What to Do

Cedar Key/Gulf Hammock:

Cedar Key City Park (352-543-5132) is located at the corner of Second St. and A St. This park offers a limited swimming area with no lifeguards on duty.

Learn about the heritage of Cedar Key at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum (352-543-5549). Artifacts and memorabilia tell the tale of the island's history, from the Timucua Indians to the hurricane of 1896 to the present.

Cedar Key Historic District on National Register of Historical Places (352-543-5549)Experience the beauty and solitude of the waters off Cedar Key on a scenic cruise to area islands from Cedar Key Island Hopper, Inc. (352-543-5904). They also offer airboat rides, boat rentals, fishing charters and special event services.

Community artists have combined their talents at the Cedar Keyhole (352-543-5801), a co-op of Levy County residents. Showcased mediums include painting, stained glass, potter, woodwork, quilting and much more.

A great place to learn the details of Cedar Key's history, Cedar Key State Museum (352-543-5350) exhibits Timucuan Indian artifacts, collections of sea shells, artifacts from its pencil manufacturing period, a range of photographs of old Cedar Key and more.

Approximately 4,000 acres of marshland, pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve (352-543-5567) is a wildlife-lovers paradise. Endangered animals you might see include black bears and bald eagles.

The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge (352-493-0238) encompass 13 offshore islands that are home to more than 20,000 birds and 10 species of reptiles. The majestic beauty of this refuge is matched only by the wildlife and birds that reside there. You can visit the interior of Atsena Otie Key, which offers walking trails for exploring. or the beaches of all the keys except Seahorse Key. The islands are accessible by boat.

Paddle enthusiasts can rest assured. Wild Florida Adventures (877-WILDWAV) offersseveral custom kayak tours exploring Cedar Key and the surrounding areas. Fishbonz (352-543-9922) and Nature Coast Canoe & Kayak/Nature Coast Expeditions & Outfitters (352-543-6463) offer a range of kayak and canoe rentals and expeditions into area waters.

Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, bicycling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding in Goethe State Forest (352-447-2202). Camping by permit only. The Goethe Trail System has three separate trailheads.

Spend the day picnicking outdoors, relaxing in the shade or throwing the ball around with the family at one of the area's pristine parks. Some of our favorites are Gulf Hammock Wayside Park (352-486-5127) and Pocket Park (352-543-5132)

If you're looking to take a little piece of the key home with you, visit Cedar Key's Island Arts (352-543-5203), which offers beautiful arts and crafts by various artists.

Levy County Fishing Guides (352-543-5600)

Learn about the wonders of agriculture and the preservation of our natural resources at the University of Florida Cooperative Extension (352-543-5057).

Explore the 31,000-acre alberghi alloggi SovataWaccasassa Bay State Preserve (352-543-5567) by canoe, boat or foot. Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound and historic sites round out the cultural offerings. If you're feeling adventurous, camp out at the preserve and try your luck communing with nature.

Area boating and water recreation facilities include: Boat Ramp at Cedar Key Bridge #4 (352-486-5127), Cedar Key Boat Dock (352-486-5127), Cedar Key Marina (352-543-5132), Waccasassa County Boat Ramp (352-486-5127) and Willis Marina (352-543-6148).

Chiefland/Bronson/Williston:

Chiefland Trailhead (352-493-6711)

Learn about the winemaking process of Florida's own Dakotah Vineyards & Winery (352-493-9309) in Chiefland. Take a tour, try free samples or just stroll through the lush vineyards. Situated at an archaeological site, the winery also offers Native American demonstrations.

ERROR MSGDivers and snorkelers love the deep waters of Devil's Den Resort & Springs (352-528-3344) and Blue Grotto (352-528-5770). With depths reaching more than 100 feet, the expansive area for exploration seems endless.

George T. Lewis Airport (352-486-5217)

Levy County Quilt Museum (352-493-2801)

The impressive Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (352-493-0238) is a 53,257-acre refuge that offers nature lovers myriad wildlife watching and birding opportunities. Within this river delta-estuarine system live

Manatee Springs State Park (352-493-6072) and Blue Springs Park (352-486-5127) offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving and exploring the natural surroundings. You might even spot a few manatees, which are common at both parks (there is actually a designated area for them at Blue Springs). Trail systems and a boardwalk flank the warm, crystal-clear springs.

Old Clay Landing at Camp Azalea (352-486-5127)

Experience the natural side of Florida at the Shady Grove Eco-Ranch (352-490-8349). More than 200 acres offer city-slickers the chance to "cowboy up" and discover their rural roots. The ranch offers seven miles of hiking and biking, horseback riding, volleyball, guided tours, horseshoes, hayrides and 80 acres of pasture with farm animals roaming free. Bring your rod and reel in fresh catches at the fishing lake. Learn about various habitats and how to identify native plants and animals. It's a fun and educational experience for the entire family.

Shell Mound Park (352-486-5127), named for the 28-foot high mound of shells left by prehistoric tribes, is located next to a prehistoric Indian site, this park offers camping and picnicking.

Sid's Treasure Camp (352-493-2950)

Suwannee River Water Management District Land (800-226-1066)

Local parks offer great opportunities for outdoor adventures, and are fun for the entire family. Gather up the kids and pack a picnic lunch and head over to one of our beautiful area parks:

Area boating and water recreation facilities include:

Upper Clay Boat Ramp (352-486-5127)

Usher Boat Ramp (352-493-6072)

Pilots can fly into paradise at the George T. Lewis Airport (352-486-5217). This is a lighted 2,300 ft. runway in uncontrolled air space.

Learn about crafts and quilting and see examples of beautiful quilts at the Levy County Quilt Museum ERROR MSG(352-493-2801) in Chiefland. Housed in a log cabin, the museum is holds a Blue Grass Festival every year to help defray costs and pay for the building.

Sid's Treasure Camp (352-493-2950) in Chiefland is a great base camp for the nearby springs and Cedar Key. This motel offers a dock, fuel station, country store, pub and live music. Festivals occur at designated times throughout the year, the most significant being the Pirate Festival in July.

Suwannee River Water Management District Land (800-226-1066) is located in one of the state's most pristine hardwood hammocks. There are 7 hiking and nature trails to explore the area, observation towers for a view from above and fishing in the Suwannee River.

Inglis/Yankeetown:

Park facilities include Bird Creek County Park (352-486-5127) and South Levy Recreational Park. These are great areas for relaxing in the shade or getting some sun.

Visit the Cross Florida Greenway (352-236-7143) for wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, bicycle riding, canoeing, kayaking scuba diving and more. Or just relax with a picnic lunch.

Bird Creek County Park (352-486-5127)

Cross Florida Greenway (352-236-7143)

Inglis Island Trails (352-236-7143)

South Levy Recreational Park

Area boating and water recreation facilities include:

Allen Park Boat Ramp, Elkins Road Boat Ramp (352-486-5127)

Fowler's Bluff Boat Ramp (352-486-5127)

cheap hotels in ThiraKitty Lane Boat Ramp (352-486-5127)

Yankeetown Marina (352-447-2529)

Old Town:

Explore the intriguing Steamboat Wreck in the Suwannee River (850-487-2299), the City of Hawkinsville. Once a grand steamboat used for transporting goods and people, the Hawkinsville dropped anchor for the last time on the western banks of the Suwannee River. Divers are allowed to explore the wreck, which is accessible only by boat.

Gornto Springs (352-598-1206)

Hinton Landing (a.k.a. John O. Green Park) (352-498-1206)

New Pine Landing & Old Pine Landing (352-498-1206)

Purvis Landing (352-498-1206)

hotels MalagaShired Island Park (352-498-1206)

Steamboat Wreck in Suwannee River (850-487-2299)

Suwannee:

The 9-mile Dixie Mainline Trail (on Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge) (352-493-0238) is the perfect place to begin your journey into the woods. Composed of lime rock, the trail is suitable for bicycling, walking and driving. Points of interest include Salt Lake, Fishbone Creek and Shired Island.

Dixie Mainline Trail (on Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge) (352-493-0238)

Glen Dyals Park (352-498-1206)

Miller's Suwannee Riverboats (800-458-2628)

Suwannee Park (a.k.a. Community Center Park) (352-498-1206)

For your boating and water recreation needs visit Jon's Marina (352-542-2833).

Cross City/Horseshoe Beach:

Butler-Douglas Memorial Park (352-498-1206)

Cross City Park (352-498-3468)

Jena Park (352-498-1206)

Nature Coast Trail State Park (352-463-3420)

Peppers Park (352-498-3468)

Rocky Creek Park (352-498-1206)

Waldo Park (352-498-1206)

Area boating and water recreation facilities include:

Dockside Marina (352-498-5768)

Horseshoe Marina (352-498-5687)

Norris Bridge Boat Ramp (352-498-1206)

Gilchrist County:

Blue Springs Park (386-454-1369), High Springs

Ginnie Springs Outdoors, LLC (386-454-7188), High Springs

Ellie Ray's River Landing and RV Resort (386-935-9518), N. Bell

Hart Springs Park (352-463-3444), S.W. Bell

Fanning Springs State Park (352-463-3420), Fanning Springs

Nature Coast Trail State Park (352-463-3420), Gilchrist, Levy, Dixie - 31.7 mile paved trail for biking, hiking, horseback riding, rollerblading and running.

Lower Suwannee - Sante Fe Conservation Lands (386-362-1001)