Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Bluebird Springs Park
Crystal RiverNatural spring-fed park with swimming, picnic areas, and a serene wooded setting. A hidden gem for a cool dip on a hot Florida day.
Buccaneer Bay
Crystal RiverFlorida's only spring-fed waterpark, located within Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, featuring white sandy beaches, body slides, a lazy river, and crystal-clear 74-degree water from the natural spring.
Crystal River Clear Kayak Tours
Crystal RiverPaddle transparent kayaks over Crystal River's impossibly clear springs, watching fish and manatees glide beneath your feet. The see-through hull makes every paddle stroke a window into Florida's underwater world.
Crystal River Kayak Company
Crystal RiverKayak and paddleboard rentals plus guided tours through Crystal River's springs, including routes to Three Sisters Springs. The clear kayak manatee tours are a bucket-list experience. Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance
Crystal RiverA 210-acre wildlife state park centered around one of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs, serving as a sanctuary for injured native wildlife including manatees visible year-round from an underwater observatory.
Get Up and Go Kayaking
Crystal RiverThe original clear kayak tour company in Crystal River, offering guided tours through springs and manatee habitats in transparent kayaks.
Homosassa Springs State Park Adventures
Crystal RiverAdventure outfitter near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offering guided tours and outdoor experiences along the Homosassa River.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Visitor Center
Crystal RiverVisitor center for the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Suncoast Boulevard, serving as a gateway to the park's manatee viewing and native wildlife exhibits.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Crystal RiverHome to rescued Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, and the famous hippo Lu. The underwater Fish Bowl Observatory lets you watch manatees and fish from below the surface.
Hunter Springs Kayaks
Crystal RiverPremier kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter in downtown Crystal River offering single and tandem kayaks, SUPs, clear bottom crafts, and guided manatee eco-tours during season (November through March).
Hunter Springs Park
Crystal RiverThis wooded park is named for its natural springs & popular for a cozy beach with a kayak launch.
Island Girl Cruises
Crystal RiverNarrated 2-hour pontoon boat tours on the Homosassa River led by a USCG-licensed captain, visiting Monkey Island, local springs, and wildlife viewing points.
Kaceys Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours
Crystal RiverClear kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter at Pete's Pier Marina, the closest shop to Three Sisters and Hunter Springs, offering manatee kayak tours including sunset and glow tours.
King Spring
Crystal RiverOne of 28 natural springs in Kings Bay, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and a major destination for wintering manatees.
Marketplace at Manatee Springs
Crystal RiverRecently renovated shopping center in downtown Crystal River with retail shops, dining options, and the largest parking capacity in the area, attracting over 400,000 annual visitors.
Michael Anthony's Pizza
Crystal RiverFamily-owned Italian restaurant in Homosassa Springs serving authentic NY-style pizza, wood-fired pies, cheesesteaks, and wings, with BYOB beer and wine welcome.
Picnic Pavilion
Crystal RiverCovered picnic pavilion at Bluebird Springs in Homosassa, available for group gatherings and outdoor events.
River Adventure Tours
Crystal RiverLocated at the headsprings of the Homosassa River, River Adventure Tours offers airboat tours, kayak rentals, manatee swimming experiences, and fishing guides all from one convenient location. Their diverse tour menu makes it easy to spend a full day on the water, whether you want high-speed thrills on an airboat or a peaceful paddle among the manatees.
The Grill at Pepper Creek
Crystal RiverCasual eatery inside Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park with indoor seating overlooking Pepper Creek, serving pizzas, sandwiches, and salads — no park admission required to dine.
Three Sisters Springs
Crystal RiverOne of Florida's most stunning natural springs, where crystal-clear water reveals every detail of the sandy bottom. A must-visit for swimming, snorkeling, and winter manatee encounters.
Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center for Swimming with Manatees
Crystal RiverPreserved area of springs & natural habitat for manatees with a boardwalk & trolleys for viewing.
Weeki Wachee Candy Company
Crystal RiverHomemade baked goods, candies, cheesecakes, and locally roasted Mountaineer Coffee. A sweet stop near Weeki Wachee Springs.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Crystal RiverLive "mermaids" perform in a natural spring at this historic park, which also has caves & rides.