We chose Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast. Known for its sparkling blue, natural spring-fed rivers and chains of lakes, it’s just 90 minutes north of Tampa.
What is the distance from Crystal River to Tampa?
79 miles / 127 km driving.
Is Crystal River north or south of Tampa?
Located about an hour and a half north of Tampa, Crystal River is exactly the sort of funky, slightly touristy, laid-back Florida town that I love. The small city is a main attraction on Florida’s “Nature Coast,” and is situated around Kings Bay and dozens of natural springs.
What springs are close to Tampa?
10 Natural Springs Near Tampa Bay You Must Visit At Least Once
- Lithia Springs in Lithia.
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Springs.
- Silver Springs State Park.
- Rainbow Springs State Park.
- Kelly Park / Rock Springs.
- Devils Den Spring.
What river goes through Tampa?
The Hillsborough River
The Hillsborough River empties into Tampa Bay, which is the largest open-water estuary in Florida. An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water where fresh water from rivers and streams flows into the ocean, mixing with the salty seawater.
What is Crystal River Florida known for?
Crystal River is known for it’s world class fishing and visitors come from around the world to experience the sport on the pristine waterways. The short run to the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of fish relatively near the shore make for memorable days on the water.
How far is Crystal River Florida from the beach?
The Fort Island Gulf Beach is a little beach just 20 minutes drive away from downtown Crystal River. There is a sandy beach area you can relax and play on, a grassy and shaded picnic area, and a charming pier.
Is Crystal River Florida worth visiting?
You can see the edge of it from the water when you swim or kayak with manatees, but the grounds themselves are worth a visit. The different hues of crystal clear blue water are amazing and you’ll get to explore trails and see all kinds of local animals.
What big city is Crystal River Florida near?
Spring Hill, FL. Ocala, FL. Bayonet Point, FL.
Are there alligators in Crystal River?
There are alligators in Crystal River. They live in King’s Bay, and the surrounding canals. They are also found in Three Sisters Spring. Alligators can live in any body of freshwater in Florida.
How far is Crystal River from Busch Gardens?
61 miles
The distance between Crystal River and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is 61 miles. The road distance is 70.5 miles.
What is the most beautiful spring in Florida?
Rainbow Springs near Dunnellon often is considered the most beautiful of the state’s 33 first-magnitude springs, more than any other state and more than any nation can boast. A few hours’ visit to any of Florida’s bubbling wonders can reveal a living composition of wildlife and plants.
What is the best spring to go to in Florida?
18 Best Springs in Florida
- Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River.
- Madison Blue Spring State Park, Lee.
- Ginnie Springs, High Springs.
- Homosassa Springs, Homosassa.
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee.
- Rainbow Springs, Dunnellon.
- Ichetucknee Springs, Fort White.
- Ponce de Leon Springs, Ponce de Leon.
Are there alligators in Tampa Bay?
Sawgrass Lake Park in Pinellas County is one of the best places for viewing alligators at a safe distance. Visitors can walk on the elevated boardwalk and tower to see lots of Florida animals while still keeping a safe distance.
What is Tampa known for?
What Is Tampa Most Famous For?
- Busch Gardens.
- Tampa Bay.
- Bayshore Boulevard.
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
- Lettuce Lake Regional Park.
- Ybor City.
- Hyde Park.
- Eat a Cuban sandwich.
Is Tampa Bay considered the ocean?
Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and shallow estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico on the west-central coast of Florida, comprising Hillsborough Bay, McKay Bay, Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay.
| Tampa Bay | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 27°45′45″N 82°32′45″W |
| Type | harbor, estuary |
| Primary outflows | Gulf of Mexico |
What is the best time to see manatees at Crystal River?
The peak season for observing manatees is November through April, and the local manatee population swells to its largest size between December and February. You can spot manatees in our waterways all year round, but the population is much smaller during the summer months.
How far is Crystal River from Disney?
70 miles
The distance between Crystal River and Walt Disney World is 70 miles.
Are there sharks in the Crystal River?
In Crystal River, you’ll find some of the best shark fishing in the world. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, full of plenty of catching and intense action, Crystal River is the right place for you to set out on your fishin’ mission to catch Florida sharks.
Does Crystal River Florida have beaches?
Crystal River’s beaches and the surrounding area is made for those who love the great outdoors. Heralded as Florida’s Nature Coast, Crystal River features shallow, grassy flats, an ideal place to snorkel and search for scallops in the summer months.
How much does it cost to swim with manatees in Crystal River?
How much do manatee tours cost? Our public manatee tours start at $59.95 and go up to $65 for peak manatee season (November-April). Private manatee tours are $449 for a boat that holds up to six people, larger private manatee tours can be arranged for an additional $75 per person.