Crescent City FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Crescent City, Florida.
1. Crescent Lake Park
SERENE LAKESIDE RECREATION
Crescent Lake Park offers a peaceful lakeside setting on the shores of Crescent Lake, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. Visitors enjoy boat launches, grassy picnic areas, and scenic water views that capture the natural beauty of rural Florida. Its tranquil atmosphere and easy water access make it a popular spot for both locals and travelers seeking relaxation or recreation.
2. Shell Harbor Park & Boat Ramp
BOAT LAUNCH AND BEACH ACCESS
Shell Harbor Park & Boat Ramp provides direct public access to Crescent Lake, offering a sandy waterfront area ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park features a boat ramp, picnic shelters, and ample parking, catering to both day-trippers and water sport enthusiasts. Its laid-back, family-friendly vibe draws visitors for lakeside relaxation and aquatic adventures.
3. Lake Stella Park
CENTRAL CITY LAKEFRONT PARK
Lake Stella Park is a local favorite for families, with a sandy swimming area, shaded picnic tables, and a playground along the banks of Lake Stella. The park's calm, clear waters are inviting for swimmers and paddlers, while fishermen often cast from the shore. Its convenient location in the heart of Crescent City makes it a lively gathering spot for lakeside relaxation and events.
4. Welden Park at Lake Stella
SHADED WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Welden Park sits along the edge of Lake Stella with a small sandy beach, fishing pier, and picnic facilities nestled under mature oaks. It's known for its quiet ambiance, gentle lake breezes, and opportunities for kayaking or paddleboarding. The park's picturesque views and relaxed setting offer a perfect spot for a peaceful waterfront escape.
5. Welaka Waterfront Park
RIVERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Welaka Waterfront Park, located on the St. Johns River just north of Crescent City, features a riverfront beach, fishing pier, and boat ramp. The park provides sweeping water views, shaded picnic spots, and access to riverside swimming and boating. Its charming small-town setting and variety of water activities make it a beloved destination for river recreation.
6. Salt Springs Recreation Area
PRISTINE SPRINGS RETREAT
Salt Springs Recreation Area, part of the Ocala National Forest, boasts crystal-clear natural springs with sandy swimming areas and freshwater snorkeling. The spring pools stay a refreshing 72°F year-round, surrounded by shaded picnic grounds and hiking trails. This spot is particularly popular for families and nature lovers seeking a classic Florida swimming hole experience.
7. Lake George Boat Ramp & Park
EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE ACCESS
Lake George Boat Ramp & Park sits on Florida's second-largest lake, offering a sandy beach, boat launches, and ample fishing opportunities. The waters of Lake George attract swimmers, paddlers, and birdwatchers year-round. With its broad views and easy access, the park is a prime spot for lakeside recreation and wildlife observation.
8. DeLeon Springs State Park
HISTORIC SPRING SWIMMING
DeLeon Springs State Park is famous for its large natural spring, where visitors swim, snorkel, and paddle in cool, blue waters surrounded by lush forest. The park includes a riverside swimming area, picnic pavilions, and nature trails, plus the unique Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant. Its blend of recreation, history, and natural beauty makes it a regional favorite for water lovers.
9. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
CLEAR SPRINGS AND SANDY BEACH
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area offers an inviting sandy beach and crystal-clear spring water for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Nestled in the Ocala National Forest near the north shore of Lake George, its shallow, transparent pool is ideal for families and wildlife viewing. The unspoiled setting and abundant aquatic life create a magical swimming hole experience.
10. Crescent Beach
ATLANTIC OCEANFRONT RETREAT
Crescent Beach is a wide, hard-packed sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean, popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing with public access and vehicle driving permitted in designated areas. Its relatively quiet atmosphere and natural dunes make it a relaxing coastal escape with room to spread out. The scenic shoreline and laid-back vibe offer a classic Florida beach experience just a short drive from Crescent City.