Visit Welaka, Florida

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Visit Welaka FAQ: Your Top Questions, Answered

Planning a trip to Welaka, Florida? Get clear answers about where it is, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay along the St. Johns River.

Welaka is a small river town in north Florida. It sits right on the St. Johns River. People come here to fish, hike, and slow down. This page has the answers to the questions we hear most.

Where is Welaka, Florida?

Welaka is in Putnam County. It sits on the east bank of the St. Johns River. The town is about 90 miles south of Jacksonville and about 2 hours north of Orlando. From St. Augustine, it is about 41 miles. The drive from St. Augustine takes around 55 minutes. That puts Welaka in easy reach for a day trip from some of Florida's biggest tourist towns.

How big is Welaka?

The town is small. It covers about 1.4 square miles. In 2020, about 714 people lived here. There is one stoplight in town. That small-town feel is a big part of the charm.

What does "Welaka" mean?

The name comes from a Native word for the St. Johns River. The Timucua people called the river "Welaka," which means "River of Lakes." It is a good name. The river opens into big, wide lakes along the way.

What is there to do?

A lot, if you like the outdoors. Here are the big ones:

  • Fishing. The St. Johns River near Welaka is famous for largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and catfish.
  • Boating. Several public boat ramps give you easy access to the river.
  • Hiking. Welaka State Forest has trails to Mud Spring and along the river bluffs.
  • The Welaka National Fish Hatchery. It has a free public aquarium with 16 tanks.
  • The Fort Gates Ferry. It is one of Florida's oldest ferries and still runs today.
  • The Bartram Trail. Walk where the famous 1770s plant scientist William Bartram once walked.

Where can I launch a boat?

You have a few choices. The Welaka Public Boat Ramp is at 9199 Elm Street. It has two concrete lanes and a dock. Shell Harbor Public Boat Ramp is at 162 Shell Harbor Road. Both are free to use. Bryant's Wharf, at 1A Palmetto Street, has a floating dock for kayaks.

Where should I eat?

A few favorites in town:

  • Shrimp R Us & More at 765 3rd Avenue. Family-style seafood, burgers, and breakfast. Tiki bar with live music most weekends.
  • Welaka Lodge & Resort (the Boat Bar) at 1001 Front Street. The lodge sits right on the river under big oaks and palms. The on-site Boat Bar serves cocktails, beer, and food like ahi tuna and burgers. There is live music, DJs, and karaoke too — all with a view of the St. Johns.

For the full list of places to eat and drink in Welaka and the towns nearby, see our Eat & Drink directory.

Where can I stay?

Welaka has a mix of vacation rentals, lodges, and RV spots. A few favorites:

  • Stillwater Welaka — a 4-bedroom, 2-bath vacation home at 322 River Hill Drive. It sleeps up to 8 and is great for families, fishing groups, or friends. Minutes from public boat ramps and marinas.
  • Low Tide Welaka — a 3-bedroom, 2-bath riverfront home at 173 River Hill Drive. It sleeps up to 6 and is ideal for a quiet getaway. Just minutes from the St. Johns River boat ramp.
  • Welaka Lodge & Resort — cottage stays and RV sites at 1001 Front Street, set on a high bluff over the river under live oaks and palms. The Boat Bar is on-site for food, drinks, and live music.

For the full list of cabins, lodges, RV resorts, and B&Bs in the area, see our Places to Stay directory.

Can I see manatees in Welaka?

Sometimes, yes. Manatees use Welaka and Mud Springs as winter resting spots. The best chance to see them is in the cooler months. Never touch a manatee. Just watch.

Is Welaka good for kids?

It is. There are short, easy trails. The fish hatchery is a fun stop and it is free. The Welaka Downtown Park has a play space, picnic tables, and river views. Kids who like to fish will love it here.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall are the best for weather. Spring is also bass season, which is a big draw. Summer is hot and wet. Winter is mild and good for manatee watching.

How do I get to Welaka?

  • From Jacksonville: Drive about 1 hour 25 minutes. Take I-95 south to exit 311 (Route 207). Then take Route 17 south to County Road 309.
  • From St. Augustine: Drive about 55 minutes. Take Route 207 west.
  • From Orlando: Drive about 2 hours north. Most people take I-4 east to I-95, then north toward St. Augustine. Or take Highway 17 north for a slower, more scenic ride.
  • From Daytona Beach: Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes north.

Still have questions?

Take a look around the rest of the directory. The pages you'll use most:

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