Holiday homes & rentals in Crystal River

A winter haven for hundreds of manatees, Crystal River in Florida is fed by almost 100 natural springs which facilitate endless marine fun for your entire family. Holiday homes on the water come with or without your own private pool, so you can dive in the water, delve into Native American history, or meet the manatees. It's up to you.

History on the half shell

Look at a 1929 diorama of Citrus Avenue, explore a fish house facade, and peep through the bars of an original jail cell. This historic building, which features in the National Register of Historic Places, offers fascinating insights in to the early history of Florida. It is situated in a delightful old building that lends a unique atmosphere to your experience. The exterior is constructed from locally quarried limestone, and the ceilings are magnolia wood. Prior to its current incarnation, it was the City Manager's Office, Police and Fire Departments, and the jail!

Explore amazing ecology

30 springs are tributaries of this six mile long waterway. Hunter Springs Park has state-of-the-art boardwalks, a kayak launch, playground, grills and scenic landscapes that stretch to the horizon line. Meanwhile, Crystal River City encircles Kings Bay which is itself fed by over 50 springs that discharge over a 220 gallons of water a second.

Sites that sparkle at Crystal River

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

This National Historic Landmark stretches for 61 acres and features Native American burial mounds, temples and a plaza. Six mounds in total comprise this site that has been inhabited for the past 2,000 years. As many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the site annually to bury their dead and trade. See these sights, or go angling or bird watching!

Three Sisters Springs

Befriend a manatee at Three Sisters manatee preserve. The animals move freely through the 72 degree springs where you can learn more about their remarkable behavior and get the chance to observe it first hand.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The Crystal Water Complex includes Chassahowitzka, Egmont and Passage Key. It was established to protect the endangered manatee species that cannot survive in water below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Nearly 600 animals migrate here every winter.

Mullet Key

Three miles south of the mouth of the Crystal River, you'll find this historic island which has been inhabited by Native Americans since before Columbus. Nearly 2,000 years of history have shaped the site which features on the US National Register.

Fort Island Gulf Beach

An ideal beach for families, Fort Island Gulf has soft, powdery sand, restrooms and showers. Wander aimlessly along the boardwalk in the sun, or bring your fishing gear and angle off the pier without a care in the world.

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