Romance just comes naturally in Putnam County. From river cruises to surprise picnics, there are plenty of options for planning a fun and memorable date night (or day) with your main catch.

Drift Into Romance on the St. Johns River  

Romance on the river? Yes, please! One of the most scenic ways to enjoy the beauty of Putnam County is by cruising on its most famed waterway. Sip champagne as you relax on a pontoon cruise along the St. Johns River. 

On February 14, 2026, a special Valentine’s Day cruise will set sail at 5 p.m. Your ticket comes with a complimentary glass of bubbly. If you would rather celebrate with your friends, there’s a Galentine’s Day cruise that happens the day before. 

While the kiddos are allowed on some cruises, these two special cruises are only for those 21 and up. You’ll also need to make advance reservations. Other scenic cruises run throughout the year, so you don’t have to save river romance for Valentine’s Day.

Make Dinner Reservations (This Never Goes Out of Style)

You can never go wrong with a scrumptious meal together. There are many great places to eat in Putnam County, and picking one is a delicious challenge. The best restaurant for your date night often comes down to your cravings, and where you happen to be. Here are a couple of our favorites on the east and west sides of Putnam County.

Velchoff’s Corner: Palatka 

Dine al fresco surrounded by lush foliage while enjoying standout dishes like Cream Soda Braised Pork Belly, Fried Chicken Gumbo, and gourmet burgers that go well beyond the basics. Located near the iconic St. Johns River, this is also a great spot for seafood and oysters. After your belly is full, you can take a romantic stroll along the river to let the night linger a little longer. 

Blue Water Bay: Melrose 

On the west side of Putnam County, this award-winning restaurant delivers big flavor and even bigger portions. Meats are smoked daily, but there’s a variety of seafood dishes to choose from as well. When you go for date night, you can get one of their Bay Platters for Two, which includes an array of house favorites. It’s more than enough for both of you, but just try not to argue over the last scallop. 

Plan a Surprise Picnic 

A great meal doesn’t have to come from a restaurant. Planning a picnic adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your date. Putnam County has plenty of scenic spots with picnic tables already in place.  This allows you to focus on the food, and the element of surprise. 

Many of our favorite picnic spots in Putnam County are located within state parks and forests. These all have picnic tables, and offer the additional bonus of being able to pair your meal with a peaceful, romantic walk in nature. 

Welaka State Forest: You may want to throw some swimsuits in the car before you go. There’s a natural spring hidden in the forest, and it’s pretty tempting to take a dip in the cool water.

Etoniah Creek State Forest: While you’re there, be on the lookout for the rare Etonia rosemary plant that can only be found in Putnam County.

Dunns Creek State Park: Multiple picnic areas make this one a great choice, especially for couples who like paddling. One of the scenic areas to have a picnic is located near the kayak launch.

Ravine Gardens State Park: This park is a tropical garden that is the perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic. If you time your trip appropriately, you may also get to see the blooming azaleas. Peak season is usually January-March, but can vary based on weather.

While you can’t pick flowers at Ravine Gardens, it’s always a sweet touch to bring flowers for your date. You get bonus points if you stop by Ralph’s House of Flowers on the way and pick up a bouquet for your sweetie.

Get Artsy 

Putnam County’s artsy communities make for an easy and affordable date. In Melrose, you can check out the First Friday Art Walks. Have dinner at The Melrose Center while you hear live music and check out the artistic creations. 

In Palatka, you can take your favorite person to the Larimer Arts Center to check out the rotating exhibits by local artists. You can even request a personal, guided tour for the two of you. Opening receptions make especially fun date nights, as there are often refreshments, and you have the first chance to see new exhibits on display. 

If you’re feeling inspired, you can also create some art together. This is a fun bonding experience, and The Arts Alliance of Putnam has Open Art Studio time where the two of you can work on your own masterpiece together – without any splattered paint and scattered art supplies spread across your own home. 

Enjoy Live Theater 

The River City Players bring live theater to the intimate 71-seat Scarlett-Hill Theater at the Larimer Arts Center. This makes it possible to also peruse the current art exhibits when you attend a play. You can get tickets to one show, but season tickets turn one night out into four built-in date nights. 

The 2026 season includes:

• Scotland Road: January 28-February 8
• Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will?: April 29-May 10
• Little Shop of Horrors: July 29-August 9
• Terms of Endearment: October 28-November 8

Roll a Strike (And Make the Loser Buy Milkshakes)

A little friendly competition keeps date night fun, and what better way to cut loose than a day (or night) of bowling. Putnam Lanes is open seven days a week, and while it’s a great family-friendly activity, it’s also perfectly fine to leave the little ones at home and be kids yourselvesfor the evening. This is another great affordable date night in Putnam County. Although the specials vary by the day, you can bowl for as little as $3.50 per game at certain times. You can also amp up the fun a little and make it interesting. Make a cute wager and have the person with the lowest score buy milkshakes at Angel’s Dining Car after you’re done bowling. It’s playful, nostalgic, and it guarantees that you’ll end the date on a sweet note. 

Take Your Main Catch Fishing

You may have already hooked your main catch, but there’s plenty more fun to reel in together in the “Bass Capital of the World.” As they say, the couple that fishes together, stays together. OK, we may have just made that one up, but time on the water is never a bad idea, right? Fishing is just one of those activities that lets you slow down and enjoy time side by side in nature. With the great fishing that exists in Putnam County, your chances of reeling in a big one are pretty high, and it’s awesome to have those memories together. You can even make a weekend of it and book a cabin at Renegades on the River in Crescent City. 

No matter what your idea of romance is, Putnam County has several great ideas for your next date with your sweetheart. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn about more interesting spots in our area.