Things-To-Do

Discover Scalloping at Hideout Heights, Inglis, Florida

The areas around Hideout Heights near Crystal River, offers some of the best scalloping experiences in the state. The scallops here are larger and found in less crowded waters, making for a great and productive adventure. Just 10 miles from your waterfront vacation rental, you can enjoy prime scalloping spots with easy access from the dock.

Set on 2.6 acres of lush woodland, Hideout Heights not only offers comfortable accommodation with a deep water dock, but also detailed GPS locations and top scallop guide recommendations. Scalloping is a totally family-friendly activity and is perfect for all ages, with warm, clear waters about 3-8 feet deep. Our property features freshwater washdown at the dock and a large fish cleaning station.

Check out our other scalloping blogs to learn What You Need to Bring Scalloping, and to see who the Best Scalloping Guides are in the local area.
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Discover Manatee Viewing in Crystal River, Florida

Swimming with manatees is family-friendly adventure that will make memories for everyone.

Can You Swim with Manatees in Crystal River? Yes, Crystal River is the best place for respectful, up-close encounters with manatees.

When Is the Best Time to See Manatees? The best time is during the cooler months, from November to March, when manatees seek the warm springs. Book early to secure the best rates and accommodations. This is not a sales pitch, you really do need to book tours and locations to stay well in advance and to get the best rates.

Is Snorkeling the Best Way to See Manatees? Yes. Snorkeling with a mask and snorkel is recommended, providing a serene interaction perfect for families. You can also see them by kayaking.

How Much Does It Cost to Swim with Manatees? Manatee snorkeling tours cost between $65 and $125 per person, including the tour and equipment. For more details, check out our guide on costs and what you need.

Is It Safe to Swim with Manatees? Swimming with manatees is safe, with guidelines to protect both manatees and visitors. Tour guides ensure a safe encounter for all ages.

Ready to learn more? Check out our other blogs for detailed information and tips on your manatee viewing adventure.
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Discover Scalloping at Hideout Heights, Inglis, Florida

Our Pub:
Great pizza, chill vibes, and a full bar. This local favorite offers a great selection of beers, hearty meals, and a welcoming environment perfect for relaxing with friends or family. Check out our Full Review of Our Pub to learn more.

Blackwater Bar and Grill:
Blackwater Grill and Bar in Yankeetown, Florida, offers a relaxed dining experience with stunning views of the Withlacoochee River. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for a family outing or a romantic dinner. Dock your boat at their marina or drive in for a memorable meal. Want to know more? Read our Full Blog about Blackwater Grill and Bar!

Ice cream from Lighthouse Liquors in Yankeetown Florida:
It’s different, we know! This liquor store makes its own ice cream that is delicious! They have boozy and non boozy flavors so the kids can get something too. It seems like a sketchy place on the outside, but they are really nice, and will help you pick out some flavors. We Highly recommend this place. They don’t have a website, or a phone, so here is the address: 48 U.S. Hwy 19, Inglis, FL 34449

Brooks Dockside Seafood:
We cannot say enough good stuff about this place. It’s a real deal local seafood market where fishermen bring in their catch and unload it. You can get great seafood here from the food truck, or buy some local fish to take home.
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Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River

Discover the serene beauty of Three Sisters Springs, a haven for the West Indian Manatee nestled within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Perfect for family-friendly activities, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding year-round in its crystal-clear waters. Explore nearby attractions like the Crystal River Archaeological State Park and the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve. Hideout Heights offers the ideal base for your adventure, providing easy access to these natural wonders. For more details, check out our full blog!
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Explore Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for the West Indian Manatee and diverse native wildlife. Nestled in Florida’s Nature Coast, it offers a unique connection to nature through activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and manatee tours. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. Stay at Hideout Heights for a perfect base to enjoy these adventures.
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Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Explore the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a preeminent Native American site that offers a glimpse into Florida’s ancient past with its burial mounds and temple/platform mounds. This peaceful park features picnic areas, a half-mile nature trail along the Crystal River, and educational guided tours. Nearby attractions include Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Hideout Heights is the perfect base for exploring these wonders.
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Enjoy Kayaking Adventures at Hideout Heights

Hideout Heights offers guests four complimentary kayaks for exploring the serene Withlacoochee River. Paddle through calm waters, enjoy lush scenery, and spot local wildlife like manatees, turtles, and deer. This family-friendly activity saves rental costs and provides a perfect opportunity for all skill levels.

Located near Crystal River and Rainbow River, Hideout Heights is an ideal base for kayaking enthusiasts. For more details, check out our full blog on kayaking adventures at Hideout Heights.
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Create Art

At Hideout Heights, we offer a unique amenity for our guests: a variety of art supplies to inspire your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to capture the beauty of your surroundings, our art supplies include charcoal pencils, pastels, watercolor, colored pencils, art paper, and an easel. The lush surroundings of Hideout Heights and the serene Withlacoochee River provide the perfect backdrop for artistic inspiration. Using the art supplies is a wonderful way to create lasting memories of your trip. Capture the essence of your stay and take home a piece of your vacation in the form of your own artwork.

For more details, check out our full blog!
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Explore the Beauty of Rainbow River from Hideout Heights

Hideout Heights Waterfront Vacation Rental is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Rainbow River and the broader Nature Coast. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River where you can spot diverse wildlife including otters, turtles, and native fish like largemouth bass and bluegill. We have four kayaks available for you to use. Our guests can use the complimentary kayaks to navigate the serene waters. Book your stay at Hideout Heights and experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Florida’s Nature Coast has to offer.

For more details, check out our full blog!
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Enjoy Culinary Adventures at Hideout Heights

Hideout Heights offers a well-stocked kitchen with non-stick pans, sharp knives, a variety of spices, flour, butter, and a bread maker. Perfect for all skill levels, the kitchen allows you to create and share memorable meals with family and friends. Enjoy the process of cooking together and make lasting memories in our spacious and comfortable setting.

Bird Watching and Art at Hideout Heights

Hideout Heights offers guests binoculars for bird watching from the second-story screened porch, equipped with a bar and barstools. Enjoy morning coffee or evening wine while identifying local birds using the free Merlin app, which helps identify birds by their calls, songs, and appearances. The Nature Coast of Florida hosts various bird species, including great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles. Additionally, use our provided art supplies to create beautiful artwork inspired by the local wildlife.

For more details, check out our full blog!
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Coffee

Jumpstart your morning with a robust espresso from our top-notch machine at Hideout Heights, a premier vacation rental near Crystal River. It’s as easy to use as it is professional: power on, grind, tamp, and brew—you’re just steps away from the perfect cup. Stay tuned for our video guide, and soon you’ll savor barista-quality coffee every morning. Brewing satisfaction one espresso shot at a time.

Dock

At Hideout Heights, our floating dock at this vacation rental near Crystal River offers easy access to Withlacoochee’s serene waters. Ideal for boats up to 40 feet, glide out for fishing or a sunset sail with tide-adaptive ease. Enjoy amenities like a fish cleaning station and, for longer stays, our exclusive boat lift. Dock, relax, and enjoy more time on the water. 

Fishing

Find your ultimate fishing adventure at Hideout Heights, nestled by Yankeetown and Crystal River’s rich waters. Here, inshore and offshore catches await, from hefty groupers to delicate scallops, promising the perfect catch for every angler. Join us where every cast is a story in the making and the Gulf’s treasures are just a cast away.

Boating

Discover top-notch boating at Hideout Heights, a vacation rental near Crystal River. Our private dock features a boat lift and fish cleaning station, perfectly set along the freshwater Withlacoochee River. Enjoy hassle-free returns from the Gulf as the river flow naturally flushes your motors. Remember to navigate carefully—submerged rocks and local regulations require attention for a safe boating experience.