Florida’s Crystal River might just be America’s most magical aquatic paradise you’ve never heard of. While Orlando’s theme parks and Miami’s beaches steal headlines, this Gulf Coast gem harbors a remarkable secret – it’s the only place in America where you can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat.

Swimming with gentle giants: An underwater ballet

Crystal River earned its nickname as the “Manatee Capital of the World” for good reason. Each winter, hundreds of West Indian manatees migrate to these spring-fed waters seeking warmth when Gulf temperatures drop. These docile creatures, weighing up to 1,200 pounds, glide through the crystalline water with unexpected grace.

“The moment a manatee makes eye contact with you is transformative,” says Captain Mike Engiles, a local tour guide with 20 years of experience. “These peaceful animals have a way of connecting with humans that’s almost spiritual.”

Three Sisters Springs: Nature’s perfect swimming hole

While several springs dot the area, Three Sisters Springs stands as Crystal River’s crown jewel. This pristine collection of three sky-blue springs connected by narrow channels offers the clearest water imaginable at a constant 72°F year-round. During winter months, dozens of manatees congregate here, creating an underwater spectacle unlike anything else in America.

Beyond manatees: Crystal River’s underwater wonderland

The aquatic adventures extend far beyond manatee encounters. Between July and September, visitors can join guided scalloping expeditions – essentially an underwater Easter egg hunt for delicious bay scallops hiding in the seagrass. This region produces some of Florida’s most prized seafood treasures.

Kayaker’s paradise: Hidden creeks and pristine coastlines

Crystal River’s network of springs, creeks, and mangrove tunnels creates a paddler’s dreamscape. Hunter Springs offers easy access for beginners, while the more adventurous can navigate Chassahowitzka River’s hidden springs and spot wild monkeys descended from those released during filming of Tarzan movies in the 1930s.

The archaeological mystery of Crystal River

Long before tourists arrived, Native Americans considered these springs sacred. The Crystal River Archaeological State Park preserves temple mounds and burial sites dating back 2,500 years. These complex earthworks rival Europe’s medieval treasures in historical significance yet receive a fraction of the visitors.

Small-town charm meets fresh seafood

Downtown Crystal River retains its Old Florida atmosphere with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Seafood shines at waterfront establishments like Crackers Bar & Grill, where the catch-of-the-day travels mere miles from boat to plate.

“We’re proud to be a real Florida town,” explains Mayor Joe Meek. “While other coastal communities transformed with high-rises, we’ve preserved our natural beauty and small-town character.”

When to visit: Timing is everything

For manatee enthusiasts, November through March offers peak viewing when hundreds of sea cows shelter in the springs. Summer brings scalloping season and fewer crowds. Like many digital nomad destinations worldwide, Crystal River offers reliable internet alongside natural wonders.

Where land meets sea: Unique coastal ecosystems

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge protects crucial habitats where freshwater springs meet saltwater estuaries. This rare ecosystem creates opportunities to spot dolphins, otters, and over 300 bird species within a single day’s exploration, rivaling Africa’s diverse wildlife destinations.

The tidal phenomenon of King’s Bay

Crystal River experiences a fascinating natural phenomenon where tidal changes transform the landscape twice daily. The shifting waters create ever-changing scenery as sandbars appear and disappear, offering photographers endless compositions.

In Crystal River, Florida’s natural magic reveals itself not through manufactured attractions but through genuine wild encounters. Here, you’ll find yourself swimming alongside creatures that seem almost mythical, exploring waterways untouched by time, and discovering that Florida’s true enchantment flows not from theme parks but from its crystal-clear springs.

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – HGTV has released its list of the most “charming” small towns across the country, revealing the top pick in each state.

The list includes many towns that might be off the beaten path for some, such as Nantucket in Massachusetts and Montpelier in Vermont.

Recommended Videos

“There’s something special about small towns,” HGTV contributor Lynn Coulter writes. “Whether it’s simplicity, the character or the people, they are a quintessential part of American life.”

For those in the Sunshine State who love their sea cows, Florida’s top pick may not be much of a surprise: Crystal River in Citrus County.

In fact, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is actually considered one of the best places statewide to get a view of the aquatic mammals.

“Located on Florida’s Nature Coast, Crystal River draws visitors who enjoy boating, diving, fishing and eco-touring. It’s also the only place in the United States where people are allowed to swim with manatees when accompanied by trained guides.

Visitors may also see these beloved ‘sea cows’ when they kayak or paddleboard or walk the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk in Crystal River. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a short drive away.”

HGTV, "50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America"

Meanwhile, the rest of HGTV’s list is as follows:

Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

Planning a weekend getaway in Florida but rather skip the crowded theme parks and active night life?

HGTV recently put out a list of every "charming small town" in each state, with Florida's tucked away on the Gulf Coast.

"There's something special about small towns," HGTV writes. "Whether it's the simplicity, the character or the people, they are a quintessential part of American life."

What is Florida's most 'charming small town' according to HGTV?

HGTV highlighted the small city of Crystal River as the state's most charming, claiming it draws visitors who enjoy boating, diving, fishing and eco-touring.

And also manatee lovers. It's the only place in the United States where people are allowed to swim with manatees when accompanied by trained guides. HGTV writes visitors might see these beloved "sea cows" when they kayak or paddleboard or walk the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is also short drive away for looking to engage further with nature. It is open daily from 9:30 to 5 p.m., seeing entrance fees for adults starting at $13.

Discover Crystal River highlights additional things to do, including horseback riding, airboat tours and museum visits.

Where is Crystal River?

Located on Florida's Nature Coast, Crystal River is found in Citrus County, roughly 80 miles north of Tampa.

Which towns in Florida's neighboring states made the list?

Want to road trip from one charming small town to another? Here's where Florida's neighbors — Georgia and Alabama — landed on the list:

Check out the full list on HGTV's website.