River Destinations & Day Trips
There are many state parks, restaurants, and hidden gems near our marina. Explore destinations and plan your adventure! We offer houseboat vacations, pontoon, fishing boat, and kayak rentals. Read the descriptions to make sure your rental vessel is allowed before entering!
Home Base
Holly Bluff Marina
hollybluff.comDestinations for Florida fun or a peaceful escape.
Springs, state parks, and lots of wildlife!
Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area
Nestled in the Ocala National Forest, this crystal clear freshwater spring is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and just hanging out on the water. A popular spot for houseboats and small boats, it’s lively and crowded in summer but a serene Old Florida escape in winter. ✅ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ NO SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
ocalamarion.comBlue Spring State Park
Home to the manatee during the winter months and a swimming hot spot during the summer! No motor vessels allowed in the spring run. Boats must beach and insert by foot ($2 per person). ❌ NO HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
floridastateparks.orgHontoon Island State Park
Accessible only by boat or ferry, this local gem offers hiking trails through pine flatwoods, picnic spots, and rich wildlife sightings along the St. Johns River. A perfect stop for a day trip, fishing, birdwatching, or exploring Old Florida’s natural beauty. ✅ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
floridastateparks.orgHontoon Dead River
A peaceful waterway known for its vibrant natural beauty and wildlife. ✅ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
Lungren Island
Between markers 1 and 3, this little island is a nice place to stop and spend the day and grill lunch. The Island is also called Shell Island and is maintained by volunteers! Bring water shoes! ✅ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
Catfish Bend
This is an excellent spot for mooring and anchoring. On the north side of Catfish Bend, you'll notice an area where people dock and have camp fires. You can tie the houseboat between two palm trees and not worry about the anchor slipping anchor slipping during the night. Pets can go ashore on a leash. ✅ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
Restaurants
The St. Johns River Grille
The St. Johns River Grille offers a diverse menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. ❌ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
stjohnsmarinaresort.comCabana Live Restaurant
This marina welcomes our boats with excellent docking and fuel. Cabana Live Restaurant on the marina property has good food and a full bar. They also have a deli for take-out food. Frequently they have live entertainment around the pool area. No overnight docking. ❌ NO HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
cabanalive.comboattree.comShady Oak Restaurant
A riverside spot in DeLand serving up Florida favorites like gator nuggets and fried fish. Relax on the patio overlooking the St. Johns River with friendly service and a laid-back vibe. ❌ HOUSEBOATS NOT ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
shadyoakrestaurant.shopSwamp House Riverfront Grill
Located at Highbanks Marina, this local favorite has good food, drinks, and live music. Call (386) 668-8891 to ask about docking. ❌ HOUSEBOATS ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
swamphousegrill.comLocal hangout spots
French Landing
This beach area is a popular destination for locals to beach their boats, hang out, and swim. ❌ HOUSEBOATS NOT ALLOWED ✅ SMALL BOATS ALLOWED
Redneck Beach
For anchorage and mooring
Anchorage Spot
Anchorage Spot
Butcher's Bend
There is good anchorage behind this island located between markers 109 and 111. This spot is close to local hangout, Redneck Beach.
Anchorage Spot
Between markers 75 and 77, go behind the island for good anchorage.
Anchorage Spot
When the lake is rough, this is a nice spot.
Devils Elbow
Between marker 30and 32 has good dockage behind the island on the west side of the river.
Anchorage Spot
Anchorage Spot
Near Blue Spring State Park is marker 69. Go behind the island for good anchorage.
Lake Beresford
Located just south of Holly Bluff and has excellent fishing and mooring. Be very careful entering from the river as there are many submerged
Happy Hill
Happy Hill
Emanuel Bend
Good mooring spot across from the mouth of the Wekiva River.
Boundaries
Mud Lake
Too shallow. No boats allowed.
Blue Island Creek
Too shallow. Do not enter.
Wekiva River
Too shallow and narrow. Do not enter.
Alexander Springs
No boats allowed. Too shallow.
Do not enter. Too shallow and narrow.
Juniper Spring
Too shallow. No boats allowed.
Dutchman's Bend
No boats allowed.
Stagger Mud Lake
Too shallow. Do not enter.
St. Francis Dead River
No boats allowed.
Horseshoe Mud Lake
It's called Mud Lake for a reason! Too shallow. Do not enter.
Norris Dead River
No boats allowed.
Lake Dexter
No boats allowed.
Southern Boundary
Northern Boundary
Do not go beyond markers 6 and 7.
Lake Monroe
Ocala National Forest
Lake George
Lake George is the second largest lake in Florida second only to Lake Okeechobee in size. It is 11 miles in length and 5 miles in width. It is a shallow lake and can get rough very fast. Do not enter unless the weather is good.