Established in: 1903
Population: 3,400
Distance from Tampa airport: 75 Miles
Distance from Orlando airport: 96 Miles
There are over 50 natural springs in Crystal River that help keep the waters clear and right around 72 degrees year-round. In winter when the gulf water temperature drops, the waters of Crystal River provide a warm environment for the manatees. These waters help home hundreds of manatees in the winter, which is what makes Crystal River the “Home of the Manatees!” The most popular winter activity is to go swimming with the manatees and it is an incredible experience!
Crystal River is a quaint town located on the nature coast in Florida. It still has a lot of old Florida Charm and isn’t overly saturated with buildings or people. It provides a great place to relax and unwind but also offers much to see and do. When we are home in Crystal River we love to kayak and visit the state parks.
Let’s check out some of our favorite spots!
Hiking Trails:
Florida is a pretty flat state, so the term “hiking” is used loosely here. Think of these more as nature walks or trails. Beautiful and quiet nature walks.
Eco Trail: Quiet 2.5-mile loop trail with beautiful natural scenery. This is the only trail where I have seen an alligator. It was in a little watering hole and remained unphased by us as we walked past, twice.
Church Hammock: This is a short 1-mile loop trail just off Hwy 19 north of Crystal River. It is an easy hike and one of my favorites. It is fully shaded with lush Florida greenery so perfect for summer months.
The Mounds Trail at the Archaeological State Park: Another 1-mile loop trail that showcases burial and temple grounds. You can hike up one of the mounds for a stunning view of the waterway.
7 Mile Loop: I have yet to actually do this trail, but as the name suggests it is a 7-mile loop trail. It is located at the end of State Park Road north of Crystal River. I plan to bike this trail next time we are in town.
Crystal Cove Trail: This is a nice walking trail that provides some great views of the waterway. It is just over 1.5 miles is considered a narrow loop trail, (but really an out and back trail). This is a close 2nd favorite, depending on the day it could be my favorite.
Withlacooche Bay Trail: 10 mile out and back paved trail located 9.5 miles north of Crystal River. It is a great opportunity for biking and offers lovely views of the Withlacooche River.
Kayaking
There are so many great places in and around Crystal River that offer great places to launch your kayaks! Let’s start with what Crystal River has!
Kings Bay and Hunter Springs: Both spots offer kayak launching right in downtown Crystal River. I prefer Hunter Springs and my husband likes Kings Bay. I enjoy just hanging around Hunter Springs and launching right from there, plus there is a swimming area so if it’s warm, I can jump in for a swim. I’ve had great luck watching manatees in Hunter Springs so I’m kind of in love with it.
Launch fee for both spots: $5 per vessel
Parking fee: $5 – there are free parking options in town if you don’t want to pay. Drop off your kayaks, park, and walk in.
Mullet Hole: This is located in the Crystal River Preserve State Park by the Crystal Cove hike. It is free to launch your kayak and although you probably won’t be seeing manatees here you will see plenty of jumping fish, birds, and turtles!
Fee: Free!
Favorite Spots to Kayak Close to Crystal River:
Rainbow River: I love this spot! The river is so clear, and you can just hop in and swim. Rainbow River is in Dunnellon, about 30 minutes from Crystal River. I’ve launched from two places, the Rainbow River State Park and KP County Park. If you plan on bringing your own kayaks, I recommend launching from the KP County Park. You can unload right by the kayak launch; you can paddle upstream to the state park and then relax on the way back down.
The state park offers a designated swimming area near the head of the spring, which is beautiful. However, launching from the state park requires a long walk to the kayak launch. If you launch from here, you will be going downstream so in order to get back you will need to paddle upstream. There are boats on the river but there always seems to be plenty of room for everyone here.
Rainbow River State Park Fee: $2 entrance fee, free parking, free launch
You can rent your kayak or canoe from the park
KP Hole County Park Fee: $7 for parking and launching
Chassahowitzka River – AKA – The Chaz: The best place we found to launch along the river is the Chassahowitzka River Campground in Homosassa. There is a nice parking lot and launch area here. Be sure to get here early as it does fill up. The store offers a map of the river and can help with some directions if needed.
Parking Fee: $5 – launch is free
Highlights along The Chaz: Seven Sister Springs and The Crack
Seven Sisters: This is a short kayak trip from the launch site and well worth the little effort. You might even get lucky and see some manatees here. In the summer it is a great place to swim and explore plus it is absolutely beautiful. If you are a good swimmer and snorkeler, you can explore some cool underwater tunnels here. We stayed above water, but I would love to go back with my snorkel!
The Crack: This takes some time and effort to get to. Luckily everyone we met along the way was very friendly and helpful with directions. You will paddle along the river for a bit and eventually turn off to a side channel where the waterway narrows and becomes shallow. It will open up and then get narrow and shallow again and then you will know you’re probably getting closer. Don’t give up finding it and keep in mind, the way back is a little easier. It is a really unique spot once you find it.
Weeki Wachee: Located 30-45 minutes from Crystal River, this beautiful spot is in Spring Hill. You will need to make reservations a couple days ahead of time (or check the morning of for cancellations). It is absolutely stunning. You will feel like you are literally in a different country. The best thing about this place is that you only have to paddle downstream, then you can get on a shuttle that brings you and your vessel back to your car! Plus, there’s a chance you could see a manatee! We did! In August!
However – keep in mind: No swimming. You will need to stay in your vessel the whole time. It can get very crowded with other kayakers, paddleboards, and even boats.
Launch Fee: $8 for single kayak plus $5 per person for the ride back. You can rent kayaks from the park as well
Devils Den: This isn’t actually for kayaking. It’s a snorkel destination. This is located in Williston, about 45 minutes from Crystal River. Full disclosure, I haven’t actually been to it. But, It is a prehistoric cave! If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will. This is another one that you will need to make reservations ahead of time. You may also have luck booking the morning of. We tried to make reservations a couple days out, but it was booked so we made alternative plans, then I checked the morning of and saw a few time slots. So, either plan in advance, or I guess don’t.
Entrance Fee: $18 during the week and $25 on weekends
Beaches!
This is Florida after all! Crystal River is a little more inland and in a bay area which makes the water calm. There are a couple designated swim areas that have nice sandy beaches.
Fort Island Gulf Beach: 15 minutes from downtown Crystal River, this beach is perfect for a fun filled beach day or relaxing sunset. There is a designated swim area, fishing area and boat launch.
Entrance and parking fee: free
Hunter Springs Beach: Conveniently located right in downtown Crystal River, this offers a nice designated swim area. This beach can get busy with families during the summer months. Keep in mind that the water here is the same as the springs! 72 degrees year round. That can feel warmer in the winter months but makes for a cool and refreshing dip in the summer. During the winter, I have snorkeled with a manatee or two in these waters!
Entrance and parking fee: $5 for parking, but there is free parking available down the street.
Three Sister Springs
This post would not be complete without a mention of the famous Three Sister Springs in Crystal River. On a cold winter day you can literally see hundreds of manatees in the springs. Three Sister Springs is a bit of a hassle to get to. There is no land access into the springs. That means that you need to take a vessel (kayak, paddleboard, boat, etc) to access the springs by water.
From Hunter Springs or Kings Bay it will take about 30-45 minutes. If you take a boat, you can get close but not into the springs with the boat. you will need to swim or paddle into the springs. If that doesn’t sound like fun, there is a boardwalk with a viewing area of the springs at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. However, there is no parking at the refuge. You can park and take a shuttle from downtown or park at one of the shopping complexes nearby and walk in. The hours are also limited, so be sure to check hours if you plan on going to the boardwalk. Additional note: you can only swim in the springs between April 1st and November 14th – outside of peak manatee season.
Boardwalk Fee: $12.50/summer months $20/winter months
And now, that’s a wrap on some of my favorite activities in and around Crystal River. We fell in love with the area and hope you do too! If you’ve been, let me know what the best thing you did was.
