Visit

Information for Visitors

Crystal River is the best place in the whole world to view the manatee in their natural habitat!  World renowned Three Sisters Springs is right here in our backyard and plays home to hundreds of manatees in the winter. We welcome our thousands of visitors each year from around the world.  Only 90 miles from bustling Orlando and the magic of Walt Disney World, visitors find a different type of enchantment in Crystal River.

King's Bay, an "Outstanding Florida Waterway" offers many water oriented activities such as: boating, canoeing/kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, swimming and wildlife watching.  The Gulf of Mexico, off the Crystal River is also one of the few places to scallop along the coast of Florida.  Bay scallop season runs July 1- September 24 each year.  This underwater "treasure hunt" is an experience unlike any other.

In downtown Crystal River you can walk the quaint specialty shops, amazing restaurants and festive bars some of which are nestled in historic family homes.  Only blocks from the waterfront, downtown is where you will find the City's many festivals and events. We hope to see you in Crystal River soon!

Travel Distance (miles)

Location Distance Location Distance
Clearwater 86 Dunnellon 17
Gainesville 65 Lake City 101
Lakeland 82 Miami 310
Naples 240 New Port Richey 49
Ocala 38 Orlando 90
Sarasota 125 Spring Hill 31
Tampa 77 Tallahassee 167
The Villages 42 Zephyr Hills 61

 

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Kayakers and snorkelers enjoying the clear water of the Three Sisters Springs.
Residents of Crystal River swim in King's Bay.
A family finishes visiting at the Heritage House in downtown Crystal River.
A manatee and her calf float beneath the surface of the water at the Three Sisters Springs.
The pier at King's Bay Park.
A sign for Hunter's Spring Park.