Crystal River, FL Road Trips

1 Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, 865 North Suncoast Blvd, ☏ +1 352 563-2088. Over 31,000 acres of musk grass, widgeon grass, oaks, cypress, and red cedars stretching between the Homosassa and the Chassahowitzka River. It was established in 1943 as a waterfowl sanctuary, and is also critical habitat for West Indian manatees. Other wildlife includes alligators, raccoons, river otter, deer, turkey, black bear, bobcat, green turtles, gopher tortoises, and Eastern indigo snakes. Birdwatchers may spot cormorants, great blue herons, green-backed herons, ospreys, white pelicans, laughing gulls, wood storks, peregrine falcon, ducks, coots, and songbirds. The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is only accessible by boat. Enforced restrictions apply prohibiting airboats, hunting, fires, and camping. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Crystal River Archaeological State Park, 3400 N Museum Point, ☏ +1 352 795-3817. 8AM to sundown. A National Historic Landmark. Next to the Crystal River Preserve State Park. (updated Feb 2015) 3 Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. One of the best places to see endangered West Indian manatees that migrate each winter along the "Manatee Coast" north of Tampa Bay. This 40-acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sanctuary is a protected manatee habitat that includes the spring that forms the headwaters of the Crystal River. (updated Jul 2020) 4 Crystal River Preserve State Park, 3266 N Sailboat Ave, ☏ +1 352 563-0450. 8AM to sundown. Next to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park (updated Feb 2015) 5 Three Sisters Springs, 123 NW US Hwy 19.

1 Hunter Springs Park, 104 NE 1st Ave. This City of Crystal River park features a sandy beach for swimming in Hunter Spring year round. It also includes a kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch area allowing access to Kings Bay. The park also features a boardwalk for viewing manatees and the lively in-water scene in this residential part of Crystal River. Parking fees of up to $5 per day apply. (updated Jul 2020)

Grannie's Restaurant, 1712 SE US-19, ☏ +1 352 795-8884. Good Southern cooking. (updated Jul 2020) The Crab Plant, 201 NW 5th St. An active commercial fishing operation on the City of Crystal River waterfront's Riverwalk; features a fresh seafood market and restaurant featuring fresh seasonal local catch such as locally caught blue crab and stone crab, mullet, grouper etc. (updated Jul 2020) 1 Crackers Bar and Grill (on the river and accessible by boat). A 30-year-old restaurant visitors should try if they are interested in the succulent sea food or nautical atmosphere. Known for their signature entrees. Peck's Old Port Cove, 139 N Ozello Trail, ☏ +1 352 795-2806. Waterfront restaurant in the outlying community of Ozello which features fresh crab and seafood combined with great views and a relaxed on-the-water atmosphere. A local favorite. (updated Jul 2020) Seafood Seller and Cafe, 300 SE US-19. This New Orleans style restaurant features the unique cuisine and fresh fish of the Gulf of Mexico region of the United States, particularly Cajun style. A fish market in the restaurant also provides fresh catch from the Gulf of Mexico. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Vintage on the 5th, 114 NE 5th St (heading north on US Hwy 19, turn left at N. Citrus Ave.; turn left 1 block north on NE 5th St.; it is the second building on the right, directly behind the watertower; there is a public parking area across the street), ☏ +1 352 794-0004, [email protected]. Vintage on 5th is an eclectic restaurant in the downtown area. It is in a renovated church built in 1940.

Plantation Golf Resort & Spa, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, ☏ +1 352 795-4211. 1 Hampton Inn Crystal River, 1103 North Suncoast Blvd, ☏ +1 352 564-6464. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Jun 2021)

Crystal River is 75 miles (120 km) north of Tampa International Airport on the Gulf coast of Florida. It takes approximately 1h 15 min to reach Crystal River from TIA. It's also 96 miles (155 km) northwest of Orlando International Airport (MCO), a 1 hr 45 min drive. It can be reached via the Suncoast Highway, which follows the Gulf Coast in this region. It comes from Homosassa Springs to the south.