Plantation on Crystal River is one of the top resorts to stay at in Crystal River, Florida. It is a part of the Ascend Hotel Collection and features amenities such as a pool, bar, restaurant, spa, and more. We recently stayed here during our family trip and absolutely loved our visit. However, here are my tips on how to make the most of your stay at Plantation on Crystal River.
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About Plantation on Crystal River
Plantation Resort on Crystal River is the perfect place to stay in Crystal River for travelers of all ages to enjoy all sorts of outdoor and water activities. The resort offers a variety of tours such boating, fishing, scalloping, and even wildlife encounters. Travelers from all around the world come to Florida’s Nature Coast to enjoy these activities and natural beauty of the area.
The resort also has restaurants, bars, a gift shop, a beautiful outdoor pool, and over 190 rooms suited for couples and even large families or groups. This stunning resort is perfectly located on the natural springs of Kings Bay. After many years, Plantation on Crystal River continues to remain as a popular escape destination.
Plantation on Crystal River is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection and a proud member of the Green Hotels Association and the Rues Selection of Eco Friendly Hotels Worldwide. At Plantation on Crystal River, they are dedicated to energy, water, and solid waste conservation as well as the preservation of the natural beauty of the coast.
How to Get to Crystal River
If you plan to visit Crystal River you can arrive by dong a road trip or flying by air and renting a car. Here are the details you need to plan accordingly.
Access by Car
The resort is located:
- 80 miles north of Tampa
- 90 miles northwest of Orlando
- 125 miles southwest of Jacksonville
- 65 miles southwest of Gainesville
Access by Air
Plantation on Crystal River is located about 75 miles from Tampa International Airport and 100 miles from Orlando International Airport. You can either rent a car or use a ride-share option to get to Crystal River. However, I would highly recommend renting a car if you plan to do more things around the area outside of the resort.
Plantation on Crystal River Location and Information
9301 West Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL , 34429
The Rooms at Plantation on Crystal River
Plantation on Crystal River has 196 rooms with an Old Florida feel that guests can enjoy. You can choose either a garden view or King’s Bay view room. The resort has eight junior suites available that include a large seating area and a sleeper sofa for additional guest space.
The resort also offers 12 villas including an upstairs loft bedroom with either two double or one king bed, two bathrooms, a kitchen area with full-sized refrigerator, and other room amenities such as microwave, coffee maker, living/dining area with table and chairs and a sleeper sofa.
The standard rooms include either a two double bed, two queen beds, or one king bed. Each standard room comes with amenities such as your choice of garden view or water view, mini fridge, microwave (you can request one at the front desk), tv, free Wi-Fi, and a nice size bathroom with a spacious room.
Amenities at Plantation on Crystal River
There is really no need to go outside of the resort as it has a lot to offer already. From outdoor fun or just a relaxing day by the water or at the spa, Plantation Resort on Crystal River has something for everyone.
What Plantation on Crystal River has to Offer
There is fun things to do year-around. From swimming with manatees to delicious dining options and even golfing. Here is everything that Plantation on Crystal River has to offer.
Outdoor Fun at Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River
The Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River has so many fun adventure tours to choose from and many of them you can turn into hotel packages so you can make your stay even more enjoyable.
The Adventure Center is located on the left of the resort. It is a premier waterside full-service marina and dive sop facility with access to the world famous Three Sisters Springs, Kings Bay, and surrounding springs. They also offer the best Captains for manatee tours, Fishing Charters, Scallop Tours and cruises.
Tours at Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River
Here are the adventure tours and rentals offered at the Adventure Center:
- Paddle boarding
- Single and tandem kayaking
- Boat rentals including: Jon Boats, Pontoon, and Carolina Skiff
- Equipment rentals for wetsuits, mask and snorkel, and fins.
- Manatee tours – You can do a semi-private or all private manatee tour
- Scenic cruise
- Sunset cruise
- Fishing charters
- Scallop charters
Adventure Center Information
For reservations or other information you can contact the Plantation Adventure Center directly at:
The West 82 Bar & Grill
At The West 82 Bar & Grill you can find fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. entrees are prepared using the finest natural ingredients. Some of the specials found on the Plantation restaurant menu include crab soup, slow cooked baby back ribs, shrimp and grits, and a pan seared grouper.
The West 82 bar is located just off the lobby at the entrance of West 82 Grill. It makes for a great spot to grab coffee, enjoy the cocktail bar, or watch the resort’s weekly football game.
Golfing at Plantation on Crystal River Golf Club
The resort has a Florida-style golf course featuring 27 holes of golf lined with native oaks, palms, pines, and water views. They have an 18 hole Championship Course which is a favorite among PGA and LPGA professionals. The golf course also features the Hack Golf Course that has nine holes designed for junior-level golfers, shorter fairways, and 15″ holes with fewer water obstacles.
Grab Something to Eat at 19th Hole
If you are enjoying a day at the golf course then don’t forget to check out The 19th Hole restaurants. The 19th Hole offers breakfast and lunch daily and it is a perfect place to enjoy a drink at the bar.
Grab a Drink at the Plantation Tiki Bar
If you are lounging at the pool or just hanging out at the resort then the Tiki Bar is the perfect place to grab yourself a delicious drink. They have a good variety of drink options to choose from. There is also another bar located inside the resort as well.
Spa Day at Spa Bleu by Aveda
At the spa at Plantation on Crystal River you can find a total relaxation service to help you unwind during your travels. Some of the services offered at their spa includes facials, massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, and a full hair salon. It also includes a unique Vichy shower for extra relaxation following body treatments.
Plan a Wedding at Plantation on Crystal River
Get married on a stunning spot of the property that overlooks the pristine waters of Kings Bay and Crystal River. Plantation on Crystal River is the perfect place for a beautiful Florida wedding. The resort provides beautiful views, an indoor ballroom, and a gazebo outside on King’s Bay. Whatever your dream wedding looks like, Plantation on Crystal River has everything you need for the perfect wedding.
Best Things To Do in Crystal River, Florida
There are so many fun things to do in Crystal River. Our visit here was nothing short of fun and adventurous. Our weekend here consisted of delicious food at local restaurants, a fun trip to Homosassa Springs State Park, swimming with manatees, and so much more.
Here are some of our favorite things to do that I highly recommend:
- Go to the beach at Fort Island Gulf Beach.
- Swim with Manatees with Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River.
- Swim at Hunter Springs Park.
- Visit the shops in downtown Crystal River.
- Visit Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
- Explore Three Sister Springs.
- Visit Kings Bay Park and go kayaking.
- Go on a scalloping tour with Adventure Center.
- Visit the Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounters.
- Take a sunset cruise with Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River.
- Eat at local Crystal River restaurants for dinner such as Cajun’s Jimmy Seafood Cellar.
- Try a local cup of coffee at Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters.
- Enjoy a delicious ice cream and doughnuts at Guyer’s Ice Cream and Doughnuts.
- Eat delicious fish tacos at Shrimp’s Landing.
Book Your Dream Vacation to Crystal River, FL
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Summary of Our Stay at Plantation on Crystal River
Overall, our stay at Plantation on Crystal River was absolutely amazing! My whole family really enjoyed staying at the resort. It was very clean, the staff was super friendly, and the views of the springs, especially at sunset, were so beautiful. The resort has a lot to offer along with many free activities outdoors such as swimming at the pool and playing games. It is definitely a perfect place to visit with your family or for a couples getaway.
