Don’t worry, it’s not crocodiles. Or sharks.
You ca n’t drown the length of two pools in the bay tree of Crystal River without bumping into a wildmanatee . That ’s because this metropolis inFloridais the only position in North America where you could legally ( and ethically ) swim with arguably one of the cutest devil dog creature . Thanks to a vital winter habitat in these tender southerly water , you ’ll encounter tons of these gigantic gray mammals in Crystal River , looking like they ’re made out of Henry Clay with stubby snouts and rotund bodies . It take some imagination to see the resemblance , but the closemouthed aliveness relatives to manatees ( so - called ocean moo-cow ) are really elephant .
nickname the “ Gem of the Nature Coast , ” the city of Crystal River lives up to its name with aquamarine H2O course through the area . The strong swamp commonwealth offer lucullan , green trails through the local Department of State park , as well as paddle boating or kayak on serene amniotic fluid of the river .
The quaint river - side city has small - townsfolk charm thanks to homes with white - picket - fencing and a confect - cane - strip lighthouse on Monkey Island . In the small business district area at Heritage Village on Citrus Ave , you ’ll find souvenir store with alligator jerky or manatee stuffed animal . That ’s also where some of the metropolis ’s good restaurant are locate , offering a decadent mixture of seafood and southerly comfort with meals like shrimp and grits for breakfast or Florida lobster next to risque kick for a surf ‘ n turf dinner
Hold very still.|Thierry Eidenweil/Shutterstock
Here are all the place to feel happy as a clam in Crystal Water , Florida .
Swim with manatees
Spend the forenoon floating around in the slow - impress waters ofCrystal River National Wildlife Refugefrom November 15th to March 1st and you ’re fundamentally undertake to have a face - to - face encounter with a wild Trichechus manatus . About 400 migrate to these balmy waters every year , hence the self - proclaim title of Manatee Capital of the World .
The docile mammal grazes on water industrial plant ( it wipe out 150 pounds daily ! ) and wo n’t be fussed by your presence as long as you remain serene . That could be a challenge as your natural instinct may be to panic when you realize the massive nine - metrical foot - long object next to you is n’t a stone , but an animal . While you ’re not in any danger , raising your vocalisation and splosh around will stir up it . The finish is not to galvanise the manatee so you may get up - shut down - and - personal as you watch it glide tardily and elegantly through the water and maximize your meter enjoying its squishy characteristic . It ’s believed that pirates often mistook West Native American Trichechus manatus for mermaids as they have such a human being - corresponding face .
The gentle giant may swim the right way up to you and give you a smack . But do n’t be a jerk and seek to touch , provender , or harass a Trichechus manatus . Not only is itunethical to interact with wildlife , but theState of Floridaand theU.S. Fish and Wildlifelaws protect manatees , and beset one can land you with a fine of up to $ 50,000 and a class in gaol . In fact , with no natural predators , humankind are their biggest threat — mostly because of gravy boat collisions . Manatees were one of the original species listed as being jeopardize with extinction on the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1966 . By 1991 , there were only 1,267 manatees immortalise in Florida . Manatees are a preservation success story , as they’renow list as vulnerableinstead of endangeredand there are at least 6,300 in Florida .
Paddle or swim with gentle giants.|Alex Couto/Shutterstock
Swimming with manatee is the secure fashion to discover about the animal , but if you ’re not too keen on being in the water with the creatures , you could take a gravy holder term of enlistment and see them feed from the deck of cards . For an overhead view of the manatee , stroll along the elevated 1,300 - footThree Sisters Springsboardwalk .
Stroll through ancient sites and wildlife-filled swamps
Swimming with manatees is n’t all there is to do in Crystal River . Go for a salary increase on the trails of theCrystal River Preserve State Park , or rent a motorcycle to cod along the nine - mile route . On the two - and - a - half - mile interpretive track keep an eye out for raccoon , wild pigs , and turtles as you make your way through meadows , wood of pine trees , and a fresh water marsh . you may also rent a kayak or canoe to cruise around the area ’s waterway .
At the National Historic Landmark ofCrystal River Archaeological State Park , you could count each of the 51 steps as you climb to the top of enormous synagogue and burial heap that overlook the surrounding marshes . Hear where aboriginal American river dwellers buried their drained here and how they used the ceremonial hills , or sift through BC arrowheads and clayware in the mid - century modern ( and air - qualify ! ) museum . You could also just basque in nature by wandering the three - one-fourth mile paved loop weaving past six ancient sites , where you’re able to recognise osprey , herons , and bald-headed eagle .
Feast on Southern classics and seafood
If all that swimming with ocean cows and climbing ancient graves has you feeling peckish , Crystal River tender tons of fresh seafood and southerly comfort dishes . Dine with the locals atAmy ’s On The Avenuefor gamy roast beef on a croissant or lump downcast Cancer the Crab bisque . Do n’t go forth without a gash of pie , like the Pumpkin Crunch or Key Lime Cake .
AtVintage on 5th , choose from southerly classic include shrimp and smoked - gouda grits , mac and ( Capricorn the Goat ) cheeseflower , or fried green tomatoes with apple - wood Baron Verulam . You might not automatically take heed those dishes and remember “ wine coupling , ” but you ’d be proven wrong by the selection of 25 wines by the deoxyephedrine .
For a quintessential urine - front dining experience , go toWest 82and eat impertinently - catch local scallops or Florida beef . If you ’re after crab , do n’t skip the rusticPecks Old Port Cove Seafood Restaurant and Blue Crab Farm — go at sundown to see that blood - red Florida sun reflecting off the lake pee under the deck .
Just look at those cheeks.|Colors and shapes of underwater world/Moment/Getty Images
Where to stay in Crystal River
If you have n’t gotten enough manatee or feeling like a mermaid around so much water , head up to theCrystal Blue Lagoon Bed & Breakfast , locate on a natural spring where manatee swim . You ’ll find wall painting and statues of mermaid , seashells , and aquatic creatures all around the hotel , as well as balefire on the patio and roof waiting area overlook the water . In fact , the dining room , with its funky chandeliers and lamps , floats atop that water with some help from a raft . you could rive bicycle or kayaks from the hotel , including a couple clear , see - through kayaks so you could keep an eye on Pisces dart under your sauceboat .
A couple blocks away , you ’ll find theRetreat at Crystal Manateedefinitely leans into the modern art feel ; the bathroom is like a dizzying MC Escher painting . Other than the pop of colouration thanks to accent walls in each room , what really stands out here is the outdoor and patio spaces — its curated fronds and tropical leafage make it seem like you ’re slumber in a lush , sloughy garden . Which is pretty impressive consider the hotel is located in the historic downtown of the city .
For a retro vibe , check out the one-time schoolKing ’s Bay Lodge , established in 1957 . The hotel sits on the water and started off as a sportfishing ingroup ; today it still has floating docks and even angle cleaning station for those looking to redact a credit line into the smooth , peaceful waters .
So many waterways to explore.|Michael Warren/E+/Getty Images
Expect hearty dishes here.|Plantation West 82 Bar & Grill
Pretty much everywhere will be mossy trees meets swampy waters.|Kings Bay Lodge
