AN ITINERARY FOR OZELLO: WHERE LAND AND WATER MEET
Nowhere is the uniqueness of the Citrus County coastline more evident than Ozello, a small, lush area hugging the Gulf of Mexico between Homosassa to the south and Crystal River to the north. Here, any mental image of Florida's western coast as the sharp delineation between Gulf and land disappears as you survey this constellation of small islands, peninsulas, bays and inlets without number.
And this is fantastic news for guests seeking Florida at its natural best. Like no place else, even in the area celebrated as The Water Lover's Florida, the topography of Ozello invites the visitor to slow down and experience the rich environment born of the flora and fauna found where the coastline crumbles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Start your visit by enjoying Ozello's truly phenomenal outdoor beauty: Drive the 9-mile Ozello Trail, also known as County Road 494, which snakes west from U.S. 19 and then bends north. The drive is local favorite for its incredible scenery, including jumping mullet in the salt marshes, deer and turkey in the oak hammocks and a host of other wildlife. Motorcyclists also come from near and far to enjoy the surroundings, the fresh salt-scented air and the dozens of curves that make for a fun ride in typically straightforward Florida. The speed limit is 35 mph—the curvy roadway makes higher speeds an unsafe idea—but you may be tempted to slow down even more to drink in the panorama.
Speaking of drinks, Peck's Old Port Cove restaurant at 139 North Ozello Trail is famous for its beer served in mason jars—as well as its spectacular seafood and sunset views. Blue crabs are raised right on site; it just doesn't get any fresher. The restaurant consistently receives high marks from customers on websites such as TripAdvisor and UrbanSpoon, confirming what local diners have known for years. Be sure to stop here during your visit to the area.
For those looking to catch a little seafood themselves, the Ozello area is ideal for fly fishing and kayak fishing among the lime rock formations in these shallow waters. Then try the pier fishing at the park on John Brown Road, just off of the Ozello Trail. While seemingly out of the way, the park is a local favorite you won't want to miss. It's also a good place to put in a kayak and explore Ozello's waterways. You'll see shell middens from ancient Native Americans as you paddle along. When kayaking or kayak fishing, take a GPS unit with you, as the myriad fingers of waterways that help make the area so beautiful and fun to explore can be a bit confusing for even experienced paddlers.
However you enjoy Ozello, you will leave with a greater appreciation for the natural diversity of the Sunshine State and the Water Lover's Florida.
