Palatka, Florida
Around town
The river, where to eat, and our own map, all a walk or a short drive from the front gate.
The river is one block away
The St. Johns River is why Palatka exists, and it’s the best reason to come.
Bring the boat. The riverfront park and the boat ramp are an easy walk from the house, and this stretch of the St. Johns fishes well enough that the professional tours come here every winter.
Not a boater? Walk down anyway. Watch the sun come up over the water, or the sailboats work their way north in the afternoon.
Come for the festivals. Stay for the town.
Palatka has a better calendar than any town its size, and Hummingbird House sits in the middle of all of it, walking distance from most.
Festivals and historyWhere to eat
Local, independent, and well loved: the places we send our own guests. No chains.
1Velchoff’s Corner
Cajun-inspired, downtown
A Cajun-inspired menu in a historic downtown building, with outdoor seating and views of the St. Johns. Known for its oysters.
Open in Google Maps2Magnolia Café
Breakfast and lunch, downtown
Breakfast and lunch at 705 St Johns Ave, downtown. Open Wednesday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed Tuesday.
Open in Google Maps3Corky Bell’s Seafood at Gator Landing
Waterfront seafood, East Palatka
At Gator Landing on the St. Johns, with waterfront views and fresh seafood. A short drive, and the classic Palatka river meal.
Open in Google Maps4Caribbean 450
Caribbean
Caribbean cooking with outdoor seating and a strong local following.
Open in Google Maps5Niko’s Pizza
Pizza, good with kids
Family pizza restaurant and bar with a game room, a pool table, and outdoor seating. Easy with kids.
Open in Google Maps6Uncork & Unwind
Craft beer and wine lounge
Wine and cold beer, steps from the river.
Open in Google Maps7Palatka Coffee Co.
Coffee
Serving Kookaburra Coffee. Become a local within 30 seconds.
Open in Google Maps
Hours change with the season, so check before you go. Every one of these is pinned on the map below.
Our map of the area
Every restaurant on our list, and how close each one is to the house.
Pick a place to see it on the map. The numbers match the list above.
Plan the days
- A weekend in Palatka, Florida
Two days on the St. Johns River: the riverfront, more than 30 murals, Florida’s oldest diner, Ravine Gardens, and streets of nineteenth-century homes. Visit Larimer Arts Center.
- Palatka festivals: a year on the riverfront
The Azalea Festival, the Blue Crab Festival, the Mug Race, Porchfest, and the Christmas parade, with the latest confirmed dates.
- Ravine Gardens State Park: a visitor’s guide
Two 120-foot ravines planted as a garden in 1933. When the azaleas bloom, what to do, and what it costs.
- Fishing and boating the St. Johns River from Palatka
Free 24-hour ramps, a tournament-grade bass fishery, and a driveway with room for the trailer. What to know before you tow.
- A St. Augustine day trip from Palatka
About 29 miles and 40 minutes on State Road 207: the Castillo, Flagler College, Crescent Beach, and where to park.