Crystal River Florida is located on the beautiful Nature Coast, approximately 1 hour north of Tampa, and only 2 hours northwest of Orlando's many theme parks. Crystal River is a beautiful small town often referred to as the "Gem of the Nature Coast" and the "Home of the Manatee".

The City of Crystal River is situated around beautiful Kings Bay, the headwaters of Crystal River. Crystal River has been classified by the state as an outstanding Florida waterway and has been rated by Coastal Magazine as the No. 3 spot of the top 10 spots to snorkel. The bay and the river combine to provide virtually every aquatic activity conceivable, swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, boating and swimming with the manatees, it's a true water lover's paradise.

Crystal River is comprised of a network of beautiful springs that remain a constant 72 degrees year round, Three Sisters Springs is the most popular of them all. In the summer of 2010, the Three Sisters Springs complex was added to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge system, ensuring its protection for future generations of manatees. Because the water temperature in the springs of Crystal River remains a constant 72 degree temperature, over 400 manatees will migrate to Crystal River each winter to seek refuge from the cold Gulf waters. Every year, a number of manatees choose to remain in the bay throughout the summer months. These resident manatees, and the abundance of manatees that migrate here in the winter, make swimming with the manatees in Crystal River an unforgettable experience. It is one of the only rivers in Florida where people can legally interact and swim with the manatees in their natural habitat.

Visitors will find a variety of federal, state and county parks and preserves. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park gives the first glimpse at the earliest settlements in Citrus County. The Crystal River Preserve is a place of natural beauty, undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests. The Preserve is especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can hike or bicycle along the trails. Anglers can walk down a short path to the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters. The Crystal River Wildlife refuge was established specifically for the protection of the endangered West Indian Manatee. This unique refuge preserves the last unspoiled and undeveloped habitat in Kings Bay.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Crystal River Florida is Heritage Village. In Heritage Village you will find many unique specialty shops all nestled amongst oak, palm and magnolia trees, and in cracker style cottages and historic homes. A sense of yesterday, with an artistic flare of today's Market.