Location: Palatka
Top Things to do in Palatka
6 Budget-friendly Things to do in Palatka That You Shouldn't Miss
Palatka (pronounced puh-lat-kuh) is a city in Putnam County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,558 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Putnam County. Palatka is the principal city of the Palatka Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is home to 72,893 residents. The city is also home to St. Johns River State College, St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters, and Ravine Gardens State Park. The area is well known for its local festivals, most notably the Florida Azalea Festival and the Blue Crab Festival.
Restaurants in Palatka
1. Uncork & Unwind Beer & Wine Lounge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Bobber007 - St. Augustine, United States
My wife and I enjoyed a delicious traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner with all the fixings - corned beef, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. Did I mention a glass or two of Guinness? Wonderful staff and friendly surroundings. We may have started a St. Pat’s tradition. Or sooner.
2. Ravine Gardens State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45 degree angles. Unlike common gullies, trenches or sinkholes caused by temporary flooding, the steephead ravine is a permanent feature with a spring-fed creek that never dries up, called Whitewater Branch. The underground water bubbling up cuts into the bank and carries the sand and soil downstream to the St. Johns River. Over thousands of years the ravine has widened and deepened to what you see today. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.
Reviewed By retiredchowhound
A must see for anyone visiting Palatka, Ravine Gardens State Park is a little piece of the mountains in Florida. Beautiful trees, steep terrain and a beautiful meandering stream. Many picnic tables and several shelters as well as a beautiful meeting hall and colorful gardens and ponds. Excellent restroom facilities and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings as well as a playground for the little ones. A wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon with family or in solitude.
3. City of Murals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By cfunk2018 - Lubbock, United States
There are many murals in the city that you can take pictures of and with. Drive up and down St. John's Ave. and you will find murals at many intersections.
4. Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By SailboatDagny - Palatka, United States
Palatka is a sweet little home town with a historical downtown by the riverfront park. There are pathways under trees, docks for strolling and fishing and kayak rental is available. The marina hosts sailboat races on Sundays and a huge bass-fishing tournament goes on using the ramps for launching and lawns for weigh-ins. An enclosed playground has a little zip-line which children love. During the hot months people are wild about shrimping with cast-nets and it gets crowded if the shrimp are running. If the facilities are locked, it's a short walk to nearby restaurants. Mariachiles Mexican restaurant, Angel's Diner, Steamboat Willies bar, Magnolia Cafe and other spots are also near enough to walk. Other places of note nearby in Palatka are the historical Bronson-Mulholland House, a Railway Museum, a Maritime Museum, a self-guided Mural Walk, and for the person who likes shopping there are antique and thrift stores to browse. A short distance away is the lovely botanical garden, Ravine Gardens State Park, where mass plantings of azaleas bloom in season and trails both easy and challenging wind around the deep ravine's spring-fed creek. Along with the usual chain hotels, there are well-appointed Bed and Breakfast inns: Grand Gables and Bartram Inn are historic and noted for their friendly hospitality. A wonderful rental, for business, social or wedding venue, is open for all-weekend rentals at the GFWC Woman's Club of Palatka where the large space is elegant and airy. Visit Palatka for a day or a weekend, your expectations will be met above and beyond, as the people are friendly and the vibe is reminiscent of an easier time.
5. St. Johns River Center
6. Bronson-Mulholland House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Built in 1854, The Bronson-Mulholland House stands today as a testament to the City of Palatka's rich history. It is fully furnished with period appropriate decor. Free, guided tours are available Thursday-Monday Noon till Five (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). It is also available for weddings and other events.
