Guest guidebook · Crystal River
Everything for your stay, and Lisa’s favorite ways to spend it.
A note from Lisa
“Immerse yourself in serenity with our tranquil family-friendly retreat.”
Lisa, your host
This guide has what you need for the house and the area. Anything missing, message Lisa through your booking. She usually answers within the hour.
Arriving
Check in any time from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Your entry details come in your arrival message from Lisa.
The pool
The private pool is heated as part of your stay, with lights for night swims and loungers on the deck.
The backyard
The fenced backyard is where most families spend the trip: the gazebo lounge, dining under the umbrella, the grill and the fire pit.
Inside
A full kitchen with a coffee station, a dedicated workspace, a washer and dryer, and a crib for the little ones.
The bath
The bathroom is stocked with Lisa’s own custom Blue Haven luxury shampoo, conditioner and body wash, plus a tub for a long soak after a day on the water.
House rules
Up to six overnight guests. No parties or events.
11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. It is a quiet cul-de-sac.
Up to two pets, with a one-time $85 pet fee per stay.
No smoking or vaping anywhere on the property.
The garage is the one place that is off limits.
Message Lisa through your booking any time.
Springs and manatees
Crystal River sits on Kings Bay, fed by dozens of warm springs. These are the ones to see.
Springs · about 10 min
Walk the boardwalk around the springs, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Winter is manatee season, November 15 to March 31, when manatees gather in the warm spring water.
Good to know Start at the Three Sisters Springs Center, 123 NW US Highway 19 (behind City Hall), and ride the trolley to the springs. Open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily; there is an entrance fee.
Official site
On the water · tours leave from Kings Bay
Pull on a wetsuit and snorkel beside manatees in Kings Bay. The refuge does not run tours itself; it permits local tour companies, and Lisa has a favorite she sends her guests to.
Good to know The refuge asks everyone to watch its “Manatee Manners” videos before getting in the water.
Refuge visitor info
Springs · about 15 min
Watch manatees and fish from the underwater observatory in the spring, then walk the trails past native Florida wildlife.
Good to know Peek in before you go: the spring has live cameras, above and below the water. Watch the live manatee cam.
Official site
Day trip · about 45 min
A bright blue spring with a swimming area and gardens at the head of the Rainbow River, a clear river to float or paddle.
Official site
Day trip · about 40 min
Home of the famous live mermaid shows, with a clear spring-fed river to kayak or paddleboard.
Official siteOn the water
Lisa’s list: kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, scalloping, great fishing and Gulf sunsets.
From the house · free for guests
The house has inflatable paddleboards and life jackets for you to use. Load them up and explore the springs and spring runs around Crystal River at your own pace.
Good to know Paddlers can go inside Three Sisters Springs from April 1 to November 14. In manatee season (November 15 to March 31) parts of Kings Bay close to protect them. Life jackets on, always.
Beach · out State Road 44 west
Lisa’s pick for the evening: a little beach where the Crystal River meets the Gulf, with a fishing pier at the end of a boardwalk and picnic tables in the shade. Bring a chair and stay for the sunset.
Good to know Take Fort Island Trail (State Road 44) west to the end, about nine miles from town.
Summer · on the water
Snorkel the grass flats for bay scallops, a summer tradition on the Nature Coast. In 2026 the Citrus County season ran July 1 to September 24.
Good to know You need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you are exempt. The limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person and 10 gallons per boat. Check the FWC for the current year’s dates and rules.
FWC scallop rules
On the water · about 5 min
Rent a kayak or paddleboard in town and explore the spring runs and canals of Kings Bay. Paddlers can go inside Three Sisters Springs from April 1 to November 14.
Good to know In manatee season (November 15 to March 31) the sanctuaries close parts of the bay to protect them.
Fishing · Kings Bay and the Gulf
Lisa’s listing calls out great fishing, boat tours and airboat adventures. Ask Lisa for the captains she sends her own guests to.
Parks and history
For a slower day: history, quiet trails and a long bike ride.
History · about 15 min
Climb the stairs of an ancient Native American temple mound and look out over the river, then walk the short trail between the mounds.
Official site
Nature · about 20 min
Quiet trails and salt marsh along the river, good for a morning walk or a bike ride with binoculars.
Official site
Bike and walk · about 35 min to Inverness
A long, flat, paved rail-trail through the woods and small towns. Ride or walk as far as you like.
Golf · about 1.5 miles away
The golf course at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River is about a mile and a half from the house.
Good to know The resort has been restoring and reopening in phases after storm damage, so check what is open before you go.
In town · about 5 min
In Lisa’s words: a quaint little downtown and great seafood. Her favorite spots go here.
Getting here
about 1 hr 30 min by car.
about 2 hr 10 min by car.
about 5 min.
about 10 min.
Drive times in this guide are estimates without traffic.
Checking out
Check out by 11:00 AM on your last day.
Lock the doors on your way out.
Let Lisa know through your booking so it is fixed for the next guests.