3 Summer Adventures for Cooling Down on the Nature Coast

Florida’s Nature Coast is one of the best spots to kick your summer into full gear with 3 cool adventures including pristine barrier islands, scenic paddling trails and fun scalloping excursions.

Summer is always a fun time to enjoy Florida’s outdoors, especially on the water where we can cool down and enjoy the laid-back season. North of Tampa, Florida’s Nature Coast is one of the best spots for a refreshing, natural escape for summer fun.

Officially, Florida’s Nature Coast includes eight coastal counties that form Florida’s Big Bend, the area bordering the Gulf of Mexico as the state curves from panhandle to peninsula. The three counties at the bottom of the bend – Pasco, Hernando and Citrus, offer many unique ways to turn up the good times – especially on the water.

Pasco County is the southernmost of the Nature Coast. It is an inviting destination for a range of outside adventures including a trip to the spectacular and pristine barrier island called Anclote Key. Next up is Hernando County (also known as Florida’s Adventure Coast). Famous for the mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, there is plenty of natural adventure here too. Newly opened is the Bayport Kayak trail, an adventure you’ll want to paddle for a spectacular ride through a salt marsh. And then there is Citrus County, with the largest gathering spot for manatees on Florida’s West Coast, but also heralded as a prime destination to experience something unique – summer scalloping.