A Local's Guide to Hernando Beach and Florida's Nature Coast

By John | Co-Owner, SAR DOG Industries | Retired U.S. Coast Guard Aviator

Why We Love Living in Hernando Beach

After a career in Coast Guard aviation, I wanted to live somewhere close to the water and a little quieter than most of Florida's coast. Hernando Beach turned out to be that place. My wife Melissa, an Air Force veteran and my business partner at SAR DOG, and I live here with Ridley, our Samoyed. She has opinions about every boat ride.

This isn't a tourist checklist. Florida's Nature Coast is about being outdoors: the water, the fish, the springs and the evenings. Here's how we spend our time, and what we'd tell a friend who's visiting.

Getting Out on the Water

The Gulf of America is right outside our door, and it's the main reason most people come here. Flying taught me habits that carry over to boating. Check the weather before you go and keep checking it while you're out. Look over your equipment. Have a plan, and tell someone what it is.

The water here is shallow in a lot of places, so learn the channel markers and pay attention to the tides. A falling tide can leave you sitting on a flat a long way from home. If you don't have your own boat, Freedom Boat Club Hernando Beach, a membership boat club on Shoal Line Boulevard, is a good place to start.

From My Flight Log

One of our favorite days is simple. We anchor at Marker 25 on the Hernando flats with Melissa and Ridley, eat chicken sandwiches and snack out of our snackle box. Ridley spends the afternoon playing on the swim mat. It doesn't take much more than that.

Fishing the Gulf of America

Fishing is a big part of life here. Depending on the season and where you go, you might find hogfish, redfish or snook. Not every trip ends in a great catch, and that's fine. Some of my best days on the water came home with an empty cooler.

Before you go, check the current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations and make sure you have the licenses you need. Seasons, size limits and bag limits change, so look them up rather than relying on what someone told you last year. For the official rules, FWC's saltwater recreational fishing regulations page is the place to check. If you'd like to go out with a crew, we recommend Thunder Fishing Co., which runs fishing charters out of Hernando Beach aboard the 42-foot Thunder.

From My Flight Log

My best fishing story isn't even mine. Melissa and our daughter Maddie hooked a giant cobia, and while they fought it, a tiger shark circled the boat. They landed that cobia, and it's still the fish we talk about most.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

If you visit only one place off the water, make it Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The mermaid shows are a piece of classic Florida, and the spring water is remarkably clear. In season, Buccaneer Bay is the place to swim, and paddling the Weeki Wachee River is one of the quietest ways to spend a morning.

Schedules and conditions change, so check the official park site for current hours and activities before you go. If you're traveling with a dog, check the park's pet rules before you bring one.

Sunsets and Waterfront Evenings

Evenings are when Hernando Beach slows down. Our favorite sunset is from the boat, just offshore of Hernando Beach, watching the sun go down over the Gulf of America. If you'd rather stay on land for dinner, The Lazy Lizard at 3192 Shoal Line Blvd is a good choice, with outdoor seating along the Weeki Wachee Preserve.

From My Flight Log

Our best evening on the water was the 4th of July. We anchored offshore with Melissa and Ridley and watched the fireworks, looking back at the coastline. Seeing the whole shore light up from out there is hard to beat.

What to Wear for Nature Coast Heat

The sun here is strong for most of the year, and on the water it hits you twice, once from above and once off the surface. A long-sleeve shirt with a UPF 50+ rating helps, but only count on that protection when the garment is actually rated for it. Add a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on any skin the shirt doesn't cover. In the shade or around town, a regular cotton tee is fine.

Our Fishing & Performance collection is where we keep the shirts we wear on the water. For more on choosing one, see our guide to UPF fishing shirts.

A Community We're Proud to Call Home

What keeps us here is the people. Neighbors look out for each other, help each other at the boat ramp and wave from the dock. Our Florida Locals collection is a small way of celebrating the place we call home.

Final Thoughts

Hernando Beach and the Nature Coast reward people who slow down. Plan ahead, respect the water and the weather, and give yourself time to enjoy it. If you see a white Samoyed on a boat, say hello. Ridley will be glad to meet you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Hernando Beach?

Boating and fishing on the Gulf of America, a day at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and watching the sunset from the water are our favorites.

Is Hernando Beach good for fishing and boating?

Yes. The Gulf of America is close by. The water is shallow in many areas, so learn the markers and watch the tides.

What fish can you catch near Hernando Beach?

Depending on the season and location, anglers target hogfish, redfish and snook. Check current FWC regulations before you go.

How far is Hernando Beach from Weeki Wachee Springs?

It's a short drive, about 8 miles or roughly 15 minutes from Hernando Beach. The park is at 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34606. Check the official park page for current hours and activities, and check the park's pet rules before you bring a dog.

Where are the best sunset spots?

Our favorite is from the boat, just offshore of Hernando Beach. For dinner by the water, try The Lazy Lizard at 3192 Shoal Line Blvd.

What should I wear for a day outdoors on the Nature Coast?

A UPF-rated long-sleeve shirt, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. See our UPF fishing shirts guide.

SAR DOG Industries is an SBA-certified veteran-owned apparel business based in Hernando Beach, Florida. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard.