Location: Crystal River
Top Things to do in Crystal River
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Crystal River, Florida (FL)
Crystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,108 in the 2010 census. (3,485 in 2000). According to the U.S Census estimates of 2012, the city had a population of 3,055. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee". Crystal River Preserve State Park is located nearby, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located in the city's northwest side.
Restaurants in Crystal River
1. St Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve
2. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 312 reviews
Come have an opportunity to see the great West Indian Manatee in the crystal clear springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge!
Reviewed By hayleyamby - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a great place. it's fantastic that it's been preserved for everyone to enjoy. I think it's important for people to recognize that the refuge is trying to balance the importance of providing a winter home for the manatees, preserving the springs and surrounding lands, and yet also offer recreation for people. It has to be tricky here, where throngs of people (myself included) want to come see the manatees. Three Sisters Springs is just one area of the national wildlife refuge. This is probably the most popular because of the three main springs here, plus it's easily accessible. It's in a suburban area and you'll see the backs of several houses as you make your way there. The spring area becomes crowded with private motorboats, tour boats, snorkelers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. I think we all need to remember the manatees are endangered and face a lot of dangers (574 manatees died in 2019 in Florida) and give them space while we're visiting their home. You can visit the refuge by renting a kayak from nearby Hunter Springs Kayaks, by a local manatee snorkeling tour, through a local hotel like Plantation Inn, or by bringing your own boat or paddlecraft, which is what my family do when we visit. We have paddled here three times now. Every time the weather is a little different, and we always see manatees. You can also visit the springs via land, and walk on boardwalks around the springs. There is no access to the water if you arrive by land,. In addition to manatees, you'll see schools of fish in the springs, and we even saw a snake in the water while swimming. There are birds around, too. Crystal River is a wonderful place, and we need to be mindful of how we interact with the manatees and treat the water and land while we visit to preserve it for future generations.
3. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By peterpL1442FO - Sarasota, United States
We got a waterproof map so we can find more springs. We kayak all over the rivers and dive as many springs as we can find. There is a ton of wildlife from otters, manatees, eagles, ospreys, other birds, and more fish than you can count. We go here about once a month with our camper and spend a weekend paddling, picturing, and swimming.
4. Crystal River Preserve State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Crystal River Preserve State Park is a remnant of the Florida coastline that has changed little since Europeans arrived over 500 years ago. The park preserves more than 27,000 acres of diverse natural communities such as scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes and mangrove islands. Much of the property is still untouched, allowing visitors a glimpse at what this area of Florida looked like centuries ago. Given the natural community diversity, the preserve is an ideal location for birding and wildlife viewing. The preserve offers several miles of hiking and biking trails and two designated kayak launches. From Labor Day to Memorial Day (September-May) Eco-heritage boat trips leave from the park headquarters. The 1.5-hour boat tour gives visitors the opportunity to see coastal marsh and learn how it and the associated marine estuary provided for the ancient river dwellers that once lived here. The 24-passenger vessel “Monroe” runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children under 12 years of age, children 6 years of age and under are free. Boat tickets can be purchased one hour prior to departure, forms of payment accepted are cash or check.
Reviewed By APicard0207 - North Palm Beach, United States
My husband and I did a nice hike on NY Day. It was the perfect length & as pretty well maintained. We did go off the path at one point (on purpose) & we are so glad we did! It took us closer to the water and it was a bit more challenging. We also saw a hawk on a branch about 2 feet in front of us! He wasn’t afraid at all & seemed to be checking us out as well. The next day we brought our bikes & did the 7 mile loop. I am not sure I would hike this trail, but it’s perfect for biking. Make sure you have a fat tire or mountain bike though. This trail was a lot of fun to ride! We saw two large deer on the path.
5. Three Sisters Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,516 reviews
Reviewed By 909pamelak - Lake Worth, United States
Beautiful spring, we kayaked here, then took a dip and did some snorkeling. It is worth the trip. The water is crystal blue and the volunteer who was also in a kayak, was very informative.
6. Crystal River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By A8850CTsharonl - Sarasota, United States
It's a beautiful area, and although we only saw a few manatee, we did get to swim with them and had a great time, Looking forward to coming back in January.
7. Cross Florida Greenway - Withlacoochee Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Flsandy1 - Dunnellon, United States
Paved bike path around 5 miles in length that takes you along the Florida Barge Canal and terminates at the Gulf of Mexico...interesting viewing with covered picnic tables along the way.
8. Gary Maidhof Walk to Nature trail
9. Hunter Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 256 reviews
Hunter Springs Park 18 NE 2nd St. Parking fees are enforced within the parking lots. Free lots are available in close proximity. Vehicles with trailers are not permitted at Hunter Springs Park. Trailer parking is available at Kings Bay Park. Amenities: Pavilion (not available for reservation or rental) Restrooms Picnic area with BBQ grills, Beach with Fresh Water, Swim Area, Kayak Launch- (The City does NOT rent kayaks or paddle boards), Playground, Living Shoreline. Park is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. No dogs allowed with the exception of service animals. No alcohol. Parking fee is $1 per hour or $5 for all day.
Reviewed By jeannea634 - Springfield - Delaware County, United States
We had planned to stop at Hunter Springs for a little bit, then go on to the beach. The park had so much to do and see, though, that we decided to spend our day there! Parking is reasonable (about $1/hour), they have a bathhouse, playground, picnic tables, viewing bridge, and shady areas. There are two kayak rental places that you can rent from nearby, or you can bring your own and launch it there. We saw several manatees -- one surfaced literally touching our kayak! Such fun!
10. Fort Island Trail Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By N8191NAcarolm
I go weekly when I’m here....great fishing, hiking and birding. Covered picnic areas, restrooms, and riverside benches.
