Fall in Clay County is a season made for slowing down, breathing in the crisp air, and savoring moments big and small. The summer heat fades, the light shifts to a golden glow, and the calendar fills with opportunities to explore, taste, and connect. Whether you’re planning a family staycation, visiting from out of town, or simply want to make the most of the season, Clay County offers a little bit of everything, from outdoor adventures to cozy cafés to festive events and more. This bucket list is your invitation to embrace all the things that make fall here so special!
Sip on Fall Flavors at Coffee Shops
Fall is a season best experienced with something warm in your hands, and Clay County’s coffee shops know how to brew it right. At Spring Park Coffee in Green Cove Springs, the caramel apple spice latte is the definition of autumn in a cup—sweet, spiced, and comforting. Present Tense Coffee & Books pairs its butterscotch caramel latte with shelves of secondhand books, making it dangerously easy to lose an afternoon here. In Orange Park, Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café offers a maple white mocha alongside a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and bakery treats. These local spots make it easy to turn a coffee run into cozy moments of connection, whether with a friend, a good book, or just the rhythm of the season.
Support Local Boutiques
Shopping local is one of the coziest ways to spend a fall afternoon, and it supports the heart of Clay County’s small business community! At House of Dazzle in Orange Park, you’ll find chic clothing and accessories that feel like a seasonal refresh. 5th and Paisley in Green Cove Springs offers the charm of small-town shopping with racks of stylish finds and unique gifts. And in Fleming Island, Rustic Rose Boutique blends rustic-chic home décor with cozy autumn apparel. Each shop has its own personality, but they share the same warm welcome and the joy of discovering something that feels like it was waiting just for you.
Look for Manatees at Spring Park
During the fall and winter, manatees migrate to warmer waters, and the St. Johns River is one of the most popular channels to spot manatees in Northeast Florida. That means Spring Park in Green Cove Springs is a prime spot during this season to try and see migrating manatees. Here, you can enjoy a picnic under the shade of trees, stroll along the riverfront, and keep watch for gentle gray shapes gliding just below the surface. Even if the manatees are feeling shy, the river views alone make the trip worthwhile.
Plan a Camping Trip at Camp Chowenwaw
Sometimes, the summer heat and storms make it difficult to plan a camp trip, but in the fall, the cooler temperatures can make for the perfect camping trip. Camp Chowenwaw is a great place to go camping in Green Cove Springs, not only because it offers lush hiking trails, but also because there are a variety of camping options to choose from. There are primitive tent sites, traditional log cabins, and unique treehouse cabins that provide scenic views. Between hikes, kayaking, and wildlife watching, you’ll have plenty to do—but don’t forget the s’mores! Nothing says fall camping quite like gathering around a campfire on a cool night, toasting marshmallows, and swapping stories.
Go for a Hike
Fall is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Clay County on foot. With cooler temperatures and bursts of autumn color, the trails feel fresh and inviting. In Middleburg, Jennings State Forest offers options for every hiking skill level, but the Pioneer Trail is a standout. Spanning 11.6 miles, it winds through rolling hills, hardwood forests, and scenic bluffs along Black Creek. You might stumble upon a waterfall tucked between mossy rocks or catch a glimpse of deer moving quietly through the trees on a hike here.
Further south in Keystone Heights, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park has over five miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, weaving through pine flatwoods and ravines. This time of year is especially magical for birdwatchers. Warblers, thrushes, and other migratory birds fill the canopy with flashes of color and song. Whether you’re in it for the exercise, the views, or a bit of quiet reflection, a fall hike in Clay County delivers.
Discover New Flavors
Clay County’s dining scene is full of places that feel made for fall. In Green Cove Springs, Roger That Wings & Things dishes out comfort food favorites like mac & cheese bites and cheese fries—perfect for casual, cool-weather cravings. Over in Orange Park, Avila Bakery & Cafe blends savory Latin staples like rice bowls with sweet traditions such as guava bread and tres leches cake.
For a dining experience with a view, Whitey’s Fish Camp in Fleming Island serves fresh seafood with scenic waterfront seating, making it ideal for a crisp fall evening. And if you want to experience fall flavors on a bigger scale, the Chili Cook-Off & Car Show in Orange Park is a must! Sample smoky, spicy, and savory chilis from cooks around the world while admiring rows of classic cars at this uniquely Clay County event.
Attend Fun Fall Festivals
Clay County knows how to throw a seasonal celebration. In towns like Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, Orange Park, and Middleburg, you’ll find small-town festivals that blend local charm with fall tradition, with live music, craft vendors, and plenty of food. For a full day of family fun, Amazing Grace Family Farms offers a crop maze, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and more. These events capture the feeling of community that makes fall here so memorable that you’ll leave with both souvenirs and stories!
Get Crafty at a Holiday Workshop
Clay County’s arts scene thrives in the fall, when cool weather invites people indoors for hands-on creativity. Walk into The Dirty Palette in Keystone Heights and choose from pottery painting, canvas art, or resin projects—no reservation required. Or commit to a longer project at Atlantic Pottery Supply in Orange Park, where four-week pottery classes teach wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Studios often offer seasonal workshops throughout the fall, so you might leave with a hand-painted ornament, a knitted scarf, or a unique gift for someone special.
From crisp mornings on the trail to evenings spent by the fire, fall in Clay County invites you to slow down and savor the season. This bucket list is just a starting point—each hike, festival, cup of coffee, and craft workshop adds its own flavor to this time of year. Whether you check off every activity or pick just a few, the magic of fall break here is in the mix of small-town warmth, natural beauty, and local flavor. So open your calendar, gather your friends and family, and start making memories that will carry you through until winter!