WELAKA, FLORIDA

Welaka, Florida is on the east bank of the St. Johns River about halfway between Palatka and Deland.

It is not on the main highway, so you have to work a bit to find it.

Signs in Welaka at Boat Ramp on St Johns River

The little village is on the east bank of the St. Johns River between Satsuma and Georgetown.

This part of northeast Florida is still pretty much like it used to be in the old days.

Old Vine Covered Building in Welaka, Florida

The Florida back roads leading into Welaka are beautiful, many of them canopied with old oak trees showing grey beards of hanging Spanish Moss.

Welaka is on the country roads west of US-17 and it's easy to get lost without a GPS or map.

Welaka Town Hall

There are a couple of little motels and restaurants that are worth visiting.

Welaka is a vacation spot for fishermen who love to go for the big bass in the river.

Workshop and Home on St Johns River

Streets are lined with old buildings to please the eye, most of them not restored and some even empty.

The town has three historic churches on County Road 309.

Welaka United Methodist Church

Welaka doesn't get much traffic, and you will get a good feeling of old Florida tranquility.

St Johns River at Welaka

One time when I was there, I saw a young man working on restoring an old Airstream trailer.

A beautiful ship's figurehead was supervising the work from the front of the shop. You can still see the figurehead today.

A new restaurant that gets good reviews is Waters Edge Pub & Grill, 10 Boston Street, Welaka, FL 32193. It is being renovated, so please check at 386-467-2707 for the current status.

Andersen's Lodge is a fishing resort where the Waters Edge is located.

There are a few quiet RV parks in the area along the St Johns River in Welaka and nearby.  

Home in Welaka

There are only a few dining opportunities in Welaka. 

One that I enjoy is  Shrimp R Us on the main drag through town, 3rd Avenue, also known as County Road 309.

Shrimp R Us

This restaurant is a large tiki bar with all seating under roof with no walls so it's all open to the outside.  Plastic roll down curtains protect the interior when it gets too cold outside.

Shrimp R Us

The entire feeling is pleasant, with mostly local folk sitting around the bar enjoying a meal and a beer. 

The food is very good, especially if you like fried fish.

Shrimp R Us

THINGS TO DO IN WELAKA, FLORIDA

Welaka Boat Rentals
1171 Co Rd 309, Crescent City, FL 32112 | (386) 916-1900

This family-run business offers a gateway to the serene waters of the St. Johns River, perfect for fishing, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Their fleet includes a variety of boats suitable for different group sizes and interests, ensuring you have the ideal vessel for your river exploration.

Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to relax on the water, Welaka Boat Rentals provides everything you need for a memorable day out.

Welaka State Forest
County Road 309, Welaka, FL 32193 | (386) 292-2478

The forest headquarters and training facilities are on the east side of County Road 309, about 1 mile south of the town of Welaka.

Spanning over 2,287 acres, this lush landscape offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching. The forest's diverse ecosystems are home to a wide array of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

One of our favorite trails leads to the serene waters of Mud Spring, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Welaka State Forest is the perfect destination.

Shrimp-R-Us & More
765 3rd Ave, Welaka, FL 32193 | (386) 467-7111

I discuss this restaurant in more detail earlier on the page.

WHAT OUR VISITORS HAVE SAID ABOUT WELAKA

Old Building in Welaka, Florida

Mar 09, 2020
Great Places
by: Anonymous

There are several great places to hang out there.

My wife and I always go to Shrimps R Us for the 17 shrimp with 2 sides for $11. The River Pub has excellent food and is especially known for it's pizza, but they also have a new bone in ribeye that sounds amazing.

On the weekends, Shrimps has a live band Friday and Saturday until 10. Most people then go to Renegades on the Rive that also has a live band that ends around midnight.

If you still want to party, head to the Log Cabin, a nice little sports bar where the band plays till 1 AM.

Welaka Lodge and Resort is a great place to hang out as they have a bar/restaurant on the water, but it's only open on the weekends during the warm months.

Awesome grilled burgers and fish sandwiches. There are springs all around and lots of good bass fishing.

Welaka Lodge

Jun 06, 2016
We love Welaka
by: Linda N

We love visiting back roads in Florida and found Welaka over a year ago. The Welaka Lodge and RV resort is a great place to stay.

They have wonderful cottages and a limited amount of rv spots. They also have a dock with boat rentals.

Welaka Lodge and Resort
Flickr/Visit Florida, Daron Dean

Great town for exploring by bike too. We loved the restaurant called Shrimp R Us and there's a fairly new BBQ place. We're ready to go back!