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I have a soft spot for kitschy, Old Florida towns. I’m drawn to their rich history and charming quirks—the nostalgic attractions and the natural beauty that originally drew people in. For a long time, Apalachicola on the Gulf Coast was my top pick.
But after visiting Crystal River, Florida, I think I’ve found a new favorite Old Florida town.
Crystal River is about an hour and a half north of Tampa. It perfectly captures that funky, laid-back vibe. It also has just a touch of tourist charm that I adore. This small city is a key destination on Florida’s “Nature Coast.” It is nestled around Kings Bay and dozens of pristine natural springs.
With fresh seafood, nearby beaches, and plenty to explore, Crystal River offers everything you need for a memorable short getaway. You also have the opportunity to meet its famous resident manatees.
Many travelers overlook this part of Florida or simply don’t know about it. Here are five great reasons why Crystal River and its surroundings deserve a spot on your itinerary.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
5 unique things to do in Crystal River, Florida
Here are some truly unique reasons why Crystal River is a must-visit destination in Florida for me!
1. Swim with manatees
Crystal River is one of the few places in Florida where native manatees gather each year during the cooler months. Yes, Florida does have its own version of winter!
The town and its surrounding waters are home to natural springs. These springs maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees year-round. This environment attracts manatees. They cannot survive in colder water.
Each winter, hundreds of these gentle giants fill the springs and rivers around Crystal River. Some “resident” manatees live in the area year-round. This makes manatee sightseeing tours incredibly popular.
During my visit to Crystal River, I had the unforgettable experience of swimming with manatees.
These gentle creatures can be friendly and playful. Swimming with them is a truly unique experience. You won’t find this anywhere else in the world.
Want to get up close with these gentle giants in the water, too? Book your own manatee-swimming tour here.
You can also book boat and kayaking tours. This lets you experience these gentle sea giants up close if snorkeling isn’t your preference. Nonetheless you choose to see them, encountering these magnificent creatures is a must-do in Crystal River!
Here are some of the top manatee tours in Crystal River:
- The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer
- Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer
- Clear Kayak Tour of Crystal River (no swimming)
- Kings Bay Scenic Cruise from Crystal River (no swimming)
If you choose to search for manatees independently, keep in mind that these are wild animals and deserve your respect. Always maintain a safe distance. Never approach a manatee too closely. Follow any posted signs that restrict swimming in certain areas.
2. Visit Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is one of the most famous places that the manatees flock to in Crystal River. It is a collection of (you guessed it) three natural springs. These springs feed the Crystal River.
There are three different ways to experience the Three Sisters Springs:
- Walk the boardwalk above the springs
- Paddle into the springs with a kayak or paddleboard
- Swim into the springs
These springs are located within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a restored wetland habitat spanning 57 acres. Visitors can explore the boardwalk and swim in the springs year-round. They can watch for a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and, of course, manatees.
Visiting the Three Sisters boardwalk is a must, but you can’t drive directly there since it’s inside the wildlife refuge. Instead, start at the Three Sisters Springs Center and take a trolley to the boardwalk. (The trolley ride is included with your springs admission; find more details here.)
Once at the boardwalk, you can explore and chat with US Fish & Wildlife Service volunteers who oversee the springs.
This stunning spot is definitely worth the visit. (And yes, the water really is that vibrant!)
Please note, entering the water from the boardwalk is not allowed. If you want to swim or paddle in the springs, keep reading!
Another way to experience the springs is by boat or paddlecraft, such as a kayak or paddleboard. You can launch from any public boat ramp or kayak launch in Kings Bay. Another option is to book a guided tour like this one and paddle into the spring. (However, boats and paddlecraft are prohibited in the springs during manatee season, typically November 15 through March 31.)
Finally, swimming in the springs is an incredible experience thanks to the crystal-clear water—just like on a manatee tour.
Keep in mind, during manatee season, strict regulations govern where you can swim. Look for buoys and signage marking the official “manatee sanctuaries” and please respect these boundaries.
3. Kayak “The Chazz”
One of my favorite non-manatee activities in the Crystal River area was kayaking on the stunning Chassahowitzka River. This 5-mile-long river is nestled in southwestern Citrus County, just a quick 20-minute drive from Crystal River.
Like many rivers in this region of Florida, “The Chazz” is spring-fed and teeming with diverse wildlife.
I was accompanied by Tara from Citrus County tourism and Dennis. Dennis manages the campground and RV park where you can rent boats and kayaks. I enjoyed a leisurely paddle along the Chazz. We went all the way to its source—a natural spring locals call “The Crack.”
While manatees sometimes visit the Chazz, we didn’t spot any on our trip. We encountered plenty of mullet on our journey. These are fish known for their surprising leaps out of the water. We also saw a remarkable variety of birds. This included bald eagles, as the river is home to hundreds of bird species.
The Chazz is part of the expansive Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing morning or afternoon.
You can book a similar tour here—this one features clear kayaks, making for an even cooler experience!
4. Catch a beach sunset
Crystal River isn’t directly on the coast. Fort Island Gulf Beach is just a quick 15-minute drive away. This makes it essentially Crystal River’s beach.
This Gulf of Mexico beach is ideal for an afternoon picnic or a relaxing sunset by the water. You can enjoy the view from the sandy shore or from the fishing pier.
During my visit, I was lucky to witness a stunning pink sunset.
5. Meet Lu at Homosassa Springs
Finally, be sure to visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, just under 15 minutes from Crystal River. Originally established as a zoo in the early 1900s, the park is now managed by the state of Florida.
The state assumed control several decades ago. Since then, the park has gradually focused on showcasing only native Florida wildlife. The park prioritizes humane care. Today, visitors can see resident manatees, alligators, bald eagles, and even an orphaned Florida panther.
One unique non-native animal you’ll still find here is Lu the hippo. Hippos are not native to Florida. When the state took over the park, local residents petitioned for Lu to remain. He had been a beloved fixture for many years.
The state granted Lu honorary Florida citizenship, allowing him to continue living at Homosassa Springs. Remarkably, Lu is now over 60 years old!
At the Wildlife Center, visitors can observe animals from the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory. They can stroll along the Pepper Creek Birding Trail. Guests can also enjoy a 15-minute boat tour. Additionally, they may attend manatee presentations at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. More information is available here.
Where to stay in Crystal River
During my stay in Crystal River, I stayed at The Plantation on Crystal River. It is a charming historic hotel built in the 1960s. Despite its name, it was never an actual plantation. The rooms are spacious and cozy, and the pool is an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring.
The Plantation features an on-site restaurant and a dive shop. It offers manatee tours as well. You can easily book excursions or rent boats without leaving the property.
Other notable hotels in Crystal River include:
- King’s Bay Lodge – The highest-rated hotel in Crystal River on Trip.com
- Hampton Inn Crystal River – Another well-reviewed option
- Paddletail Waterfront Lodge – Offers beautiful views overlooking the Crystal River
If you prefer vacation rentals, Crystal River has some excellent and affordable choices, such as:
- A waterfront home with a heated saltwater pool, plus bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards available for guests
- A quiet 3-bedroom canal-front home featuring a dock and kayaks for a serene stay
When to go to Crystal River
When is the best time to visit Crystal River? In my opinion, the ideal time is between November and March. During these months, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures perfect for outdoor activities and a higher likelihood of spotting manatees.
If swimming with manatees is your goal, plan your visit from late December to late February. These are typically the coldest months in Florida, when manatees gather in the warm springs. While it’s possible to see manatees in March, sightings are less certain.
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How to get to Crystal River
Crystal River is situated in Citrus County along Florida’s northern Gulf Coast.
Here are the distances to Crystal River from several other popular destinations in Florida:
- Tampa to Crystal River: 80 miles, roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes of driving
- Orlando to Crystal River: 87 miles, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes of driving
- Jacksonville to Crystal River: 135 miles, roughly 2.5 hours by car
- Fort Meyers to Crystal River: 209 miles, roughly 3.5 hours by car
The best way to reach Crystal River is to fly into either Tampa or Orlando. Then, drive to Crystal River. You could absolutely combine a trip to Crystal River with a Disney trip, or other mid-Florida adventure.
More essential info
- Looking for packing suggestions for Crystal River? Head over to my Amazon shop to see all my favorite travel gear!
- Pick up a Florida travel guide before you go.
- You might also like these other Florida posts:
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