hurricane churning closer.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times hurricane coverage 2024

5 things to know about the 2024 hurricane season, according to forecasters.

Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 hurricane season. Here’s why.

Could Tampa Bay flood insurance rise after a hurricane? A warning from Hurricane Ian

Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here’s where to look.

Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits.

Posted

and last updated

As organization continues in the north Caribbean it seems likely that we'll get our next named storm of the Atlantic season in Tropical Storm Helene by the end of the day.

Right off the top there are no impacts expected in Acadiana and we're not expecting any hard west turn that would change that fact.

Since a lot of folks have plenty of interests along the Florida Gulf Coast I figured I'd dive in a little to what this storm could potentially produce.

Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for roughly Panama City to Apalachicola along the Florida Panhandle, and then for central Florida, Florida's west coast down into the Florida Keys.

A Hurricane Watch has been placed from Tampa to Apalachicola all along the coast and as far inland as the Florida Georgia border.

Watches are issued roughly 48 hours in advance, and will likely be upgraded to a warning as track confidence builds and the arrival window becomes shorter.

Landfall is expected to be sometime Thursday afternoon/evening between Apalachicola and Cedar Key along the Florida Big Bend as a major category 3 storm with winds pushing 120 mph.

This is a part of the coastline, similar to Louisiana, that is very susceptible to storm surge which could be between 10 and 15 feet in areas west of Ochlockonee Bay to the Chassahowitzka River (near Homosassa Springs).

A 5-10 foot surge could be possible west of Ochlockonee Bay to Indian Pass (just west of Apalachicola) with higher than normal tides spreading west across the entire Florida Panhandle, south of Homosassa Springs surge could still exceed 8 feet including along the Tampa Bay which could cause coastal flooding in the city.

If you live in, or know people who live in these areas please make sure they they heed all local evacuation warnings as surge related damage will be significant.

There is some shear working against the system Tuesday morning, which has prevented it from closing off so far but models are indicating that the shear may start to weaken.

The next big hurdle will be how it clears the Yucatan and if it gets a relatively clean release or gets caught up with some land interaction on its way to the Gulf.

Regardless, once in the Gulf conditions will be favorable for rapid development and strengthening with intensity models starting to indicate the Category 4 is not off the table with this system.

Again, the release of the Yucatan will go a long way in determining the ultimate strength of the storm and whether it favors the western or eastern side of the cone.

Latest model guidance would suggest probably the eastern side closer to Cedar Key.

If you have travel plans this week to areas between Gulf Shores and Destin it's not an automatic cancel but there are some things you should be aware of over the next few days.

Weather will not be particularly pleasant with Wednesday and Thursday fairly stormy, especially the Florida Beaches which will be on the edge of tropical storm forced winds.

Tides will be running very high and the surf will be violent, a very high rip current risk will exist through Friday even after the storm has lifted north.

It would not be advisable to get in the Gulf of Mexico this week given it's condition and even that far away from the center I would expect double red flags.

Areas east of Destin, this includes the 30A area should probably be avoided as that will be even closer to the center and again the weather won't be pleasant and the seas will be dangerous.

If you do plan on going keep in mind that a small shift to the west edge of the cone could dramatically change the potential impacts.

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.