Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Palatka, Florida

Situated approximately one hour inland from St. Augustine, Palatka is a historic city located at a prominent bend in the St. Johns River. At this juncture, Florida’s longest and most renowned watercourse unexpectedly expands as it veers north toward Jacksonville.

The breathtaking riverfront views in Palatka are truly captivating, making it unsurprising that a majority of the city’s public events unfold with the river as a majestic backdrop.

Another unique attraction is Ravine Gardens State Park, known for its steep fieldstone terraces adorned with numerous azaleas that bloom in spring. This park hosts a festival that coincides with the blossoms, along with several other events that attract thousands to Palatka.

1. Ravine Gardens State Park

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Within the boundaries of Palatka, one can explore Ravine Gardens State Park, one of the nine Florida state parks established during the New Deal era. This park is notably recognized for its steep ravines, some exceeding 100 feet in depth.

Spanning nearly 60 acres, this stunning area features cultivated gardens, man-made fieldstone terraces, and a series of suspension bridges.

These structures were created by the Works Progress Administration, which also planted the thousands of azaleas that bloom every spring.

The park is an enjoyable destination year-round, but it is particularly recommended to visit in early March for the Florida Azalea Festival, which will be discussed later.

2. Riverfront Park

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As a significant focus of a revitalization project in the 2010s, Riverfront Park serves as an excellent first stop for newcomers to the area.

Adjacent to the downtown district, this charming park hosts numerous events in Palatka, which will be outlined further in this article.

However, on an ordinary day, it provides a lovely setting overlooking the expansive river bend, particularly picturesque at dawn or dusk.

Visitors will find a well-maintained playground, a fountain, and a historic World War II-era torpedo. Fishing enthusiasts often cast their lines from the piers, and at the southern end, there is a city dock and boat ramp.

3. Downtown Palatka

Taking time to explore Palatka’s historic downtown area is highly recommended. Bounded to the north by Reid Street, this district encompasses a large area, featuring numerous charming brick commercial buildings, especially toward the eastern section along the river.

A variety of shops and restaurants line a stretch of St. Johns Ave, known as Lemon St. East, which is home to a series of establishments offering leather goods, quilts, books, jewelry, and more.

Various bars and breweries in downtown Palatka will be mentioned later in this article. In the meantime, a wide array of dining options is available, offering Southern-style seafood, pizza, Mexican cuisine, chicken wings, contemporary American fare, and a Dairy Queen with a history dating back to the 1950s.

Of particular significance is the Angel’s Dining Car, recognized as Florida’s oldest diner, operating since 1932.

4. Palatka Murals

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A pleasing activity in downtown Palatka is the appreciation of the growing collection of large-scale murals.

With nearly 30 murals available when I visited, these artworks predominantly line the streets intersecting Reid Street and St. Johns Avenue.

The Palatka Murals encompass various themes, featuring notable local figures, historical scenes, and significant events from the city’s past. The artistry and dedication evident in each piece is particularly commendable.

To view all the murals, a map containing QR codes is available at various businesses throughout the downtown area. Additionally, a PDF version can be accessed on the Palatka Mural Tours website.

5. Blue Crab Festival

Source: Blue Crab Festival / Facebook

Held over Memorial Day weekend, the Blue Crab Festival has been a cherished tradition for over 30 years.

In addition to an assortment of delectable seafood, the festival showcases arts and crafts, live entertainment on two stages, and numerous family-oriented activities.

More than 120,000 visitors attended the festival during my visit, which featured Grammy-winning performers, a petting zoo, fireworks, a water-ski show, carnival rides, and artisans from throughout Northeast Florida.

Seafood remains the heart of the event, offering an array of dishes from southern-style boils with corn and potatoes to fried scallops and blackened salmon.

6. Bronson-Mulholland House

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Reflecting Palatka’s rich history, the Bronson-Mulholland House, built in 1854, is preserved as a historic house museum.

Designed in the Southern Colonial style, this mansion boasts an evocative setting framed by palm trees, live oaks, and magnolias. It served as the residence for several notable figures, beginning with Isaac H. Bronson (1802-1855), a judge and congressman.

Since the 1970s, this city-owned building has been undergoing meticulous restoration and is adorned with elegant period furnishings.

Visitors can explore the house on Saturday afternoons and the first Sunday of the month. Guided tours are available, and the knowledgeable docents provide an engaging experience.

7. Rice Creek Conservation Area

For those interested in exploring the humid swamplands surrounding Palatka, the Rice Creek Conservation Area, located just ten minutes from downtown, is a prime destination.

Rice Creek, named after a plantation established in the 18th century, feeds into the St. Johns River. History enthusiasts may find it intriguing to walk along the levee trail, an earthen structure dating back over 200 years.

As you traverse the boardwalk deep within the swamp, you will encounter remarkable bald cypress trees. Among them, one stands out as the seventh-largest cypress in Florida.

8. St. Johns River Center

Source: St Johns River Center / Facebook

It is evident that the longest river system in Florida plays a crucial role in Palatka’s narrative. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the St. Johns River and the accompanying wetland ecosystems, the St. Johns River Center provides an excellent educational experience, partially operated by the city.

Particularly enlightening for children, the center features several interactive exhibits, along with various live displays. These informative exhibits focus on the river’s ecology, history, commerce, and culture.

During my last visit, the museum was temporarily closed for a few weeks due to repairs.

9. Florida Azalea Festival

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Ravine Gardens State Park is one of the venues for the Florida Azalea Festival, which takes place on the first weekend in March.

This time of year typically features pleasant weather, coinciding with the azalea bloom that occurs in February and March.

First initiated in 1938, the festival originally took place in the gardens, but many activities are now held along the riverfront downtown.

Festival highlights include a now-iconic parade, a crafts fair, Azalea Days at the state park, a pageant, a car show, children’s activities, and various sports tournaments. Notably, pets are welcomed, and many dogs appear annually in delightful costumes.

10. Azalea City Brewing

In 2020, Palatka welcomed its own craft brewery, located in a historic factory building downtown. This establishment has a rich history, being formerly a Coca-Cola bottling plant, with the iconic logo still visible on the façade.

Operative from Tuesday to Sunday, Azalea City Brewing featured 16 beers on tap during my visit, ranging from lighter lagers and ales to IPAs and darker options. The Coconut Imperial Stout, aged on toasted coconut, particularly caught my attention.

The brewery hosts various events throughout the week, including trivia nights, yoga sessions, markets, and different food trucks each evening.

11. Larimer Arts Center

One of the most visually distinctive structures in downtown Palatka has been transformed into a multifaceted arts center. Originally the Larimer Memorial Library, built in 1929 under the design of Prairie School architect Henry John Kluthko (1873-1964).

Combining Art Deco and Prairie School styles, the building served as the municipal library until 1992. Over the past 30+ years, the Larimer Arts Center has become a cultural hub within the downtown area.

It features the Scarlett-Hill Theater, which accommodates 71 patrons and serves as the home for the energetic River City Players theater group. Movie screenings are also held here, alongside art exhibitions organized by the Arts Council of Greater Palatka.

12. Bostwick Blueberry Festival

Annually in April, the Bostwick Blueberry Festival takes place in a charming rural locale, on the northern fringes of Palatka. With over 25 years of history, this festival continues to delight visitors.

This one-day celebration features a plethora of blueberry-themed activities, showcasing fresh blueberries sourced from the local Miller’s Blueberries farm.

Kicking off with a blueberry pancake breakfast, the festival also includes a baking contest and a variety of blueberry treats, from pies to ice cream.

In addition, activities for children, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, and a Mr. and Miss Blueberry pageant enrich the experience, accompanied by all-day live entertainment.

13. Uncork & Unwind Craft Beer and Wine Lounge

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A stroll through downtown Palatka will lead you to this quaint bar, located near the riverfront. The Uncork & Unwind Craft Beer and Wine Lounge offers an extensive selection of beers and wines from across the globe.

Though my expertise leans more toward beer, I savored an Irish Cream Stout from the Southern Tier Brewing Company, which was quite enjoyable.

This establishment is a popular gathering spot for locals, which is always a positive indicator. Additionally, live music is featured on weekends.

14. Skydive Palatka

One of the more surprising attractions in Palatka is its status as a premier skydiving destination. Located at the municipal airport, just a few miles west of downtown, Skydive Palatka has been in operation for over two decades.

Experienced skydivers can utilize a Cessna 208 or a 182 to reach altitude in mere moments. For those in-training, the center offers a comprehensive course consisting of seven jumps.

Novices can experience tandem skydiving, leaping from 13,500 feet attached to an instructor for a 60-second freefall, followed by the opportunity to guide the parachute while enjoying views of the winding St. Johns River and Florida’s East Coast.

15. Palatka Golf Club

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Encircling Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka is home to Florida’s oldest public golf course. Established in the 1920s and designed by renowned architect Donald Ross, the Palatka Golf Club remains highly rated a century after its inception.

In line with its historical character, the course integrates seamlessly with a natural backdrop of sand ridges and mature live oaks. It is widely regarded as a hidden gem among golf courses.

Although this is a public course, the pricing is remarkably affordable. During my round on a weekday in October, the green fee was just $30 for 18 holes.