Crystal River Preserve State Park
Extensive salt marshes and mangroves at the mouth of the Crystal River, with hiking and biking trails and eco-boat tours. A quiet place for birdwatching and watching the sunset.
The Preserve State Park stretches about 20 miles along the Gulf of Mexico coast, protecting the salt marshes, pine forests and mangroves at the mouths of the Crystal and Salahoochee Rivers, a classic example of a 'natural coast.' Near the visitor center is a loop trail of about 7 miles that is also suitable for biking. Visitors can see bald eagles, ospreys, egrets, herons and wild boar. Seasonal eco-boat tours head down the river toward the Gulf of Mexico and explain the ecology of the estuary. Entry is free (boat tours cost extra), and the park is open 08:00 to sunset. It is adjacent to the Archaeological State Park, so the two can be combined into a half-day trip.
Opening hours
08:00 to sunset
Nearby sights
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park
- Kings Bay Manatee Swim
- Hunter Springs Park
- Three Sisters Springs
- Fort Island Gulf Beach
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
- Chassahowitzka River