Things to do in Crystal River Florida,
Mother Nature’s Theme Park

Located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, Citrus County is one of the most productive and biologically diverse estuaries where freshwater from stunning spring-fed rivers mix with the saltwater of the Gulf sea. This place is a natural paradise with freshwater rivers and lakes, coastal salt marshes, and clear springs home to the endangered manatees. Along with Tsala Apopka and our Black Creek that gains access to other waterways in the region, all offer unparalleled canoeing, boating, and fishing to both year-round residents and visitors and are the foundation of many things to do in Crystal River Florida.

We use Touch Stay, a Digital Guest Welcome book with all the information you will need before and during your stay. It is an easy-to-find answers to everything you need. You can access from any device using a unique website link which we will provide with your reservation confirmation. You can see driving directions, policies, grocery stores, restaurants, tourist attractions, and more.

Our Favorite Things to do in Crystal River Florida:

Helpful Sites to Plan Tour Stay:

State Parks and Wildlife Refuges

The area is home of 27 species of mammals, 35 kinds of fish, 41 species of reptiles, and hundreds of bird species. We could find still surviving species like the black bear, scrub jay, red-cockaded woodpecker, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and the West Indian Manatee, which makes its winter home in the warm waters of Citrus County. That is why Citrus County is considered the manatee capital of the world. All these parks provide vacationers with opportunities to commune with nature or relive historic events.

Crystal River and Citrus County have long been the paradise for bird watchers with over 200 species of birds. Enjoy these Birding Hot Spots in Citrus County.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River
National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Cooper FloridaState Park

Fort Cooper
Florida State Park

Crystal River Archaeological Site

Crystal River
Archaeological Site

Yulee Sugar Mills Ruins Historic Site

Yulee Sugar Mills
Ruins Historic Site

Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

Homosassa Springs
State Wildlife Park

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Crystal River
Preserve State Park

Withlacoochee Florida State Forest

Withlacoochee Florida
State Forest

Crystal River Parks

Walk through the historic downtown district of Crystal River or visit its many area parks. At Fort Island Gulf Beach you can swim on the coast of the Gulf of Florida. All these parks provide vacationers with opportunities to commune with nature or relive historic events.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Island Gulf Beach

Fishing, sightseeing, sandy beach, pier and boat ramp, picnic areas, and bathrooms on site.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Island Trail Park

Boardwalk and trails, free boat ramp provides access to Crystal River, Salt River and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hunter Springs Park

Hunter Springs Park

During winter, it is possible to swim with manatees!

For additional area parks, visit: crystalriverfl.org/comserv/page/parks

Crystal River Florida Rivers and Waterways

Seven rivers, the Salt, Rainbow, Withlacoochee, St. Martins, Homosassa, Crystal, and Chassahowitzka, run through Citrus County, several originate within the county in bubbling springs that flow at a year-round constant 72 degrees. The waterways that surround us provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and connecting with nature – imagine the excitement of swimming alongside a 1600lb manatee and her baby!

Kayaking & Paddleboard Adventures:

Snorkeling & Diving – Manatee tours & Scallop Adventures

We recommend Sea Daddy’s Dive Center and Birds Underwater; they have manatee tours and dive training.

Other places are:
River Adventure Tours
Adventure Center at the Plantation
Manatee Tour and Dive
Birds Underwater
Fun 2 Dive
River Ventures

Crystal River Fishing

Fly fishing, fresh water, flats and Offshore, Charter Captain and Inshore Charters

Captain Mike’s

Fishing adventures, airboat rides, manatee tours.
Phone: (407) 361-1416

River Adventure Tours

Fishing tours, kayak rentals, and airboat rides in Crystal River (Ozello) and Homosassa.

Crystal River City

There’s many more fishing places and guides in Crystal River City, view full list:

Biking & Hiking

There is a fabulous 7 mile bike loop at the Crystal River Preserve State Park, or check out the trails below:

Citrus Track Cave Area:

Citrus County is full of caves that attract people all over the world. Devil’s Den, Manatee Springs, Eagles Nest are examples of underwater caves that attract scuba divers. But you have a lot more older and interesting caves within the Withlacoochee Forest that attracts hikers.

Additional Things to do near Crystal River Florida

Art Galleries

Art Galleries

We have many galleries of local artist to find the perfect hand-crafted souvenir.

Florida Cracker Monkey Bar - Homosassa

Florida Cracker Monkey Bar – Homosassa

Overlooking the Historic Monkey Island, this open-air restaurant is a must-visit.

Shopping & Antiquing

Shopping & Antiquing

View a listing of shopping & antique stores below. On a rainy day be sure to stop by Howard’s Flea Market!

Area Events

Area Events

We have several Festivals and annual events in the area year-round! Learn More:

Crystal River Room Escape

Crystal River Room Escape

Crystal River’s premier location for an exciting escape adventure. Perfect for families!

Area Dining

Area Dining

View our post about the area’s dining. There’s lots of restaurants, bars and coffee houses nearby.