Floral City Itinerary

A scenic drive down Orange Avenue gives you the sense that you have arrived in a special place. Named for its abundance of wildflowers, Floral City in southeastern Citrus County was bigger than Miami in the early 1900s. Today, this former phosphate mining boomtown preserves all the appeal of Hidden Florida. This three-day itinerary will help you begin your exploration.

DAY 1: TIMELESS FLORIDA HISTORY & HERITAGE

Start your morning with a fresh cup of coffee from the Red Brick Coffee House and take a leisurely stroll down the Avenue of the Oaks. Famous for its stunning canopy of moss-draped live oaks, this scenic street offers a peaceful escape, making you feel as though you've stepped back into a bygone era. It also leads you to the beginning of your exploration. 

In Floral City’s historic town center, you will find the Floral City Heritage Museum. It is housed in the retired Fire Station No. 1 building, is generally open on Friday and Saturday (make sure to confirm hours prior to visiting) and is home to local artifacts from the town’s past. Relics and pictorial displays associated with the late 19th century Floral City Steamboat Era, the Floral City Great Train Wreck of 1956, the Historic Duval-Metz House next door to the museum, the history of the Floral City Fire Department, and much more await. Can’t make it to town for the weekend? No worries, you can contact the museum director to arrange a private tour! 

Next, see the 1863 Duval-Metz House up close. This is the oldest residence in Citrus County, built in 1863, predating Floral City by 20 years. Scan the permanent QR codes at the gate, sit on the porch and enjoy the self-guided 37-minute video tour of Citrus County’s oldest home. If your visit coincides with one of the community’s events, you may even be able to see the inside of the house with a guided tour. 

Finish your first day with a dinner at Florida Cracker Shamrock’s for Fried Pickles, Fried Gator Nuggets and the famous Duval Island Wings. There are even great choices for the kids! As day one winds down, make sure to pick up some sunscreen and bug spray before setting off on the rest of your adventure as a natural landscape will be the setting for your adventures.

DAY 2: HIT THE TRAILS AND VISIT CLASSIC ROADSIDE SPOTS

Begin with a stop at Robins Country Kitchen for home-style pancakes, omelets, and fried biscuits with honey jelly. But don’t overdo it – you’ve got a busy day ahead.

After the most important meal of the day, you will find that Floral City is home to one of the greatest paved bike trails. While cycling parts of the 46-mile Withlacoochee Trail, you will enjoy the shaded, flat path which extends North and South through local natural woodlands and farmlands, completely isolated from car traffic. Don’t have your bike with you? No problem, as there are rentals available nearby that can help get you on the trail.

If your visit is timed right, you can take a break from the trail and stop at Ferris Groves. This 1930’s-era roadside fruit stand has become a local icon. Local citrus, blueberries, and strawberries, along with jellies, syrups and treats such as the incredible Strawberry Milkshake make this a definite stop. Just remember that it is usually open from October through April and make sure to include it if you visit during this time.

Keeping with the roadside theme, stop by a food truck like Tac O’Clock or The Family Pit BBQ & Ice Cream. After, you can enjoy a quiet early evening stroll among the oaks in Floral Park or even try their 24-hole Disc Golf Course. There are play areas for the kids and leashed dogs are welcome.

DAY 3: SIGHTSEEING AND RELAXING VIBES

Get your morning started at the Coffee Corral for pastries and a delicious beverage, and head out to explore the Duval Island area. Situated along the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes, the area surrounding the Duval Island Boat Ramp serves as a birdwatcher’s dream location. Grab your binoculars and a camera to peruse the open waters and marsh edges for opportunities to see the wading birds and woodland critters that call this place home.

On the outskirts of Floral City, driving down East Gobbler Drive takes you to the nearby Withlapopka Community Park. It is popular for hiking, birdwatching, and spotting native wildlife. The park features a .9-mile loop trail, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a playground.

Ready to hit the water? You can rent kayaks from Sunny Adventures and explore the Tsala Apopka Chain. This is a part of Florida that most never see. After spending 3 to 4 hours exploring, it is time to wrap up your Floral City experience.

Sleepy Hollow Fish Camp is positioned right along a grassy bank on the Tsala Apopka Lake chain, and you eat outdoors under the trees while watching airboats slide right up to the docks. You can schedule a 2-hour Sunset ride from All American Airboat Tours for a memory you will never forget. Then, stay for some great food at a price you will not believe! Live entertainment and family vibes will make you start planning your next visit before you know it.

Need a place to stay? Check out Rock Pointe Ranch for a truly unique experience when you stay in one of their guest rooms. How about a lakeside cottage rental at Sunshine Lodge? See the complete list of lodging choices here.

FLORAL CITY FESTIVALS 

Late winter brings a signature tradition: the Annual Floral City Strawberry Festival which is held the first weekend in March at Floral Park. The gathering celebrates one of the area's most important seasonal crops and brings visitors together for a weekend of food, entertainment, vendors and, of course, STRAWBERRIES! 

Next, for nearly 35 years, Floral City Heritage Night event has been a fixture on the local calendar. Held annually on the first Friday night in December, it features Candles, Carols & Carriages, a holiday celebration with luminaries lining the Avenue of the Oaks. Visitors can walk or ride in a horse-drawn wagon to view the Christmas decorations and listen to carolers and musicians performing from the historic homes. There is an Old-fashioned fish fry and tours of the Duval-Metz House.

To see the complete list of area events, click here.

FREE PLANNING ASSISTANCE

Be sure to stop by and say hello at the Visitors Center on US 19 in Crystal River. For more information on any of these fantastic activities, contact the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 352-794-5506 for free assistance. We look forward to helping you discover all that The Water Lover’s Florida has to offer! If this itinerary sounds like the perfect vacation plan for you, be sure to download our free printable PDF.