Crystal River, Florida

I like Crystal River. We always stay at the plantations, has a nice pool and cool bar area that's always packed at night.

Are you going to bring any kayaks, paddleboards, etc. with you?

The "forgotten" coast and then crystal river is a great area to get away. A bunch of small towns and small coastal communities that are basically located on the rivers that enter the Gulf.

Crystal River is a nice and very laid back area. Its mostly swamp/ backwoods/ marsh on the coastal areas so there's not really a beach to walk on.

We rented an AirBnb on Weeki Wachee River a year ago and had a great time. Crystal Rive is a little north of were we are but definitely a good place to visit.

We kayaked (and rented a small boat with a 9HP) on the river, went to Tampa, Tarpon Springs and Clearwater on day trip to eat etc. Very peaceful by the marshy coast and not too far from the city areas with plenty to do. Tarpon Springs is great for Greek food.

Here is the view from our rental which was next to the kayak rental on the river

IMO you would have more opportunities for “ We love kayaking, hiking, nature, photography etc. ” and it’s just 45 minutes south of Tallahassee.

Look up St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks River areas. Miles of hiking and biking trails. Not a soul, only birds, fish, hogs, and alligators. No man made structures, no cell towers. You might be able to rent some bikes in Tallahassee and visit St Marks,
Then if you do want some restaurants a hotel or two, go on down 98 to Apalachicola then to the park at south end of St. George Island. It’s all a nice contrast to commercialized Florida.

Used to go diving in the area frequently. Not many accommodation choices. The Plantation is right across from the spring head. We used to park there and just swim across to the springs. You could rent kayaks in the area. Take a tour. It's a beautiful area.

Now..

If you're in Tally, some other things you could do in the 2-3 hour range:

We used to go to St. George Island for the day on the Gulf of Mexico. Several other beach locations.

Check out Steinhatchee Landing! Not as far south. On a beautiful river. You can rent canoes or boats from the local marina. Scalloping in season.

North of Crystal River is Cedar Key! Some kayaking and canoeing opportunities at the local State Park. Nice shopping and restaurants.

Less than one hour away? Go kayaking on the Wacissa River! We've used this outfitter before but there are others.. Beautiful, spring fed river. Makes for a great day.

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the Wacissa River

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It's a hidden gem of a place, love it. All good suggestions. I'll add taking the boat ride at Wakulla Springs. The coast from St. George Island to Crystal River is one of my favorite places. Beautiful and very laid back with damn few people.

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IMO you would have more opportunities for “ We love kayaking, hiking, nature, photography etc. ” and it’s just 45 minutes south of Tallahassee.

Look up St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks River areas. Miles of hiking and biking trails. Not a soul, only birds, fish, hogs, and alligators. No man made structures, no cell towers. You might be able to rent some bikes in Tallahassee and visit St Marks,
Then if you do want some restaurants a hotel or two, go on down 98 to Apalachicola then to the park at south end of St. George Island. It’s all a nice contrast to commercialized Florida.

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I've spent a lot of time in Tallahassee for work, so I've explored the areas mentioned a little bit: Bald Point State Park, St. Teresa, Alligator Point, Leon Sinks. I agree they are great, especially for what I am into.

We will be staying at least two nights in Tallahassee at my cousins, so your recommendations are good ones. I particularly would like to check out the St Marks River/Wildlife Refuge, I've only driven through that area.

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the water clarity isn't what it used to be.

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It's true, they rarely run the glass bottom boats anymore at Wakulla Springs. But this winter it cleared up some and they ran them for the first time in several years. It's probably not as clear now with LOTS of recent rain. It's a place that I enjoy taking visitors to, though.

"I particularly would like to check out the St Marks River/Wildlife Refuge"

Pretty cool place, so is Hickory Mounds to the east. St. Marks refuge has had an American Flamingo since Hurricane Michael hit in 2018, the winds blew the flamingo up from the Yucatan and it never left. It's usually at Mounds Pool for some distant looks - with binoculars. Flamingos are actually very rare to see in Florida, in spite of all the postcards with them.

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I've explored the areas mentioned a little bit: Bald Point State Park, St. Teresa, Alligator Point, Leon Sinks.

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Well you know the area then, that’s for sure!

PS check out Eckonfina River, too. And you may want to check if they’re still burning grasses around the tidal pools at St Narks. If you go biking right afterwards you’re gonna look like Ralph Northam’s brother.

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let you scratch their bellies and hang out with th

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I think it is illegal to touch them. Doesn't it come with a hefty fine?