Nestled right in the heart of Crystal River, Hunter Springs Park is a premier
waterfront sanctuary and a beloved destination for both locals and travelers.
The focal point of the park is its freshwater, first-magnitude spring located
just 100 feet offshore.
Hunter Springs Park was
beautifully redesigned to seamlessly balance recreational space with
environmental conservation. The park features a small, sandy freshwater beach
that slopes gently into a roped-off swimming zone, providing a safe and ideal
spot for families to wade, swim, or snorkel. For paddle-sport enthusiasts, a
dedicated kayak and canoe launch provides immediate access to the waterways.
Rental watercraft are not available at this location - so you'll need to bring
your own.
If you prefer to stay dry, a beautiful, wrap-around wooden boardwalk winds along
the edge of the water. It offers excellent vantage points for scanning the clear
shallows for manatees, native turtles, and fish. Beyond its water features, the
park offers excellent land-based amenities to easily fill an entire afternoon: A
modern children's playground, shaded picnic areas equipped with charcoal grills,
and restroom facilities.
Due to its downtown location, this is a popular park that can get quite crowded
on weekends and during special events. A parking area (with paid parking spots)
may fill up quickly.
Whether you are looking to plunge into a crisp swimming hole on a hot summer
afternoon, paddle out into the bay, or quietly watch a manatee surface for air
from the boardwalk, Hunter Springs Park delivers a perfect, compact slice of
Florida's untouched natural beauty.
Activities & Facilities
Playground
Picnic shelter
Short hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Swimming
River or lake kayaking