Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Lecanto, FL

  • Published 2022/09/19

Are you craving a good vacation?

The electricity of excitement will surge through your veins as you check out Lecanto, a census-designated place in Florida.

Located in the Sunshine State, this place will give you abundant sunshine and a warm climate.

With all its unique and popular attractions, Lecanto has something to explore for all ages.

The community boasts natural scenery, wildlife areas, spectacular ranches, majestic rivers, and a rich historical culture.

As a perfect break from your busy days, it’s time to explore the best things to do in Lecanto, Florida!

Start your Underwater Journey in Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Do you believe in the story about mermaids?

Get ready to breathe those legends into life as you visit the Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter.

Located on West Gulf to Lake Highway, it was not originally an aquarium but a mermaid tail store.

As an internationally acclaimed brand, Mertailor had orders from the famous Lady Gaga herself and for drag competitions.

Later, the tail store features exquisite mermaid shows with outstanding performances in the huge water tank.

Besides mermaids, you’ll find unique aquatic animals such as a group of rescued macaws, sting rays, zebra moray eels, peacock mantis shrimps, and a two-spot octopus.

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter seeks to promote love and care for nature’s water ecosystem with all these things.

Feed the Cute Alpacas in Funny Farm Alpacas

Have you seen an adorable alpaca?

If not, you can see one in Lecanto at the Funny Farm Alpacas on West Rusk Lane.

This alpaca farm and store sells organic acapella spa products and alpaca-crocheted beanies manufactured directly on the farm.

When the operation of its breeding program stopped, the farm dedicated itself to taking care of the retired alpacas and giving them a comfortable home.

The best thing is that it allows free alpaca visits into their home pens.

You get to feed them their favorite treats and take lots of great pictures.

You’ll have a blast spending time with the timid alpacas with your children or friends at the Funny Farm Alpacas.

Experience Asian Dining in World Fusion

Are you looking for a new dining experience?

Or do you miss eating all of your favorite Asian cooking?

Head over to World Fusion in North Future Terrace for a wholesome dining experience of various Asian cultures such as Thai, Japanese, and Chinese.

This restaurant creatively combines fresh ingredients and Asian flavors to create exceptional and delectable meals.

It offers a wide variety of Asian foods such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, teriyaki noodles, pork gyoza, shrimp tempura, and many more.

Its menu also features numerous vegetarian-friendly dishes for its healthy choices.

With a clean and decent atmosphere and friendly servers, World Fusion will satisfy your Asian cravings.

Practice Your Swing at Brentwood Farms Golf Club

If you fancy a game of golf, you will enjoy the Brentwood Farms Golf Club.

It is on West Nicole Drive, a decent 9-hole golf course with dynamic, green, rolling hills for experienced players.

Aside from the courses, it also has driving practice areas and other amenities for golfers.

If you’re new to the game, the Brentwood Farms Golf Club provides golf lessons and products to teach and equip you with the right skills and tools.

It is worth a quick game with your buddies in a relaxing atmosphere.

Hit the Bullseye at the Outpost Range

Is the daily stress getting to you?

Take a break and let it all out as you enjoy learning the skill of shooting in the Outpost Range.

It is an exquisite shooting range in South Cauthen Point that offers a first-class experience in shooting sports, including shotguns, pistols, rifles, and an indoor archery range.

The area is in a gorgeously wooded forest stretching about 40 acres.

If you’re new to guns, the Outpost Range offers a variety of classes, including tactical gun training, long-range shooting, and the basics of firearm safety.

Thanks to knowledgeable and friendly staff, a person who trembles or feels anxious around guns will feel safe and motivated.

An onsite gun shop and archery store could equip you with the necessary supplies.

Play Golf with Elegance at Black Diamond Ranch

If you want to play golf in the most beautiful landscape in Florida, head down to the Black Diamond Ranch.

Ranking on the state’s first-rated list of golf communities, it is a private and gated golf course in the centerpiece of a guard-gated community of about 1,320 acres.

The place got its name from the premium grade of grapefruit.

Staying true to its name, the Black Diamond Ranch also offers premium services with 45 holes of world-class golf courses.

Renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio designed the place.

Its other amenities include tennis courts, splendid pools, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Taking advantage of its elevation, it features incredible vistas in all directions.

Even if it’s private, it has stay and play homes for guests who want to experience the picturesque golf course.

Have Fun with the Horses at Rymar Ranch Inc.

Does the idea of horseback riding excite you?

You can enjoy a fun experience with many adorable horses at Rymar Ranch Inc.

Located on South Lecanto Highway, it is a 40-acre horse range offering thrilling trail rides, horse riding lessons, camp programs, and boarding.

Adjoined by the 44,000-acre Withlacoochee State Forest, the Rymar Ranch helps you explore many wilderness trails on your horse.

Upon visiting the ranch, you can anticipate a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable personnel, and a spotless, up-to-date equestrian facility.

Its amazing horses are gentle and calm, thanks to staff who beautifully maintains them.

Whether new to horses or not, you can easily adjust to the trail riding difficulty based on your riding abilities.

You will learn that trust and respect for your horses are essential when riding one.

Wander the Dames Cave

An entryway to a cave at Dames Cave

Julie rubacha / Shutterstock.com

Venturing into nature for a hike is the ultimate getaway.

Try the great and easy hike into Dames Cave in Lecanto.

Situated on Trail 22, it is a gorgeous natural wonder, reached through a 1.9-km hike.

Its well-maintained trails showcase the rich wilderness and forest views within the area, with lots of shade and some sandy portions, making the journey enjoyable.

The cave may not be huge, but it should be enough for a quaint stop on your hike.

Before going into the Dames Cave, bring your flashlights and keep an eye out for snakes.

Chill Out at the Lecanto Community Park

If you need a decent park to relax in, the Lecanto Community Park in West Educational Path won’t disappoint you.

The park stretches for about 20 acres, with gorgeous jogging trails.

Hence, it is the favorite place for many joggers with small wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and rabbits.

Many locals enjoy hanging out in the park for a good break under the shaded trees.

It also has basketball courts, racquetball courts, and a large sunken field to fly your drone.

If you begin your trip in the summer, you might catch its “Movies in the Park” event, where they put up a large outdoor screen for the public.

Don’t miss that fun outdoor movie experience at Lecanto Community Park.

Stop by for a Snack at Paige’s Burgers and Root Beer

Did the trip make you hungry?

Make your way to Paige’s Burgers and Root Beer on West Norvell Bryant Highway.

With over 25 years of serving food, it serves famous tasty milkshakes, burgers, and juicy pork tenderloin.

Considered the best burger in town, it uses fresh ground beef mixed with secret seasonings, cooked to order before being slipped into a toasted bun.

You can pair it with root beer floats and homemade root beer to quench your thirst.

For vegetarians, you can also enjoy salads and desserts.

Therefore, take your family here for an enjoyable and tasty meal.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Lecanto features with fun attractions and sites to visit.

However, its neighboring towns and cities also possess the same level of beauty.

Check out the other things to do nearby Lecanto!

See the Manatees in Kings Bay Park

Have you already seen manatees up close?

If not, you can visit the Kings Bay Park in Crystal River, Florida, 13 minutes from Lecanto.

It is a small but well-maintained park in Kings Bay, a spring complex composed of more than 70 springs pumping out 600 million gallons of fresh water daily.

Its amenities include picnic shelters, barbecue grills, a kayak launch, and a fishing dock.

You can see West Indian manatees, dolphins, and small alligators on its pier.

While lying down on your picnic blanket, enjoy a beautiful sunset view and natural wildlife at Kings Bay Park.

See the Cars Go at Citrus County Speedway and Track LLC

Signage of Citrus County Speedway and Track

DanTD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a fan of seeing cars at crazy-high speeds, then visit the Citrus County Speedway and Track LLC.

This place a premier short-track venue, bringing tons of race car fun and action.

You can find the speedway in Inverness, Florida, 19 minutes from Lecanto.

It has family-friendly designated seating with family sections and a decent track view.

Some of its much-awaited events are Full Throttle 100, where racers complete 100 laps of full throttle action, and 40 Super Late Models Show Up, which brings out the Super Late Model drivers.

With lots of exciting racecar action, the Citrus County Speedway and Track will show you a good time with your family and friends.

Ride a Bike on the Withlacoochee State Trail

Caboose with Withlacoochee State Trail's sign

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

Hiking through the trails is a great option, but biking might be better when you’ve got 46 miles of paved trails.

In Inverness, you can explore one of the longest paved trails in Florida, the Withlacoochee State Trail.

The trail is 26 minutes from Lexanto.

Likewise, it is a 46-mile paved rail trail traversing the spectacular beauty of forests and rivers with deep railroad history.

The paved Withlacoochee State Trail

kim bowman / Shutterstock.com

Its path is an excellent location for people of all skill and fitness levels in cycling, running, walking, and skating because of its usually flat terrain and abundance of access points.

As the trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, you’ll get fantastic river views as you make your way through it.

Between Citrus Springs and Dade City, the trail corridor passes through six different natural communities and three counties: Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco.

For many travelers, it is an exciting and interesting excursion.

People riding bikes along Withlacoochee State Trail

Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Discover Historic Exhibits in the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Exterior of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

Nestled in the center of Historic Downtown Inverness, the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum is a hidden gem of art, culture, and history.

This place is 15 minutes from Lecanto.

Built in 1912, the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum officially became a museum in 2000.

It has numerous award-winning prehistoric and regional history displays and a revolving gallery where you can see local artists’ works and historical traveling exhibits.

Welcome sign of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum gained popularity since the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, filmed his 1961 movie “Follow That Dream” in the courthouse.

If you visit from November to April and June to September, you might catch its monthly concert series highlighting an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, and acoustic to pay tribute to the past.

As a symbol of the community’s history, you should not miss visiting the courthouse building, especially for Elvis fans.

Join the Enjoyable Journey on River Safaris and Gulf Charters Inc.

If you want a thrilling adventure on the glistening river, River Safaris and Gulf Charters Inc. will pump your heart.

Located on West Yulee Drive in Homosassa, Florida, it features fun and fast airboat rides, scallop hunting, manatee viewing, historically narrated tours and lazy river pontoon tours.

This place is 16 minutes from Lecanto.

Its romantic tour boats even host weddings.

You’ll have the privilege of encountering the curious and gentle giants, the manatees, in their natural habitat.

Moreover, you can go scallop hunting in the shallow grass beds of the Homosassa River.

It’s like Easter egg hunting but underwater.

Discover a whole new world with River Safaris and Gulf Charters Inc.!

Final Thoughts

The unincorporated community of Lecanto brings you a unique lifetime trip with its different kinds of wildlife, attractions, and majestic rivers to explore.

It is the perfect refuge for those who seek a break from all the bustling stress of life.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Lecanto, Florida!

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