Introduction
Palatka sits right outside of Saint Augustine, Florida and is home to many beautiful sites and things to do. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with family or friends, Palatka has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Palatka.
- Azalea Festival
- Ravine Gardens State Park
- Bronson-Mullholland House
- Downtown Palatka
- St. Johns River/Palatka to Welaka State Forest Paddling Trail
- Putnam County Historic Courthouse
Find even more great things to see, do, and eat in Palatka and the surrounding area on Groupon HERE.
Azalea Festival
The Azalea Festival is what Palatka is most known for! It’s a pretty big deal in the area, and people come from miles to be a part of it. It is held every year during the last weekend of February. This festival is known for being one of the oldest festivals in Florida and features many activities including live music, food vendors, and more. It’s something you will want to look into if you happen to be in the area during this time!
Ravine Gardens State Park
If you love exploring the great outdoors, you will want to visit Ravine Gardens. The gardens are located on a quarter acre and feature a winding stream, small bridges and lots of flowers. The paths that go through the ravines are made from crushed shells, which is both interesting and easy to walk on.
There is no admission fee to enter Ravine Gardens but donations are accepted at their gift shop or visitors center where they also have a small museum showing how they restore native plants in their wetlands area. You’ll want to visit the museum as well! It is very interesting.
The best time to visit here is during spring or fall when all the flowers are blooming. You can see over 200 different species and it’s not too hot.
Bronson-Mullholland House
The Bronson-Mullholland House is a stunning historic house and museum.Built in 1881, this Victorian home was purchased by Dr. Walter Cope Bronson and his wife in 1898, who then passed it onto their son Harold when they died. In 1982, the site was donated to Historic Preservation Society of St. Johns County who restored the building and opened it as a museum dedicated to promoting awareness of local history through tours and educational programs.
The house features a turret with a spiral staircase leading up to an observation deck on top. Inside there’s an ornate parlor with Victorian furniture including baby grand piano and fireplace mantle made from marble chimney pieces from England.
Downtown Palatka
Downtown Palatka is known for its shopping, restaurants and various murals. It is the heart of the Azalea Festival and comes to life during that time. It also has a lot of history behind it because it was once known as the “richest town on earth” because of the many ships built here along the railroads.
St. Johns River/Palatka to Welaka State Forest Paddling Trail
The St. Johns River/Palatka to Welaka State Forest Paddling Trail is a great way to enjoy the river and get some exercise. It’s also a great way to enjoy nature, see wildlife, and basically have a good time outside.
The trail itself runs along both sides of the St. Johns River for about 35 miles with several access points along the way, including in Palatka at Riverside Park or at Welaka State Forest Campground. You can rent kayaks from several businesses in Palatka or take guided tours on pontoon boats.
Putnam County Historic Courthouse
The Putnam County Courthouse is the oldest public building in Florida. It was built in 1857 and is now a National Historic Landmark. The courthouse is also part of the Palatka Historic District, which was added to be on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
The courthouse features an imposing clock tower that rises over 90 feet into the sky and stands out against everything else around it, making it easy to spot from any distance at all. Inside, visitors will find several other architectural features that make this building stand out as one of our state’s most significant historical sites.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a weekend away from the city or a vacation spot for your family, Palatka is the place to go. With plenty of fun things to do and see, it’s easy to fall in love with this small town and its history!
Find even more great things to see, do, and eat in Palatka and the surrounding area on Groupon HERE.