7 hotels near Crystal River, Florida, USA

Located on the coast of Florida, this city is situated around Kings Bay, the second largest group of springs in Florida. Kings Bay is home to over 400 manatees during the winter and is the only place in the U.S. where you can legally interact with manatees in nature. The Crystal River Preserve State Park has more wildlife on undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters and forests bordering 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast. You can bike, hike or walk along seven miles of trails or study the native animals and plants. You can even fish at Mullet Hole or launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic river. Swim with a manatee or follow the sunset to Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. This park was once part of a thriving sugar plantation and now contains the remnants of the former 5,100-acre sugar plantation like a 40-foot limestone masonry chimney, iron gears and a cane press. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a great National Historic Landmark. This 61-acre state park is a Native American site that has burial mounds, temple mounds and a plaza area. It served as a ceremonial center for Native Americans for 1,600 years and sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh. Today, you can tour the site or you can angle for saltwater and freshwater fish in the marsh. It is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so if you’re a bird-watcher, grab your binoculars and see what you can find! Swim with animals in their natural habitat or visit a variety of historical grounds in Crystal River. Hotels in the area give you a place to slip out of your scuba gear and into your swimsuit to work on your tan. When you book with Choice Hotels in Crystal River, you’ll enjoy affordable rates so you can make the most of your trip to this Florida city. Reserve online now!