Why Putnam County Is Your Best Florida Vacation Destination This Winter

Putnam County is one of those special places you can enjoy all year long. You won’t find us stuck inside all winter, and you’ll never see us scraping ice off our cars. But you will find us grabbing a bag of ice to throw in the cooler when we’re headed down to the river. 

With mild temperatures that usually range from lows in the 40s and 50s to highs in the 60s and 70s, we’re a little spoiled. Not only is this a great time of year to visit, but there are a few things that may even make winter our favorite season. Here are a few reasons you may want to head to Putnam County for your next winter getaway. 

It’s the best time to see the azaleas in full bloom.

While some destinations don’t get to show off their prized foliage until later in the spring, Putnam County does things a little differently. Palatka is home to one of the most spectacular gardens in the state, and Ravine Gardens State Park is a wonderful place to visit anytime. However, if you come in winter, you’ll be blessed with the opportunity to see it in all of its glory. 

Azaleas are the shining stars of the park, and many varieties that can be found there – both native and ornamental. Situated alongside the park’s dramatic terrain and ravines, this is a fascinating sight to see. The bloom season spans from late December until early March and varies a little each year based on the weather. With multiple varieties, they don’t always bloom at exactly the same time and tend to be on a rolling cycle. At the peak, about 60-70 percent of them are in bloom, with others blooming before and after. Generally speaking, February is typically a really great time to see them. 

There are so many great events.

Many areas save their best events for summer, but we like to stay busy and keep the fun going all year long. The communities in Putnam County overflow with festiveness around the Christmas season, with everything from parades, to Christmas markets, and more. But the party doesn’t stop there. The Palatka Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturdays from September through May and is always a great place to stroll around and shop. We also celebrate our beloved blooms each winter at the annual Azalea Festival. Check the Putnam County Event Calendar before you come so you can see what’s happening when you visit. 

There’s an abundance of outdoor activities.

Many people flock to Putnam County during the winter because the weather is so perfect to enjoy all of our outdoor activities. It’s no secret this is the “Bass Capital of the World,” and fishing is great here year-round. Whether you’re fishing on the St. Johns River or one of our amazing lakes such as Crescent Lake, Lake George, or Lake Oklawaha, you’ll find that this is a great time to get out on the water and experience the great outdoors. 

Winter temperatures also make it ideal to get out and enjoy all of our state parks, state forests, national forests, and conservation areas in Putnam County. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or paddling, you’ll find plenty of trails to enjoy. You can even follow in the footsteps of the famed explorer, William Bartram, who documented his travels through the area in the late 1700s in his book, “Travels.” Although some things may look a little different now, it’s still pretty cool to visit the 31 sites on the Putnam County Bartram Trail. If you don’t mind getting dirty, you may also enjoy a visit to Hog Waller to ride ATVs or UTVs.

It’s easy to get to Putnam County.

You won’t have to worry about flights getting canceled because of snowstorms when coming to Putnam County in winter. Tucked in northeast Florida, this secluded piece of paradise offers plenty of places where you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away. That’s part of what we love, but in reality, it’s really easy to get here.

Depending on which community in Putnam County you’re visiting, it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to drive from Jacksonville or Orlando. You can easily fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) or Orlando International Airport (MCO), rent a car, and make the easy drive. Gainesville is even closer – you can reach the western edge of Putnam County from Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) in about 20 minutes. If you have your own plane, you can also fly directly into the Palatka-Kay Larkin Airport. Amtrak also makes a stop in Palatka, giving visitors another transportation option to reach this charming destination.

Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to help plan your winter getaway and make the most of your time in this unforgettable pocket of Florida.