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Holidays to Crystal River: Home of the manatees
In the middle of planning your holiday to Florida? Well, we've got the perfect destination to add to your itinerary - Crystal River! Located on the central northwest coastline of Florida, Crystal River is an ideal spot to spend a few days.
For one, it's the only place in the United States where you can swim with manatees! And if this claim to fame isn't enough, there are plenty of other attractions in Citrus County that will keep you busy, from being a mermaid for a day and airboat rides to water sports and the most delicious fresh seafood.
Read on to discover more about Crystal River and Citrus County, a unique destination that'll have you seeing a totally different side to Florida.
Why should I visit Crystal River?
Located an easy 1.5-hour drive from Orlando, Crystal River is a memorable and exciting addition to any Florida holiday. We'd recommend staying at least two to three nights so that you can fully explore what Crystal River and the rest of Citrus County has to offer.
And what an offering that is! Crystal River is renowned as the only place where you can legally swim with manatees in the US. While manatees tend to congregate here during the winter months, this activity is available all year round thanks to a group of resident manatees.
Add crystal-clear springs, seafood (including opportunities to catch your own), a taste of Old Florida charm, biking trails and much more. Crystal River - and its fellow Citrus County cities of Inverness, Floral City and Homosassa - is an excellent spot to get in touch with nature and see a different side to Florida.
Getting to and around Crystal River
As mentioned before, Crystal River is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Orlando, but it's also easy to visit from other popular Florida destinations, including Tampa (1hr 15 mins), St. Pete/Clearwater (1hr 30 mins) and Gainesville (1hr 15 mins). Once in Crystal River, it's easy to explore other destinations in Citrus County, where Inverness involves a 30-minute drive, Floral City is 40 minutes away and Homosassa can be reached in 20 minutes.
The closest airports are Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport; British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both offer direct flights to these destinations.
When is the best time to visit Crystal River?
Luckily, if your main aim is to see the manatees, then you'll be happy to hear that this is now an all-year-round activity. Citrus County is home to a network of springs, where the water is a comfortable and consistent 22 degrees Celsius. Traditionally, manatees migrate here during the winter months, but there is a group of resident manatees that live here permanently.
The truth is, as long as you have the right gear, this part of Florida is a delight all year round. With high temperatures remaining above 20 degrees Celsius no matter the month, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore.
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The best Citrus County destinations
Crystal River
Perhaps most well known for its manatees, there are a lot of other reasons to linger in Crystal River. Referred to as the 'gem of the nature coast', this sentiment rings true when you take in the natural scenery of Crystal River and its surrounds. Everywhere you look, water seems to dominate; the most accessible spring is at Hunter’s Springs Park, where you can find a sandy beach for swimming, a viewpoint for manatees and a kayak launch too.
Not to mention nearby Crystal River Preserve State Park, where you'll find biking and walking trails, or - for the history enthusiasts - there's the Crystal River Archeological State Park, which has the remains of a Native American settlement. With so much to see and do, Crystal River is the ideal base for exploring Citrus County and its many attractions.
Where to stay in Crystal River
There are a number of accommodation options available, ranging from hotels and B&Bs to holiday rentals and camp sites. If budget-friendly accommodation is what you're looking for, then there are a surprising number of affordable hotels, such as the Econolodge, Days Inn, Hampton Inn and Quality Inn, to name a few. For couples looking for a bit of a splurge, the Plantation Resort on Crystal River is Pirate-tested and highly-recommended. The resort hosts swimming with manatees on-site, so it's a great choice for those looking to experience it.
For more family-friendly options or if you're in a large group, a holiday rental might be the better way to go to keep costs lower.
Where to eat
The food scene is another drawcard, where you can find a range of eateries in the historic Downtown, as well as the Heritage Village district. Our favourites are Vintage on 5th, Seafood Seller, The Crab Plant, Amy's on the Avenue and AJ's Deli.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: While most places cater to walk ins, we recommend making a reservation at Vintage on 5th. The restaurant is popular for locals and visitors and can fill up quickly.
Homosassa
For a real taste of the Gulf Coast, Homosassa is where you need to be. Often seen as an original Florida fishing village, this doesn't quite capture just how much this place has to offer visitors. Located 20 minutes away from Crystal River, most holidaymakers head straight to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including manatees, and Homosassa Spring.
The best place to feel acquainted with the real Homosassa is its Old Waterfront area, where you'll find riverside resorts, shops and eateries. Stop for a craft cocktail at the Monkey Bar. Don't forget to have a seafood feast. After all, Homosassa is renowned for its fresh seafood, which is as fresh off the boat as it gets, so you'll find plenty of seafood restaurants showcasing the local delicacies. Whatever you do, though, don't miss Monkey Island, which hosts a noisy and active group of spider monkeys!
If you're keen to get on the water, head to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. Paddle along the river or, for an unforgettable swimming experience, go to the Seven Sisters, a set of springs where you can swim through underwater tunnels.
Inverness
Located on the shores of Lake Henderson, Inverness offers an enticing mix of active pursuits (cycling fans will be especially happy), loads of cafes, shops and restaurants, and historic attractions. Favourites include The Cove Pub and Grub, which is a great lunch option, Cedar River Seafood or the more upscale Oscar Penn’s for your seafood fix.
Just 30 minutes away from Crystal River, Inverness is a lovely spot for slow-paced sightseeing, taking in places like the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Valerie Theatre and the riverside Liberty Park.
For those always keen to hop on a bicycle, the Withlacoochee State Trail runs right through Inverness. At 46 miles (and growing), this is the longest paved recreation trail in the entire state. Take a pause in your cycling adventure at Fort Cooper State Park, which is along the trail and is the ideal place for a picnic or a walk along one of its trails.
Lastly, if you time your visit just right, you might be in Inverness during one of their many annual festivals, which include the likes of Inverness Grand Prix and Taste of Inverness.
Floral City
Florida locals refer to Floral City as 'Old Florida' and this truly encapsulates what makes this destination stand out. From the endlessly Instagrammable moss-draped 'Avenue of the Oaks' to the period houses on East Orange Avenue, it feels like Floral City is a feast for the eyes and for this reason - and others - it should not be missed.
Forty minutes from Crystal River, Floral City is another spot where it feels easy to linger. Once a mining boom town in the 1900s, it's said that Floral City retains much of what it was like at the turn of the 20th century. The Floral City Heritage Museum is a must-visit, as are the retro fruit stands, like Ferris Groves, where you find all manner of fresh local produce and local specialties.
Floral City also represents another chance to experience the Withlacoochee State Trail. Hop on a bicycle and see Floral City's historic centre from your bike seat before taking in the countryside and lakes just outside of the city.
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Top attractions and activities
Swim with manatees
Endangered West Indian manatees migrate to the welcoming spring waters of Citrus County every winter. But you'll have the chance to swim with these gentle giants all year round and, like all of the outdoor offerings in the area, the focus is on being sensitive towards wildlife and a view towards conservation.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Book accommodation in Crystal River for the night before your manatee swim excursion. Some of these experiences can start as early as 6:30 AM.
Before you get in the water, you'll hear about 'manatee manners' and there'll be in-water guides for ongoing manatee tips and information. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Hit the water
Oh, and there are so many ways to do just that!
You could catch an iconic airboat in Homosassa, taking in the sights and wildlife from this unique mode of transport. Or take to the Chassahowitzka River - an utterly dreamy spot for stand-up paddle boarders, kayakers and swimmers alike. Better yet, you can opt for a clear kayak tour of this incredible spot. Find landmarks like the Crack, a secluded sulphur spring renowned for the colour of its water, or the Seven Sisters, a top-notch spot for swimmers.
For something completely different, have a family-friendly day out at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Because what could be better than becoming a mermaid for the day and getting the chance to swim with marine life?
Go scalloping
With their proximity to the Gulf Coast, Crystal River and Homosassa are great launching points for a fishing trip or two. If you have a Florida fishing licence, you'll be able to organise your own excursions. But even if you do, it might be nice to leave the organising and the equipment provision to someone else; there are many fishing excursion providers and experiences on offer in both Crystal River and Homosassa.
For something unique, head off on a family-friendly scalloping excursion. The waters off Crystal River are home to one of the largest remaining eelgrass beds, which are natural nurseries for scallops. During 1 July – 24 September, you can join an excursion to snorkel down to these beds and gather up your own scallops.
No matter which seafood you end up getting on your fishing trip, there are cook-your-catch restaurants, which will cook your day's haul to perfection!
Enjoy the outdoors
Since this whole stretch of coastline is nicknamed the 'nature coast', it's unsurprising that getting outdoors is a major part of anyone's Citrus County holiday itinerary.
The parks and wildlife refuges are the real gems of the area, and these offer a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors; whether you're a walker, runner, cyclist or prefer water sports, you'll find the right park and trail for you.
Some of our favourite parks include Crystal River Preserve State Park, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Fort Cooper State Park.
For an idyllic day out on the bike, hit the Withlacoochee State Trail, which runs through both Floral City and Inverness, taking in all the sights along the way.
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Crystal River FAQs
Q: What is Crystal River known for?
A: Nicknamed the 'home of the manatees', Crystal River is primarily known for its population of manatees as well as its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters.
Q: Where is Crystal River located and how do I get there?
A: Crystal River is located in Citrus County, which is on the west coast of Florida. The easiest way to get there is to drive via US Highway 19/98. The closest airports are in Orlando and Tampa.
Q: When is the best time to see manatees in Crystal River?
A: You can see and swim with manatees all year round in Crystal River. However, since large numbers migrate to these waters during the winter months - November to March - this is when you'll see the most manatees.
Q: Should I stay overnight in Crystal River?
A: Yes. Since manatee experiences can start as early as 6:30 AM, you should at a minimum book an overnight stay the night before. However, we'd recommend 2-3 days in order to see everything in the area.
Q: Is Crystal River family friendly?
A: Yes, Crystal River is known as a very family-friendly destination. Many of the outdoor adventures, including swimming with and viewing the manatees, are suitable for all ages.
Q: How accessible is Crystal River for people with disabilities?
A: Most of Crystal River's attractions and parks have facilities for people with disabilities. This includes accessible toilets, trails and viewing areas. If unsure, we'd recommend contacting the particular attraction or your chosen accommodation provider to enquire about accessibility.
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