Editor’s Note: This was a hosted trip experience.
It’s easy to pack a week full of family fun in Citrus County, Florida. The most well known city there is Crystal River – the Manatee Capitol of the World, while the largest city in the county is Homosassa Springs.
This area has an incredible mix of delectable food, thrilling water adventures and even inland explorations! Come along for this in-depth tell-all of what to do, see, eat and find for the family in Crystal River and beyond.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Skip the airport stress — Lyft’s On-Time Pickup Promise guarantees your scheduled ride shows up within 10 minutes of your pickup time. If it doesn’t? You’ll get Lyft Cash. You can schedule up to 90 days in advance and even lock in your rate. Use code SBT25 to save 25% off ONE scheduled ride to the airport.
Crystal River at a Glance
Crystal River is probably a place you’ve heard of because of the renowned manatee swimming excursions that draw people by the thousands to the Kings Bay area in the chilly winter months. The natural springs warmer water draws the manatees in to survive.
There are several options for lodging in the city and a ton of restaurants with fantastic food options! Especially if you love seafood! We’ve been to Crystal River a half dozen times and have not run out of fun things to do and see.
- This is a family-friendly playground. All the activities are inclusive of nearly all ages – multi-generational, all family members welcome travel!
- Not a metro area. The area is somewhat rural, old-Florida charm, fewer chains.
- Florida in the summer is going to be hot. Make sure to plan your day around the sun and the water!
SheBuysTravel Expert Tip – this is a bonafide year around paradise, so book your time based upon important dates in NATURE – manatee inland migration (winter months, December through roughly March), scallop season (summer months, usually July and August depending on permit status and county), etc.
Get more adventure travel inspiration with our newsletter!
Things to do in Crystal River
Crystal River is nestled into Florida’s Nature Coast and the place is aptly named. You will love the convergence of river and sea resulting in mangroves, which offer incredible abundance in wildlife and birding. If nature is your jam, Citrus County has your number:
- Kacey’s Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours – We have wanted to take a glow kayak adventure for a while and finally did it! It was super relaxing and we enjoyed the best sunset while touring some peaceful springs. Do it in the winter for better chances of manatee mingling.
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a spot that I’ve eyed for years! The famous hippo is now passed on, but the other wildlife residing there is interesting and the $5/person boat ride to the park from the visitor’s center is gorgeous.
- Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is a spot I didn’t know I’d love so much! Located in Lecanto, a few minutes from Crystal River, the site is where pretty much all of the mermaid tails in show biz are made (including ones for Lady Gaga and Beyonce. The aquariums were so clean and well maintained, I was in awe.
- Three Sisters Springs Park is a quiet space that is owned by the city and managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Service as a reserve. A well-maintained trail and lovely boardwalk show you the springs from land. Go during winter or cooler days, it’s a really hot walk in the summer months!
- First Friday’s – Downtown in the summer months, the first Friday of every month gathers food trucks and artisan booths and live music. We happened upon it while exploring the lovely murals downtown and it was a great way to get to know the area.
- Manatee Swim – Enjoy this year around, but peak in winter months, Paddletail Waterfront Lodge can set you up with manatee experiences that are no fuss, easy for families!
Get on the Water: Make a Day of Scalloping
This is the best tip I can possibly give you – if you’re coming to Citrus County and Crystal River, get out on the water! It’s not only the best way to beat the heat, it’s such a wholesome, fun way to spend a day as a family! Your kids will not soon forget snorkeling in the saltwater looking for tasty treasures in the seagrass.
It’s a fulfilling adventure to go scalloping in the summertime in Florida. Paddletail Waterfront Lodge took care of everything – from the permit to the scallop shucking, start to finish we just showed up to have a great time. We were even treated to a little scallop ceviche on the boat!
The summertime happy vibes were strong on this trip! I have several videos of both kids smiling and jamming to music. I can tell you one thing that wasn’t present or even mentioned – their devices! No one was bored or whiny, it was full-throttle fun all day!
- Trips last about five hours
- A trip like this costs around $500, depending on how many people you have, up to 6
- It’s not about the amount of scallops you haul in, but about the entire experience
- You’re still really likely to find scallops – but remember, they are wild, too!
- Paddletail Waterfront Lodge has some of the best captains around. Hands down.
- They supply the mask, fins and snorkeling gear. They also have PFDs available.
Places to Eat in Crystal River and Around Citrus County
- Bayside Kraft Kitchen – casual dining experience with an excellent patio and fabulous menu, including offerings for kids. Three minute walk from Paddletail Waterfront Lodge.
- Guyer’s Ice Cream & Doughnuts – the coolest ice cream shop, where you can get a ‘flight’ of different kinds of ice cream or one of many doughnut concoctions. You can even make your own recipe for a fresh doughnut! Downtown Crystal River; 3-7 minute drive.
- Waterfront Tiki Bar & Grill – Cook your catch options available for those going scalloping and wanting their catch cooked – we tried pan seared, fried and blackened scallops. All super tasty, but the simple pan sear was our favorite. Located at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge.
- Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters – a coffee shop offering some yummy breakfast sandwiches and pastries as well as an insane amount of roasts and flavors, even in Keurig style cups for you to take with you to enjoy back home! Downtown Crystal River.
- Crump’s Landing – Beachy tiki dining spot for lunch/dinner with a bar and a sandy beach right on the water. Crump’s is giving serious beach party vibes, but is perfectly calm for lunch. Really neat atmosphere. Homosassa, FL (about 20 minutes drive from Crystal River.)
- Katch Twenty-Two – Upscale fine dining, perfect for special occasions. We went for my 40th birthday and the drinks and food were unmatched. Make a reservation – if you want to dine early you’ll have an easier time getting in. Located in Lecanto, a short drive from Crystal River.
Where to Stay in Crystal River
Paddletail Waterfront Lodge is incredibly located – in town but you’d never know it. It’s also waterfront as the name implies, which means you can park and let your vehicle sit, since it’s a full service property. They have a grab-and-go breakfast for mornings on the go or a quaint coffee shop with more hearty sandwiches and drinks in the lobby.
A new tiki bar is perched between the swimming pool and the waterfront, so it’s quite the hotspot for a bite, also! The Paddletail Adventure Center is on-site, where you can get signed up for fishing, scalloping and manatee adventures. There are kayaks and stand up paddle boards available on the property, too.
Everything is right here for you, so it’s the easiest picture perfect getaway for families! So easy that busy moms can even unwind!
Packing for your Citrus County Vacation
You’ve been packing for vacations your whole life, so I’m not going to tell you how many pairs of shorts or tank tops you need. That’s personal! But, these items listed below are tailored to this trip and with good reason!
- Sunscreen (eco-friendly) and UV protective clothing
- Water shoes/ flip flops
- Beach towel for boating excursions
- Bug repellent (the no-see-ums are around the water especially at night)
- Umbrella *I don’t use one, but daily Florida afternoon thunderstorms are pretty common
- reusable water bottle for hydration – it’s a full-time job in the humidity and sunshine
- Cash tips for guides – some take Venmo now, but cash is still appreciated by most!
- Coconut oil or a leave-in conditioner to combat ocean tangles for long hair (that one is my favorite as a scuba diver and ocean lover with long locks!)
Getting to Crystal River
I know you’re itching to get this itinerary rocking for your own family! So, here’s the skinny:
- Crystal River is about equidistant from Tampa or Orlando. Fly in to whichever has the best flight options!
- From the airports, it’s about 70-90 minutes drive, depending on traffic. You’ll need to rent a car.
- There are toll roads, which can be avoided but may add drive time.
- Between the big cities and Crystal River is mostly highway driving, not heavy traffic in most cases.
- Take in the Florida rural charm like boiled peanut stands as you make your way to Citrus County.
Leave a Reply