Manatee spotting, mermaid shows and airboat rides: top Florida experiences beyond the theme parks

RIDES, slides and fairytale castles may be Central Florida’s most famous draws, butin Crystal River on the dazzling Gulf Coast, the best attractions can be found in the great outdoors.

This off-the-beaten-track gem is more about immersions in nature thanks to its sandy shores, natural springs and family-friendly activities.

And with British Airways Holidays you’ll have plenty of carefully selected hotels to choose from, as well as the option to add a car to your trip. So why not plan an unforgettable Florida adventure?

Whether you’re a nature lover, fascinated by culture or are seeking Floridian authenticity, you’ll find a different side of the Sunshine State in Crystal River.

With its proximity to Central Florida’s hotspots, it’s the perfect destination to visit as part of a memorable multi-centre escape.

And if you really want to skip the crowds and enjoy a gentler pace, there’s no better way than by discovering the region’s hiking trails and waterways.

A great place to start is Crystal River Preserve State Park, which is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in Florida.

Here you can kayak, hike or take a boat tour while looking for wildlife such as pelicans and swallowtail butterflies, all in their natural habitat.

Airboat rides across coastal marshes may bring sightings of dolphins and alligators, and the birdwatching is extraordinary at Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

But the real stars of the show in Crystal River are the manatees. These large, aquatic mammals gather in local waterways to such an extent that Crystal River is considered the Manatee Capital of the World.

Look out for their “footprints”; on the water’s surface (their tails leave distinctive patterns as they swim) while seeking these “sea cows”; by kayak and boat, or from convenient boardwalks and piers.

Spring time

For the most magical manatee moments, head for the region’s crystal-clear springs, whose pristine waters bubble from underground sources.

Manatee Springs State Park is a good bet, or try stunning Three Sisters Springs within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

And with the Kings Bay area alone having more than 70 of these freshwater fountains, you’ll be spoiled for choice of opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard.

It’s not just manatees you might spot at one of these beautiful springs. With luck, you could glimpse river otters, freshwater turtles and various birds – there’s even a chance to see mermaids!

Within easy reach of Crystal River, you’ll find incredible mermaid shows. These dazzling displays of aquatic artistry and mesmerising acrobatics take place in a 15,000-gallon Caribbean saltwater underwater theatre.

Or, for something really immersive, head back to the coast for a foraging excursion into the Gulf.

From July to September – scalloping season – tours head out into coastal waters, where participants don flippers and masks to harvest juicy scallops. It’s a treasure hunt with a difference, and a uniquely Floridian experience.

Culture and cuisine

Explore the fascinating middens (shell mounds) of the Native Americans who once inhabited this region.

Gain insight into this history among the burial mounds at Crystal River Archaeological State Park; there’s also a museum whose collection spans pottery to projectile points.

And for a contemporary take on local culture, head into downtown Crystal River to discover its shops and restaurants.

Being so close to the Gulf, a highlight of the dining scene is off-the-boat seafood. Grouper, crab, bay scallops and other locally sourced treats are abundant and best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants.

Not a fan of fish? There are heaps of farm-to-fork options celebrating the bounty of regional farms and producers, plus Cuban, southern barbecue and other cuisines.

Better still, all this comes bathed with sunshine and pleasant temperatures year-round.

So when you visit Florida, make Crystal River the crowning jewel of your fabulous holiday.

To book your Crystal River break, visit ba.com/florida