Clay County: Beyond Swings, Seafood & Stogies

Enjoy lush fairways and vintage Florida scenery along Florida’s First Coast at the Eagle Landing Golf Club. Tucked away in the Oakleaf Plantation community in Orange Park, the club features classic holes and luxurious amenities including a clubhouse, athletic club, and village store. There is something for everyone at this friendly and affordable golf destination near Jacksonville.

Of course, with more than 100 miles of coastal golf courses,, you also have your pick of nearby play options to explore. Close by for a great lodging option is Courtyard Orange Park, conveniently located near the highway. Other notable golf courses in the area you should check out: Eagle Harbor Golf Club, Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club, and Fleming Island Golf Club. All four of these clubs are overflowing with wildlife, tucked back in the pines, and always seem to be in fantastic condition, providing a fun challenge.

There’s nothing better after a long day of golf than sitting down to some fresh, local seafood, and Clay County serves up some of the best in the region. Check out Whitey's Fish Camp, where you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful waterfront view. The Hilltop Restaurant is a must-visit. Known for its prime rib and crab soup, it also offers delightful seafood dishes like their famous seafood platter. The quaint atmosphere will top off your experience. If you are playing at Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club, be sure to check out The Pub's fish tacos or their shrimp po'boy right after your round if you are famished.

If you're looking for something known and loved by the locals, check out Irie Diner's Caribbean-style seafood dishes, Pepper's Cocina Mexicana's fish tacos, Corky Bells Seafood in Fleming Island, OP Fish House in Orange Park or Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen's seafood mofongo.

Other restaurants in the area that offer great seafood include Shrimp Shack, Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant.

For a hearty, satisfying meal, Clay County has a variety of sandwich options to please every palate. Check out Spring Park Coffee for a delicious and fresh sandwich paired with your favorite coffee or tea. The Metro Diner, famous for its fried chicken and waffles, also serves up an incredible array of sandwiches, from classic Reubens to creative takes like their meatloaf sandwich.

If you're playing at Eagle Harbor Golf Club, be sure to stop by Talons for a post-round sandwich. Their turkey club and roast beef sandwiches are local favorites. Or head over to Big Daddy's Sub Shop, known for its loaded subs, delicious baked bread and perfectly portioned meat-to-cheese-to-veggies ratios.

Clay County has no shortage of premium beer stops, and a few of the most popular options in the area include Barley and Pie, Fleming Island's newest brewery, and the Mellow Mushroom, Cultured Collective, Black Creek Distillery. Mellow Mushroom is a laid-back beer drinker’s paradise and features a massive selection of local craft beers. The Talons restaurant at Eagle Harbor Golf Club is also a great option if you are looking for something right after your round.

An engaging cigar bar, Island Girl Cigar Bar is a premier option for satisfying your tobacco cravings in Clay County. All Florida golf vacations should include a stop here, but don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you. Island Girl Cigar Bar houses one of the most impressive cigar inventories in the state. Visitors can enjoy good company, fine cigars and a wide selection of wine, spirits and beer.

What better way to pay homage to the roots of the modern game of golf than to celebrate it in true Scotland style? The Scottish Games is having the 2024 Masters World Championship Scottish Highland Games October 4-6, 2024 at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Taking place each February, Clay County Fairgrounds is home to the Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival. The Games continue to grow and reflect on the deep connections and effects the Scots and their descendants have had on Northeast Florida. Make some plans to make a day of it and enjoy the competitions, music, Celtic wares, outdoor recreational activities and so much more.