15 Best Things to Do in Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River may be known as the “Manatee Capital of the World” (and seeing those gentle giants up close is a bucket list must!), but there’s so much more to this Florida coastal town. Just about an hour north of Tampa, it’s loaded with outdoor adventures, fun museums and some street art surprises.

I have spent time exploring the area in both the chilly winter and the sunny summer months, and have found some of the best things to do in Crystal River (and nearby). Here are my top picks of not-to-miss experiences.

1. Swim (or Kayak) with Manatees

Let’s start with the main draw to Crystal River—the manatees. It’s actually the only place in North America where you can legally swim in the wild with these gentle sea cows. During manatee season (typically November through March), hundreds of them flock to the warm spring-fed waters of Crystal River, creating the perfect setting for an up-close encounter. They’re curious, slow-moving, and surprisingly big (like, refrigerator-sized big!).

On my tour with Hunter Springs Kayaks & Tours, we boated out to the area and the in-water guide spent the whole time making sure both the manatees and the humans were safe and respectful.

If swimming with manatees is a little too up-close-and-personal, then opt for a clear water kayak tour instead. Kacey’s Custom Adventure has them.

2. Go Scalloping

In the summer (non-manatee season), one of the go-to activities for visitors and locals is going scalloping. And I recommend going with Paddletail Waterfront Adventures, especially if you plan on staying at the Paddletail Waterfront Lodge (and you should!).

We caught the boat just steps from the lodge. It was about a 30-minute ride out to the saltwater gulf, where the real fun begins—snorkeling in shallow grassy waters in search of those sneaky little scallops. I managed to snag two myself (yay me!), while our guide casually scooped up a couple dozen. Even if you’re not up for diving down, the snorkeling itself is worth it—warm 83° water, little fish darting around, and just a peaceful underwater vibe.

Back on the boat, we rehydrated with juicy watermelon (the perfect salty sea water palate cleanser) and then came the best part—fresh scallop ceviche made right on board with lime and a secret seasoning. After, you can take the remainder of your catch to the Paddletail Waterfront Lodge tiki bar, where they’ll whip it up for lunch—blackened or fried, and served with Cajun tartar sauce. Yes please!

Check out my scalloping video:

3. See the Mermaid Show at Mertailor (Lecanto)

If you’ve ever dreamed of mermaids being real (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), then Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is where your imagination gets a magical reality check—in the best way possible. Just a short drive from Crystal River, this whimsical little aquarium puts on a seriously enchanting mermaid show inside an 18,000-gallon saltwater tank. These “real-life” mermaids glide, twirl, and blow kisses while swimming alongside yellowtail snapper, grouper, redfish, and more.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Mertailor also has over 25 marine life exhibits (think: playful cownose rays, seahorses, tortoises, and even macaws), many of which were rehomed animals. The aquarium has a strong message of lifelong animal responsibility, and their passionate team of aquarists makes sure every creature is well cared for.

Oh, and if being a mermaid has always been on your bucket list (no judgment here!), they even offer a program where you can learn to become one. Yes, tails and all.

Check out my video to see what you’re in store for:

4. E-Bike Ride Withlacoochee State Trail (Inverness)

If you’re craving a relaxing ride through nature (with a little electric boost), then hop on an e-bike from Select E-Bikes and hit the Withlacoochee State Trail! This family-owned rental shop is conveniently located right on the trail, so all you have to do is pick your bike and start pedaling. Or rather, gliding—these electric bikes make cruising the 47-mile paved path a total breeze, and since the trail is mostly flat, it’s beginner-friendly and super enjoyable no matter your fitness level.

The Withlacoochee Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, stretching through small towns, scenic ranches, and peaceful natural areas across Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. Whether you want to ride for 30 minutes or 30 miles, it’s totally up to you (I love that kind of freedom!).

Along the way, keep your eyes open for wildlife and take little detours to spots like Downtown Inverness or the Ferris Groves Fruit Stand when it’s in season.

5. Take an Airboat Ride

If you’re ready to crank up the adventure, then buckle up for an airboat ride with Ozello Boats—because this is not your average sightseeing tour. It is part adrenaline rush, part nature safari, and 100% unforgettable. You’ll skim across the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River and Homosassa, zipping through mangroves and marshes while spotting everything from dolphins and sea turtles to alligators, stingrays, and even the occasional manatee.

Choose between a 1-hour or 1.5-hour tour, led by true locals who know this region like the back of their hand. They’ll not only show you some of the most stunning hidden spots—including historic sites and ancient Indian burial mounds—but also give you a peek at what Old Florida really looks like.

6. Go Duckpin Bowling (Inverness)

The Train Station in Inverness for some old-school fun with a twist—Duck Pin Bowling! If you’ve never heard of it, duck pin is like mini bowling’s cooler cousin. The pins are shorter, the balls are smaller (no finger holes!), and the game is just as addictive—if not more.

Set inside a beautifully restored 1880s train station in the charming Depot District, this place has more than just bowling. Each table has a different board game on it (I played one called Shut Box that I had never heard of before!), and there’s a cozy porch with Adirondack chairs to chill on.

The food? Think playful train-themed pizzas like The Conductor (hello, beef and pickles!) and the over-the-top Train Wreck Nachos.

7. See the Animals at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a 210-acre park is home to an incredible lineup of wildlife—like bobcats, owls, alligators, and even a few manatees floating lazily through the springs. One of the coolest features is the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory, it’s currently under renovation, but soon you’ll be able to step below the water’s surface for a close-up view of freshwater fish swimming all around you.

➞ Tip: To reach the wildlife walk, you’ve got options: walk, shuttle, or (my pick!) take the scenic boat ride. It’s a small extra fee, but totally worth it for the 20-minute float down Pepper Creek. Along the way, we spotted turtles and ducks while learning a bit about the park’s history.

8. Walk the Boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs

If you’re in the mood for a peaceful nature stroll (with a good chance of spotting a manatee or two!), the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs is the perfect little escape. Tucked inside the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, this 0.75-mile boardwalk loops through 57 acres of pure Florida beauty, wrapping around the turquoise springs and offering several scenic viewing platforms.

I’ve walked it in both winter and summer, and each season has its charm—winter brings the manatees, and summer brings lush greenery and birds galore!

9. Visit the Crystal River State Archaeological Site

If you’re like me and love mixing a little history into your outdoor adventures, the Crystal River State Archaeological Site is a must-visit. This peaceful 61-acre National Historic Landmark is one of Florida’s longest continuously occupied Native American ceremonial sites—active for over 1,600 years before Europeans even showed up. The site features six impressive mounds (including Temple Mound A, the highest point in Crystal River!), burial mounds, and fascinating carved limestone slabs called “stela.” When I visited, I got to witness a super cool demo of how they used fire to make dugout canoes.

The park offers scenic trails winding through marshlands, perfect for spotting birds (it’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail). Don’t miss the museum, which houses an incredible collection of artifacts—from pottery to projectile points—and even draws neat comparisons to what was happening globally at the same time.

10. Explore Downtown Inverness

Just a quick 30-minute drive from Crystal River, you’ll find Inverness—a cute small town known for its historic courthouse square. If you’re wandering through Historic Downtown Inverness, there are a few stops to make sure to make.

First pop into the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum that is housed in the stunning 1912 Citrus County Courthouse. This building is an architectural cocktail of styles (neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, mission, prairie school—you name it!) and even hosts concerts in its beautifully restored courtroom. 

Inside, the museum is packed with fascinating artifacts like pottery, arrowheads, fishing hooks, and even a Suwannee projectile dating back to 9000 BC. It’s a perfect spot to soak up the history of Citrus County and get a feel for the area’s deep roots.

Here’s a fun twist: in 1961, Elvis Presley filmed the climax of Follow That Dream right in this courthouse! 

After your museum visit, be sure to snap a photo by the iconic Elvis mural just off Pine Street and the bright Inverness sign. Also see how many of the cute painted turtles you can spot around downtown. Then stroll through local boutiques, one of my favorites is Twisted Moon Boutique. And don’t miss getting a healthy protein shake at Invibe Nutrition (I can vouch for the s’mores) to cool off during your walk.

11. Kayak to Three Sisters Springs

If paddling through crystal-clear water surrounded by Florida wildlife sounds like your kind of magic, then kayaking to Three Sisters Springs with Kacey’s Custom Adventures absolutely needs to be on your list! You can rent a regular kayak or go for one of their clear-bottom kayaks—I went with the clear one, and honestly, it felt like I was floating on glass. As you glide through Kings Bay toward the springs, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, colorful birds, and, if you’re lucky, those gentle manatees Crystal River is famous for.

For the full experience, I highly recommend their All-Inclusive Kayak and Swim Tour, which includes a guided paddle, time to swim in the crystal-clear springs, snorkel gear, and even a free photo package (because, yes, you’ll definitely want those memories captured!). 

12. Spend the Afternoon at the Historic Floral City

If you’re wanting a taste of Old Florida charm, Floral City is the perfect little escape—just about 24 miles southeast of Crystal River. This little town is sprinkled with historic homes, wildflowers everywhere you look, and a fascinating past tied to phosphate mining.

Start your visit at the Floral City Heritage Museum, which is housed in an old fire station and packed with cool artifacts, photos, and stories that bring the town’s history to life. Don’t miss their Heritage Country Store—it’s full of unique finds like antique tin signs and wooden dolls that make perfect souvenirs. Just across the street is the Duval House, the oldest residential building in Citrus County, dating back to the late 1800s. And if you want to stretch your legs in nature, Fort Cooper State Park is just a short drive away.

13. See Monkey Island in Homosassa

Here’s a quirky little gem you probably didn’t know about—Monkey Island! This tiny man-made island floats in the Homosassa River and is home to a lively family of spider monkeys. Built to keep these mischievous little guys from causing trouble on the mainland, the island is decked out with huts, ropes, trees, and even a miniature lighthouse. It’s all lovingly cared for by the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort (formerly Homosassa Riverside Resort), where the monkeys get regular feedings and health check-ups.

While you can’t hop onto the island yourself, the best way to experience it is to either glide right by it on a kayak or grab a drink at the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar where you will find the island right behind the bar.

14. Swim at Hunter Springs Park

Hunter Springs Park is all about crystal-clear springs that invite you to swim, snorkel, or just float your worries away. There’s also a cute little sandy beach that’s perfect for building sandcastles, picnicking with friends, or launching your kayak or canoe for a gentle paddle.

But Hunter Springs isn’t just for water lovers! If you’d rather stay on dry land, there’s a playground for the kiddos, picnic pavilions and grills for outdoor meals, plus scenic walking trails and bike racks for exploring the area on two wheels.

15. Shop the Local art at the Heritage Village district

Get ready to shop till you drop at The Shoppes of Heritage Village! With over a dozen locally owned shops, this cozy little district is packed with artsy finds you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re hunting for handblown glass at Coastal Art Gallery or fun gifts at The General Store, there’s something here to spark your curiosity and fill your shopping bags.

But it’s not just about what’s inside the shops—the whole vibe is what makes Heritage Village so special. Think beautifully restored historic buildings, shaded tree-lined walkways, and an easygoing atmosphere.  

What to do in Crystal River, Florida video:

Save this Post to Pinterest