7 Best Things to Do in Crystal River, FL in 2025

Let’s start with one big piece of advice, make sure to plan a 2-day Crystal River itinerary! For one, there’s far more to see here than just one day. And two, the two best things to do in Crystal River I talk about are so much better first thing in the morning.

In this article, I’ll talk you through all the fun things to do in Crystal River Florida. Then I’ll explain the best food spots I found, and hints and tips to fit in along the way. I’ll talk most about swimming with manatees, as this is the biggest attraction and a must-do in Crystal River.

It’s also worth noting that Crystal River area covers Inverness, Floral City and Homosassa, and they are all worth visiting. So, you’ll find what to do in Crystal River Florida here below. Enjoy!

Introduction to Crystal River

Home of the manatee, the natural springs, its nature coast, spring-fed rivers and often referred to as Florida’s soul, Crystal River is around one hour by car from Tampa, making it an easy trip.

How to Get to Crystal River?

While there isn’t an airport in Crystal River, the nearest one is Gainesville (GNV). However, the more popular choices are Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA) airports, both located approximately an hour’s drive away from Crystal River.

From there, you can rent a car and drive to Crystal River, as it’s only about 75 miles away from Tampa Airport and about 100 miles from Orlando Airport.

Best Time to Visit Crystal River

The ideal time to visit Crystal River and swim with manatees is from November to April. These months offer the greatest chance of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

However, it’s worth noting that the peak season for manatee encounters is during the colder months when the water temperature drops.

While Crystal River can be visited throughout the year, the colder the water, the more manatees you’re likely to encounter.

Also, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful encounter with the manatees, consider visiting the springs in the early morning and during weekdays.

How Long to Stay in Crystal River?

I recommend to spend at least 2 days in Crystal River to fully enjoy the variety of outdoor activities and attractions.

Crystal River offers a range of exciting experiences, from swimming with manatees to kayaking with river otters, and you surely won’t get bored.

What is Crystal River Florida Known For?

Crystal River, Florida is revered as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” and it’s no wonder why it’s popular for tourists to come and see the animals.

The city is also known for the Three Sisters Springs and Crystal River Preserve State Park, which is a haven for outdoor lovers.

Best Tours in Crystal River, FL

Best Things to Do in Crystal River, Florida

Let’s now jump into the main section of this article, what to do on your Crystal River Florida itinerary. From seeing the manatees to visiting Visit Fort Cooper State Park and more, you’re in for a treat.

Swimming With Manatees

Swimming with manatees at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is actually more about floating and “passive observation.” The endangered West Indian manatees are federally protected, so following strict rules is a must.

Many manatees migrate to the Gulf Coast of Mexico during the off-season, but a few remain in King’s Bay year-round. I joined a tour with Explorida, who provided wetsuits and flotation gear to help you float calmly without disturbing the manatees.

We aren’t supposed to chase after manatees or make any sudden movements. Note that you can also kayak with manatees in Crystal River, and you have to be somewhat more careful in order not to touch them.

At 10 metres long, a manatee swimming right at you munching away might seem worrying but trust me these are gentle giants, and you’re more in danger from the people around you than the manatee.

Is swimming with manatees a bucket list experience?

Yes! This was hands down one of the best wildlife encounters I’ve had in a long time, and something I’ve always wanted to do. I recommend to everyone that they spend time with these magnificent animals at least once in their lifetime.

Something I will never forget, and taking one of the manatee tours has to be included in any Crystal River Florida itinerary.

Cycling in Inverness on the Withlacoochee State Trail

On that very same day, after brunch (see my suggestion below), I headed 30 minutes by car to Inverness to cycle the Withlacoochee State Trail. The longest rail to trail path in Florida, it runs for 46 miles and passes rivers, forests and small towns. The trail is very flat so perfect for biking and seeing some of Florida’s countryside.

I first headed to the historic Floral City, and after a little break for a beer at the Shamrock Inn, I headed down Avenue of the Oaks. This road is stunning, next I turned left towards a lookout onto the Tsala Apopka Lakes. Some of these spots are privately owned, and others you can stop and enjoy. These lakes could be explored for days.

I also recommend the Wishing Stone Tavern, and I hired my bike from Trek in Inverness, who were great.

Visit Fort Cooper State Park, Florida

The next stop is right off the Withlacoochee Trail, the Fort Cooper State Park, where 700 acres of canopy forests and nature trails “tell the story of a land in conflict”.

This is a great spot with barely any other visitors to relax, hike or birdwatch (it’s also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail). You can also learn about the history of Fort Cooper, and the Seminole people who lived in the area and are the reason for the construction of Fort Cooper.

I suggest taking some time to read about the Seminole war which started in 1835. There was finally an end after 3 wars in 1858, after many bloody and gruesome battles across Florida with heavy losses on both sides. It’s a stark reminder of some of the history of these lands, which I feel are finally starting to get the recognition it deserves in Florida.

Finally, after exploring the Withlacoochee State Trail, I suggest spending the evening in Downtown Inverness, walking the streets and admiring the character of this town. If you head to the courthouse, you’ll find lots of boutique shops and restaurants. Watch the video to see which one I picked.

Alternatively, you can book a sunset cruise for the night, and I’ll tell you more about it below.

Inverness: “A quintessential small town done right”.

Join a Sunset Cruise on King’s Bay

Wrap up your day with a relaxing 1.5-hour Sunset Cruise through King’s Bay. After exploring Crystal River’s natural beauty and swimming with manatees, this trip is the perfect way to unwind.

Bring your own drinks and snacks, and enjoy the stunning sunset over the shimmering shoreline. Keep an eye out for wildlife like manatees, otters, and fish as you cruise.

Whether it’s a romantic date or a peaceful escape, this is a must-do in Crystal River. But they sell out quickly, so make sure to book your spot now!

Kayaking at the Chassahowitzka River

We are onto Day Two now and heading south of Crystal River to the Chassahowitzka River, a true gem in the whole of Florida.

I met up with Jodie from Nature Coast Eco Tours, the perfect guide for nature lovers and see the real Florida.

We start off just learning about the hunter springs fed Chassahowitzka River, visiting the 7 sisters springs; 7 holes that you can swim through! It’s also a popular spot for manatees in the winter months.

We then headed east, and it hit me how quiet and peaceful this river was, it’s true wild Florida. That’s why Jodie’s tours always start early, as the longer the day goes on the more people disturb that peace. It was time for our first amazing wildlife encounter.

I could barely believe my eyes, there were a pair of dolphins fishing this far upstream right in front of our eyes, one passed right underneath the kayak!

My second encounter is one I’ll remember for a long time. As we headed upstream, we saw a pair of otters swimming and fishing maybe 100 yards ahead of us.

Another big bucket list tick, wild River Otters in Florida!

And finally, the third wildlife encounter is certainly the most common in Florida, an alligator. I’ve seen a lot in my time in America, but it never gets old.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

This wasn’t originally on my itinerary, but I’m happy I found time for it, not being so far from downtown Crystal River. Having seen so much wildlife so far in Crystal River, I was a bit reluctant to look at them in captivity.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a collection of native Florida wildlife, albeit with one guest, the hippo! Visitors can observe and learn about various animals such as manatees, alligators, river otters, black bears, bald eagles, panthers, and various species of fish and birds.

It was their conservation and education efforts that sold it to me, the education programs and exhibits focus on ecosystems and habitats of Florida, as well as the history and conservation of the area.

Finally, the manatee rescue centre acts as a rehabilitation centre for injured and orphaned manatees, and many of them are released back into the wild. And if you’re lucky enough you’ll get to see a manatee up close in the underwater observation tank.

Boat tour of Homosassa River

The Homosassa River is a 7-mile gem on Citrus County’s west coast, with crystal-clear, spring-fed water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.

Surrounded by mangroves, cypress trees, and palms, it’s the perfect spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a relaxed eco-tour.

I tried an airboat tour, but it was all noise and no vibe, so this boat ride is definitely better! Honestly, I’d skip that and go for a slower wildlife tour instead.

It’s the best way to soak in the beauty and chill atmosphere of this amazing river.

Where to Stay in Crystal River

Here’s a list of great places to stay in Crystal River:

Luxury: Holiday Inn Express Crystal River

Mid-Range: Retreat at Crystal Manatee

Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham

Where to Eat in Crystal River

That covers our two-day itinerary and things to do in Crystal River, that will be a jam-packed couple of days if you do each one.

However, other than these things to do near Crystal River FL, what food is there? Well, these tips will slot perfectly into my itinerary above, so I’ve got you covered.

Brunch in Crystal River

Right after swimming with the gentle manatees I headed across the road from Explorida for brunch at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters. It’s locally owned, has over 20 flavours of coffee, baked pastries, sandwiches, and lobster rolls. You could see it was full mostly of locals, which is always a good sign.

Dinner in Inverness

I have a few options for you in downtown Inverness, and I don’t think you can go far wrong with any. Head to Stumpknockers for a local’s favourite and famous for its seafood, or The Bistro Too which serves up woodfired pizza made fresh each day.

Then for more of a bar that serves food vibe, try Coach’s or Side Bar Tavern. I enjoyed the vibe at Side Bar Tavern, but the pizza wasn’t the best, and loved the beer selection at Coach’s.

Brewery and Dinner combos in Crystal River

I have a couple of fantastic breweries to recommend for you. The first is a winery, brewery, and restaurant! Prohibition Grill @ Copp Winery and Brewery is a microbrewery turned retro dining experience. It’s a gastro pub with live music and karaoke, definitely a local’s favourite hangout here and a great atmosphere for a pint or two.

Next up is Nine State Brewery, another family-owned establishment. They’ve been brewing for over 10 years and serve authentic Korean cuisine. Owner and head brewer Eric Lesage has travelled between nine states to land his perfect craft beer spot and aims to bring beer and wine drinkers together.

Lunch in Homosassa

If there is one place you take from this list, make is Wild Sassa at Shelly’s Seafood and Fish Market. Head to Shelly’s to find it and you’ll see a small and colourful shack called Wild Sassa.

They serve seafood tacos, ‘always grilled never fried’. I had a combination of the mahi-mahi and snapper taco; both were delicious. They are also known for their shrimpy burger, I don’t eat shrimp, but I can assure you it will be fresh and tasty.

Dinner in Homosassa

If there’s one place in Homosassa you can relax with a drink, order pizza or salad and watch live music then it must be Florida Cracker Monkey Bar. Monkey Island has been an attraction since 1960, and this is part of the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, an option to stay if you like too. It has front row views of the Homosassa River and a great relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

And there comes to an end my two-day itinerary, with all the Crystal River Florida things to do, what else do you have to suggest? I almost forgot, my sunset spot. Waterfront Social, which also has an restaurant if you want to eat there. Look at this sunset over Kings Bay.

If you liked reading things to do in Pensacola, next have a read about other places in Florida, including Pensacola, Panama City Beach and Sarasota!

This trip was in partnership with Visit Florida and Visit Pensacola, however as always, all of the photos and views are my own.