Points of Interest
Why Palatka and Putnam County?
Explore the REAL Florida. See our natural and undisturbed beauty AND visit the historical points of interest for yourself!
Putnam County is home to an American Heritage River; one of the few rivers that flow north:
The Beautiful and Historic St. Johns River!
We are proud to be known as the "Bass Capital of the World."
The B.A.S.S. and Bass Masters
and ESPN organizations run tournaments here as well as the
River City Tournament Trail and the annual
Wolfson Childrens Hospital Bass Tournament, and the NFL sanctioned
Super Bowl Bass Tournament.
The Ocklawaha River
Rodman Resevoir
Kirpatrick Dam
Buckman Locks
& the Cross
Florida Barge
Canal
The riverbanks of Putnam County are peppered with camps, resorts, marinas and guides to
help you catch the "big one". And we do grow em big around here. Be it a trophy wall-hangin
10 pound large mouth bass, or a 3 pound "speck", or our famous monster cats, your "big one"
is lurking just around the next river bend.
Visit the spring fed Ocklawaha River and canoe its basins.
Visit our famous Rodman Reservoir and
Kirpatrick Dam. Visit the Cross Florida Barge Canal and
the Buckman Locks. Just across the Locks marks the head of the
equestrian and hiking Cross Florida St. Johns Loop Trail.
Stroll through Mud Springs Trail which transverses several
ecosystems to a natural clear artesian spring. The Great Florida Birding
Trail. And, of course, the Great Florida National Trail
winding its way through our beautiful forests and woodlands.
Speaking of forests you must visit the Ocala National Forest,
the Etoniah Creek State Forest, the
Welaka State Forest, the Welaka National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium,
the Dunns Creek State Park and Wildlife Management Area, the
Murphy Creek State Park, the Ravine State Gardens
in full bloom is a plethora of beauty to behold, the Lake George Wildlife Management Area,
the Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, and the Cracker Swamp Preserve.
All in Putnam County
We would be remiss if we failed to mention that our woodlands, swamplands, forests, rivers, and wildlife management areas are
home to the Florida Alligator, Florida's White Tail Deer, the
Osceola Wild Turkey, Florida's native Black Bear, our native
Black Piney Wood Rootin Wild Hog, the Russian Red Wild Hog,
numerous migratory and resident game birds, and non-game birds, including our National Bald Eagle,
a variety of water fowl, our coyotes and bobcats, other fur bearers and small game, and of course the
West Indian Manatee, and of course the Florida Panther.
The wilds and waterways of Putnam County will provide the ultimate Florida outdoor experience.
The Historical Bronson House
The Country Club
The Mug Race
The Blue Crab Festival
Take a tour of our riverfront Historical Homes
built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visit our historical Train and Bus Depot from the same period.
Visit the Bronson- Mulholland House & Historical Museum.
Rent a houseboat or cruiser and run the river.
Take a ride on Palatkas RiverBoat.
Or cross the river on the Fort Gates Ferry.
Visit Putnam County's sacred Indian Burial Mounds.
Relax in our Country Club or play 18 holes, par 70 on
Palatka Municipal Golf Course, one of Florida;s oldest
design courses, an original by Donald Ross.
Expand your horizons by pursuing a higher education at one of Florida's top accredited collegiate schools:
the St. John's River Community College, the Florida
School of the Arts, St. Leos College, and the
First Coast Technical Institute.
If you are a race fan, Putnam County Speedway is where the big boys "do it in the dirt."
But race fans, dont stop there - be a spectator of our annual Mug Race.
This spectacular 38.5 nautical miles river race of yachts and sail boats begins at the Palatka Memorial
Bridge and ends in Jacksonville, drawing participants and spectators nationwide. And no visit to Palatka
would be complete without taking in our string of festivals. We throw a party for just about everything
but are particularly known for our Azalea Festival and
Catfish Festival, both in the spring; and the huge
Blue Crab Festival always on Memorial Weekend. Keep in mind we are just an
hour or less away from the beaches of Florida, the University of Florida Gators,
the Jacksonville Jaguars, the home of the
2005 Super Bowl, and the Daytona Beach International Super Speedway.
We have a little bit of everything!
For more information visit the following points of contact:
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Development Council
(386) 328-1503 or www.putnamcountychamber.org
City of Palatka
(386) 329-0100 or www.palatka-fl.gov
Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission
www.floridaconservation.org
Florida Division of Forestry
www.fl-dof.org
Cracker Swamp Game Preserve
www.crackerswamp.com
Georgetown Marina Fish Camp, Lodge, Charters & Guide Service
www.georgetownmarina.com
Georgia Boys Fish Camp
www.georgiaboysfishcamp.com
River Adventures & Boat Rentals
www.riveradventuresinc.com
Putnam County Speedway
www.putnamcountywpeedway.com
Putnam County Blue Crab Festival
www.bluecrabfestival.com
The Mug Race on the St. John's River
www.rudderclub.com
Ravine State Gardens
www.floridastateparks.org/ravinegardens
The Beautiful and Historic American Heritage St. John's River
www.floridariver.org
American Heritage Rivers
www.epa.gov/rivers/98rivers/fsstjohn.html
Putnam County Accommodations and Camping
www.audubonofflorida.org
Jacksonville Jaguars
www.jaguars.com
DAYTONA International Super Speedway
www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Visit Florida U.S.A. Today!
www.myflorida.com or www.visitflorida.com
Accomodations
Let it be known we are also famous for our hospitality!
The Azalea House
An 1878 Queen Anne Victorian Bed & Breakfast located in Palatka in our National Historic District
features secluded yard with swimming pool, queen beds, porch swing and verandas, and fireplaces in guest
parlor and dining room.
220 Madison St. in Palatka, FL
(386) 325-4547
www.theazaleahouse.com or
azaleahouse@gbso.net
The Moorings at Crystal Cove
A beautiful riverfront hotel possessing a fabulous restaurant. Diners will enjoy the view
of Florida's sun setting over the St. Johns river, and take in the view of the many boats
moored at the marina and the trickle of traffic on the river itself as boaters head back
to their points of origin.
247 Crystal Cove Dr. in Palatka, FL
(386) 325-1055
Quality Inn & Suites of Palatka
(formally the Holiday Inn River Front)
Enjoy the traditions of a riverfront inn experience in downtown Palatka at the foot of our
Memorial Bridge. Enter the LAVA LOUNGE with live entertainment and the outback river deck.
Guests will enjoy the fine restaurant and coming soon - Popis Seafood Grille.
201 North 1st St. in Palatka, FL
(386) 328-3481
Best Western Inn of Palatka
The latest addition to local accommodations located at the foot of the bridge in East Palatka.
Guests will get a breath taking look at the St. Johns river as they travel across the Palatka
Memorial Bridge to enjoy their stay at this east bank location.
119 US Highway 17 South in East Palatka, FL
(386) 325-7800
www.bestwestern.com
Try Our Palatka Restaurants
Angels Dining Car
Florida's Oldest Diner!
Tasty food of an old-fashioned diner. The locals would recommend the one-pound cheeseburger
all the way with fried mushrooms on the side and an old-fashioned chocolate ice cream shake.
Downtown Palatka, FL
(386) 325-3927
Corkey Bells Seafood and Steak
On the St. John's River at the Moorings at Crystal Cove. Excellent dining of
a variety cuisine. If you want a taste of Florida ask for the "Swamp Platter".
(386) 325-1094
Mussel Whites Seafood and Grill
Homestyle fixins of steaks, chicken, & chops; plus veggies and seafood
any way you want it. Well worth the trip just over the bridge to east Palatka.
(386) 326-9111
San Mateo Seafood Restaurant
Sports the best blooming onion. We suggest the steak and lobster tail or
blackened fish. Over the bridge a bit.
(386) 325-1871
Gator Landing
On the St. Johns River. Experience the spectacular maritime decor in the
extra large dining area or out back on the tiki deck overlooking the river.
The menu features cuisine for both Neptune and landlubbers. Come by boat or
vehicle over the bridge - just past the red light.
(386) 329-9300
Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Pub
You want wings? They guarantee a plate of hot wings that you can't eat or its free.
Wall to wall TV screens for your sports viewing pleasure. We recommend the Brady Blue
Cheese Burger and a beer - and don't dare leave without trying the jalapeno poppers.
Just east of the Airport on our Rwy 27 approach.
(386) 325-2525
Chili's Grill & Bar
(386) 328-4646
Coming soon!
The International House of Pancakes!
Construction in progress. Located on State Road 19, on the direct approach to our Rwy 27, less than a mile from the Airport.
Need Transportation?
Beck Rental Cars
(Formerly Budget)
(386) 328-6435
Enterprise Rental Cars
(386) 329-8999
Beep Beep Taxi
(386) 336-7349
Yellow Cab
(386) 326-0900
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