Crystal River

Introducation

I kind of wanted to introduce myself before I start talking about Crystal River. I am brand new to blogging,My wife has a lot more experience with proper grammar If you notice any typos I apologize my wife “ Editor” is traveling at the moment. I like taking pictures I like exploring and sharing what I find. I’m interested in technology, real estate and traveling I’m also business major. I am not going to make my blogs data-heavy just quick and to-the-point.

Crystal River

Crystal River is located 2 hours from Orlando and 1 hour and a half from Tampa. During the winter season Crystal River is home to the manatees. Crystal River also has Three Sisters Springs Refuge which is a great spot to see the manatees

Three Sister Springs Refuge

Manatee at kings Bay

Manatee and Calf

Kayaking near Three Sister Springs Refuge

do not stand in the spring

Kings Bay Crystal River

Phil foster Park

Underwater snorkeling trail

Phil Foster is located in Riviera Beach, It’s a one hour drive from Fort Lauderdale. The Park is open 7 days a week and offers free limited parking. This is a really cool dive location but a few notes should be taken. The best snorkeling time is 1 to 2 hours before High tide. A dive flag is required for this snorkeling adventure or else you may get a ticket. The parking is limited at this location so plan to arrive early.

The Dania Beach Erojacks

Dania Beach Snorkeling

Eagly Ray at Dania Jacks

If your in Fort Lauderdale or just happen to be in the area check out the Dania Jaxs. Its artificial reef located 300 feet from shore. The Jaxs stretches 1,500 feet until the first reef edge. The reef is located inside Dr, Von D Mitzell Johnson State Park. Once you enter the park drive until the first parking lot on your right. Get your gear and walk towards the beach, a bathroom and outside shower are located on your left after you cross the bridge. The bridge goes over Whiskey Creek. Whiskey Creek is great for paddle boards and kayaks. I do suggest wearing long sleeves to avoid the mosquitoes and noseeums if you decide to paddle here in the afternoon.

Alexander Springs

  Alexander Springs is located one hour from Daytona and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Orlando. The spring is located in Ocala National Forest which is 673 mi2 in area. The water temperature year-round is 72 degrees. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals and camping is available. The park fee is $5.50 per person and $6.50 for scuba diving. 

The website USDA “United States Department of Agriculture” has additional information click here . This is a nice relaxing park but since we started talking about USDA that also makes me think about food. The best idea on the way to the park is to stop at a Triple Z family market to get some supplies to enjoy the rest of your day.

One final Note we hope to visit the spring this year to provided some new updated photos stay tuned.

“Always contact parks before visiting to have the most updated hours and possible closures”

Alexander Springs Recreation Area Map

 

Suggestions for Alexander Springs

• Bring towel and snorkel gear
• Bring Food
• Bring Camera
• Arrive early if coming during summer
• Check out the other springs in the area Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs
  

PARK INFORMATION FOR Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Address: 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32702

Hours: Opens 8AM-8PM 7/Days a week

Phone: (352) 669-3522

Visit online floridasprings.org for more information

Harry P Leu Gardens

 Harry P Leu Gardens is located 30 minutes north of the Orlando airport near the Orlando Science Center. The property is 50-acre botanic garden & estate on Lake Rowena. The park has beautiful gardens and is clean with paths leading to Lake Rowena. Harry P Leu Gardens also offers workshops for kids and adults a perfect area to spend a few hours. I did not spend my whole day here we jumped in the car and 30 minutes later we are at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Did you know Florida has the largest amount of fresh water springs in the world? When I first moved here I honestly had no Idea but now Its the perfect way to spend the day.  Wekiwa Springs State Park has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors, It has a swimming area, Kayaking, wildlife, lots of hiking paths honestly we did not know how big the park was until we started exploring.

“Always contact Parks before visiting to have the most updated hours and possible closures”

Driving Directions from Harry P Leu Gardens to Wekiwa Springs State Park