Things to do in Crystal River

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial drone photo of famous river and Springs of Acherontas with natural beauty and emerald crystal clear waters, Epirus, Greece
crystal river, florida
AM620E Crystal River harbour in Florida
ENDJ78 Tourists with boats near the manatee sanctuary by Three Sisters outside, Kings Bay, Crystal River, Citrus County, Florida, USA. Image shot 2014. Exact date unknown.
Crystal River
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Most popular experiences in Crystal River

Water activities

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From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 40 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €159 per adult
From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel PickupOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

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From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel Pickup

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 40 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €159 per adult
From Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour with Hotel PickupOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 4 activities
Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 299 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €22 per adult
Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Crystal River

Stay near popular Crystal River attractions

Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) gazes contently, outside of Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida

Three Sisters Springs

4.6/5 (558 reviews)
Crystal-clear springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge provide a vital winter haven for manatees. Explore the boardwalk to view turquoise waters where these gentle giants gather from November to March.
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Where to stay in Crystal River

Find the best Crystal River areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Crystal River
Learn more about Crystal River
Photo by Laura Gomez
Open Photo by Laura Gomez

Springs at Kings Bay

While visiting Springs at Kings Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Three Sisters Springs and Hunter Spring Park.

Pelican Cove

While Pelican Cove may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Crystal River Watersports Marina and Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

Panorama from Ozello Community Park - Crystal River, Florida, USA

Crystal Shores

While Crystal Shores may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hunter Spring Park and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

A Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) calf nurses at its mother's side. West Indian Manatees are related to elephants. Their status was changed from endangered to threatened in 2017.

Indian Waters

While there might not be top attractions in Indian Waters, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Crystal River Watersports Marina and Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

Crystal River has natural springs feeding it. Crystal River Preserve State Park is in Citrus County, Florida

Dixie Shores

When in Dixie Shores, you can plan a visit to Fort Island Trail Park and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A beach with a cross adorned with flowers and a person walking.

Inglis

"Lecanto Light" February morning outside Lecanto, Florida. The dew that had accumulated on the grass from the night before created a surreal fog as the sun's rays warmed the air.

Lecanto

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal River worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Crystal River is visit Three Sisters Springs. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of the area's walking trails and watersports.
How do I spend a day in Crystal River?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Three Sisters Springs and Fort Island Gulf Beach. Then, tour different areas of Crystal River for a quick bite and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Crystal River?
Don't leave without exploring Three Sisters Springs, ranked the top tourist attraction in Crystal River.
Is three days enough to stay in Crystal River?
You can easily visit leading sights like Three Sisters Springs, Fort Island Gulf Beach and Crystal River Preserve State Park with a three-day stay in Crystal River. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Spring Hill.
Is Crystal River a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Crystal River. Several top attractions, like Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Hunter Spring Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Crystal River's best neighbourhoods, Springs at Kings Bay is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Dixie Shores is 5 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Crystal River with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all the family, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Crystal River with kids.
What to do in Crystal River for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Crystal River for adults including Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum.
Are there free things to do in Crystal River?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Crystal River. If you're looking for inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Fort Island Gulf Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

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