Where is Palatka, Florida Located in the United States? Palatka is a city located in the Putnam County of Florida, United States. Palatka lies between 29.6483 Degrees North latitudes and -81.6376 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Palatka in Putnam County, Florida
About Map: The map shows the location of Palatka in the state of Florida, United States. Palatka is a city in Putnam County, Florida.
Palatka Map, Florida, USA
About Palatka Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Palatka in Florida, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Palatka.
About Palatka, Putnam County, Florida
Palatka is a city located in Putnam County in the U.S. state of Florida, United States. The city was established in the early nineteenth century and was incorporated in 1853 as a river port along the St. Johns River. Palatka developed historically through steamboat trade, agriculture, and timber industries supported by its strategic river location. Today the city serves as the county seat of Putnam County and is known for its historic districts, riverfront parks, and cultural events.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Palatka is 10,558 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,300 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Palatka covers a total area of approximately 7.5 square miles (about 19.4 square kilometers), including about 7.3 square miles (18.9 square kilometers) of land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Palatka is located in the northeastern part of Florida along the western bank of the St. Johns River in Putnam County. The city lies south of Jacksonville and north of Gainesville and is connected to surrounding communities through major transportation routes including U.S. Route 17 and State Road 19. Its riverfront location provides access to boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront areas.
Top Attractions & Popular Destinations
Palatka offers several parks, cultural landmarks, and recreational areas that support outdoor activities and tourism. Popular destinations include Ravine Gardens State Park, the Palatka Riverfront Park along the St. Johns River, and the city’s historic downtown district. The community also hosts the annual Florida Azalea Festival and other local events throughout the year.
Transportation
Palatka is served by major transportation routes including U.S. Route 17 and State Road 19, which provide connections to Jacksonville, Gainesville, and other communities in northeast Florida. Local road networks link residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, and commercial districts. The nearest major airport providing commercial air service is Jacksonville International Airport, located within driving distance to the north.
Explore more counties in Florida Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Palatka Website.
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Palatka, Florida Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Palatka |
| County | Putnam County |
| State | Florida |
| State Capital | Tallahassee |
| US Region | Southern United States (South Atlantic) |
| Latitude | 29.6486° N |
| Longitude | 81.6376° W |
| Elevation | 16 ft (5 m) |
| Land Area | 7.54 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.88 sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.42 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 10,558 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,400 people per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 32177, 32178 |
| Area Code | 386 |
| Time Zone Standard | Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC−4) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 12-53525 |
| Congressional District | Florida's 6th Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Palatka, Florida
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Palatka Municipal Airport (Lt. Kay Larkin Field) |
| IATA Code | None (FAA: 28J) |
| Port | Port of Palatka (St. Johns River) |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 17, State Road 19, State Road 20, State Road 100 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Amtrak Palatka Station (Silver Meteor) |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Ride Solution and Putnam County Public Transportation |
- U.S. Route 17 – Primary north–south highway connecting Palatka with Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs, DeLand, and Orlando.
- Florida State Road 19 – Connects the city with Ocala National Forest, Eustis, and central Florida.
- Florida State Road 20 – East–west route linking Palatka with Gainesville and the Atlantic coast near St. Augustine.
- Florida State Road 100 – Provides access to Bunnell, Flagler County, and Keystone Heights.
Top Places to Visit in Palatka, Florida
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Ravine Gardens State Park | State Park |
| Bronson-Mulholland House | Historic House |
| Palatka Riverfront Park | Park |
| St. Johns River Center | Nature Center |
| Putnam County Historic Courthouse | Historic Building |
| David Browning Railroad Museum | Museum |
| Larimer Arts Center | Arts Center |
| Florida Azalea Festival Grounds | Festival Venue |
| Rice Creek Conservation Area | Nature Preserve |
| Bronson Park | City Park |
Driving Distances from Palatka, Florida to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Cove Springs | Florida | 28 | 35 minutes |
| St. Augustine | Florida | 32 | 45 minutes |
| Palm Coast | Florida | 37 | 45 minutes |
| Gainesville | Florida | 48 | 1 hour |
| Ocala | Florida | 56 | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Jacksonville | Florida | 58 | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Daytona Beach | Florida | 63 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Deland | Florida | 54 | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Orlando | Florida | 97 | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Tallahassee | Florida | 165 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
Colleges and Universities in Palatka, Florida
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns River State College – Palatka Campus | Public | State College | Associate and bachelor's degree programs |
| University of Florida IFAS Extension – Putnam County | Public | Extension Center | Agricultural and community education |
| Putnam County School District | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
| St. Johns River State College Workforce Development Center | Public | Technical Education | Career and workforce training |
Waterbodies in Palatka, Florida
St. Johns River, Rice Creek, Dunns Creek, Crescent Lake, Lake George, Deep Creek, Murphy Creek, Browning Creek, Orange Creek, Ocklawaha River
Stadiums in Palatka
Palatka High School Stadium, Veterans Memorial Stadium, St. Johns River State College Athletic Complex, Palatka Golf Club, Riverfront Park Sports Fields, Putnam County Fairgrounds Arena
Palatka, Florida — Key Historical Facts
- Palatka was established in the early nineteenth century and became one of Florida's earliest inland river ports along the St. Johns River.
- During the steamboat era, the city grew into an important transportation and commercial center connecting central Florida with the Atlantic coast.
- Palatka experienced significant rebuilding after devastating fires in the late nineteenth century, shaping much of its historic downtown architecture.
- Ravine Gardens State Park was developed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and remains one of Florida's most distinctive state parks.
- Today, Palatka is recognized for its riverfront setting, annual Florida Azalea Festival, and well-preserved historic districts.
References
- City of Palatka
- Putnam County Government
- St. Johns River State College
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Ravine Gardens State Park
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