There are many awesome things to do in Crystal River, Florida. The small coastal town has plenty of accommodations, places to eat, boating adventures, and plenty of outdoor activities.
If you and your family love the outdoors, you will certainly enjoy a visit to this quaint Gulf Coast community. Here, you can swim with the manatees, kayak pristine water and habitats, or go out fishing for the big catch. Don’t forget your snorkel gear!
While Crystal River is considered a small town, you will find all of the shopping and amenities that you will need, nearby. Plan to spend a week, or make a day trip, but I guarantee, it still won’t be enough time.
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Where to stay in Crystal River
Plantation Resort on Crystal River
If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway in Crystal River, look no further than the Plantation Resort on Crystal River. This full-service resort is nestled back on the river, a couple of miles away from the main highway, and offers everything you need for a memorable vacation.
The Plantation Resort property has nearly 200 guest rooms to choose from, an 18-hole golf course designed by Mark Mahannah, 3 restaurants on the property, and a landscaped location like none other. Sit at the tiki bar and watch the boats, and maybe a manatee, go by.
Located on the Plantation Resort property is the Adventure Center, offering boat rentals, fishing charters, scalloping, manatee adventures and a King’s Bay scenic cruise, and an annual fishing tournament, held in October.
> Book the Plantation Resort on Crystal River here
Other highly recommended places to stay in Crystal River:
- Holiday Inn Express Crystal River
One of the newest hotels in Crystal River - Hampton Inn Crystal River
Pet friendly hotel 2 miles from downtown Crystal River - Econo Lodge Crystal River
Budget friendly accommodation on the outskirts of Crystal River
Things to do in Crystal River
Manatee season (November 15th – March 31st)
Kayaking on Crystal River
One of my favorite things to do in Crystal River, during the wintertime, is paddling with the manatees. When the Gulf of Mexico temperatures drop during the winter months, these gentle giants seek refuge in the natural spring waters of Crystal River.
During peak ‘manatee season’, it is possible to see hundreds of manatees resting, foraging, and migrating in the spring waters.
There are a few outfitters in the area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore the area. When we have friends and family visiting, our go-to outfitter is Hunter Springs Kayaks. They offer a variety of watercraft and time durations to fit your adventure.
Alternatively, this is a highly rated manatee kayaking tour.
Swimming with manatees
If you’d like to get up close and personal, swimming with manatees is the best way to experience these beautiful creatures.
There are many qualified guides and outfitters that can offer ‘swimming with manatees’ tours, all of them offer similar experiences which typically include wetsuit and gear rental, drinks on board, and a tour guide.
The guides are a great resource for local knowledge and information on the beloved manatees.
I recommend using an outfitter like Plantation Adventure Centre, where you will learn about the dos and don’ts of swimming with manatees. It’s important to practice responsible tourism and respect the animal and their environment, so always ensure to listen to your instructor.
> Book your swimming with manatees experience here
Three Sisters Springs by the boardwalk
Three Sisters Springs is the world-famous sanctuary for the West Indian Manatee and the boardwalk will give you the best viewing of this sanctuary in the springs.
Taking a stroll along the boardwalk, in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, is a must-do activity and somewhat of a hidden gem.
There are 57 acres that make up the refuge, which includes hiking trails to view the more than 100 native and migratory birds, Lake Crystal, and the surrounding wetlands.
Getting to the Boardwalk takes a bit of effort, as there is no parking on site. To visit, you will park at the Three Sisters Springs Center and ride the trolly to the Wildlife Refuge.
The trolley also makes a couple of stops along the way at USFWS Visitor Center & Gift Store, Hunter Springs Park, and Heritage Village.
Boat adventures and cruises
If you have some mariner experience, renting a small skiff or pontoon boat is a great way to see the waterway and the surrounding area, in a more private setting. If you’re not familiar with operating a boat, you may want to opt for a viewing cruise.
The springs and the river are busy during the winter months. Hundreds of kayaks, paddle boards, boats, swimmers, and snorkelers fill the water, making for a navigational challenge!
Florida Manatee Festival – Mid-January, annually
This annual festival is held in the downtown area of Crystal River and boasts two days full of live entertainment, manatee boat tours, children’s activities, kayak tours, and plenty of vendors selling delicious foods and creative wares.
There is a nominal admission fee to enter, children 12 and under, FREE. Don’t forget to purchase your manatee merch!
If you happen to be in nearby Tampa during Manatee Season, make sure you stop by at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center, a true hidden gem in Tampa.
Scalloping season (July 1st – September 24th)
Scalloping tour or boat rental
Scalloping is a very unique experience that I’m not sure can be found anywhere else.
During the scallop season, throngs of boats head out to the grass flats in the Gulf of Mexico, in search of the daily bag limit of scallops. This activity involves donning your snorkel gear and swimming in water between 4 and 8 feet in depth.
The scallops are most often hiding in the grassy areas, easy to dive down to grab them and put the ‘keepers’ in your collection bag. At the end of the day, you can clean and eat your own catch, or have a restaurant prepare your scallops for you.
This is an all-day activity and can be done as a semi-private tour. Some preparations need to be considered.
- Please review your favorite weather app, frequently. The Florida weather can turn bad, quickly. You don’t want to get caught out in a squall. Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Pack plenty of drinks, sandwiches, and snacks, for a full-day adventure. Getting out of the channel to the scallop beds can take an hour or more. One of our favorite cooler meals is a sub sandwich from Publix.
- Gear! If your boat, kayak, or other vessel will have swimmers, a diver-down flag is required.
Your basic snorkel gear consisting of a mask, snorkel, and fins, is also required. Some folks scallop without fins, however, sometimes there is a strong current during tidal changes, and it’s often easier to manage with the fins.
You’ll also need a collection bag! It won’t be any fun swimming back to the boat every time you find 3 or 4 scallops. A simple mesh bag works great.
If you are joining a scalloping tour, check with your outfitter to see what’s included with their adventure. - SPF Clothing and Sunscreen – No doubt, the Florida sun can be a scorcher, and a hot sunburn can ruin any vacation. Even though you’re face down in the water while snorkeling, the buns will get burnt if not covered by a rash guard or a slathering of sunscreen. Trust me on this one, I know from experience.
Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the latest season dates, daily limits, and licensing requirements. However, if you join a scalloping tour, they will take care of licenses and will provide the necessary information.
> Book your Semi-Private Scalloping Tour here
Year-Round things to do in Crystal River
If your visit is outside of the manatee and scallop season, don’t despair! This area is a mecca for hiking trails, kayaking adventures, and other outdoor activities that will make your visit memorable.
I’ve been paddle boarding during manatee season and haven’t seen one manatee, conversely, I’ve been paddling during the summer months and have seen several manatees.
King’s Bay and Three Sisters Springs by canoe and kayak
If you have your own kayak, at the end of NW 3rd Street is King’s Bay Park, which offers restroom facilities, a canoe/kayak launch, a playground, picnic shelters, and a fishing pier. A nominal parking fee plus a per-vehicle launch fee is collected at a pay station.
From King’s Bay Park, you can paddle over to the Dockside Ice Cream Shoppe, and then paddle over to Three Sisters Springs, one of the true hidden gems in Florida.
An alternative way to explore King’s Bay and Three Sisters Springs is by renting a kayak and launching it from Pete’s Pier Marina.
> Rent your kayak to explore King’s Bay here
Swim in Three Sisters Springs
One of the best features of kayaking during the non-manatee season is that you can paddle back into Three Sisters Springs for a nice refreshing dip in the springs.
The crystal clear water is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). Take your snorkeling mask to view the beautiful depths of the springs. You might see turtles, fish, and birds during your swim in the springs.
Please note: Three Sisters Springs can only be accessed by water. You cannot go swimming in the springs if you’re walking on the boardwalk and visiting the wildlife refuge. And, you cannot access the land from the springs, as climbing on the shoreline damages the delicate ecosystem.
Hike the Seven Mile Loop Trail at Crystal River Preserve State Park
This unpaved trail offers visitors a look at a diverse ecosystem in an untouched setting and one of the best hikes in Florida. The only sounds you will hear are of your feet, or bike tires, and the wonderful sounds of the nature that surrounds you.
As the name suggests, this is a 7-mile trail that crosses 3 tidal creeks, winds past saltwater marsh flats, and through fields of wildflowers.
Crystal River Preserve State Park is one of the great Florida State Parks, where you can enjoy eco boat tours, fishing areas, 2 canoe/kayak launches, restroom facilities, and other, shorter, hiking options. This is a FREE activity. No park fees are required.
Fort Island Beach and Fishing Pier
Take Route 44, W Ft Island Trl, all the way West, for about 10 miles. Long stretches along this route go through what Old Florida looked like, once upon a time. It’s just gorgeous!
Once you get to the end, you’ll reach the Fort Island Beach and Fishing Pier. The drive to the beach is definitely worth it!
Pack a picnic and go catch the sunset, or start early in the day for a fun day in the sand and surf. The fishing pier offers great views and dolphins can often be seen swimming off the shore. If you have your own boat, utilize the boat ramp for easy Gulf access.
This park has ample parking, restrooms, an outdoor shower for a freshwater rinse, and a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Let’s go fishing!
A fun activity for the whole family, a fishing charter along the Nature Coast of Florida is bound to be a highlight of your visit.
Whether you’re looking to catch grouper, red fish, or your daily limit of scallops, the local guides will put you on the fish. Enjoy your day out on the water and don’t forget your sunscreen and hat!
> Book your fishing charter here
The Shoppes of Heritage Village
In the heart of Crystal River, you will find a collection of cracker-style houses that offer an eclectic shopping experience. The Heritage House is a fully restored home that dates back to the late 1800s and functions as the village welcome center.
Make the Heritage House your first stop to get a walking map and any special offers that can be found in the surrounding shops. You’re certain to find that special gift for your loved one back home, or if not, a cold beverage and lunch at BubbaQue’s, in the village.
If you’re taking the trolly to Three Sisters Springs, The Shoppes of Heritage Village is one of the stops along the route.
Spa Bleu: Self-care rocks!
Whether you’re on vacation, passing through, or living locally, make sure to take time for yourself. Spa Bleu, located at the Plantation Resort, offers a variety of body treatments, massages, and an AVEDA hair salon. Relaxation never felt so good!
SCUBA certification: Learn to dive
Your friends will be jealous to learn that you got your SCUBA certification while visiting Crystal River. So, why not? The crystal clear and mostly shallow waters offer the best location for your SCUBA lessons and check-off dives.
There are several dive shops in Crystal River that offer classes and certification, and will vary, based on your personal preferences for this type of activity. I received my SCUBA certification in Crystal River in 2017 and loved every minute of it!
If you are not sure about getting a full SCUBA certification but you’d still like to find out whether diving is for you, you can join a PADI Discover SCUBA Diving program.
> Book your PADI Discover SCUBA Diving program
Best Places To Eat in Crystal River
Cracker’s Bar and Grill
This waterfront establishment offers a variety of seafood dishes in a casual setting. Live entertainment is booked on the weekends, in the tiki. Cracker’s Bar and Grill is a family-friendly place with the best dinner view in the area.
Dan’s Clam Stand
If you’re looking for a local favorite, mom-and-pop, type of place, Dan’s Clam Stand will not disappoint.
I have loved fried clam strips since I was a kid, and Dan’s Clam Stand has the best fried clam strips in the area. This spot does not have a water view, but they make up for it with their friendly service, cold drinks, and delicious seafood.
Granny’s Country Cookin’ Restaurant
Do not miss Granny’s for the best breakfast in town! We eat here, often, and just love the local vibe, large portions, and vast menu. One of our favorite choices is the catfish breakfast! Delicious!
Coney Island Drive-Inn
Centrally located on NE 5th Street, this place has a hotdog flavor for every taste.
The original location, in Brooksville, is world-famous, however, this location offers tasty all-American hotdogs in a comfortable setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Load up your dog with kraut, coney sauce, slaw, and more!
If you’re looking for a quick bite, this is your stop.
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
I mention Cody’s Original Roadhouse for a couple of reasons.
First, they offer daily specials like, Kids Eat Free on Monday and Tuesday nights, and 2 for 1 Fajitas on Wednesdays. One of the best specials they offer is on Sunday, a $12.99 meal that includes a delicious bottomless salad, hot rolls, and dessert.
Secondly, Cody’s offers a 2-for-1 happy hour, every day, until 7 pm.
Dockside Ice Cream Shoppe
I can’t think of anything better than ice cream after spending a day on the water! Make the Dockside Ice Cream Shoppe part for your kayaking adventure and get your ice cream cone to go!
Crystal River FAQs
Spending a week in Crystal River is a great amount of time to relax, have amazing outdoor adventures, grab some amazing seafood meals, and, if you like, combine your visit to Crystal River with a visit to St Pete, or Cedar Key. Here is a guide for a day trip to St Pete.
Cedar Key is a great historical fishing village about an hour to the North. You’ll find more great kayaking opportunities, an old fishing village with kitschy shops, art galleries, tiki bars, and amazing seafood.
Crystal River is truly a year-round destination. While this article highlights the Manatee Season in the winter months, and the Scallop Season during the summer months, the wildlife and adventures happen all year long. If you visit during the winter months, pack your jacket! It can get chilly at night.
The most comfortable way to get around Crystal River is by hiring a car. A public bus route runs along the main roads and ridesharing is available.
The closest international airport is Tampa (TPA), only 64 miles away. Or if you are visiting one of the theme parks like Universal Orlando, you can fly into Orlando (MCO), which is 85 miles away. You can then hire a car, or book a transfer.
Breakin’ it down: Awesome things to do in Crystal River
There are some awesome things to do in Crystal River, during all times of the year.
Whether you’re looking for that lifetime experience, swimming with the Manatees, or hiking in the many nature preserves in the area, Crystal River is a family-friendly community that holds on to that old Florida Charm.
Do you have any questions about other awesome things to do in Crystal River?
Let me know in the comments!
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