Nicknamed the “Home of the Manatee”, Crystal River is a picturesque coastal community in western Florida. Its wildlife refuges provide a sanctuary for West Indian manatees while its archaeological site preserves the remains of ceremonial mounds from an early Native American settlement.
Things to do in Crystal River
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, which encompasses one of the longest continually occupied pre-Columbian sites in Florida. In addition to its burial mounds and ceremonial structures, the site lies on the edge of a sprawling coastal marsh popular amongst anglers. It also forms part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, with a variety of species regularly spotted within the park.
One of the best places in Florida to see endangered West Indian manatees is within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which includes several islands scattered across Crystal Bay. After learning about these unique creatures at the Visitor Center, you can spot manatees from the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk or join a guided snorkelling excursion to swim alongside them.
Just south of Crystal River lies the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses more than 12,500 hectares of musk grasslands, oak and red cedar forests. In addition to West Indian manatees, it also provides habitat for alligators, river otters, gopher tortoises and black bears, as well as a huge diversity of bird species. Guided boat tours are the most convenient way of exploring the refuge.
Getting around Crystal River
Crystal River is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Orlando and just under two hours from Orlando International Airport. Buses connect to Crystal River from destinations throughout Florida, although having your own vehicle is the best way of exploring the region. The Crosstown Trail is a walking and cycling trail that traverses the town.