Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Green Cove Springs, FL

Situated along the wide and deep lower reaches of the St. Johns River, Green Cove Springs is a picturesque and historically rich city surrounded by natural splendor. The city’s downtown seamlessly integrates with the riverbank, where the namesake spring emerges.

This hydrological feature has drawn visitors for over 170 years and remains a source of enjoyment during the summer. At a refreshing 77 °F, the spring feeds a public pool in Spring Park, which hosts community gatherings on the first Friday of each month.

Moreover, Green Cove Springs possesses a significant military heritage. It was the site of Lee Field, where pilots trained for the renowned Grumman F6F Hellcat during World War II. This narrative is commemorated at a military museum, while the Clay County Fairgrounds offer a dynamic schedule of events throughout the year.

1. The Military Museum of North Florida

Source: The Military Museum of North Florida / Facebook

Situated on the grounds of a former World War II-era naval air station, the Military Museum of North Florida pays tribute to the men and women who have served the nation during times of war and peace.

The museum features an intriguing collection of exhibits that encompass nearly every war and conflict throughout the nation’s history. Displayed items include weapons, uniforms, and vehicles such as a tank.

What captivated me the most was the history of the site itself. This location served as the primary training base for the F6F Hellcat fighter in WWII, an aircraft credited with over 5000 enemy shoot-downs. Notably, among the pilots trained here was Joe Kennedy, brother of President John F. Kennedy.

2. Spring Park

Source: Wayne Walker / Facebook

Among the city’s parks, Spring Park stands out due to its idyllic riverfront location.

The primary attraction is a spring-fed pool that is continuously replenished with naturally cool water. In my opinion, there is no superior place to unwind during a sweltering summer day.

The views across the river are breathtaking, particularly if one rises early to witness the sunrise from the end of the pier. Additionally, Spring Park boasts a new playground, a splash pad, and ample picnic areas.

Lastly, be sure to attend Food Truck Friday, held on the evening of the first Friday of each month from March to November.

3. Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs

The main thoroughfare of Green Cove Springs runs diagonally through the city, connecting the St. Johns River at Spring Park and the city pier. During my visit, Walnut Street was undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation.

Improvements included wider sidewalks, authentic brick paving, and enhanced landscaping and lighting.

As a result, whenever you visit Green Cove Springs, you are likely to encounter a vibrant central avenue. Behind the charming historic storefronts, one can find galleries, music shops, clothing boutiques, and a variety of restaurants.

Among the notable buildings is the Clay Theatre (1919), recognized for its Art Deco facade dating back to the 1930s. At the time of my visit, it was available for private events such as weddings.

4. Bayard Conservation Area

Continuing along SR 16 past the military museum leads you to the parking area and trailhead for an extensive natural expanse. Adjacent to the Wildlife Management Area of the same name, the Bayard Conservation Area offers access to approximately 10,000 acres.

This area encompasses diverse ecosystems, ranging from floodplain hardwood forests near the riverbank to white pine flatwoods and sandhill habitats on elevated terrain.

Area 1, located in the northern section near SR 16, features two campsites: one nestled among cypress trees along the riverbank and the other situated further up within the pine flatwoods.

Visitors can enjoy various activities in the Bayard Conservation Area, including hiking along extensive trails, horseback riding, cycling, riverside fishing, and wildlife observation.

I spent a little over an hour on the trails and encountered gopher tortoises, deer, and ibises near the water.

5. Clay County Agricultural Fair

The Clay County Fairgrounds, located on the western outskirts of the city, hosts numerous events throughout the year.

Among the events, the Clay County Agricultural Fair, traditionally held over 11 days in early April, is particularly noteworthy.

This event celebrates rural culture and features a wide array of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H activities, including livestock shows across various categories.

Moreover, the fair offers exciting midway attractions, major concerts, engaging contests, and an abundance of scrumptious fair food. Each day of the fair showcases a different theme, which includes a family day and a senior/inclusive day.

6. Camp Chowenwaw Park

Situated at the confluence of Black Creek and the St. Johns River is a delightful 150-acre park formerly used as a Girl Scout camp.

Clay County acquired this property in 2006, marking the end of its 70-year tenure as a camp, which dates back to 1933. With trails winding through majestic pines and magnolias and along a boardwalk, it is a beautiful location for a stroll.

Visitors will find abundant amenities, including camping sites (be sure to check out the treehouse), a kayak launch, a seasonal public pool, volleyball courts, picnic areas, a playground, and a nature center with a museum.

During my visit, the museum had just been renovated and featured an intriguing exhibit outlining the history of the site, spanning thousands of years.

7. St. Johns River Paddling Trail

Source: Paul Brennan / shutterstock

Florida’s longest and most renowned river, one of the state’s premier recreational attractions, flows directly past the city.

Paddling offers an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the expansive waters of the lower basin. Multiple launch sites are available on the river, conveniently located near Green Cove Springs.

In addition to providing paddlers with unique views of the region, you will encounter fascinating historical and archaeological sites worthy of exploration.

The city is situated adjacent to Leg 18 of the river’s paddling trail, while Leg 20 marks the river’s entry into the Atlantic. It is not uncommon to spot deer, bobcats, various wading birds, and even iconic Floridian wildlife such as manatees and alligators.

8. Vintage Market Days of Jacksonville

This traveling event occurs three times a year in different communities. In early December, Vintage Market Days lands at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

This event presents a perfect opportunity for holiday shopping, showcasing a remarkable array of vintage-inspired items.

You can find antiques, jewelry, clothing, seasonal decorations, upcycled goods, plants, outdoor furniture, festive treats, and various handmade treasures.

The market occurs over three days and culminates with food trucks and live music.

9. Riverfront Park, St Johns

One of the most fulfilling short excursions from Green Cove Springs is a crossing of the river to this waterfront park in St Johns.

I was utterly taken aback by the view that awaited me at Riverfront Park. Fringed by a mature grove of live oaks adorned with Spanish moss, it features two fishing piers that extend into the river.

During sunset, the vistas back towards Green Cove Springs are truly breathtaking. This relatively small passive park also includes features such as a canoe/kayak launch, restrooms, and about a mile of paved trails.

10. The Clay County Historical and Railroad Museum

Located on the west side of downtown, one can discover an intriguing assortment of historical monuments amidst a landscape of pines, palms, and live oaks.

This museum serves as a comprehensive repository for county history, featuring a late 19th-century railroad depot, the 1890 courthouse, and the 1896 county jail.

Visitors can explore this site on Sunday afternoons, admiring a music room, an impressive variety of railroad artifacts, antique dolls, a preserved country store, and the former jail cellblock, which remained in operation until the 1970s and is both eerie and fascinating.

11. Amazing Grace Family Farms

Positioned northwest of Green Cove Springs, near Camp Blanding, a family-operated farm opens its doors for seasonal events.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the year is fall, when the farm transforms into a haven of family-friendly activities including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, rural playground, tractor train rides, farm animals, a jump pad, duck races, a corn crib, and numerous other attractions.

Many of these experiences return in spring for sunflower season, offering opportunities for idyllic photo sessions and sunflower picking.

12. Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival

Source: Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival / Facebook

While plaid kilts may not be typical attire in Florida throughout much of the year, every February the Clay County Fairgrounds are transformed with Scottish apparel, delicacies, whisky tastings, unique competitions, and bagpipe music.

The Festival is an enduring favorite among individuals of Scottish descent, as well as the general public. As indicated by its title, the event emphasizes numerous traditional heavy athletic contests, along with ample activities for children.

Visitors can expect to see Galloway cattle, Clydesdale horses, a wealth of traditional tartan, and impressive displays of strength.

13. Magnolia Point Golf Club

Finding a genuinely natural golf course in Florida is a rarity, and Magnolia Point Golf Club provides precisely that, nestled within a 1,000 acre nature reserve.

Beautiful live oaks, magnolias, and pines encircle the greens and fairways, while wildlife sightings are commonplace. I also appreciated the seclusion of each of the 18 holes, free from parallel fairways or greens.

As with most courses in Florida, this course is susceptible to extreme weather conditions. During my visit in spring, the course was in remarkable condition.

14. North Florida Railway Museum

Situated at the Reynolds Industrial Park near the military museum, this attraction is dedicated to the rich railroad heritage of the area.

Opened in 1989, the North Florida Railway Museum features a modest fleet of boxcars, a locomotive, and a variety of additional rail vehicles including a Pullman Sleeper, all in various stages of restoration, having served several historical railroads such as the Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast Railway.

During my visit, the museum was temporarily closed for renovation. Typically, arrangements can be made for a walking tour, offering numerous enlightening insights.