Things to do in  Crystal River

Many visitors know Crystal River for its world-class fishing, but hundreds of manatees know these warm waters as their winter home. Each year, from November through May, hundreds of manatees migrate to Crystal River, offering visitors a chance to swim, kayak, and dive with these gentle creatures.

You’d better bring your swimsuit, camera, and love of marine life when you visit Crystal River. Popular for being the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat, Crystal River is also a notable place to fish, kayak through mangroves, and take boat tours.

Yes, Crystal River has a compact downtown area which includes the Three Sisters Springs Visitor Center. The historic Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants offering seafood and Southern barbecue. There’s also a monthly First Friday celebration with live music. The nearby Coastal Heritage Museum tells of local history.

Yes, there have been alligator sightings around Crystal River. Florida is home to over 1 million alligators and these creatures may be present in any body of fresh water throughout the state. However, alligators are typically not in the areas of Crystal River where you’d swim or dive with manatees.

Yes, you can swim in the Crystal River and in the waters around Crystal River. Crystal River is the only place where you’re legally allowed to swim with manatees. You can also swim in Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, but marine life such as alligators may be present.

The closest beach to Crystal River is Fort Island Beach, sitting only a 15-minute drive west of the city. This soft, white-sand beach rests along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a family-friendly public beach that features a fishing pier, a boat ramp, covered picnic tables, restrooms, and plenty of parking.