Crystal River is a gem of the Nature Coast with actions that may be loved with out spending a single penny. From pure springs to wildlife statement, this information will introduce you to the perfect free issues to do in Crystal River, Florida. Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a historical past buff, or simply seeking to chill out, this picturesque area affords an array of experiences that received’t value you something however time.
Uncover Pure Splendor at Three Sisters Springs
Three Sisters Springs is a part of the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, and it is among the hottest pure sights of Crystal River. Whereas there’s a small charge wanted to enter the springs, chances are you’ll obtain a reduction on entry with a Federal Lands Go, Nationwide Park Go, or Duck Stamp. Entry additionally features a free shuttle to the springs, and manatees can finest be noticed on the springs between November and April every year.
Actions at Three Sisters Springs embody strolling the boardwalk, which permits viewing entry to mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles that reside within the springs. Swimming within the springs can also be allowed for many who wish to kayak into the springs from both Hunter Springs Park or King’s Bay Park. Entry into the springs from a ship doesn’t require any charges, nevertheless it is not going to assist you to entry the boardwalk both.
Wildlife Encounters: Manatee Watching on a Price range
Crystal River is the one location in Florida that enables guests to swim amongst manatees. Whereas swimming with manatees could be completed free of charge by boating into Three Sisters Springs, you may as well see manatees up shut for a small charge at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. At this park, there’s an underwater observatory that enables guests to see manatees beneath the floor from a sundeck viewing space. The most effective time to view manatees right here is within the winter when these animals flock to the springs for heat, and the perfect time of day to identify them is within the morning.
Step Again in Time: Crystal River Archaeological State Park
For simply $3 per car, you may discover one in every of Florida’s longest constantly occupied websites at Crystal River Archeological State Park. This park is dwelling to a nationwide historic landmark made up of burial mounds, temple mounds, and a big midden filled with historical shells. A museum can also be open inside the park from Thursdays to Mondays that will help you be taught concerning the individuals who lived right here as much as 1,600 years in the past.
Interact With Nature on the Crystal River Protect State Park Trails
There isn’t any charge required to enter Crystal River Protect State Park, and it’s a top-rated Florida park for its path system. Some of the standard trails of the park is the Eco-walk Path, which is a 2-mile loop that includes 11 Discovery Zones that are supposed to offer you outside sensory expertise suggestions. Different trails you may hike embody the Dixie Shores Path, Fort Island Path, Lake Loop Path, Hammock Island Path, Primitive Path, and the Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk. The Churchouse Hammock Boardwalk can also be standard because it explores an space present process habitat restoration for gopher tortoises and fox squirrels.
Recognizing Native Chicken Species
You possibly can determine quite a lot of native wildlife, together with birds, at Crystal River’s many parks. A few of the most typical species you’ll spot embody wooden geese, wild turkeys, mourning doves, ruby-throated hummingbirds, killdeers, and willets.
Scenic Biking Routes
The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Path runs via Citrus County, the place Crystal River resides, and it’s generally utilized by cyclists year-round. This path explores scenic forest and lake areas, and it runs via many small cities alongside the coast. For mountain biking, you may as well take a look at the various trails in Withlacoochee State Forest and at Crystal River Protect State Park. For added mountain biking alternatives, take a look at close by Ocala Nationwide Forest.
Dive Into Native Tradition on the Coastal Heritage Museum
The Coastal Heritage Museum in Crystal River is a must-see for native historical past buffs. This museum, housed inside an exquisite stone constructing, options artifacts, reveals, pictures, and furnishings from the early settlement interval of Citrus County. Entry to the museum is free, and it’s open Wednesdays via Saturdays.
Public Artwork and Murals in Crystal River
There are numerous artwork galleries in Crystal River that you could uncover free of charge, together with the Coastal Artwork Gallery. This gallery is dwelling to glass artwork, pottery, work, and pictures items, and the gallery itself is owned by a bunch of native artists. Different galleries you may take a look at embody the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts, Spirit of Crystal River Gallery, and Paint the City Citrus.
On the subject of murals, Crystal River and its neighboring cities in Citrus County have over 20 of them for the general public to see. One standard mural is “The Kraken” on the Salty Ladies Seashore Store constructing, designed by William Mickey. “The Journey Begins Right here” is one other mural that includes reasonable manatees on the aspect of the Explorida Retailer and Manatee Excursions constructing in Crystal River.
Expertise Native Festivities for Free
Crystal River is dwelling to many annual festivals, together with the Florida Manatee Competition in January. This options manatee excursions in addition to reside music, meals distributors, and high-quality artwork distributors downtown. In October, you may attend the Heritage Village Scarecrow Competition, which options hayrides, pumpkin patches, and pony rides. Different annual occasions embody the Floral Metropolis Strawberry Competition in March, the Homosassa River Fireworks Fest and Poker Run in June, the 4th of July Celebration in July, the Crystal River Christmas Tree Lighting Competition in December, and Floral Metropolis Heritage Days in December.
Calm down and Unwind at Hunter Springs Park
Greatest Spots to Finish Your Day
Hunter Springs Park is situated proper in Crystal River, and it’s one other spot to see manatees. You may also cease by the park to view sunsets on the seaside, use the boat launch space, or go swimming throughout posted hours.
Picnicking Paradise Places
Whereas Hunter Springs Park does have a picnic space with grills so that you can use, it isn’t the one picnic web site on the town. Only a few of the opposite native parks that present free picnic spots embody Little Springs Park, Yeoman Park, Copeland Group Park, and Crystal River City Sq..
A Information to Crystal River’s Free Household-Pleasant Spots
Playgrounds and Public Areas
Hunter Springs Park is a metropolis park of Crystal River that’s identified for its pure springs and a public seaside. A picnic web site can also be discovered right here, and there’s a playground. One other standard location is Kings Bay Park, which has picnic tables and grills, a playground, and a waterfront view. Each of those parks enable non-motorized boating and have boat launch areas.
Ideas for Navigating Crystal River in Your RV
Some locations you’d like to go to in Crystal River might not have parking out there for giant autos and RVs. For instance, RVs are usually not permitted at Hunter Springs Park, so chances are you’ll contemplate renting an additional car for journey to and out of your campsite, or chances are you’ll wish to take taxis or a neighborhood bus system to get round.
Crystal River, Florida is full of alternatives for journey and rest that don’t require a ticket or a charge. Whether or not it’s manatee watching, exploring state parks, or having fun with native tradition, you may all the time discover free actions to take advantage of out of your Florida journey. For much more enjoyment with out breaking the financial institution, contemplate making your Crystal River journey in an RV rental from RVShare. In an RV, you may keep in a campground close to Tampa and Crystal River that’s proper within the lovely native surroundings with all of the comforts of dwelling.