Renegades on the River
Riverside tiki bar, marina and lodging near the St. Johns in Crescent City, with live music, karaoke, bait and boat rentals.
The heart of the St. Johns River
Sunsets, big bass, and the slow life.
A small river town with bold skies, fishing camps, family-run restaurants, and parks worth a whole afternoon. Plan your visit.
130places to find
11towns & areas
21on the water
33eat & drink spots
Find your way around
Browse the directory by what you’re looking for.
Stories from the river
Editorial picks — the corners of the directory worth a deeper look.
Story 01
Sunsets worth chasing
The springs, the dock at the marina, the wide-open river. Where to be when the sky goes orange.
Story 02
A lazy day on the river
Rent the boat. Find the ramp. Buy the bait. Eat the catch. The whole loop is here.
Story 03
Where the locals eat
Family kitchens, fish camps, breweries, and one very good piece of pie in Pomona Park.
Story 04
After dark in Welaka
Bars with stages, lodges with bands, and the one Tuesday night you have to be at karaoke.
A little town. A long history.
Where the St. Johns River runs slow and the sunsets show off.
Tucked between Lake George and Crescent Lake, Welaka has been a fishing destination for over a century. Whether you’re here for the bass, a slow lunch, or a cabin off the water, this directory will help you find your way.
Featured places
A few spots locals send first-timers to.
Andersen’s Lodge
Riverfront lodging on the St. Johns in Welaka, with Andersen's Bar & Grill serving food, drinks and karaoke to guests and locals alike.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The FWC manages Florida's fish and wildlife resources, including the fishing, hunting and recreation around Welaka and Putnam County.
Porky’s Lodge, Bar & Grill
Porky's Lodge, Bar & Grill in Georgetown, on the St. Johns at the mouth of Lake George. Old Florida resort feel, fresh food and sunset views…
Crescent Fish Camp
Family-friendly fishing camp and RV resort in Crescent City with cottages, tiny homes, a full marina, fueling station and live bait.
Long’s Log Cabin Bar and Package
Historic Welaka bar established in 1929, veteran and biker owned, with live music, package sales and a fierce loyalty to locals.
Shrimps ‘R Us and More
Family-style seafood restaurant in Welaka with banquet rooms, a covered pavilion and tiki bars. Lunch and dinner daily, live music most week…
The Lochside Restaurant, Bar & Marina
Waterfront dining with Scottish charm on Crescent Lake. Restaurant, bar, and full-service marina in Crescent City, FL. Tie up, drop in, and …
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Welaka, Florida?
- Welaka is in Putnam County on the east bank of the St. Johns River, about 90 miles south of Jacksonville and 41 miles from St. Augustine. The drive from St. Augustine takes around 45 minutes — easy reach for a day trip.
- What is Welaka known for?
- Welaka is best known as the Bass Capital of the World. The St. Johns River near town is famous for largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and catfish. The slow river-town pace, fish camps, and big sunsets keep people coming back.
- What towns are near Welaka?
- Welaka sits in a cluster of small St. Johns River towns including Crescent City (15 minutes south), Pomona Park, Palatka (the regional hub), Satsuma, Fruitland, Georgetown, San Mateo, East Palatka, Elkton, Bunnell, and St. Augustine.
- Is Welaka worth visiting?
- Yes — especially if you fish, hike, or want a quiet weekend on the water. The St. Johns River, Welaka State Forest, the National Fish Hatchery aquarium, and the family-run kitchens give you plenty to do without crowds.
- What's the best time of year to visit Welaka?
- Spring (mid-February to April) is peak bass season and great weather. Fall has the calmest water and lowest crowds. Winter is mild and good for manatee watching. Summer is hot, humid, and has afternoon thunderstorms.