Beverly Hills, Florida is located in the central part of the state, approximately an hour-and-a-half from both Gainesville and Orlando. This town is less than 30 minutes from Florida's Nature Coast, which offers snorkeling opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico. This stretch of beach is called the Nature Coast due to the presence of several wildlife preserves, such as Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and Waccasassa Bay Preserve, which have nature trails and chances for bird watching.
Lake Rousseau, approximately 30 minutes from Beverly Hills, is a 3,500 acre manmade body of water that offers facilities for fishing and boating. Fishing opportunities are also available on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers, which feed into the lake. Fish species in Lake Rousseau include big bass and catfish. Lake Rousseau is also home to the Lake Rousseau RV Park and Campground. The RV spaces at this resort offer hook-ups for electricity, water and sewage. The resort also offers two-bedroom mobile homes and one-bedroom cabins that include amenities such as fully furnished kitchens, living rooms with queen-sized sofa beds and cable television.
Lake Rousseau
Citrus County Parks and Recreation
2804 W. Marc Knighton Court
Lecanto, FL 34461
352-527-7540
lakerousseau.com
Homosassa Springs is a 180 acre wildlife park that is thirty minutes west of Beverly Hills and offers wildlife exhibits that showcase animal species indigenous to Florida. Some of these animals include cougars, river otters, alligators and manatees. Animals that are not native to Florida include hippopotamuses. The park's Education Center offers educational programs and exhibits that allow children to learn more about the animals at Homosassa Springs. Children three years and younger can enter the park for free.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34446
352-628-5343
manateecam.com
Withlacoochee State Forest is a 15 minute drive away from Beverly Hills and has over 157,000 acres. It is the third-largest state forest in Florida. The World Wildife Fund declared this forest as one of the "Top 10 Coolest Places You've Never Been to in North America," according to the St. Petersburg Times. This forest offers hunting areas and facilities for fishing and boating on the Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek. The park also has trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Withlacoochee State Forest also offer campgrounds for primitive tents, as well as RVs.
Withlacoochee State Forest
Recreation/Visitor's Center
15003 Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601
352-754-6896
fl-dof.com
Crystal River Preserve State Park is a 30-minute drive from Beverly Hills and offers the 2.5 mile Eco-walk trail, as well as the nine mile cycling road, Curtis Tool Road. Local wildlife, such as deer and turkey, can be seen while on these trails. Boat tours take visitors throughout the park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and last approximately an hour-and-a-half. The Visitors Center at Crystal River provides picnic facilities and offers movies that provide information on local wildlife. Pets are allowed in the park, provided that they are on a six-foot leash at all times.
Crystal River Preserve State Park
3266 N. Sailboat Ave.
Crystal River, FL 34428
352-563-0450
floridastateparks.org
