Homosassa, FloridaVisit Crystal River, Florida, any day of the year and you’ll find plenty to do: visit the beach. Go fishing. Take a boat tour. Golf. Enjoy a manatee tour. Take a sail or go kayaking. Or just loaf by the pool to read a good book or take a snooze.

You can do all this – and more – in Crystal River.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Central Florida, Crystal River, the gem of Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast, is about a two hour drive from Tampa / St. Petersburg and Orlando. Because Kings Bay is one of the best places in the world to observe manatees Crystal River is an international destination. Kings Bay, which has been designated an “Outstanding Florida Waterway,” offers opportunities for boating, diving, swimming, fishing as well as a variety of Manatee and Eco-Tours. In addition, there are miles of nature trails to hike, bike and observe an abundance of birds, deer, alligators and other wildlife.

Which means you and your family are practically guaranteed a fantastic vacation, with something to do for just about every member of your clan.

The first item on your to-do list must be a date with a manatee. These creatures thrive in the Gulf’s warm waters (average temperature is 72 degrees all year long) and they’re found in Florida’s shallow coastal waters, rivers, canals and springs.

Yet as large as they are – adults average 10-feet in length and pack it in at 1,200 pounds – manatees are gentle souls and seemingly love the company of humans. Take a manatee tour with Waterfront Adventures: Swimming With The Manatees and you’ll be swimming with, and having an intimate encounter with these delightful creatures. (And don’t be surprised if your new friend gracefully does manatee belly rolls for your visible enjoyment !)

Looking to rent a boat, or even hire a full crew to do all the work for you? Crystal River can accommodate that desire. Marinas throughout Citrus County – in which Crystal River is located – provide you with boat rentals, pilots, organized water excursions and tours, even snorkeling. Had enough of nature for a while? In need of some serious pampering? Crystal River offers many resorts, from cozy bed and breakfasts, to world-class resorts providing sumptuous hospitality, accommodations, spa services and glorious meals.

Golf your game? Come to Crystal River! Horses your habit? Ask your concierge to get in contact with one of several equestrian centers in the area. Have a hankering for history? Crystal River and the surrounding areas have several museums and historical sites.

Summer, winter, spring or fall, Crystal River has it all. We look forward to welcoming you here soon.

From touring a part of nature underwater, you may wish to see some above-ground Florida wildlife. If that’s the case, check out the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Located at the headwater of the Homosassa River, the park is a refuge for injured and orphaned manatees, but also lets you see more of Florida’s wildlife, such as black bears, bobcats, alligators, the grey fox, cougars and others.