Starke FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Starke, Florida.
1. Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park
MILITARY HISTORY AND ARTIFACTS
Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park houses a colorful collection of weapons, photo exhibits, mannequins in uniform, and other artifacts that tell the story of Camp Blanding during World War II. The museum, located in a refurbished World War II barracks, offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its comprehensive displays and memorabilia. Though small, the museum is packed with historical items that showcase the rich military heritage of the area.
2. Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park
THRILLING RACING EXPERIENCE
The Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park (The FIRM) is a 430+ acre motorsport facility featuring surfaces for almost any type of motorsport. Located adjacent to the Keystone Airpark between Gainesville and Jacksonville, this park offers racing enthusiasts a premier venue for auto racing and motorsport activities. Visitors can experience the thrill of high-speed action in a professional racing environment.
3. The Shoppes at Thompson Street
ECLECTIC SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Shoppes at Thompson Street offers an interesting collection of shopping and services in the heart of Starke. Visitors can browse through collectibles, flags, essential oils, vintage jewelry, and much more in this charming shopping destination. This local gem provides a unique shopping experience with its diverse array of specialty items and souvenirs.
4. Kingsley Lake Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Kingsley Lake Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park features access to Kingsley Lake, often called the "Silver Dollar Lake" due to its nearly perfect circular shape. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and other water activities in this tranquil lakeside environment.
5. Florida Twin Theatre
CLASSIC MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Florida Twin Theatre provides a charming, nostalgic movie-going experience in downtown Starke. The theater offers great ticket prices and affordable concessions, making it a favorite entertainment spot for locals and visitors alike. This classic cinema venue allows movie enthusiasts to enjoy the latest films in a cozy, small-town atmosphere.
6. Fun Point
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Fun Point is an all-in-one arcade and restaurant designed to raise spirits with scrumptious food and drink options alongside a lively gaming area. Visitors can get lost in virtual reality games or create friendly competition with skee ball tournaments and other arcade classics. The venue regularly offers special events including trivia nights, karaoke nights, and bingo nights, ensuring there's always something amusing happening for guests of all ages.
7. Bradford County Agricultural Fair
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Bradford County Agricultural Fair is an annual event featuring animal shows and sales that showcase the region's agricultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions including carnival rides for adults and children, live entertainment shows, and a wide selection of food vendors and desserts. This community celebration brings together locals and tourists alike to experience the best of Bradford County's rural traditions and family-friendly entertainment.
8. Whiskey River Saloon
LIVELY LOCAL BAR
Whiskey River Saloon offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly owners and operators who make visitors feel at home. The venue features performances by local bands, creating an authentic Florida entertainment experience. Patrons appreciate the reasonable drink prices and casual environment, making it a popular spot for both locals and travelers passing through Starke.
9. Miyong's Tailor Shop
EXPERT TAILORING SERVICES
Miyong's Tailor Shop provides professional tailoring services in a clean, well-maintained environment. The shop is known for its excellent embroidery work and prompt turnaround times for alterations and custom clothing projects. Visitors seeking quality tailoring services will appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail offered at this specialty shop in Starke.
10. Silver Springs
NATURAL WONDER ATTRACTION
Silver Springs is a 350-acre nature theme park and zoo that surrounds the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River, just 61 miles south of Starke. Visitors can experience the world-famous glass bottom boats, watch wildlife including bears, panthers, and alligators, and enjoy live animal shows throughout the day. The park is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., making it an accessible destination for travelers any time of year.
11. St. Augustine Historic District
AMERICA'S OLDEST CITY
St. Augustine Historic District, located 54 miles east of Starke, offers visitors the chance to step back in time in Florida and America's oldest city. The area features numerous historic attractions including The Oldest House built in 1720, The Lightner Museum, the Spanish Quarter Museum, Government House, and the Spanish Military Hospital. Beyond historical sites, visitors can enjoy eclectic shopping, dining, art galleries, a wax museum, and the famous Alligator Farm.
12. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Park
LEGENDARY HISTORIC SITE
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Park invites visitors to take a sip from the legendary spring that gave Florida its name. Located in nearby St. Augustine, this historic site combines archaeology, history, and myth in a beautiful 15-acre waterfront setting. The attraction features historical exhibits, demonstrations, and the opportunity to sample the famous waters that were once believed to restore youth to all who drank from them.
13. Starke City Recreation
COMMUNITY SPORTS AND LEISURE
Starke City Recreation offers various sports facilities and leisure activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The recreation complex provides opportunities for baseball, softball, basketball, and other community sports programs throughout the year. Families visiting Starke can take advantage of these well-maintained public spaces for outdoor fun and physical activities during their stay.
14. Public Boat Ramps
GATEWAY TO WATERWAYS
The Public Boat Ramps in Bradford County provide convenient water access for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts. These well-maintained facilities serve as gateways to the area's beautiful lakes and waterways, including the picturesque Kingsley Lake. Visitors can bring their own watercraft or fishing gear to enjoy a day on the water exploring the natural beauty of North Florida's aquatic ecosystems.
15. Spanish Quarter Museum
COLONIAL LIFE REENACTMENT
The Spanish Quarter Museum in St. Augustine, a short drive from Starke, offers visitors an immersive experience of colonial Spanish life through living history demonstrations. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except December 25), the museum features costumed interpreters who reenact daily activities from the 18th century. Visitors can observe blacksmithing, cooking, carpentry, and other colonial crafts while learning about Florida's rich Spanish heritage in this open-air living museum.