Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Sunrise on a foggy river basin

Kings Bay Park

Edging Kings Bay and spring-fed waterways flowing into it, this wooded downtown park provides some of the best views of Kings Bay.

Crystal River (28.89699, -82.59497)   0.5 miles   Crystal River NWR

Spring-fed creeks and manmade waterways edge Kings Bay, a broad expanse of fresh water along Crystal River.

Protected by Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the bay is a major destination for wintering manatees.

Kayaker and SUP on broad body of water Paddlers crossing Kings Bay

Kings Bay Park provides paddlers direct access to the bay. Local outfitters have stations providing rental watercraft and tours.

But the best reason to visit is wildlife watching. Crystalline waters below the docks and piers mean manatee sightings, and birds are always present.

Blue water edged by forest Cove north of the launch area

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
50 Hikes in Central Florida Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Paddlers Guide Florida Hiking the Gulf Coast book cover
 
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.

Overview

Location: Crystal River
Trailhead: 28.89699, -82.59497
Address: 268 NW 3rd St, Crystal River
Fees: $5 parking, good all day. $5 launch per vessel.
Restroom: Adjoining parking area
Land manager: City of Crystal River
Phone: 352-697-0933

Open 8 AM to sunset. No pets permitted. No overnight parking. No alcohol or glass containers allowed.

Manatee season runs from mid-November through late March. Paddlers, please respect all posted boundaries along surrounding waters during this period.

Sunrise with asters in foreground

Directions


 
From the intersection of SR 44 and US 19 in Crystal River, drive north on US 19 for 0.4 mile and make a left onto N Citrus Ave at the light. Four blocks down make a right on NW 3rd St. The road ends at the park.

About the Park

Set in the remnants of a pine forest just a few blocks from Crystal River’s historic downtown along Citrus Avenue, Kings Bay Park isn’t just about the water.

However, its launch is the main access point for paddlers who want to ply the waters of Kings Bay.

Sunrise with people and kayaks Outfitters can get you out on the water, or bring your own paddle-powered craft

Established in 2003 on the site of a commercial pier and dive shop from the 1950s, the property was also once home to a marina and fish house.

A proving ground for seagrass restoration, the waters surrounding the park now spot a luxurious growth of the manatee’s favorite food.

Clear water with thick seagrass below Replanted seagrass at Kings Bay Park

The park is largely shaded in the wooded area, with picnic tables, picnic pavilions, and a playground.

A small outdoor stage at the far end of an open grassy area is used for concerts and special events.

Grassy lawn with picnic tables and stage Grassy center of the park

The walkways encircling the park are a part of the Kings Bay River Walk, a marked and mostly paved path along Kings Bay.

Kings Bay Park is the eastern terminus of this walk, which extends to the west side of the bay.

Picnic bench and playground The walkway circles the play area and covered benches

Birders should explore the walkway along the broad basin along the south side of the park, where it’s likely to see anhingas and cormorants fishing.

Brown pelicans dive into the deeper water further out, easily seen from the long pier extending into the bay.

Sunrise over fog-swept water The basin at sunrise

The River Walk sweeps around past the busy launch and tour boat dock to follow a spring-fed creek upstream, eventually departing the park.

Following the walkways and the pier, you can put in a half mile walking around Kings Bay Park.

Kayaks on a launch next to pier Launch and adjoining pier

Trail Map

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Trail Map
Light Blue: Kings Bay River Walk. Dark Blue: Crosstown Trail. Green: Hunter Springs. Red: Three Sisters Springs

Explore More!

Learn more about Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Manatees resting in a spring Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Integral to the town of Crystal River, this water-based refuge protects wintering grounds for Florida manatees.

Video

A winter morning walk to Kings Bay Park

Slideshow

See our photos of Kings Bay Park

Nearby Adventures

Open blue water beyond a small cove Kings Bay River Walk Discover a variety of unexpected perspectives on coves, springs, and the expanse of Kings Bay along a marked walkway stretching around downtown Crystal River.
Waterfront with spring and swimmers Hunter Springs Park Besides access to its namesake spring for swimmers, Hunter Springs Park is also a popular put-in for paddlers headed to Three Sisters Springs.
Manatees in a spring Three Sisters Springs An important gathering place for manatees during the winter months, this beautiful cluster of springs along Crystal River can be visited by land or by water.
Marshes and distant river Crystal River Preserve State Park Crystal River Preserve State Park spans 20 miles of the Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homosassa, protecting key manatee habitats along estuaries of the Gulf.

Official Website

Sandra Friend & John Keatley
Latest posts by Sandra Friend & John Keatley (see all)
Category: , , , , , , , , , , Tag: , , , , , , , , ,