Best Places to Explore in Crystal River After Your Clear Kayak Tour
So, you planned your trip to Crystal River, Florida and have your clear kayaking tour booked with Get Up and Go Kayaking – Crystal River–now what? Other than kayaking and enjoying the beauty of Three Sisters Springs or scouting out manatees floating around, there are so many things to do near Crystal River! Below, we’ll list some of our favorites!
Visit Three Sisters Springs National Wildlife Refuge
During our Three Sisters Springs tours and Manatee Season tours, you may see some different areas of Three Sisters Springs–but, it is still a worthwhile stop to go to the refuge itself! Stop by after your tour to walk the beautiful boardwalk trail that takes you to some great vantage points of the springs you may have just paddled in! During manatee season, as the springs are closed
to kayakers, you will be able to see the incredible amount of manatees that call Three Sisters Springs home for the winter. Be sure to stop by their visitor center to learn more about manatees and get some souvenirs. You can get your tickets and more info about visiting the refuge here!
Swim and Picnic at Hunter Springs Park
Sometimes, even after swimming in Three Sisters Springs during our tour, you may find yourself wanting to swim more! Luckily, the fun doesn’t need to stop after our tour ends. Hunter Springs Park has a swimming area with a small beach within walking distance from our launch location. Even if you don’t want to swim, the beach shoreline gives people the opportunity to lay out a towel and soak up the Florida sun!
Furthermore, if you bring a cooler, snacks, and charcoal, there are picnic tables and BBQ grills available for use. Kayaking can stir up a big appetite, so planning for a picnic after your tour is a great way to make sure everyone will be full and happy! Even better, treat yourself to something sweet by walking over to Guyers Ice Cream and Doughnuts for homemade ice cream, delicious mini doughnuts, or creative sundaes made with both!
Crystal River Mini Golf
Did you know that a mini-golf place is just down the road from our launch location? Well, now you do! After you finish your kayaking tour with us, take the family to enjoy a quaint mini-golf game for some friendly competition at Crystal River Mini Golf. With 18-holes and lots of decorations centered on manatees and other Florida wildlife, you’ll have so much fun!
If you need even more mini-golf or simply want to rematch, doing another round consecutively is only half price!
Walk Around Historic Downtown Crystal River
Looking to just relax and unwind after kayaking on our tour? The beautiful downtown of Crystal River has much to offer in shops and restaurants. After you’re done with our tour, take the time to go explore! Within walking distance of our launch location, you’ll find a lot.
Want to grab a bite to eat after your tour? Try checking out the variety of restaurants available in Crystal River. At the launch, you may find yourself drooling at the smell of fresh seafood cooking–most likely coming from The Crab Plant next door! Other popular restaurants nearby that offer seafood include Cracker’s Bar and Grill, Bayside Kraft Kitchen, and Waterfront Social. Looking for something a little lighter? Check out Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters who offer coffee, teas, and lighter fare or Abound who offer smoothies and smoothie bowls!
Other than great food offerings, Crystal River also has great shops to stop by and check out! For last minute beach items, swimsuits, or local apparel, take a look in Salty Girls Beach Shop. Love antiquing? Stop by Heritage Antiques Mall and Hidden Treasures Antiques and More to find
some old-timey treasures. For boho fashion and other unique treasures, check out The Hippie Manatee. Want some vintage and modern candies, or maybe some ice cream as a treat after the tour? You’ll want to stop by The General Store in the historic downtown area!
Drive Over to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
During the summer months, it can be hard to spot manatees in Crystal River because they return to the Gulf to fill up on seagrass after limited resources during the winter. If you find yourself wanting to see manatees, but didn’t get a chance to see any during a tour, not too far away is the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where they have captive manatees that are non-releasable for different reasons. Happily living out their lives in the park, they act as ambassadors for their species! Go spend some time at the park, enjoying their paved trails and boardwalks to view wildlife and learn more about it!
There are manatee-specific programs you can attend to learn more about the species and monthly bird walks led by Citrus County Audubon Society if you love birding.
Final Thoughts
With so much to do in Crystal River after touring with us, you may want to stay for longer than one day! Be sure to check out the local lodges and hotels to plan a lovely getaway. Furthermore, our tour guides are specialists and, often, locals themselves! Please feel free to ask them for their recommendations on things to do, where to eat, and more while you are on your tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking – Crystal River!