Let’s explore Crystal River, a charming town on Florida’s Gulf Coast bursting with natural beauty and eclectic vibes. Known for its crystal-clear springs and friendly manatees, this area offers a plethora of activities that promise a memorable experience.
After several visits, we’ve curated a list of the top things to do in a one-day trip. We’ll include a few add-on suggestions at the end of the post if you’re able to extend your stay for a weekend getaway.
Homosassa Springs
Kick off your day in nearby Homosassa at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. If you are looking for manatees, this is the place to be! The best time to visit is early morning, before the crowds arrive. During a chilly morning in January, we were excited to find hundreds of manatees in the springs!
The park also serves as a sanctuary for Florida wildlife, housing Florida panthers, black bears, alligators, and of course, manatees. Wander along the elevated boardwalks and paved trails throughout the park. Don’t miss the underwater observatory, where you can get an up-close view of fish and manatees!
Tipsy Tarpon
For lunch, make your way to Tipsy Tarpon near downtown Crystal River. The seafood is phenomenal, with generous portions that match the prices perfectly. Even non-seafood lovers will find plenty of delicious options. Given the chilly weather during our visit, we opted for indoor seating. But the outdoor area would be perfect for dining on a warm sunny day or enjoying the bands and entertainment hosted in the evenings.
Downtown Crystal River
After lunch, a walk through Crystal River’s Downtown and N Citrus Avenue is a must! The area hosts many events throughout the year, including the popular Florida Manatee Festival in January. This quaint area is brimming with eclectic shops, fabulous local restaurants, and charming art galleries.
Stop by Abound for a coffee or popular smoothie bowl, or visit Amy’s on The Avenue for a sweet treat. This bistro also has an adorable boutique that’s worth browsing! Wander through the delightful shops for fun and unique gifts. Shout out to the Hippie Manatee for helping me find the perfect holiday gifts for my mother and grandmother!
Explorida features a great gift shop for all you manatee and Crystal River souvenirs. They also offer e-bike rentals as well as a variety of tours and excursions- including swimming with manatees! Don’t forget to check out the General Store for a wonderful selection of gifts, drinks, and sweet treats. The staff were also incredibly friendly!
Sunset at Fort Island Gulf Beach
End the day with a mesmerizing sunset at Fort Island Gulf Beach. We packed a dinner picnic and enjoyed a marvelous winter sunset. A perfect finale to an amazing day in Crystal River!
Weekend Add-Ons in Crystal River
Looking for a weekend getaway in Crystal River? There’s even more to explore! From boating, kayaking, and golfing to fishing, scalloping, hiking, and wildlife viewing, the opportunities to get outside and explore are endless!
- Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are other great places to get outside, explore, and see Florida wildlife.
- History buffs may enjoy exploring Crystal River Archeological State Park, where you will find pre- Columbian burial mounds. Exhibits and artifacts can be found in the park museum. Stairs allow visitors to hike to the top of Temple Mound, where you can take in panoramic views (and take a rest at the very convenient bench). We enjoyed views of the surrounding coastal marshland.
- Alfred McKethan Park / Pine Island Beach Park is another fantastic beach to visit. This beach features a playground, concessions, kayaking, fishing, and is known for great sunsets.
- St. Johns Tavern and Kelly’s Half Shell Pub are highly rated dinner spots in Crystal River. We’ll definitely plan to try them out on our next visit.
Whether you’re visiting Crystal River for a day or the weekend, this charming town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and local treasures. From the tranquil springs to the vibrant downtown, a trip to Crystal River promises to be unforgettable. Be sure to check out our list of other Must Visit Destinations.
Happy Travels!
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