Things to do in Crystal River

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Crystal River
Crystal River
Photo by Monika Reyes
Photo by Monika Reyes
Photo by Jenessa Peters
Photo by Jenessa Peters
Photo by Jo Bayer
Photo by Jo Bayer

Crystal River Attractions

They say that good things come in small packages, and this enchanting city is no exception to the rule. From amazing tourist attractions to thrilling activities, there are loads of things to do in Crystal River.

Explore the sights of Crystal River with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {78 fun activities in Crystal River fun activities in Crystal River}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

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Most popular activities in Crystal River

Water activities

See all 47 activities
Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour from Orlando; a Florida Adventure

Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour from Orlando; a Florida Adventure

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $159 per adult
Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour from Orlando; a Florida AdventureOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 14 activities
Crystal River: Manatee Viewing Cruise

Crystal River: Manatee Viewing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per adult
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History & culture

See all 3 activities
Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $25 per adult
Plantation's Kings Bay Scenic CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Crystal River

Free Things to Do in Crystal River

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's a snap to entertain yourself in Crystal River without surrendering a cent.

Hunter Spring Park - Plenty of excitement awaits you at this unmissable place.

Crystal River Watersports Marina - This buzzing spot is popular with both locals and visitors.

Fort Island Gulf Beach - Skim rocks across the water, watch the sun rise or simply enjoy the scenery from the shore.

Crystal River Perserve State Park Eco-Walk - You're sure to feel connected with Mother Nature at this breathtaking spot.

Hunter Spring Park - Whether you know your bamboo from begonias, you won't struggle to find beauty in this marvelous display.

Things to Do in Crystal River with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you go in Crystal River. Here are some family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are sure to make your vacation memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Crystal River? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Crystal River

This is where you can swim with the manatees during the winter times you see a lot of them .

Three Sisters Springs

4.5/5(60 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Three Sisters Springs during your travels in Crystal River.

Three Sisters Springs
Water is gorgeous! Great day for pontoon float.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

4.5/5(145 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the boating in Crystal River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, FL. Nothing prettier than a Florida sunset! #beach

Fort Island Gulf Beach

4.5/5(55 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Fort Island Gulf Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Crystal River. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Fort Island Gulf Beach
Located on the West Coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, this beautiful 50 year old luxury resort is surrounded by the natural springs of King's Bay. This bay and Crystal River are home to more than 400 West Indian Manatees that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs. This shot of the tree-line reflected on the water was taken from the Gazebo on the small peninsula off of the pool area. A nice place to wind up with your date or spouse and some champagne and strawberries. #treetrove

Plantation Inn and Golf Resort

4/5(55 reviews)

Play a round of golf in Crystal River at Plantation Inn and Golf Resort, and enjoy other activities such as boating. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Plantation Inn and Golf Resort

Hunter Spring Park

4.5/5(19 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Hunter Spring Park and enjoy the boating in Crystal River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Hunter Spring Park

Crystal River Watersports Marina

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Crystal River Watersports Marina and enjoy other activities such as boating in Crystal River. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Crystal River Watersports Marina

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the boating in Crystal River. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

The Suncoast Keys

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at The Suncoast Keys during your travels in Crystal River. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

The Suncoast Keys

Fort Island Trail Park

5/5(2 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Fort Island Trail Park and enjoy the boating in Crystal River. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Fort Island Trail Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Crystal River

Great place for a nature walk and if the season is right you can see manatees! http://www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org/

Springs at Kings Bay

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

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

Springs at Kings Bay
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Crystal Shores

Though Crystal Shores might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hunter Spring Park and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

Crystal Shores
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Indian Waters

While Indian Waters isn't home to many top sights, Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Crystal River Watersports Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Indian Waters
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Dixie Shores

When in Dixie Shores, you can plan a visit to Fort Island Trail Park and Crystal River Archaeological State Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Dixie Shores
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Woodland Estates

Though Woodland Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Crystal River Watersports Marina and Fort Island Trail Park.

Woodland Estates
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Woods N Waters

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Woods N Waters and surrounding area, you can visit Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Fort Island Trail Park.

Woods N Waters
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Crystal River

Photo by Richard Hartland

Homosassa Springs

Homosassa

Homosassa

Photo by Lost Girls 🍷

Lecanto

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal River worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and watersports, finding awesome things to do in Crystal River is simple. Don't forget to add Three Sisters Springs to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Crystal River?
Kick your day off with a visit to Three Sisters Springs and Fort Island Gulf Beach. Then, explore different parts of Crystal River for a quick bite and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Crystal River?
The top tourist attraction in Crystal River is Three Sisters Springs, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Crystal River?
You can easily visit top attractions like Three Sisters Springs, Fort Island Gulf Beach and Crystal River Archaeological State Park with a three-day break in Crystal River. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Spring Hill.
Is Crystal River a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Crystal River. Several key sights, including Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Hunter Spring Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Crystal River's best neighborhoods, Springs at Kings Bay is 1 mile away from downtown, while Dixie Shores is 3 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Crystal River with kids?
Planning what to do in Crystal River with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Crystal River for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Crystal River, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Old Mill House Gallery and Printing Museum.
Are there free things to do in Crystal River?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Crystal River. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Fort Island Gulf Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.