The so-called Nature Coast keeps its secret: the river-riddled, marsh-mellow coastline of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco Counties is tailor-made for fishing, boating and kayaking among manatees, otters, bald eagles, swallowtail kites and more than 200 other species of birds that have been spotted there. Northernmost Citrus County alone holds four of Florida’s designated Outstanding Waters – rivers Withlacoochee, Homosassa, Crystal and Chassahowitzka. All empty into Gulf of Mexico bay waters mottled with verdant, gnarly mangrove islands. Each year, October through March, the warm waters of spring-fed Crystal and Homosassa rivers host the largest herd of manatees in the U.S.

The homey town of Crystal River has become synonymous with the gentle sea giants, in fact. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was created specifically to protect the endangered species and can arrange boat and kayak tours designed for spotting them in their habitat.

Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. Contemporary shops and cafés live in vintage buildings in the same neighborhood. Beach-buffs head to Fort Island Gulf Beach, the trailhead for hikers and bicyclists, too. A variety of affordable real estate ranging from waterfront communities, golf developments, gated communities and farms are available along with numerous commercial parcels on rt. 19.

Neighborly, oak-canopied, small-town Homosassa concentrates on fishing with charters galore, fish camps and fresh seafood on every menu. With its blend of salt and fresh water, the region attracts a rich selection of wildlife. Green sea turtles, white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, wood storks and manatees all call Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge home. Homosassa offers a variety of waterfront properties to choose from. From the quaint fishing village of Old Homosassa to luxury waterfront properties at Tradewinds.

Inland one finds nearly as much water as along the coast. There are many lakefront properties along with numerous horse farms and acreage. Lovely, moody Tsala Apopka Lake lures the casting crowd to Inverness, which accommodates them in campgrounds, fish camps, cottages, B&Bs and the historic, thoroughly British Crown Hotel. The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail paves the way for bikers and hikers through the historic town, Fort Cooper State Park, pretty little Floral City, and beyond. The state park, with its lakeside beach, was named for a Seminole War fortification and hosts a reenactment each March.

Part of the five-tract Withlacoochee State Forest takes up outside of Inverness, named for the 70-mile river that flows through it. Its vast acreage serves a wide scope of recreational purposes, from fishing and paddling to camping, horseback riding and off-road motorcycling.

Some of the best real estate buys in Florida are located in Citrus County.