Welcome! | Discover Crystal River

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the beautiful Crystal River Florida and the rest of Citrus County!

We’re a destination of four small cities with a unique Florida flair you may have never experienced in your previous trips to the Sunshine State. We look forward to having you here to experience it yourself but, for now, we’d like to take you on this virtual FAM Tour:

Citrus County Fact Sheet

QUICK INFORMATION ON AN INSPIRING DESTINATION


INVERNESS: HISTORY, HEALING AND FRESHWATER FUN

Approach Citrus County from the east, and you’ll soon see the Historic Old County Courthouse in Inverness. The charming streets around the courthouse have quaint shops and cafes, but as you widen your scope you’ll find a thoroughly modern town with well-established neighborhoods, excellent shopping and the 22-mile Tsala Apopka chain of lakes. Inverness offers history, freshwater fishing, boating, water skiing, golf, upland hunting and some great annual fairs and festivals.

CRYSTAL RIVER: THE JEWEL OF THE NATURE COAST

Historically, and even today, Crystal River’s development has been along U.S. Highway 19, which runs the length of Florida’s West Coast. Here, in a concentrated area, visitors find contemporary shopping, lodging, dining and the beginning of many natural explorations and recreations. The Crystal River itself is broad and deep, and hosts boats of every size as well as anglers on their way to the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A nine-mile scenic drive west on Fort Island Trail will take you to the public beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Crystal River offers archaeological sites, boating on tidal rivers and the open Gulf, fishing, golfing, manatee encounters, birding and unmatched eco-tourism.

HOMOSASSA: EXPERIENCE OLD FLORIDA

Don’t feel bad if the names confuse you: Homosassa is the age-old fishing village sitting directly on the Homosassa River, including the big spring that attracts so many manatees. Homosassa Springs is the commercial area along U.S. 19. But they’re so close together that it doesn’t matter what you call them. Do yourself a favor and follow any of the roads leading westward from U.S. 19 along the strip of highway that runs past Homosassa Springs and Crystal River. You will find places to stay, out-of-the-way restaurants and great places to launch your boat or wet a line. Homosassa provides manatee encounters, fishing, eco-tourism, birding, waterfront relaxation and a look at unspoiled old Florida.

CITRUS COUNTY FACTS

Founded: 1887
Location: Approximately mid-state, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles north of Tampa and 60 miles northwest of Orlando.
Lakes: Countless small lakes and ponds, plus these named lakes with boat launches:• Big Lake Henderson• Little Lake Henderson• Lake Holathlikaha• Lake Roussea• Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes• Lake Hernando
Rivers: Seven outstanding Florida waterways run through the county:• Crystal River• Homosassa River• Halls River• Chassahowitzka River• Withlacoochee River (72 miles of navigable water running through 7 counties)• Salt River• St Martins River
Springs: The county is home to dozens of springs, including beautiful King Spring, Homosassa Spring, Chassahowitzka Spring, and Three Sisters Springs.

Calf and Mother Manatee swimming in Crystal River.

The warm springs of Citrus County are an extremely popular refuge for endangered West Indian manatees. The springs allow the manatees to escape winter’s cold and serve as a place where many manatees...

Whether you’re an avid cyclist looking to put away some serious miles or if just want to get a little fresh air and exercise without the urban congestion, you’re in luck. Stretching through three...

Male and female on individual kayaks, paddling through crystal clear water post-hurricane Milton.

Crystal River and Florida’s Citrus County are defined by water like few other places in the world. Set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and famous for its sparking blue natural springs, it is a...

Take a look at all the amazing activities Citrus County has to offer!
manatee swimming underwater
A One-Week Guide to Citrus County

For a vacation overflowing with value and variety, paddle on over to Citrus County, The Water Lover’s...

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Crystal River City Image
Crystal River Itinerary

A Three-Day Escape to The Jewel of The Nature Coast

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scenic lakeside boardwalk
Inverness Itinerary

Inverness: All the Charm of Old Florida

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waterfront at old homosassa
Homosassa Itinerary

Old Florida Charm Meets Aquatic Adventure and Natural Wonders in Homosassa

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avenue of the oaks
Floral City Itinerary

Fun in The Water Lover’s Florida

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Cycling Itinerary

Spend the day biking on one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida.

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Everything you need to know about Crystal River, Inverness, Homosassa, and Floral City in one place, Click the image above to flip though our Digital Visitors Guide!

Cheers from the Manatee Capital of the World!


Terry Natwick
Sales & Marketing Manager
Discover Crystal River FL
Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau
352-794-5506
www.discovercrystalriverfl.com



Terry Natwick

Sales and Marketing Manager
Discover Crystal River FL
Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau
352-794-5506
www.discovercrystalriverfl.com