Crescent City FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Crescent City, Florida.
1. First Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
First Presbyterian Church stands as one of the most visited attractions in Crescent City, showcasing beautiful religious architecture and historical significance. Visitors can appreciate the church's architectural details and learn about its role in the local community's development. The church is included in Crescent City's free walking tour, which highlights over two dozen historic buildings throughout the area.
2. Country Antiques Mall
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Country Antiques Mall offers antique enthusiasts a chance to discover hidden local treasures in Crescent City. Located next to the high school and easy to find, this popular shopping destination attracts both locals and tourists looking for unique vintage items. The mall is considered a must-visit monthly stop for many collectors and casual browsers alike.
3. St. John the Baptist Church
FAITH AND HERITAGE
St. John the Baptist Church represents an important piece of religious heritage in Crescent City. This church is featured in the city's recommended free walking tour that showcases numerous historic buildings throughout the community. Visitors can pick up a guide at City Hall on US 17 to learn about this church and other significant architectural structures in the area.
4. The Oaks Golf Club
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF EXPERIENCE
The Oaks Golf Club features an 18-hole championship golf course strategically located halfway between Jacksonville and Orlando. The course offers diverse playing experiences with the front nine providing wide fairways and medium-sized greens for golfers of all skill levels. Beyond golf, visitors can enjoy the great restaurant that's open to the public, making it a complete recreational destination.
5. Eva Lyons Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY RETREAT
Eva Lyons Park provides a tranquil green space for relaxation and recreation in the heart of Crescent City. Visitors can enjoy the park's amenities while experiencing the charm of small-town Florida. The park serves as a gathering place for community events and offers a refreshing break for travelers exploring Crescent City.
6. Hallie's Landing
WATERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Hallie's Landing offers visitors kayak, pedal boat, and SUP rentals on the spring-fed Lake Stella from December 15th to May 15th each year. The facility features a lovely waterfront café where guests can enjoy refreshments with beautiful lake views. Though closed on Christmas Day, this recreational spot exemplifies Crescent City's 'Life Between the Lakes' appeal with its water-based activities.
7. Crescent Lake
PRISTINE NATURAL WATERS
Crescent Lake offers visitors a quintessential Florida lake experience with opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and fishing in Crescent City. The lake is one of the twin bodies of water that give the city its 'Life Between the Lakes' motto and provides scenic beauty year-round. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing and peaceful surroundings while experiencing authentic Old Florida charm.
8. Lake Stella
SPRING-FED RECREATION SPOT
Lake Stella is a crystal-clear spring-fed lake that serves as one of Crescent City's natural treasures for water recreation. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing waters through activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in this pristine environment. The lake's location within the city makes it easily accessible for tourists wanting to experience Florida's natural beauty.
9. Church of the Holy Comforter
COMMUNITY AND ARCHITECTURE
Church of the Holy Comforter welcomes visitors with its impressive architectural features and vibrant congregation in Crescent City. The church hosts many community activities throughout the year, making it a cultural hub within the small town. Travelers often note that the warm atmosphere provides a taste of home during their journeys through Florida.
10. Renegade's On The River
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Renegade's On The River offers a popular dining destination combining American cuisine, bar atmosphere, and fresh seafood with waterfront views in Crescent City. Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding waterways. The restaurant provides a taste of local flavor and has become a favorite spot for both tourists and residents.
11. Castillo de San Marcos
ANCIENT SPANISH FORTRESS
Castillo de San Marcos stands as the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, located about 47 miles from Crescent City in historic St. Augustine. The impressive 17th-century Spanish fortress features coquina walls that have withstood centuries of attacks and weathering, offering visitors a tangible connection to early American colonial history. Tourists can explore the fort's gun deck, guard rooms, and various exhibits while enjoying panoramic views of Matanzas Bay and the St. Augustine skyline.
12. St. Augustine Lighthouse
COASTAL MARITIME BEACON
The St. Augustine Lighthouse, located approximately 47 miles from Crescent City, rises 165 feet above sea level as an iconic black and white striped beacon dating back to 1874. Visitors can climb the 219 steps to the top for breathtaking views of St. Augustine, Anastasia Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. The site also includes a maritime museum with artifacts and exhibits detailing the region's rich nautical history, making it both an educational and visually stunning attraction.
13. Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
HISTORIC DISCOVERY SITE
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park commemorates the legendary spring that Ponce de León supposedly sought and the site where Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established the first permanent European settlement in North America in 1565. Visitors can drink from the spring, explore archaeological exhibits showcasing Timucuan Indian artifacts, and witness living history demonstrations of colonial Spanish life. Located about 47 miles from Crescent City, this 15-acre waterfront park combines myth, history, and natural beauty in one fascinating attraction.
14. Anastasia State Park
COASTAL NATURE PRESERVE
Anastasia State Park encompasses 1,600 acres of pristine coastal habitat just 47 miles from Crescent City, featuring four miles of immaculate beaches, ancient sand dunes, and maritime hammocks. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and camping amidst diverse ecosystems that support numerous wildlife species including wading birds, sea turtles, and indigo snakes. The park also offers water activities like swimming, surfing, and paddling, plus equipment rentals available at the park's Anastasia Watersports concession.
15. Colonial Quarter
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Colonial Quarter, located approximately 47 miles from Crescent City in St. Augustine, offers an immersive journey through four centuries of Florida's colonial history within a two-acre living history museum. Visitors can watch blacksmiths forge metal using traditional techniques, climb a 35-foot watchtower for panoramic views, and explore authentically recreated buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Interactive demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities bring the past to life while showcasing the diverse cultural influences that shaped Florida's earliest European settlement.