This summer, when the Florida heat reaches near-unbearable heights and the beaches are overcrowded, head to Citrus County to stay cool and entertained. The county is home to Crystal River and Homosassa, a network of spring-fed waterways that are a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Three Sisters Springs © DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com
This cool, crystal-clear environment is the perfect place for families to enjoy some snorkeling, paddling and wildlife encounters. The small city of Crystal River is connected to a river of the same name, with publicly accessible springs: Three Sisters Springs, Hunter Springs, Seven Sisters Springs and King Spring.
In fact, Crystal River is known as the Manatee Capital of the World, and kids will love searching for these gentle giants beneath the water. Three Sisters Springs (with shuttle service available) offers elevated wooden boardwalks to admire wildlife, while Hunter Springs Park features a sandy swimming beach, kayak launch and boardwalk to spot manatees. Take a short paddle down Seven Sisters Springs and, for more adventurous travelers, explore the small network of underwater caves.
© DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com
Hunter Springs Park is another popular spot thanks to its small beach area leading to a roped swimming spot, kayak and canoe launch, and boardwalk.
Also in Citrus County is Homosassa Springs and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Here, you can take a boat tour along Pepper Creek, go birding and hiking, and even embark on a manatee tour. The park also offers an underwater observatory to see manatees up close.
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