Every year in July counties along the Gulf Coast of Florida come alive for scallop season. Homosassa, home to Monkey Island, is a hot spot for bay scallops. Scallop season runs from July to September and this quaint little Florida town has thousands of visitors in search of these little bivalves.
On our latest adventure, we spent our time in Homosassa scalloping, relaxing in the springs, and taking in the beautiful Florida landscape. Scalloping in Homosassa has been a tradition for us for years. Since we live in Orlando, the drive is just under two hours and allows us to leave our RV in Homosassa for the whole month of July and commute over on the weekends.
Explore
Scalloping is the main draw during our trip. Boaters come from all over to head out of the Homosassa River into the Gulf of Mexico to the scalloping grounds a few miles offshore. If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent a pontoon boat or sign up for a trip with a local charter. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-timer, scalloping here is accessible and fun for everyone. All you need is a mask, snorkel, fins and a keen eye to spot these little treasures hiding in the seagrass beds.
Homosassa Springs is the perfect spot to cool down after scalloping. These freshwater springs stay around 65 – 70 degrees year round and provide cool , clear water for an afternoon swim. During cooler months, manatees will come into the springs for warmth. The springs are also home to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. There is not a swimming entrance if you enter the springs through the park, but they have nice hiking trails and wildlife exhibits. You can even watch manatees and various fish in an underwater observatory. The springs and many of the waterways surrounding Homosassa are great places to kayak, canoe or paddleboard and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Eat
Homosassa has some of my favorite waterfront restaurants where you can dock your boat and walk right up. Several restaurants, like The Shed at MacRae’s or Marguerita Grill, will also cook your scallops for you. Most of them are also a short golf cart ride away from the campground.
Florida Cracker
Breakfast at Florida Cracker is the best way to start the day. Portions are very generous making it easy to split a meal between two people. Our favorite was the breakfast burrito with avocado, and a side of gravy for dipping. For the perfect small portion try the 111 breakfast which includes 1 egg, 1 pancake and 1 piece of bacon or sausage, then will still have room to add one of their delicious cinnamon rolls. Don’t forget to top it off with a BSB to drink, sub pineapple for orange juice if you like variety from the typical mimosa.
Florida Cracker is also open for lunch and they have a tasty cuban sandwich. They are cash only and give your change in $2 bills as a nostalgic little touch. On your way out, don’t forget to stop in the gift store for Cracker branded shirts, cups and knick-knacks.
Old Mill Tavern
Head to The Mill for the best wings in town. There are over 20 flavor combinations between the dry rubs and sauces. Pro tip, for extra crispy wings order one of the dry rub flavors and get a sauce on the side for dipping. They also offer daily specials that are posted on the sign out front each morning. On the weekends, they typically have live music outside and are open later if you are interested in having a few drinks at the bar.
The Freezer
The Freezer is a required stop during a stay in Homosassa. It is a long standing staple with a simple yet impressive menu. The peel & eat shrimp is the star and some of the best in Citrus County, but do not sleep on the clam chowder. They also have daily specials including Wednesday night steak. The dining area is cash only and there is an ATM on the premises if needed.
Crumps Landing
Crumps Landing is the perfect place to stop while you are on the boat and grab a frozen drink. They have a huge tiki hut and tons of outdoor tables where you can sit and overlook the water. Most days we stop here for a Miami Vice as we are heading to the springs from scalloping. The Peel & Eat Shrimp or Caribbean Catch bowl are my go-to orders.
Shelly’s Seafood Market
I love fish and seafood dips and Shelly’s has my favorites. Shelly’s is a small seafood market just down from the boat ramp at MacRae’s. We stop in several times every July to get some of their fresh seafood dips. They also have a fresh seafood case. The dips are made in house with what is available locally so the type and price can change. The buffalo shrimp and salmon, dill & caper were my favorites this year. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so plan accordingly, you do not want to miss this spot.
Sleep
Sun Retreats Campground
Each July we reserve a spot for the entire month at Sun Retreats Campground. Over the years we have stayed in many different spots in the campground. The campground is well maintained and most spots have worked really well for our stay. Row J backs up to a main road and traffic can sometimes get noisy. Spots in K, L and M are near the dog park and great if traveling with pets. If you want to be near the pool, a spot in A 1-11, B or C would be closest. There is an onsite laundry room, ice machine and recreation center. The campground is located in a central spot and most places are within a short golf cart ride.
There are several other campgrounds as well. If you do not have a camper, Seagrass Waterfront and Florida Cracker Riverside Resort are both have rooms and are on the water. There are also many Airbnb or VRBO properties in the area.
Cheers
Homosassa is filled with places that have the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying a drink on the water. I love to sit on a patio with a cold beer and watch the sun go down. Monkey Bar or Crump’s Landing have great spots for the sunset. Live music is one of the first things I look for when I am searching for a place to hangout. Old Mill Tavern, Nature’s Coast and The Shed at MacRae’s all regularly have live music and a fun atmosphere. Marguerita Grill has delicious extra large margarita and a patio overlooking the water.
