Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

15 Coolest Vacation Rentals in Crystal River, Florida

Known for its seasonal manatee residents, Crystal River is a popular destination in Florida for nature lovers. Nestled on Central Florida’s Nature Coast, this laid-back town offers easy access to beaches, kayaking, seafood restaurants, and one of the Sunshine State’s most popular natural attractions – Three Sisters Springs. Plan a trip to this classic Florida town with a stay in one of these top vacation rentals in Crystal River.

Spacious Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks Spacious Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks
Credit: Spacious Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks by Vrbo.com

Spacious Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks

Escape to this three-bedroom waterfront home for a tranquil Crystal River retreat. You’ll find 1,700 square feet of living space and an unbeatable outdoor space right on the canal, with access to a 20-foot boat dock and kayaks. With space for up to six guests, there’s a cozy living room with a flat-screen TV, a screened-in porch for watching boat cruise by, and a gas grill for cooking the catch-of-the-day. Crystal River Wildlife Refuge is just one mile away.

Sawgrass Coastal Retreat Sawgrass Coastal Retreat
Credit: Sawgrass Coastal Retreat by airbnb.com

Sawgrass Coastal Retreat

This beautiful coastal retreat is a two-story loft-style home with a pool and small marina. You can enjoy the view from your back porch under the tiki shade, relax in the bright and spacious interior, or explore the nearby town and restaurants by boat or by car. Outdoor adventures abound near this charming home, including fishing, scalloping, and manatee viewing.

Crystal River Home with Dock, 1 Mile to Boat Launch Crystal River Home with Dock, 1 Mile to Boat Launch
Credit: Crystal River Home with Dock, 1 Mile to Boat Launch by Vrbo.com

Crystal River Home with Dock, 1 Mile to Boat Launch

It’s easy to get in the vacation mood at this Crystal River home, which features a private dock and is located one mile to boat launch. Nestled on a canal, you’ll have access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The two-bedroom layout can accommodate up to six guests, featuring a screened-in porch and hammock for the ultimate Florida retreat. In addition to a fully-equipped kitchen, there’s a gas grill for family cookouts.

Waterfront Condo in Sawgrass Landing Waterfront Condo in Sawgrass Landing
Credit: Waterfront Condo in Sawgrass Landing by airbnb.com

Waterfront Condo in Sawgrass Landing

With a beautiful setting on Florida’s Nature Coast, this one-bedroom condo is surrounded by palm trees. There’s a boardwalk to the front door, offering a quiet location that is right on the canal. In addition to views of the Salt River, the Gulf of Mexico is accessible via Crystal River. The remodeled condo has an open floor plan with a full kitchen, cozy living room, and furnished deck with water views. Swimming with manatees, scalloping, biking, and fishing are all available nearby.

Waterfront Crystal River with Private Dock, Pier & Sunset Views Waterfront Crystal River with Private Dock, Pier & Sunset Views
Credit: Waterfront Crystal River with Private Dock, Pier & Sunset Views by Vrbo.com

Waterfront Crystal River with Private Dock, Pier & Sunset Views

Book a tranquil vacation to this waterfront Crystal River home, which is a custom-built stilted home with direct access to the gulf from a private dock and pier. Not only is there a boat launch on the property, but the two-bedroom rental has a beautifully landscaped yard with a pond and sunset room with views of the water, wildlife, and surrounding islands. Your rental also includes access to two kayaks.

Waterfront Kings Bay, Swim in Springs Waterfront Kings Bay, Swim in Springs
Credit: Waterfront Kings Bay, Swim in Springs by Vrbo.com

Waterfront Kings Bay, Swim in Springs

You can’t beat the location of this two-bedroom Crystal River home, which is on a protected lagoon with spring vents. It offers 100 yards to open water in Kings Spring, near Plantation Resort, and boasts a private dock with seating and easy kayak lunch with complimentary kayaks. Enjoy the river views from the outside covered seating area, wide seawall walk, and large fish cleaning station, as well as the large backyard with comfy Adirondack seating around the rock fire pit. Inside, two bedrooms, a sleeper sofa, and a chef’s kitchen make this rental a solid choice when staying in Crystal River.

Peaceful, Quiet and Spacious Peaceful, Quiet and Spacious
Credit: Peaceful, Quiet and Spacious by Vrbo.com

Peaceful, Quiet and Spacious

A perfect retreat for bigger groups or families, this three-bedroom Crystal River home sits on a canal. Nestled in a tucked away neighborhood off Fort Island Trail, it’s only four miles away from the beach and a mile from a public boat ramp. With a split bedroom floor plan, it has a wide-open living area and screened-in porch overlooking the backyard and canal. Extra amenities include two kayaks, a bumper pool table, and a six-person hot tub. When you want to stretch your legs, a biking and walking trail is less than a quarter-mile away.

Explore the Nature of Crystal River in Comfort Explore the Nature of Crystal River in Comfort
Credit: Explore the Nature of Crystal River in Comfort by Vrbo.com

Explore the Nature of Crystal River in Comfort

Ideal for couples or solo travelers, this cozy condo offers access to all the best outdoor activities in Crystal River. Built on stilts and connected by boardwalks, the condo has a backyard deck and grill with unobstructed views of the marsh and estuaries. In the front, you’ll be just steps from the newly renovated pool. Take a left out of the canal to be on the Gulf of Mexico or right to be in the manatee capital of the world, Kings Bay.

Waterfront, Direct Gulf Access Waterfront, Direct Gulf Access
Credit: Waterfront, Direct Gulf Access by Vrbo.com

Waterfront, Direct Gulf Access

This bottom-floor guest house has two bedrooms that can accommodate up to four guests. In addition to a full kitchen and living room, it has a dining area with eclectic decor. Outside there’s a dock and boat ramp, a fire pit, and a grill, as well as two kayaks and two bikes. Sit on the porch and read a book or cast a line, then keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and otters cruising by.

Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks
Credit: Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks by Vrbo.com

Crystal River Home with Dock & Kayaks

One of the top-rated vacation rentals in Crystal Beach, this three-bedroom home is located on a deep and quiet canal. It’s a perfect spot for relaxing and scalloping, with a private dock that can fit two boats and furnished balconies for enjoying the breeze and sunrise/sunset views. The Key West-style home is set halfway between the Gulf and Kings Bay on a dead-end street, less than two miles to the nearest boat ramp. Fishing and scalloping are popular activities as well as viewing manatees at nearby Three Sisters Springs.

Crystal River Home Crystal River Home
Credit: Crystal River Home by airbnb.com

Crystal River Home

You can fit the whole family in this spacious three-bedroom Crystal River home. You’ll find exciting perks such as four kayaks for cruising across the bay to the springs to see manatees, as well as a fully stocked kitchen and BBQ grill for outdoor grilling. There is plenty to appeal to families, including a 50-foot dock with a floating section for launching kayaks, a heated screened-in pool, and convenient perks such as a washer/dryer and free Wi-Fi.

Beachy Home with Screened-In Porch Near State Parks Beachy Home with Screened-In Porch Near State Parks
Credit: Beachy Home with Screened-In Porch Near State Parks by airbnb.com

Beachy Home with Screened-In Porch Near State Parks

Less than two miles away from state parks where you can launch kayaks, this beach-themed home is perfect for a relaxing getaway. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and sliding door to access the porch, while the open-concept living area is great for hanging out. Little ones will enjoy the outdoor areas, including the screened-in porch and fenced-in backyard. When staying here, there are two kayaks and three bikes for active travelers.

Crystal River Hideaway Crystal River Hideaway
Credit: Crystal River Hideaway by airbnb.com

Crystal River Hideaway

An affordable Crystal River rental for up to five guests, this two-bedroom home is just seconds from the famous Kings Bay. It was recently renovated and includes granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, while a fenced-in backyard is great for your furry friends. It has a scenic setting situated on a quiet street, with a cozy living room, modern kitchen, and dining area.

Updated 3-Bedroom, Close to Water Updated 3-Bedroom, Close to Water
Credit: Updated 3-Bedroom, Close to Water by airbnb.com

Updated 3-Bedroom, Close to Water

You’ll be in the heart of Crystal River at this three-bedroom home, which is close to the water. Surrounding by towering trees, it features a wrap-around porch with a dining area. Inside you’ll find all the comforts of home, including a cozy living room, modern kitchen, and multiple bedrooms. Nearby you’ll find access to boat ramps, golf, fishing, and a Gulf beach.

Cozy Cottage, Steps away from Kings Bay Cozy Cottage, Steps away from Kings Bay
Credit: Cozy Cottage, Steps away from Kings Bay by airbnb.com

Cozy Cottage, Steps away from Kings Bay

Book a stay at the Cozy Cottage, which is centrally located in Crystal River. It offers a prime location just steps away from Kings Bay, it features a heated pool and a large fenced-in yard. Enjoy the shade under the oak trees or take one of the four bikes out for a cruise around the neighborhood. Active travelers will enjoy getting out on the water via the complimentary kayaks (1 double and three singles available). It’s only a quarter-mile to Three Sisters Springs.

Travel Deals

Air & 12-Day Adriatic Tour | Get $400 Off

$2699+

Up to 77% Off R/T Business Class Flights to Europe

$1405+

24-Hr All-Inclusive | Riu Palace Playa Blanca

$69+ pp/pn

11-Day Ireland Train Tour: Titanic Trail & Wild Atlantic Way

$4568+

8-Day Rhine River Cruise | Up To $4,000 Off

$2695+

13-Day Poland & East Germany WWII Guided Tour

$3249+

7-Nt Bahamas Cruise on MSC Meraviglia

$719+

Save Over $700 | 7-Day Southwest France River Cruise

$2150+

Earn Points for Perks at Choice Hotels Worldwide

BOOK

12-Day Mediterranean Cruise | Up To $4,000 Off

$9260+

Save 30-77% | Business Class Deals on Top Airlines

$1995+

Air & 12-Day New Zealand Vacation w/ 9 Tours

$4599+

Create the Ultimate Trip w/ the Anchorage Travel Guide

PLAN

Ireland Guinness Academy Experience | 10% Off

$34+

14-Days - 5 Countries | Best of Eastern Europe Tour

$3619+