Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Crystal RiverSet on 24,243 acres, this scenic area boasts hiking trails, kayaking, a gun range & wildlife views.
Churchhouse Hammock Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverBoardwalk trail in the Crystal River Preserve featuring scenic marshes & native wildlife.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal RiverAn undeveloped winter haven for endangered manatees, with a picnic area, bay views & a gift shop.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center
Crystal RiverAn undeveloped winter haven for endangered manatees, with a picnic area, bay views & a gift shop.
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal River20 miles of coastline with islands, inlets, trails, wildlife viewing, fishing & a visitor center.
Eco-Walk Trailhead Crystal River Preserve State Park
Crystal RiverEntryway to the 7-mile trail system of a vast wildlife & nature conservation area along the coast.
Equine Instincts
OcalaEquestrian art collective at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala offering curated works including heirloom-quality sculptures, original paintings, and handcrafted home accents inspired by horse and wildlife art.
Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours
Crystal RiverFederally permitted manatee swim tour operator in Crystal River's National Wildlife Refuge, offering guided three-hour group and private tours with all gear provided, ranked in TripAdvisor's Top 10 bucket list experiences worldwide.
Hammerhead Marine Sculptures
Crystal RiverMarine-themed metal sculpture studio in Crystal River creating custom handcrafted marine and wildlife art pieces.
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 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.
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.
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.
Premier Boat Tours
TavaresGuided pontoon boat tours through the Dora Canal and Harris Chain of Lakes, showcasing Florida wildlife including alligators and ancient cypress trees.
Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
Mount DoraPontoon boat tour company on Lake Dora run by a 4th-generation native Floridian, offering 2-hour Dora Canal wildlife tours, sunset cruises, and lunch/dinner cruises aboard covered, USCG-inspected vessels.
Sabal Bluff Preserve
LeesburgA 55-acre nature preserve on the shores of Lake Griffin in Leesburg with 2 miles of hiking trails, scenic bluff overlooks, and excellent birding and wildlife viewing. No pets allowed.
Salt Marsh Trails - Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Complex Trailhead
Crystal RiverTrailhead for hiking through the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, offering boardwalks and paths through coastal salt marsh habitat with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Singing River Tours
DunnellonCaptain Jon Semmes combines eco-touring with live music on this one-of-a-kind pontoon boat experience along Dunnellon's Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River. The roughly 100-minute cruise aboard a covered 40-foot pontoon includes original songs, local history, and wildlife spotting on one of Florida's most pristine spring-fed waterways. At just $15 per person, it's one of the best deals in the area.
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.
Troy Samuel Cumming Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve along Yulee Drive in Homosassa offering trails through native Florida habitat for hiking and wildlife observation.
Wild Bill's Airboat Tours
InvernessA Withlacoochee River institution offering thrilling airboat rides through the marshes and cypress swamps of Citrus County. Coast Guard inspected and family-friendly, tours include up-close wildlife encounters with alligators and native Florida birds. Wild Bill's has earned a loyal following and nearly five-star reviews for delivering an authentic Old Florida adventure.
Yulee Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing through native Florida habitats.