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Crystal River, Florida

Known for its river that bears the same name and the manatees that make the river their home much of the year, Crystal River, Florida is a peaceful town on the Florida Nature Coast. Tampa is located just about 90 miles to the southeast. Natural and recreation areas found around the river and the coast, and the area has resorts and lovely golf courses as well as a good variety of restaurants. Crystal River frequently receives visitors who enjoy a quiet coastal resort, who are interested in fishing and who want to see or even swim with the manatees.

Crystal River FloridaA small city, the area on which the town stands covers less than 7 miles and the population is approximately 4,000. Still, some people of note have called Crystal River their home such as the baseball players Mike Hampton who went to high school in the town and Ted Williams who lived in the town before he died.

Then before recorded history, indigenous people came to the natural springs of Crystal River. Mounds of past civilizations are found along the river and at what now is the State Archaeological Site, where the public can see what has been found of ancient peoples. Evidences point to cultures dating as far back as 500 BC.

Today, the river is one of Crystal River's most popular attractions. Fed by up to 50 area springs, this winding stream flows for six miles before emptying into Kings Bay that opens into the Gulf of Mexico. Florida native wildlife lives along and in the river like otter, birds and deer as well as alligators, crocodiles and numerous fish. Then, the West Indian Manatee is a large sea creature. Up to around 400 manatees make Crystal River their winter home because they prefer the warmer springs, river and bay to the cooler temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico. In this region, the public can legally get close to these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Besides wildlife watching and fishing, Crystal River has much to offer visitors. The climate is subtropical with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit from March to November. Naturally, the water is a good way to cool off. Kayaking, hiking and golfing are other outdoor activities. Naber Kids Doll Factory is fun to tour. Of course, having a relaxing day on the beach and a barbecue are also excellent for enjoying the best of Crystal River.

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Filed Under: Cedar Key, Crystal River, featured, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Nature Coast, North America, Tampa, United States

Cedar Key, Florida

A visit to Cedar Key, Florida brings the best of the Sunshine State. Cedar Key is located on Way Key, the largest of the Cedar Key Islands. The island sits three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico and is about 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, Florida.

Cedar Key is located in Florida's Coastal Region which is known as Florida’s Nature Coast. It is home to a number of federally protected waterways and bird sanctuaries. Bird watching is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Those taking a walk along Cedar Key’s nature trails can spot bald eagles, the rare and elusive white pelican, and roseate spoonbills.
Kayaks await paddlers on the beach at Cedar Key, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing can also be done along the Gulf and in the many waterways within the island. Those casting a lure are sure to catch the ample sea bass, grouper, and mackerel in the area. The Annual Seafood Festival, now in its 43rd year, celebrates the delicacies of the Gulf with a number of cooking competitions for amateurs and professionals alike. Visitors can sample a variety of dishes celebrating the local coastal cuisine while listening to local bands jamming lack-back island tunes.

Cedar Key is one of the oldest sea ports in Florida and is a major supplier of seafood and timber to the north. Its rich, abundant supply of quality seafood has made it a haven for a number of popular and world-renowned seafood restaurants. Tony’s Seafood has been serving up their award-winning clam chowder to visitors since 2005. They have won three world championship cooking contests for their chowder and have been featured on a number of Food Network Specials. Another popular dining destination is Kona Joe’s Café. This café is famous for its version of the Florida dessert staple – the Key Lime Pie.

Cedar Key also has a rich history in the arts. Painters, writers, photographers, and sculptors have long visited the island to get inspiration from the breathtaking sunsets, wildlife, and sandy beaches that Cedar Key has to offer. The island is now a haven for artists, artisans, and musicians who have set up a permanent home on the island. The annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Festival celebrates this bohemian lifestyle, where artists and craftsmen display and sell their talents. The artists compete for a 10,000 prize. The festival draws an average of 20,000 attendees and has been going on for nearly 50 years. With annual average temperatures around 85 degrees (F), visitors to Cedar Key can enjoy, year-round, all that it has to offer.

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Filed Under: Cedar Key, featured, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Nature Coast, North America, United States

Florida Keys

Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, The Southernmost of Florida Coastal Regions is the Florida Keys, a coral archipelago that stretches from the tip of the Florida peninsula to Key West. Connected by a series of bridges and causeways, driving from one key to the other is a panoramic view of sparkling waters and swaying palm trees. The Florida Keys are a beachgoers paradise enhanced with historic landmarks, seafaring villages and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in the sun-kissed skies.

Turquoise Blue Waters, Florida KeysKey Largo is at the top of the keys and has many major attractions. At Spiegel Grove, divers can take a tour of the largest Navy shipwreck. The ship was sunk to create an artificial reef, and its starboard rests in 130 feet of water. The site is also known for its spectacular views of marine life, including nurse sharks and stingrays. The Everglades National Park is a haven of natural wonders with bobcats, alligators, deer and birds. Visitors can take guided tours, canoe, fish or camp on the grounds. At Jacobs Aquatic Center, there are a variety of pools with an interactive play pool that has a pirate ship and beachfront entry. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of Florida’s most fascinating natural parks. This impressive park includes the Coral Reef Theater which is a reconstruction of a living reef in a 35,000 gallon aquarium. Guests at the park can snorkel, dive, kayak, canoe or take a ride on a glass-bottom boat.

Key West has panache of its own with real estate titles dating back to the Kings of Spain. Just strolling the downtown streets with palm-line walkways, tin-roofed conch houses and gingerbread mansions is a step back in time. Visitors can tour the famed John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway’s home. The Bahama Village neighborhood in Key West features a wide array of historic churches, annual festivals and indigenous food. One of the area’s most significant cultural sites is the 1860 African Burial Ground. The ground is located right next to a civil war fort. There are watersports galore in Key West. At the harbor district, tourists can go parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing.

Islamorada is the fishing capital of the nation. Anglers can easily catch redfish, tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook in just inches of water. The History of Diving Museum is ideal for divers and snorkelers. Music lovers will enjoy the shows at Founder’s Park and the Theatre of the Sea Marine Mammal Park offers opportunities to swim with dolphin.

The Florida Keys are a great destination for both relaxation and outdoor fun.

 

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Filed Under: featured, Florida, Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, North America, United States

Gulf of Mexico

Travelers who enjoy sunshine, sandy beaches and gorgeous waters have been visiting the Gulf of Mexico for centuries. The Gulf is one of the world's largest and most significant bodies of water, and it borders three of North America's most important nations – the United States, Mexico and Cuba. This means that visitors can experience the Gulf from a number of interesting vantage points while absorbing the disparate cultures of the many regions comprising the Gulf Coast. Although some travelers have become reluctant to visit the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the recent oil spill, potential visitors should know that the region has returned to a state of normalcy, and there is no better time than now to plan a visit to one or more of the communities of the Gulf Coast.
Sunset at Naples Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Florida
Individuals and groups who enjoy fishing for sport love the Gulf for its pristine and calm waters, plus they enjoy the wide variety of fish that can be caught. Experienced fishers can use their own watercraft, or they can rent boats from the numerous rental agencies in the area. Those who wish to fish the Gulf for the first time can sign up for any number of specialized tours. These tours are usually conducted by expert guides who can reveal the best fishing locations and techniques for catching the most impressive specimens.

Gulf of Mexico MapThanks to all of the great fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, some of the best seafood in the world can be found in the restaurants surrounding the Gulf. People who live in landlocked areas enjoy coming to the Gulf for this reason, since they are unable to enjoy fresh fish at home. Because fresh seafood is so abundant in the Gulf region, the area features a wide range of restaurants and other dining establishments that cater to serious seafood lovers. In fact, many restaurants serve seafood items that were caught the very same day.

Fishing can be a relaxing activity, but some people come to the Gulf of Mexico to unwind completely. For these people, the most important part of their Gulf getaway is the chance to simply relax in a comfortable chair on the beach. Few things in life are as soothing as the sound of the sea, and the Gulf Coast region offers numerous opportunities for simple enjoyment of the sand and water. A number of resorts can be found along the coast which offer access to beautiful beaches, but public beach areas are available as well. Since the Gulf of Mexico is so large, it offers miles and miles of gorgeous coastline for visitors to enjoy. Swimming in the gulf is also quite pleasant thanks to the warm and calm waters. In a world in which people are becoming increasingly busy and tethered to electronic devices, few places are as calming and restorative as the Gulf Coast.

Visitors to the Gulf of Mexico love the region for many reasons. From sporting endeavors to relaxation, there is something for everyone on the Gulf Coast. The region is a paradise for many individuals, and the people of the Gulf Coast are some of the most welcoming on the planet.

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Filed Under: featured, Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, North America, United States