Folks call Crystal River “The Manatee Capital of the World”. Crystal River is the best place and the only place in Florida to go swimming with manatees. This beautiful Florida destination is the perfect family getaway. Enjoy delicious seafood, gorgeous sunsets, and see the springs from below the surface. We spent a few days here and also visited Homassassa Springs just down the road.
But First, Coffee at Cattle Dog Roasters
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters is another local favorite for coffee and pastries. The cozy, cute interior and friendly staff add to the charm of this café. Located downtown, this coffee shop offers delicious coffee for everyone. This coffee shop prides itself on being a place where customers come for fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches, and weekend brunch.
Searching for Sea Cows
Usually, the colder it is outside, the better the chances that you will encounter manatees. We planned our trip during February, expecting cold temperatures, but were greeted with a warming spell. It felt good to feel the warm sun during our trip to the springs. However, this is the sign that greeted us at the Three Sisters Springs entrance.
We decided to check back later in the day and headed over to the Crystal River Archaeological Park.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
It is believed that this 61-acre site was visited by over 7,500 native Americans every year for over 1,600 years. This site served as a ceremonial and trade center and is now one of the longest continually occupied sites in the state of Florida.
Visiting the park is $3, exact change required, and is part of the great birding trail. Here you can observe many bird species, and an expansive marsh.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL
Swim with Manatees
Next, we checked in at Kings Bay, where we found plenty of public access for kayaking, manatee watching, and swimming. We saw several Kayaking groups searching for Manatees.
Manatees hang out at Crystal River because the water in the Florida Gulf becomes too cold, and the Sea Cows prefer it a bit warmer. However, as soon as the water in the Gulf warms back up, the Manatees will head back out in search of food. Because our visit occurred when the temperatures were a bit warmer, we were only able to see a few hanging around.
Lunch at St. John’s Tavern
St John’s Tavern had a welcoming look and an interesting menu. We put it on our list for our next trip up to Crystal River. A fun, laid-back tavern with a great beer list and classic pub grub. It’s a lively local favorite for burgers, nachos, and a casual night out with friends.
Savannah is just one of the many friendly people we met during our visit to Crystal River.
St. John’s Tavern: 572 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL
Historic Downtown Crystal River, Florida
The beautiful coastal city of Crystal River is located in western Florida. Home to Kings Bay, which is fed by the natural Florida springs in the area, is where the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge shelters these native manatees year-round.
The city of Crystal River is part of a larger area with a population of around 3,500, but the downtown area, close to Crystal River’s renowned nature tourism, is the most charming place to visit. Keith met the owner of this motorcycle and talked with him about the modifications to his machine.
Crystal River’s Heritage Village
We spent a few hours walking through the charming shops of the Heritage Village. You will surely find something special in one of these shops, from one-of-a-kind art pieces to T-shirts to knick-knacks.
Exploring Three Sisters Springs on the Boardwalk
While there is no water or land access to Three Sisters Springs, you can visit the wildlife refuge to see all that the springs have to offer. This 57-acre property has over 2 miles of trails and a wooden boardwalk that provides many vantage points to view the springs and the wildlife.
It wasn’t to be on the day we visited, but I have seen photos where hundreds of manatees are swimming in the springs area. The day we went, it was warmer, and these gentle giants had left the springs and headed to the Gulf looking for food.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge created specifically for the protection of the Florida Manatee. Each winter, manatees come here to the constant 72-degree water temperature of the springs that pump around 20 million gallons of warmer water per day. It is absolutely gorgeous and crystal clear.
Three Sisters Springs: 917 Three Sisters Springs Trail, Crystal River, FL
Whether you’re wrapping up a day swimming with manatees, exploring the beautiful springs, or just strolling around this charming coastal town, Crystal River has no shortage of fun things to do.
