Best Things To Do In Crystal River State Park Florida

Get back to nature and explore the wide-open spaces and freshwater bay of Crystal River, which is Florida at its best.

Wildlife watchers, thrill seekers and sport fanatics will adore Crystal River’s winding waterways, sun-baked springs and wildly remote marshes teeming with wildlife. The state park is still almost exactly as it would have been when Europeans arrived 500 years ago, with enormous swathes of mangrove islands, pinewoods and forests. More enchanting than any theme park, this is Florida’s real star attraction: a magical playground of natural wonders.

1. Swim with manatees in Kings Bay

Natural Feature

It’s not only tourists who are drawn to the soothing warmth of Florida. Each winter, more than 400 manatees escape the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico to head to the Crystal River, where the water temperature in Kings Bay remains a comforting 72F (22C) year-round. As manatees are most active in the morning, it’s well worth setting the alarm for an early dip, as swimming with these gentle giants is a major bucket-list moment.

2. Sail around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

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Sit back and see this picture-perfect area of tree-lined shores, untouched islands and translucent springs from the water on a gentle boat trip. This large wildlife refuge was established in 1983 to protect the manatees, and eagle-eyed passengers may spot the graceful aquatic mammals alongside turtles, dolphins, pelicans, eagles and even the odd menacing alligator lurking in the swamp.

4. Take an airboat ride down Homosassa

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Hold on tight to explore Homosassa’s mysterious marshes and deserted mangroves, zipping through shadowy canals and meandering waterways most boats would have to avoid. Watch for the area’s famous manatees as well as black bears, red wolves, flamingos, bobcats and alligators along the way, and be prepared for a sudden shower if the airboat takes a tight corner at speed.

5. Paddleboard from Hunter Springs Park

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One of the many natural springs that feed Kings Bay, this picturesque water park features a small beach, a boardwalk and pristine lawns for picnicking. But the best way to experience its warm, satin-smooth water is on a paddleboard, available to rent nearby. Don’t panic if your balance isn’t up to it: paddleboarding can be done kneeling or lying down if you don’t fancy falling off.

6. See dolphins at the Plantation Adventure Center

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Manatees aren’t the only loveable marine mammals splashing around in Crystal River. Take a boat out from the Plantation Adventure Center to see the area’s darting dolphins ducking under the water and playing in the waves. If you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse them leaping elegantly from the waves – it’s a magnificent sight that you will never forget.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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