Hunter Springs Park

City park · Crystal River ·

Hunter Springs Park

City park · Crystal River ·

Wooded park with natural springs, kayak launch, beach

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104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429 Get directions

@travelleisure

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The 12 Best Places to Visit in Florida

"I find Crystal River a sleepy, tucked-away Gulf Coast spot whose standout attribute is its striking water-based natural beauty; a clear-kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking through Hunter Springs, Jurassic Springs, and Three Sisters Springs can yield sightings of dolphins, turtles, and pelicans, and in winter you might paddle alongside migrating manatees. I’d stay at the simple, no-frills Plantation Resort on Crystal River for waterfront access to Kings Bay, and I also recommend driving about 40 minutes south to catch one of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park's legendary live mermaid shows." - Skye Sherman Skye Sherman Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-places-to-visit-in-florida

Hunter Springs Park

Brandon T

Google

Only $5 for parking. Free swimming with the manatees. The water was fairly warm, about 70 degrees or so and very clean and clear. Lots of manatees and even a few calves. There are restrooms and playgrounds, but the park is not very big. The swim area is ok, but lots of boats outside in a narrow channel. They do go at idle speed.

Florida S.

Google

Hunter Springs Park is one of our favorite springs for kids and families. The combination of boardwalks, sandy areas, picnic tables, and a shallow wading zone provides plenty of space and activities to keep little ones entertained while still being fun for adults. The park offers restrooms and a convenient ramp for launching kayaks and paddleboards. From here, you have easy water access to nearby manatee viewing areas and can paddle directly toward Three Sisters Springs when conditions and seasonal rules allow. There are also plenty of outfitters nearby to help you gear up if you don’t have your own equipment. This is a fantastic all-around park and an easy recommendation for families, paddlers, and spring lovers alike. Don’t miss it, and as always, do your spring planning!

Thuy Ngan L.

Google

Such a beautiful and relaxing spot! My son loved it here — there’s a nice playground, picnic areas, and the water is super clear and refreshing. The only fee is for parking, which is very reasonable. Perfect place for families to spend a sunny day! 🌿☀️💦

Mario K.

Google

Great places to take the kids for a dip in the scenic area. Paid parking is available for better convenience. Picnic & barbecue pits available for family picnics, kayak rentals are available to see possible manatees on your way to many of the springs located in the area. Overall a good location and experience for the kids and family.

daughterofthe K.

Google

An absolute treasure of a natural resource!!! Wow! I went in the middle of July (2025) and my swim here could not have been more refreshing! I loved it! I had a hard time pulling myself away! Crystal clear water, soft sandy bottom, swimming area clearly marked, lots of families with ALL ages, sandcastle building and sunbathers. Arrival at 9am gave us plenty of parking options for 5 bucks. There are also picnic tables and benches, cement walkways and clean bathrooms. I did observe 2 separate people smoking cigarettes in the water, sadly. The spring comes up out of the ground right there by the buoy and is beautiful to see - so deep yet you can see right to the bottom.

Racheal J.

Google

So it does cost $5 per vehicle. Go up to machine after you park and put in lisence plate and pay with card. Small area but super fun. This was recommended for manatee views and they come in during winter. This is a video of one we watched from shore. You CANNOT touch but can snorkel near them here. Lots of manatee tours going on here.

Sable D.

Google

Great place! Can get busy on weekends and there is a lot of boat traffic so the water at times indicates that but it's still a nice little place to take a dip, cool off, hang out, and enjoy some good vibes. Even saw a mantaee once!

Taylor Anne W.

Google

A sweet little state park with a playground and (imported) soft white sand. We swam with the manatees right offshore. Bring your snorkel🤿

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The 12 Best Places to Visit in Florida

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-places-to-visit-in-florida

Hunter Springs Park

Brandon T

Google

Florida S.

Google

Thuy Ngan L.

Google

Mario K.

Google

daughterofthe K.

Google

Racheal J.

Google

Sable D.

Google

Taylor Anne W.

Google

A sweet little state park with a playground and (imported) soft white sand. We swam with the manatees right offshore. Bring your snorkel🤿

Hunter Springs Park

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