Answer: Great — you’ll be based at Collier (Land O’ Lakes) with a few hours between games, and there are plenty of nearby spots where you can grab food, stretch your legs, and get a little taste of the area without heading all the way into downtown Tampa. Below I list quick options grouped by type (close-to-field convenience, a short drive for shopping/dining, kid-friendly outdoors/farms, and places to relax/eat). I’ve also noted roughly how long each is from the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex so you can pick what fits your time window.

Answer: Great question — seeing manatees in Crystal River in late February through early March is one of the best times, and there *are* some very good land-based (boardwalk or pier) spots for viewing, though some of the most spectacular views come from the water. Here’s a detailed guide, tips, and things to know.

Answer: Good question — I looked into it, and yes, the Best Western Crystal River Resort still exists. Here’s what I found:

Answer: Crystal River is primarily known for its freshwater springs and the famous manatee viewing areas. The town itself is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, but it does not have typical sandy ocean beaches right in the city for swimming. Most swimming in Crystal River is done in rivers, springs, and manatee habitats rather than in the open ocean.

Answer: Good question. Yes — Fort Island Gulf Beach *is* your closest true sandy Gulf beach near Crystal River, and it has reopened (as of early 2025) after damage from a hurricane.

Answer: Visiting Crystal River to see manatees is a popular activity during the winter months, especially from November through March when the water is cooler and manatees flock to the warm springs. March is still a great time to see them, but it does coincide with the beginning of Spring Break for many schools, so crowds can be noticeably higher than in February.

Answer: The height clearance under the Kings Bay Drive Bridge in Crystal River varies depending on water levels, as the bridge is over a tidal area. The typical clearance is around 12-13 feet above normal water levels. However, it's important to note that the clearance can be reduced during high tide or following heavy rainfall, which can raise water levels by several feet.

Answer: For a visit to the Crystal River area in March, your choice between staying in Crystal River or Inverness depends on what you want to prioritize. Crystal River is the main hub for manatee tours and water-based activities, making it very convenient if you’re planning to spend most of your time on the water. Inverness is about a 20–25 minute drive inland and offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere with easy access to nature trails and the Withlacoochee State Trail, but it is less convenient for manatee tours or boat activities.

Answer: Swimming with manatees in Crystal River in January is a popular winter activity because the manatees gather in the warm springs when the surrounding Gulf and river waters are cooler. The water temperature in the springs typically ranges from 72°F to 74°F (22°C to 23°C) during winter months, which is warmer than the Gulf water but still on the cool side for extended swimming without protection.

Answer: Visiting Crystal River in late February with grandkids is a wonderful idea! The area is famous for manatees, but there are several other kid-friendly activities and unique experiences beyond swimming with these gentle giants and going on an airboat ride.