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.
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.
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.
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.