Crystal River
About 1 hr 30 min by car from Tampa
The only place in the US where you can legally swim with manatees.
Why locals go
Winter manatee weekend.
Visiting Tampa?
At 1 hr 30 min by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Tampa for your flight home.
What to book
- Manatee swim tour
- Three Sisters Springs
- Kayak Kings Bay
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in Crystal RiverDate ideas
For two
- Sunrise manatee tour
- Riverside cottage
With friends
- Snorkel with manatees
- Scalloping (summer)
When to go
November to March.