Travelers flock to Crystal River and surrounding towns for safe, outdoor adventure
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (September 2, 2020) – Crystal River in Citrus County is one of the Sunshine State’s hidden gems for outdoor adventure, and a popular alternative for travelers in search of a memorable vacation away from crowded theme parks and busy beaches. The area is home to five of Florida’s top-rated state parks, and a network of beautifully-maintained trails and well-kept waters in and around the charming towns of Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness, and Floral City.
“We’re very well known by outdoor enthusiasts, but these strange times are a unique opportunity for us to showcase our natural wonders to people who haven’t considered this kind of natural travel experience before,” said John Pricher, Executive Director of Discover Crystal River. “More people are looking at travel differently, favoring the kind of wide open outdoor spaces we offer for a getaway that is affordable, unforgettable, and that meets health and safety guidelines.”
One of the most popular way for families to explore the destination is by biking the Withlacoochee State Trail, which offers 46 miles of trail passing through natural communities, small towns, and a variety of shopping, food and drink, and hotel options. Each trailhead offers a unique adventure, such as the Inverness Trailhead which lies at the newly opened Depot District, home to playgrounds, an open-air pavilion, a stage and picnic area, and cycling shops. Riders can continue their adventure in the bike-friendly downtown or put their bikes in park and wander the scenic lakeside boardwalks.
The area is a favorite for hikers as well, with trails leading through thousands of acres of Florida coastline at the Crystal River Preserve State Park, and the otherworldly terrain of the Withlacoochee State Forest, both home to an astounding variety of native plants and wildlife.
For most travelers, a visit to Florida has to include some wet and wild fun on the water, and Florida’s Nature Coast knows how to make waves. Crystal River and Homosassa are known for being the only place in the United States to legally have an up-close encounter with manatees. Expert tour guides offer daily adventures to dive in, making sure everyone minds their “manatee manners” and respects the underwater home of these gentle giants. From canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, paddlers can also enjoy the areas crystal clear springs, seven winding rivers, opens bays and fresh bodies of water, from the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes to the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve.
It turns out fall sports haven’t been cancelled after all. Here, outdoor sports include fishing for the whole team – whether freshwater or saltwater, off the pier or offshore, from the bank or from the boat, Citrus County and Crystal River have plenty of options for family vacations that are more than a little fishy.
Explore these outdoor activities and many more at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com.
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About Crystal River, Florida
Widely known as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River, Florida, is the only place in the United States to legally experience the up-close encounter of swimming with these gentle giants. Located in Central Florida’s Gulf Coast, Crystal River and the surrounding cities of Old Homosassa, Inverness and Floral City are an authentic showcase of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Within tens of thousands of acres of protected state parks, forests and wildlife refuges, visitors can explore miles of bicycling, walking, birding, horseback riding and hiking trails to unlock a wild and wonderful world of natural, recreational and archaeological treasures. Pristine swimmable springs and a shimmering network of rivers, lakes, marshlands and mangroves make Crystal River perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, boating, fishing and floating. Feeding the fun is a creative collection of restaurants, pubs, bistros and bars serving up freshly caught seafood and other seasonal favorites all year long – from summer scallop season, to fall blue crab season, to manatee season and a year-round fishing season. Begin your adventure at DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com or call (800) 587-6667.