Visit Crystal River, Florida and discover its abundant natural beauty, wildlife, history, and restaurants. Plus, see manatees from both land and water. This is a city on Florida's Gulf Coast that you need to visit!

Why You Need To Visit Crystal River, Florida

Visit Crystal River, Florida and discover its abundant natural beauty, wildlife, history, and restaurants. Plus, see manatees from both land and water. This is a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast that you need to visit!

**A big thank you to Discover Crystal River Florida for taking the time to show us around Crystal River and providing us with park tickets. As always, however, all opinions are our own.**

Why You Need To Visit Crystal River

We always embrace the idea of discovering what’s in our own back yard. We’d always heard of Crystal River and how beautiful it was and were excited to finally take some time and explore this area of Florida that we had never been to.

It certainly did not disappoint and we have now visited a second time, seeing both new things and going back to old favorites. We definitely think you should visit Crystal River because there is a lot to see and do. We now consider it one of the best cities to visit in Florida!

Swim With Manatees In Crystal River

Crystal River is considered to be the “Manatee Capital of the World” and one of the best ways to get to know these cuties is to go for a swim with them. “Passive observation” is allowed by the federal government in the area of Kings Bay, so you can literally get up close and personal with manatees.

For more information on passive observation and swimming with manatees, check out our more in depth post.

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River
Swimming with manatees in Crystal River
when you visit Crystal River you have the chance to see baby manatees like this one
Baby manatee!

Kayak With Manatees

If you don’t entirely feel comfortable swimming with manatees, an alternate way to see them up close would be to go kayaking in Crystal River. During our most recent visit, we kayaked with Hunter Springs Kayaks.

When we arrived we watched a quick video that informed us of rules and regulations that we had to follow to make sure we and the manatees remained safe while we were out on the water. Then we walked a few blocks over to Hunter Springs Park, where our kayak was ready and waiting for us.

Equipped with a map, we paddled to the entry of Three Sisters Springs where we saw a few manatees. Most were sleeping but some were coming and going from the area designated as a manatee sanctuary. It was really cool to see them swim by so close to us.

Our kayaks were waiting for us at Hunter Springs Park
Our kayaks were waiting for us at Hunter Springs Park
Vicky and Mark kayaking towards Three Sisters Springs
Vicky and Mark kayaking towards Three Sisters Springs
A manatee swimming into the sanctuary by Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida
A manatee swimming into the sanctuary

Kayaking With Manatees Video

You can see more of our experience kayaking with manatees in the video below…

YouTube video

Three Sisters Springs

When you visit Crystal River, you absolutely have to visit Three Sisters Springs. This wildlife refuge is gorgeous! Photos just don’t do it justice, so you simply have to see it for yourself. You can see the edge of it from the water when you swim or kayak with manatees, but the grounds themselves are worth a visit.

The different hues of crystal clear blue water are amazing and you’ll get to explore trails and see all kinds of local animals. Manatees, of course, are the main attraction, and the best time to see them is during winter months.

We recommend visiting at any time of the year though. Their boardwalk makes it really easy to get around the three springs and the refuge also offers guided walking tours.

Note: There is only handicapped parking available at Three Sisters Springs so park your car at the Three Sisters Springs Center on US-19. From there you will get a ride on a trolley to the springs themselves. Also, if you have a Federal Land Pass or Duck Stamp, you will get $5 off admission for you and up to three guests.

When you visit Crystal River get a ride on the Three Sisters Springs Trolley
Three Sisters Springs Trolley
Pretty Sister Spring
Pretty Sister Spring
Buddy looking at all the manatees
Buddy looking at all the manatees
You can also walk along trails with informative placards that describe local flora and fauna
You can also walk along trails with informative placards that describe local flora and fauna

Heritage Village

Welcome to historic downtown Crystal River! This charming area of Crystal River has specialty shoppes and cafes located along North Citrus Avenue. It’s a great place to walk, eat, pick up some unique gifts, and admire the buildings themselves (many of which are considered “Historic Homes” and are designed with wrap around porches and tin roofs). We especially recommend stopping by Tea House 650 for some refreshing tea!

Stroll through Heritage Village when you visit Crystal River
Strolling through Heritage Village

Coastal Heritage Museum

What used to be the town’s City Hall is now the Coastal Heritage Museum which has artifacts, photos, and exhibits about the early history of the area. It was built in 1939 and was used until late 1970. Not only did the building hold the city council, it also was the home to Chief of Police and the town’s fire department!

We saw a lot of really interesting pieces, including mastodon bones, one of the old jail cells, and newspaper clippings describing when Elvis himself came to Crystal River to film a movie!

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm and admission is free.

Coastal Heritage Museum
Coastal Heritage Museum
A lot of interesting artifacts inside the Coastal Heritage Museum
A lot of interesting artifacts

Sunsets In Crystal River

Without a doubt, Crystal River has incredible sunsets. A great place to go during the evening to watch the sun go down is Fort Island Gulf Beach. It is off-the-beaten path, free to enter, has picnic tables and pavilions, and plenty of parking. Enough said!

Sunset at Fort Island Gulf Beach
Sunset at Fort Island Gulf Beach

Just South Of Crystal River

When you visit Crystal River, just south of the city is Homosassa Springs and we recommend paying them a visit as well. With its own variety of natural and historic landmarks, it is definitely worth the 20 minute drive. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by these locations…

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a great place to see native Florida wildlife. Daily programs and animal encounters offer visitors a chance to learn more about some of the animals in the park, such as manatees, alligators, otters, snakes, etc.

There’s also the “Fish Bowl” which is really cool because you get to step down into an underwater observatory and see what’s swimming around in the springs. To visit, park your car at the visitor center. From there you can either take a boat or tram to the park. The tram is faster, but the boat is nice because it goes along Pepper Creek and a park ranger tells you about the history of the park and the area.

Fun Fact: The only non-native animal in the park is Lu, a hippopotamus that was declared an honorary citizen of the State of Florida. He is the oldest hippo in North America; the average lifespan of a hippo is 50 years and Lu turns 60 on January 26, 2020.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Taking the boat into the park
Taking the boat into the park
Lu the hippo and other animals
Lu the hippo and other animals

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins

Once a thriving sugar plantation owned by David Levy Yulee, the space is now a state park with the remains of some of the sugar mill parts and equipment. You can see a 40 foot limestone masonry chimney, iron gears, and a cane press.

There are signs  all around explaining how the mill worked and the equipment. It’s not a large park and walking around will only take a few minutes, but if you’re in the area we think it’s a pretty cool thing to check out.

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins

Old Homosassa Veteran’s Memorial

Whenever we find out there’s a veteran’s memorial in a place that we visit, we always stop by to pay our respects. It was a little hard to find (it’s not in Google Maps) but it’s right across from Homosassa Elementary School so if you search for that you’ll find it.

Old Homosassa Veteran’s Memorial
Old Homosassa Veteran’s Memorial

Where To Eat In Crystal River

Crystal River has a lot of great dining options. We wrote a whole post about where to eat in Crystal River, which details some of our favorite restaurants and cafes. From tacos to steaks, you’ll be sure to find something delicious.

get tacos when you visit crystal river
Tacos!
steak in crystal river
Steak!

Day Trips From Crystal River

Another awesome thing about Crystal River is that it’s a great place to base yourself to explore even more areas of Central Florida. Tampa and Orlando are each only an hour and a half away. So if you want to experience big city hustle and bustle, but still want a quiet and relaxing place to end the evening, Crystal River is perfect.

Final Thoughts On Crystal River

We loved both of our visits to Crystal River. It’s natural beauty and wildlife are stunning and we know that there are still more activities and eateries we want to try out so we plan on visiting again.

Have you visited Crystal River, Florida? Do you have any recommendations for our next visit? We’d love to read your comments and suggestions below! 🙂

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Visit Crystal River, Florida and discover its abundant natural beauty, wildlife, history, and restaurants. Plus, see manatees from both land and water. This is a city on Florida's Gulf Coast that you need to visit!

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31 Comments

  1. Although hours are limited, it’s worth the time to visit the Coastal Heritage Museum on Citrus Avenue. A local history museum located in the old City Hall building with many artifacts and displays depicting early Pioneer times. It also has one of the original jail cells. Managed by the all-volunteer Crystal River Heritage Council, a council of the Citrus County Historical Society. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Free.

    1. Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for the suggestion! We’ll be sure to check it out on our next visit. 🙂

  2. I have wanted to see manatees in the wild since I was a kid obsessed with marine life. Totally making a mental note to visit Crystal River to swim with the manatees! How cool was that?!?

  3. That water is spectacular, both in color and clarity! I would love to go for a dip, but is it safe from water snakes and crocodiles? And those historic buildings (cottages) and quaint neighborhoods are my favorite kind of place to explore and take photos!

    1. Yes, it is very safe Tami. But even if you don’t feel totally comfortable getting in the water, there are still places like Three Sisters where you can walk around the water on a boardwalk. 🙂

  4. I absolutely love Crystal River! And those adorable manatees! My kids love it too. Great photos, thanks for sharing 🙂

  5. Great suggestions! I have been to Florida but I haven’t heard of Chrystal River before. I would love to swim with the manatees but apart from that I see there are tons of nice activities.

    1. Hi Chrysoula! Yes, it’s a great destination with a lot of things to do!

  6. I would totally love to go swimming with manatees. I had no idea it was allowed, and it is good to know that it can be done, albeit responsibly and safe for the manatees. I’ve actually never heard of Crystal River, and I spend a fair amount of time in Florida, so it’s good to know for my future visits. Looks like a unique and fun destination in the Sunshine State!

    1. Yes, definitely! Next time you’re in Florida, make sure to check it out! 🙂

  7. I haven’t been here, but it has everything I like in a destination – small town, natural setting and activities, wildlife, history. Makes me wish I lived closer.

    1. I think you’d really love it Lara! I hope you’re able to visit one day!

  8. Thanks for another great post guys. I have been loving your Florida series and every post makes me want to go more and more. Crystal River has long been on our radar specifically for swimming with the manatees but you post shows that there is so much more to see and do (and eat) there.

    1. Oh yay! We’re so happy to hear that! Crystal River has a lot to offer, so we know you’ll love it. 😉

  9. How great you can swim with manatees as a passive observer. I hope people respect this! I’ve seen too many places that had to ultimately change their rules because someone was desperately trying to get the perfect selfie. Three Sisters Springs does look amazing! I wouldn’t have guessed Florida, but somewhere in Central America.

    1. Hi Jackie! Luckily, everyone is very passionate about manatees and their well being in this area, so tour companies and those that work in the parks are very vigilant to prevent any wrong-doing. And yes, it’s such an amazing and beautiful place. I hope you’re able to visit some day!

  10. I would love to swim with the manatees. Learning more about passive observation was also very insightful! I also love the vibrant colors of Three Springe Sisters!

  11. I want to swim with manatees, too! Passive observation sounds like an approach that should be taken in tourism more often. All of these Florida activities sound great. I’m ready to pack my bags now.

  12. Thank you for this! We just moved back state-side after living abroad for years. We’ve been adding to our list of places to explore now here in the US and these are perfect kind of places for us!

  13. Holly VanNess says:

    Crystal River is old Florida ….generations of families where fishing was their life. The water is beautiful, the ride out of the river passing Shell Island spectacular, not to mention the wonderful restaurants and shopping. You will love the small town feel and the beautiful scenery. There is no other place in Florida like it. Well worth the time to visit. I know it well as I was lucky enough to grow up there.

  14. You had me at swimming with Manatees !

    Funny enough, the only thing I know about them comes from my kids watching the Cat in the Hat! But I would love to share that experience with them!

    This looks like a great family vacation!

  15. What a cool experience swimming with manatees! I’d love to do that! Not familiar with Crystal River though it really looks like really a quaint town with lots of activities. I’m always down for a nice glass of wine 🙂 Thanks for sharing your pictures and experience.

  16. Crystal Rivers like loads of fun! I have want to meet the manatees, swim in the clear, blue water, and taste the wine 🙂

  17. Megan Jerrard says:

    Crystal river is beautiful – we visited once during my year living in the States, and it was definitely one of the prettiest parts of Florida. Sadly the day we visited the visibility wasn’t all that great and there were a lot of tourists crowding trying to see the Manatees, but still loved it all the same 🙂 Took our canoe and had a great time!

  18. great destination and truly inspirational

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