CRYSTAL RIVER — Biking, Kayaking, and Swimming the Springs

A slow, sun-soaked escape to one of Florida's most underrated natural playgrounds.

Crystal River kind of does something to you. We spent four days there this summer biking, kayaking, boating, floating, and swimming in the springs — and it was exactly the kind of trip we didn't know we needed. The water is unreal. Clear and cold in a way that doesn't feel like Florida at all.

We also made a quick run down to Cedar Key, which ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. Local fishermen cleaning fish on the docks, pelicans hanging around hoping for scraps, dolphins working the water right in front of us. It's just a really unpretentious little place. We biked around the key and took it all in. Didn't want to leave.

I had my digital camera with me and just snapped whatever caught my eye. Nothing too planned — just trying to hold onto the trip a little longer.

If you've never been to Crystal River or Cedar Key, put them on the list. Seriously.