10 Things to Do on Your Girls Trip to Palatka, Florida

A vacation with your gal pals is always a good time, but it turns out that they’re good for you, too. Researchers from the University of Florida and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have released data that shows girl getaways are related to your overall well-being. So that means it’s time to plan a trip with your besties… for health reasons (and lots of laughs and fun). 

If you’re looking for the best place in Florida for a girls trip, look no further than Palatka. Located 45 minutes away from St. Augustine, and about an hour away from Jacksonville, it’s easy to get to. Those coming from Orlando can get to Palatka in less than two hours. 

You’ll find great places to eat, stay, and play. Here are a few of our suggestions to add to your itinerary for the best girls getaway in Palatka.

• Stay in a historic home. 

If you’re bringing your whole group of gal pals along, book a stay at Grand Gables Inn, an elegant home from the 1800s that has been restored to all of its original glory. You’ll have the entire house to yourself during your stay. There are eight bedrooms, with a total of 13 beds, so there’s room for the entire crew. You’ll only be a block away from the St. Johns River, and will be within walking distance of the shops and restaurants. 

• Grab coffee and walk along the St. Johns River. 

Plan a morning to walk down to Palatka Coffee Co.’s downtown location and grab coffee and breakfast. They have some yummy seasonal brews, but some of the local favorites include The Honey Badger Latte (made with honey, cinnamon, and vanilla), the PCC (made with caramel and vanilla), and the Dirty Latte (made with salted caramel, white chocolate and caramel.) This local shop is connected to The River Center and you can head to the rooftop to enjoy great views of the St. Johns River while you plan out your day. 

• Search for antiques. 

Take a stroll along the main thoroughfare in Downtown Palatka – St. Johns Avenue. There are some cute boutiques, and you and your girls will have no problems finding a few new outfits to go home with. This is also a great spot to do some antique shopping as well, though. Elsie Bells, Deputy’s Attic, and Lemon Street Market & Mercantile all have some cool vintage finds and are located within historic Downtown Palatka. 

• Check out the local art. 

As you’re walking through Downtown Palatka, you’ll see the array of colorful public art that adorns the walls of local buildings. Block out a little time to take a free self-guided mural tour and learn about all of the artwork. Save some time to stop by the Larimer Arts Center, too. It’s free to visit and check out the exhibits that showcase the talent of the area’s best artists.

• Have lunch at Florida’s oldest diner. 

Located across the street from the Larimer Arts Center is Angel’s Dining Car – one of the most unique spots you’ll ever eat. This train car was converted into a restaurant and has been serving hungry customers in Palatka for over 90 years, making it Florida’s oldest diner. The food is fresh and delicious and the old-school vibes give it a really fun ambience. After you’ve filled your bellies, make sure you and your girlfriends grab a selfie with the Elvis statue outside.

• Go for a hike and see thousands of flowers. 

Ravine Gardens State Park is only a mile away from Grand Gables and is a beautiful place that is bursting with flowers. The thousands of blooming azaleas get most of the attention, but there is a wide variety of ornamental trees, flowers, and mosses that can be found there. It’s a nice place to hike, but you can also take the scenic drive that weaves through the ravines. 

• Take a quilting class. 

Have some fun with your girls, get creative, and learn a new skill together.  Miss D’s Quilt Shop has all of the sewing and quilting materials you could ever need, and their passion has earned them an esteemed place in the quilting community. They also love sharing their knowledge. Check out their online event schedule to find information on embroidery classes, group quilting days, and more. 

• Join a sunset cruise. 

One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the St. Johns River is by taking a leisurely boat tour as the sun is setting. The guided boat tour takes you on a ride along Palatka’s riverfront and offers an opportunity to learn more about the history and its vibrant history. You may even get a chance to see some of the local wildlife. 

• Have dinner with a view. 

Spice up dinner time with a nice meal at Velchoff’s Corner. They have several cajun dishes like seafood gumbo and shrimp & grits, but you can also get oysters, burgers, salads, and more. Our suggestion is to opt for outside seating so you can enjoy views of the St. Johns River. While you’re there, toast to your girls getaway with a Lemon Street Blueberry Lemon Martini that’s made with fresh local blueberries.

• Enjoy a night on the town and sip your way through Palatka’s downtown bars. 

Palatka’s awesome downtown bars are all within walking distance of each other, so you can sip and stroll. Start your journey at Petey’s Beer & Wine Garden to have drinks alongside the playful resident goats, then make a stop at nearby Azalea City Brewing Company for the best local brews. Stroll down to Steamboat Willie’s and grab a drink from their full liquor bar. Wrap up the evening at Uncork and Unwind Craft Beer and Wine Bar for one final toast to your girls getaway in Palatka. 

Pro Tip: Depending on where you’re coming from, you may want to amp up the fun for your Girls Trip and take a train to Palatka. You don’t have to fight over who is driving, and you can all enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The Amtrak station in downtown Palatka makes it easy to add on a scenic train ride from Jacksonville or Orlando in around two hours or less.  

Palatka is the perfect spot for a girls getaway, and this is just a sampling of the things to do. To see more options of places to stay and things to do, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more about all of the other exciting things to do here.