Spectacular Gulf of Mexico Sunset Views from 14-foot-high covered decks. It sits on a saltwater canal with a fishing dock and is only minutes from the open Gulf! Private dockage on a direct Gulf access canal. Catch Redfish, Snook, and Snapper as you watch dolphins and Manatees swim in the canal behind your home. Weeki Wachee is only a short 5-minute drive. Outside camera for security purposes We are on a canal that directly faces the Gulf of Mexico - we are on the DIRECT access side of Hernando Beach (the indirect side requires you to go over a boat lift to get to the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention an additional 30-40 minutes just to get to the bridge). Our canal is literally a few minutes to get to the channel in the Gulf. There is no need to idle at 5MPH for 30 minutes or more to get out there. Bring your boat or rent one (rental place five minutes away). Not a boat person? No problem! Kayak to the Gulf on any one of our four provided kayaks. The mangroves are an excellent spot to hang out and see wildlife - dolphins are frequent sightings here. Fish on the dock - a live bait store 5 minutes away. We provide fishing rods, but they get tangled regularly, and we can't replace them fast enough. Bring your favorite, or get one for $20 at the bait store. Our place has been described as a "fisherman's paradise" by a few of our guests in reviews - read them! Our location also has the unique advantage of being so close to the open ocean, which is why we have so many manatee and dolphin sightings. You'll also see many sting rays, fish, sea turtles, horseshoe crabs, etc... Read our reviews to see how often guests see manatees and dolphins!! We provide: - Grill (propane included) - 4 single kayaks (3 sit on top, 1 sit-in) - 5 life jackets of varying sizes from child to XXL - deck on the canal side with seating and tables - enjoy your morning coffee here, or watch the fish in the evening from this spectacular view - deck on the street side of the house - we're 14 feet high so you can see the sunset here, over the Gulf of Mexico! - plenty of outdoor seating with incredible water views - stocked kitchen with spices, baking, cooking essentials, blenders (for your margaritas!), toaster, Keurig coffee maker (kcups, creamers, sugars included), Nespresso espresso maker (20 pods included) also a 6-cup coffee maker, smart TVs in the master bedroom and main living area. - under the house, there are ample parking spaces for several cars and space on the side of the house for your boat trailer. Enjoy the entire home and property during your stay! Getting around is a breeze! Five minutes away are many local restaurants, such as Tropical Grille tiki bar, Brian's Place, Silver Dolphin, and Drunken Mullet. On weekends there's karaoke at Sunset Grille, and the bars get busy - everyone is out having a good time, just like you! 10 minutes away is the Weeki Wachee River and the Weeki Wachee State Park. See manatees in this spring-fed water where the water is 74 degrees year-round. When the Gulf of Mexico is cold in the winter, manatees like to swim to the Weeki Wachee where the water is warmer. These are the best months to see them. You can see them year-round, too, but more challenging to get a sighting when they can be anywhere in the ocean. They are easier to spot in the narrow, crystal-clear blue river. 13 minutes away is the closest beach - Pine Island Beach (small 100-car beach with some vendors, $5 parking) Hernando Beach is a hidden gem, but just 15 minutes away is Spring Hills. This is where you'll find Starbucks, Walmart, Burger King, Publix, etc... 45 minutes away is Homosassa (swim with the manatees, or take an airboat tour) Clearwater Beach, one of the top beaches in America (named #1 several times), is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away. Always available by phone or text. Also, have local neighbors willing to help with any emergency. Hernando Beach, Florida, United States Poised on the calm, relatively shallow Gulf of Mexico, Hernando Beach is a sun-baked, thriving community laced with canals. It’s where boats live and launch from marinas and backyard docks. It’s home to second homes, families, retirees and visitors thrilled with their coastal discovery. Nature is evident throughout Hernando Beach. It’s bounded by the 11,206 acre Weeki wachee Preserve, home to a mosaic of wildlife, lakes and trails. To the west is the languid Gulf of Mexico. This central region of Florida’s Gulf coast boasts a lush estuary. Tidal marshes and flats host abundant wildlife such as manatee, dolphin and otter. Sandhill Cranes, herons, ibis and egrets strut about the neighborhood. Wild turkeys roam the brush. Bald eagles and osprey are frequent sights among the treetops or soaring overhead. Offshore, healthy seagrass beds are habitat to a biodiverse array of marine life including fish, sea turtles, invertebrates and, everyone’s favorite bivalves between July and September: scallops. Fine and casual dining choices – some waterfront – abound for breakfast, lunch and at day’s end. Spent the day on the water fishing or scalloping? Bring your catch to some of the “You Hook It, We Cook It” establishments for a savory, fun experience. And of course, with the Gulf of Mexico as backdrop, daily Technicolor sunsets glow as their own form of entertainment in this coastal community so rich with natural beauty. Car, walk, bike, or golf cart. Bring or rent a boat for the best way to experience the beauty of Hernando Beach Need more than one house? See our other listing on Lily Drive, just two streets over! airbnb/50855388