Melissa's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Great place to visit with kids. They have a wide variety of animals. Be sure to see Lou the hippo!
37 locals recommend
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance
9225 W Fishbowl DrGreat place to visit with kids. They have a wide variety of animals. Be sure to see Lou the hippo!
The thing to do while in Crystal River. You can only get into the spring water by arriving by water. There is a nice boardwalk trail that can be walked if you prefer to just look at the manatees.
142 locals recommend
Three Sisters Springs
36 NW US-19The thing to do while in Crystal River. You can only get into the spring water by arriving by water. There is a nice boardwalk trail that can be walked if you prefer to just look at the manatees.
Great for kids! If you want to get into the springs and feel the water. Kinda like a beach area for kids to play in the sand. Also has a playground and picnic tables. Very nice.
67 locals recommend
Hunter Springs Park
18 NE 2nd StGreat for kids! If you want to get into the springs and feel the water. Kinda like a beach area for kids to play in the sand. Also has a playground and picnic tables. Very nice.
This is the only "beach" area in Crystal river. Small nice area, sand is soft. We love coming here during sunset. If you want an amazing picture come at sunset, you will not be disappointed!
Great during the day as well for kids to play at the beach. There is a dock and boat ramp nearby for others who would like to fish.
55 locals recommend
Fort Island Beach
W Fort Island TrailThis is the only "beach" area in Crystal river. Small nice area, sand is soft. We love coming here during sunset. If you want an amazing picture come at sunset, you will not be disappointed!
Great during the day as well for kids to play at the beach. There is a dock and boat ramp nearby for others who would like to fish.
If you love to hike or bike or even run this is a great trail. Located just around the corner from the home. Remember the bug spray if you try this trail.
6 locals recommend
7 Mile Loop Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
West State Park StreetIf you love to hike or bike or even run this is a great trail. Located just around the corner from the home. Remember the bug spray if you try this trail.
Free, great for kids. Fun activity for kids to feed alpacas and get an up close experience.
Funny Farm Alpacas
718 W Rusk LnFree, great for kids. Fun activity for kids to feed alpacas and get an up close experience.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
3400 N Museum PointRedfish Hole Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
West Fort Island TrailCrystal River Preserve State Park Eco-Walk
5990 N Tallahassee RdCrystal River
3266 N Sailboat AveMonkey Island
Food scene
Some of our favorite restaurants in the area!
Great little Mexican restaurant. Only beer, no margaritas here. Very nice staff, very accommodating. Mondays is buy one get one free fajitas! Very good.
Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
1935 SE US Hwy 19Great little Mexican restaurant. Only beer, no margaritas here. Very nice staff, very accommodating. Mondays is buy one get one free fajitas! Very good.
Awesome Fresh seafood. Also a local market if you prefer to cook at home. Outside and inside dining. If you decide to eat here bring cash. The only accept cash. There is an ATM onsite.
48 locals recommend
The Crab Plant
201 NW 5th StAwesome Fresh seafood. Also a local market if you prefer to cook at home. Outside and inside dining. If you decide to eat here bring cash. The only accept cash. There is an ATM onsite.
Great seafood with New Orleans flare. We have only ever ordered from here to go, so I don't know about the service but food is good. Mildly overpriced but good.
40 locals recommend
Seafood Seller & Cafe
300 Southeast US Highway 19Great seafood with New Orleans flare. We have only ever ordered from here to go, so I don't know about the service but food is good. Mildly overpriced but good.
Amy's On The Avenue
539 N Citrus AveI have never visited myself, but have heard it is good if your looking for a fine dining restaurant.
35 locals recommend
Vintage On 5th
114 NE 5th StI have never visited myself, but have heard it is good if your looking for a fine dining restaurant.
Los Magueyes Crystal River
6875 W Gulf to Lake HwyAbsolutely the BEST Mexican food in CR.
We always visit here for one meal during our trips. On the water outside dining. Some days they have live music. Fun little ship playground for kids near dining area. Our kids love it, but its not covered and very hot!
74 locals recommend
Crump's Landing
11210 W Halls River RdWe always visit here for one meal during our trips. On the water outside dining. Some days they have live music. Fun little ship playground for kids near dining area. Our kids love it, but its not covered and very hot!
KC Wine and Koffee Bar
564 N Citrus AveThe Biscuit Barn North
1960 NW US-19Things to Do
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial WayMertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
4100 W Gulf to Lake HwyWeeki Wachee Mermaid Show
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl RdDevil's Den Prehistoric Spring
5390 NE 180th AveChassahowitzka River Campground
8600 W Miss Maggie DrTraveler advice
Traveling with kids
What to bring & what we have.
We have a small pop out stroller in the garage. Three kids bikes are at the home but none have training wheels. A Avent bottle warmer is located in the kitchen. Remember to bring swim diapers if your children are not potty trained. Bring any goggles or masks for swimming.