Crystal River

Crystal River is the gem of the Nature Coast. The Manatee Capital of the World with spring-fed rivers and bays that offer an abundance of epic water activities and attract loveable manatees year-round.

The most accessible spring in Crystal River is at Hunter’s Springs Park on the shoreline near downtown. This newly restored City Park features a sandy beach for swimmers, a kayak launch and a boardwalk for viewing manatees. Nearby Kings Bay Park, also on the downtown waterfront, provides another public kayak launch, a pier for fishing and sweeping views of the Cedar Cove area of Kings Bay. This is seafood central in Crystal River with three waterfront restaurants serving seafood, often fresh off the boat from the two active commercial fishing operations on the waterfront.

All of this is just steps away from Crystal River’s historic Downtown on North Citrus Avenue. More incredible restaurants and cafes abound as well as shopping in the Heritage Village district on the north side of US Highway 19. From the Stone Crab Jam festival celebrating Stone Crab season in November to the Florida Manatee Festival in January and the Kings Bay Pirate Festival in May, Downtown Crystal River is alive with fun and adventure throughout the year.