Crystal River exists because of Kings Bay. Many of the older houses front onto Kings Bay or waterways connecting to it. The Bay is supplied with water from a number of fresh water springs which have a constant temperature of 72°F throughout the year, this makes it a magnet for the manatee when the sea temperatures fall and several hundred winter in Kings Bay. The Bay is very attractive for diving partly due to the manatee and also the springs which are occasionally quite deep, the clear spring water makes for interesting and safe diving. This has resulted in the establishment of several diving schools which cater for beginners as well as more experienced divers.

Temperatures are more temperate than Central Florida (Orlando etc.) and the mid-summer is much more pleasant. The Suncoast Parkway from Tampa has been recently completed to just south of Crystal River and has resulted in an increasing population as it is now possible to commute to Tampa. This has also reduced the journey time to Tampa Airport to around 60 minutes.

Tourism has been traditionally associated with people from more northerly climates (central and north USA and Canada) who either own second homes in the area or who rent houses for the entire winter. The are known locally as Snowbirds. However there are now increasing opportunities for short term vacation rentals. The fact that winter vacationers have been the most common explains why rental rates and golf fees are lower in the fall, spring and summer months.

To reach Crystal River from Orlando Airport, first go West on the Bee Line Expressway, take the exit to Florida’s Turnpike North towards Ocala. After around 40 miles you will merge onto the I 95. At the next exit leave the I 95 onto the Hwy 44 towards Inverness. In Inverness follow the Crystal River signs staying on Hwy 44, after around another 20 miles you will arrive in Crystal River.

From Tampa Airport head North on the Veterans Expressway which leads directly to the new Suncoast Parkway. At the termination of the Parkway follow Crystal River signs onto US 19 North.

As usual in Florida there are an abundance of places to eat varying from hamburgers to Cordon Bleu.

Fish, shrimp and crabs are available fresh from the boat. There are also two good sea-food restaurants on the water side (Crackers is our favourite).

There are the usual restaurant chains in the area but breakfast at Grannies is excellent value. Cody's is very popular and has a two for one offer on fajitas on Wednesdays.

There are a number of locally owned and operated restaurants which retain traditional values. Salad or soup is still included with the entrée and prices are much more reasonable than in the more tourist areas of Florida.

Naturally all the normal fast food outlets are available from subs to burgers, chicken to pizza.

There a number of Chinese buffets which offer variety at outstanding prices (from $7.99 mid-week).

There is a wide variety of shops in the town but also there is an excellent shopping mall which caters for most needs situated a mile north of the Hwy 44 junction on US 19. Here you will find Sears, Belks, Super Kmart and JC Penney along with a number of speciality stores.

Crystal River has a number of excellent food stores, there is a large new Publix on Hwy 44 and Kash n’Karry on US 19.

A Home Depot has opened fairly recently on the US 19 South.

There is a Walmart in Homosassa 6 miles south on 19. There is a new Super Walmart in Inverness some 30 minutes drive.

Much of the opportunities locally centre on water-sports, there are several boat hire centres and snorkelling (or scuba equipment) is available from these sites. The water in Kings Bay and the river is fresh spring water and very clear. It is remains at a constant temperature of 72^OF throughout the year due to the natural springs and skin diving to view the Manatee is very popular. This is comparatively safe since there is a general speed limit of 5mph in the Manatee areas although it is a local law that divers must display a diving flag on their boat, these are available with the boat rental.

Scuba lessons are available and reasonably priced.

Fishing is part of the way of life in Crystal River. Fishermen travel long distances to the boat ramp at Fort Island where they can launch into the Gulf. There are two marinas, one in the Bay and the other half way along the river to the Gulf. Many local people own boats and fish in the Bay or cruise the short distance to the Gulf. Despite this the huge size of the Bay means it is never crowded and there is always somewhere to anchor and feel you are the only person around.

Boats and bicycles can be hired locally.

As usual in Florida there are plenty of courses locally, see the link to golf on our front page.

The nearest beach is at Fort Island which is at the end of Hwy 44. The link on the front page will take you a photo.

South on US 19

Homosassa Springs has a State Wildlife Park housing manatees, alligators, Florida snakes and other wildlife. There are nature trails where deer, otters, cougars, bear and bobcats can be viewed. There is also an abundance of aquatic bird-life.

Weeki Wachee Springs live entertainment and a very good water park. Exotic birds, river cruise and nature trails.

Via the Suncoast Parkway

Busch Gardens in Tampa is a marvellous family day out with a combination of white-knuckle rides and animals roaming in a man-made Serengeti Plain.

Via Hwy 44 and Florida’s Turnpike

Orlando is around 90 minutes away with all the attractions of Disney, Universal Studios etc.