Looking for a quiet river town with Old Florida charm? Head to Green Cove Springs, located along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida. Rich with history, bursting with outdoor adventures and brimming with local flavor, Green Cove Springs beckons visitors from near and far. This serene community feels worlds away from the bustling Jacksonville downtown nearby.
“If you’re looking for a small town with great views and great stories, you have to visit Green Cove Springs,” gushes Kimberly Morgan, Clay County Board of County Commissioners director of tourism. “Take a walk back in time as you tour the second oldest jail in Florida, the Clay County Museum, the Historic Courthouse or the TAPS Monument.”
As for hidden gems, just ask a local: “Get your photo taken next to the Space Shuttle External Fuel Tank at Reynolds Industrial Park,” Morgan suggests. “Also, the stained glass at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, founded in 1878, came from the famous Colgate Art Glass Co. in New York City and is among the earliest in American stained glass.”
Check out these must-see spots while you’re in town.
1. Military Museum of North Florida
History buffs will revel in this former World War II-era Naval Air Station. Walk in the shadows of fighter pilots and heroes, take an up-close look at military artifacts, weapons and uniforms, and learn the stories of the brave servicemen and servicewomen. Don’t miss the F6F Hellcat fighter and Blackhawk simulator. This museum honors all service people from every branch of the armed forces, touching on all the country’s major conflicts.
2. Spring Park and City Pier
Nestled along the St. Johns River, this community centerpiece draws visitors with its family-friendly amenities. Lined with Spanish-moss-draped oaks, Spring Park boasts a 135,000-gallon spring-fed pool surrounded by a splash pad, playgrounds, gazebos and picnic pavilions. Originating from the “Floridan Aquifer,” the 72-degree natural spring bubbles up at an estimated 3,000 gallons per minute. The City Pier, 150-foot South Dock Kayak Launch and boat slips provide ample opportunity for water play, whether you’re casting your line over the side, docking your boat in the 12-slip access or soaking in the beautiful views of the St. Johns River. “Spring Park is home to delightful music and food every second Friday of the month at Food Truck Fridays,” Morgan says.
3. Camp Chowenwaw Park
Situated along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, the 150-acre Camp Chowenwaw once served as Florida’s first Girl Scout Camp. Today, this historic gem wows visitors with abundant wildlife, meandering trails, a nature center, a volleyball court and a refreshing swimming pool. If you enjoy overnight camping, you can sleep under the stars in cabins and – wait for it – treehouses. Morgan notes that PADL rentals at Camp Chowenwaw give you easy access to the water without having to carry your own paddleboard or kayak.
4. Walnut Street Shops
Need a dose of retail therapy? Head to this quaint street lined with unique gift shops, boutiques, antique stores and more. Local favorites include The Art Room and Cowabunga Comics and Art Gallery. “A few new retailers can be found along Walnut Street,” Morgan says. “One Swanky Chic Boutique and The Twisted Lotus Studio join favorites like Guitar Station, Red’s Wine Bar and Something Special Antiques – making Walnut Street the place to be.”
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5. Fall Festivals
This welcoming community sure knows how to celebrate. The Annual Soul Food and Music Festival in October offers a parade, games, dance contests, live music, sweet potato pie and barbecued ribs contests, and more. Or get your cowboy on at the Off R Rocker Rodeo in October. Sponsored by the Off R Rocker nonprofit, this fun event aims to help the next generation of rodeo wannabes chase their buckle dreams with fun, engaging rodeo and racing activities. Talk about a wild ride.
6. Local Dining Hot Spots
Since opening in 2011, Spring Park Coffee quickly transitioned into a popular hometown coffeehouse. Sip on a cup of locally brewed Brass Tacks Coffee Co. coffee, enjoy a homemade pastry and chat with locals in this cozy shop. Hungry? Pop in to
D’Fontana, a quaint eatery known for made-to-order Italian specialties ranging from eggplant parmigiana and chicken carbonara to ravioli and, of course, pizza.
7. Black Creek Trail and Park
Head outdoors to enjoy the stunning scenery as you walk along this 8-mile trail, which connects Orange Park, Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs. Popular with the locals, this paved, pet-friendly path welcomes hikers, cyclists and inline skaters. Don’t miss the unpaved path that runs to Black Creek for beautiful water views. With a covered picnic pavilion, Black Creek Park offers the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy a brown bag lunch.
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If You Go
Check out the Clay County Tourism website at exploreclay.com, where you can download a free visitors guide to help you plan your trip.
Discover year-round festivals at the City of Green Cove Springs website: greencovesprings.com/specialevents.
For More Travel Inspiration
In addition to the links provided in the article, find more in-state travel inspiration at visitflorida.com.
Green Cove Springs is a special town. I lived and worked there from Aug 1966 to July 1968. It was a very friendly town . The towns residents were accepting of me as an outsider and adopted me as their own. The Carlisles, the Barthofs, the Kennetts, the Mitchell’s, the Geigers, the Bowles, the Turners, and so many others were great to me. Jerry Hall hired me to work weekends at the Handy Way Food Store on N. Orange Ave. Went to Clay HS sport events esp when they won the State Football Championship in 1967. Many fond memories!!!
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