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Recreation for seniors in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco County

Fishing, springs and manatees, state parks, trails, beaches, bird watching, fresh seafood, and places to meet people. This page covers what's here, what it costs once you're 65, and how easy it is to get around if walking is hard. Each section links to a detailed page and to the official source.

Checked against the state, county, and park sources linked on this page. Hours, prices, and closures change, so call before you drive. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026.

The short version:

In this section

Fishing

At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Florida?

At 65, if you're a Florida resident. You don't need a freshwater or a saltwater fishing license, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the state wildlife agency. Its "Do I need a license?" page says the exemption also covers the extra permits for snook and spiny lobster.

Carry your Florida driver's license or state ID when you fish. If you'd like a card just for this, ask for the state's free Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate. You can get it at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at your county tax collector's office.

Visitors 65 and older who don't live in Florida need a regular license, either freshwater or saltwater depending on the fish they're after. Our fishing page explains the difference, lists the lakes, rivers, and boat ramps in each county, and links to the official lists of fishing guides.

State parks, springs and manatees

Do seniors get into state parks for free?

No. Florida State Parks says on its frequently asked questions page that it doesn't give seniors a discount on day entry or on annual passes. Several parks here are free anyway, including Crystal River Preserve and Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins.

There are real savings on camping. Florida residents 65 and older get 50% off the base fee for regular campsites. So do Florida residents with a Social Security disability award or a 100% disability rating. Honorably discharged veterans get 25% off an annual pass, and veterans with a service-connected disability get a free lifetime pass.

Our state parks page lists every park in the three counties with its admission, amenities, camping, kayak rentals, and boat tours.

What is the best month to see manatees in Crystal River, Florida?

Manatee season runs from November 15 to March 31, according to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The City of Crystal River says viewing is strongest during cold fronts and at high tide, when manatees move into the warm springs.

Three Sisters Springs sits on the refuge, and the city runs visits there. The city's accessibility page calls the boardwalk wheelchair, scooter, and walker friendly, though as of October 2026 parts were closed for construction. You arrive by trolley, and the trolley and van both have wheelchair lifts. There's no parking on site unless you have a handicap parking permit.

Winter tickets, from November 15 to March 31, are $17.50 for seniors 55 and older, or $11.25 for Citrus County residents with ID. Summer tickets are $12.50. If you have the federal Senior Pass, the national parks pass sold to people 62 and older, you get $5 off.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is in Homosassa. Its underwater observatory puts you eye to eye with the spring, its fish, and the manatees that winter there. The boardwalks are wheelchair accessible, and the park has manual wheelchairs on hand. Admission is $13 for ages 13 and up. As of October 2026, its boat service was paused for low water, so call 352-423-5600 before you go.

Trails

Where does the Withlacoochee State Trail start and end?

It runs 47 miles from Citrus Springs in Citrus County, south through Hernando County, to the Trilby area of Pasco County near Dade City. The state park page calls it one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, meaning it follows an old railroad line, and it's generally flat.

There's no fee. The trail is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day. It has five main access points with restrooms and parking, and picnic areas at Gulf Junction, Inverness, and Ridge Manor. It passes through Inverness and Floral City, so you can start in town and turn around whenever you like.

Near Crystal River, the Withlacoochee Bay Trail is a free, 5-mile paved trail out to an observation deck on the Gulf. The Suncoast Trail runs 42 paved miles beside the Suncoast Parkway through Pasco and Hernando.

Beaches, swimming and kayaking

Can wheelchair users go to the beach?

Yes, at some beaches here. None of the county beach pages list beach wheelchairs, the wide-wheeled chairs that roll on sand, so call before you go. These have accessible boardwalks or launches:

For a lake beach, SunWest Park in Hudson is a 70-acre spring-fed lake with white sand, built in an old limestone mine. It's $5 a day by card. In Hernando County, Pine Island Park is on the Gulf, $5 per car, and free for cars with a handicap placard and for disabled veterans.

Our beaches and paddling page goes park by park down the Gulf side of all three counties, with swimming, kayak launches, fees, and the manatee season rules for paddlers.

Bird watching

The coast here draws black skimmers, oystercatchers, roseate spoonbills, and reddish egrets, and the state's Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail lists 41 sites in the three counties. Fort Island Gulf Beach, Homosassa Springs, and Robert K. Rees Park in Pasco all have wheelchair-accessible paths or boardwalks. The Hernando and Pasco Audubon chapters lead free guided walks for beginners. Our bird watching page has the spots, the walks, and the beach nesting rules.

Fresh seafood and waterfront dining

Stone crab claws are in season from October 15 through May 1, and bay scallop season runs in summer. Citrus and Hernando's tourism offices list seafood markets and restaurants, and two fall festivals in Citrus County celebrate the stone crab catch. Our seafood, dining and rentals page has the markets, how to find a restaurant on the water, and how to check a vacation rental before you pay.

Staying active and meeting people

Where do seniors go to meet other seniors?

Start with your county's senior centers. They serve a hot lunch on weekdays to people 60 and older, with activities built around it.

Citrus County runs three centers, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Central Citrus in Lecanto (352-527-5993), East Citrus in Inverness (352-344-9666), and West Citrus in Homosassa (352-795-3831). Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. Call at least two days ahead to reserve a meal. Activities include exercise classes, dancing, games, creative arts, and health screenings.

Pasco County has five centers that serve a free hot lunch to anyone 60 or older, regardless of income. You can give a voluntary contribution toward the meal. Call Pasco Senior Services at 727-834-3340 to find the one nearest you, or call a center directly: Elfers in New Port Richey (727-844-7703), Land O' Lakes (813-929-1200), Wilton Simpson (352-521-5151), or Zephyrhills (813-701-7582).

Hernando County seniors can join the Enrichment Centers of Hernando, a nonprofit at 800 John Gary Grubbs Boulevard in Brooksville (352-544-5900). Dues are $20 a year, and you can visit to look around before you join. Activities include meals, painting and crafts, crocheting, and clogging.

What are some fun activities for senior citizens?

Pickleball, swimming, exercise classes, and volunteering are all close by, and some cost almost nothing.

Are there any free classes for seniors?

Sometimes. Florida law lets state colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for Florida residents 60 and older. You attend without earning credit, and only if there's a seat left after registration closes. Each school decides whether to offer it, so ask the admissions office at the college near you.

Senior centers run free and low-cost classes too. The Citrus County centers list educational workshops, creative arts, and exercise classes among their activities.

Getting there is its own question if you don't drive. Our page on rides and transportation covers the county bus and door-to-door options.

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