Food scene
Great Seafood just check days open before planning to eat there. CASH ONLY. OUR FAVORITE.
FYI fresh and cooked seafood and the BEST smoked mullet dip are available TO GO, at the attached Fish Market. Check hours of operation.
48 locals recommend
The Crab Plant
201 NW 5th StGreat Seafood just check days open before planning to eat there. CASH ONLY. OUR FAVORITE.
FYI fresh and cooked seafood and the BEST smoked mullet dip are available TO GO, at the attached Fish Market. Check hours of operation.
For those celebrating a special occasion. Reservations highly recommended.
35 locals recommend
Vintage On 5th
114 NE 5th StFor those celebrating a special occasion. Reservations highly recommended.
According to well traveled guests the food, especially the coconut soup, is equal to any they’ve had in Thailand
13 locals recommend
Thai Phoon Restaurant
238 SE US Hwy 19According to well traveled guests the food, especially the coconut soup, is equal to any they’ve had in Thailand
A very short road trip away, down Ozello Trail. On the water dining and drinking. Mosquito repellant highly recommended. PLEASE put it on before you sit down. . Most of us hate eau of mosquito repellant with our diner or drinks.
45 locals recommend
Peck's Old Port Cove
139 N Ozello TrailA very short road trip away, down Ozello Trail. On the water dining and drinking. Mosquito repellant highly recommended. PLEASE put it on before you sit down. . Most of us hate eau of mosquito repellant with our diner or drinks.
A cult favorite. They line up before sunrise. GREAT breakfast and lunch. Check days and hours open before planning a trip there.
17 locals recommend
Grannie's Country Cookin’ Restaurant
1712 SE US Hwy 19A cult favorite. They line up before sunrise. GREAT breakfast and lunch. Check days and hours open before planning a trip there.
Sightseeing
Great for organized tours or diy kayak or SUP tours. They bring the kayaks to you at Hunter Springs Park.
26 locals recommend
Hunter Springs Kayaks
36 Northeast 4th StreetGreat for organized tours or diy kayak or SUP tours. They bring the kayaks to you at Hunter Springs Park.
Great for people who prefer not to want to kayak 30-45minutes to reach Three Sisters Springs. This company is about a 10 m8 ute kayak ride to Three Sisters Springs.
18 locals recommend
Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center
1422 SE US Hwy 19Great for people who prefer not to want to kayak 30-45minutes to reach Three Sisters Springs. This company is about a 10 m8 ute kayak ride to Three Sisters Springs.
Fun 2 Dive - Swim with Manatees
135 NE 3rd StLocation is also close to Hunter Springs.
GREAT for early tours, 2 miles away. Vey close to Three Sisters Springs for those who might not want to kayak far or have younger riders with them. About a 10 minute paddle.
18 locals recommend
Crystal River Kayak Company and Dive Center
1422 SE US Hwy 19GREAT for early tours, 2 miles away. Vey close to Three Sisters Springs for those who might not want to kayak far or have younger riders with them. About a 10 minute paddle.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Don’t forget
Sunscreen, insect repellant that contains PICARIDIN(repels no see ums aka midges).
Book before you go
Book and save
Check Groupon and tour company websites for any specials. During peak manatee season November-March the VERY early tours probably see the most manatees in the actual bay. When the water gets cold water there are many manatees in the actual crystal clear Three Sister’s Springs. Summer tours, we recommend the earliest trip/tour as most likely to see a manatee or two. Book ahead of time for peak holidays, summer vacations.
Don't miss
Other places
Rainbow Falls State Park and Rainbow Falls River are our personal magic place. There are several good hiking trails listed online. The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is less than a 15 minute drive away. It is very family friendly and accessible. They even have a manatee in a spring that you can view from underwater. It’s an old school place where you take a short boat ride to get to the actual park. They also have a tram ride. We have personal recommendations if you’re heading North or South, just ask, we’re happy to share them.
Don't miss
A Beach by any other name
Ft Island Trail Beach is great for families: low flat water, restrooms, BBQ grills, shaded picnic tables, loaner life jackets(if available), a close by fishing pier and free parking.
Don't miss
BEACH (OUR) BEST BEACH
In our opinion it’s worth the drive down to Clearwater to visit our 2 favorite beaches. Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island State Parks. Caladesi tends to be a bit quieter, as you must pay to ride a boat to the island. Both can get very busy on weekends and holidays.
Don't miss
Hunter Springs Park
A very popular park in town, with a kids playground, low water, sandy beach, showers and restrooms along with covered picnic tables and grills. Kayak and SUP launch access(fee) and parking(fee). HINT bring your own shade tent.
Customs and culture
WIFI access in the USA
Visitors can almost always find free WIFI access in the parking lots of Golden Arches or Star coffee shops.