Staying on the St. Johns River in East Palatka puts you close to one of the most interesting corners of Florida. You get a quiet riverfront base with sunsets and fishing, and you are only a short drive from beaches, history, and small-town charm. Here is how to spend your days.
ST. AUGUSTINE, ABOUT 30 MINUTES AWAY
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-founded city in the country, settled in 1565, and the historic district is easy to explore on foot. Walk the pedestrian-only St. George Street, tour the Castillo de San Marcos, the old coquina-stone fort on the waterfront, and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse for the view. The city is full of small museums, courtyards, and restaurants, and it is an easy day trip from the house.
THE BEACH, ABOUT 25 MINUTES AWAY
Crescent Beach and the St. Johns County shoreline are a short drive east. On the designated beach access points you can drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle right onto the sand with a county pass, which makes it easy to bring chairs, coolers, and gear. Anastasia State Park nearby has calm water, trails, and good shelling.
WINE, SPIRITS, AND LOCAL FLAVOR
St. Augustine has a tasting scene worth a stop. The San Sebastian Winery and the St. Augustine Distillery both offer tours and tastings and sit close to the historic district. Closer to home, the Palatka area serves up fresh Florida seafood and barbecue, and the weekly farmer's market is a good Saturday stop for produce and local goods.
NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS
You do not have to go far for the outdoors. Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka has gardens and trails set in a natural ravine. The Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail runs about 19 miles and is great for biking. And of course the St. Johns River itself is at your back door for fishing, boating, kayaking, and sunset cruises.
A FULL DAY, OR A SLOW ONE
You can pack a day with the fort, the beach, and a tasting, then come back to the dock for the sunset. Or you can keep it slow, fish in the morning, read on the deck, and grill out by the fire pit at night. Either way, the house puts you within easy reach of all of it. Check our availability and book direct.