Getaways to the authentic Florida
Things to do in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach: hiking, biking, trails, canoeing, kayaking, paddle, places to camp, lodging, unique restaurants, historic places, places to stay, road trips and Funky Florida.
With charm, history and the beauty of nearby natural areas, this special destination offers visitors a long list of adventures. St. Augustine’s appeal starts with two key assets: The historic district with its shady brick lanes and and the natural beauty of the region,
Stunning beaches, historic forts and plantations, backcountry kayaking, biking and hiking, all accessible from a shady, sandy campground.
Gold Head Branch State Park has long been on my radar, a small dot on the map with a curious name in the middle of nowhere — yet close enough to Gainesville to be a camping option on game weekends. (We found dozens of campsite and cabin openings for every game this year.)
Travel and Leisure magazine calls New Smyrna Beach “Florida’s most underrated seaside city”. We think it is “Florida’s best little beach town.”
St. Augustine’s Fort Matanzas is a small stone Spanish fort on a pristine island. You take a short and scenic ferry ride and a ranger-led tour — and it’s all free.
Ponce Inlet is a calm ocean-front town at the tip of a barrier island. It has free parking, the tallest lighthouse in Florida (which you can tour) plus parks, a beach and places to eat fresh seafood.
This weekend’s St. Augustine Lions Club Spring Festival has reimagined its seafood festival past.
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County is a big, scenic park with miles of hiking, excellent tent camping, affordable cabins and a historic buiding with an intriguing story. It’s an off-the-beaten-path discovery for your Florida adventure
Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area is an oceanfront jewel with a beachfront campground, backcountry paddle trails and prime viewing for whales who spend the winter off-shore.
Bulow Creek State Park is a lovely discovery. Just 10 minutes off I-95, it’s great for a quick picnic and to gaze at the grand old Fairchild Oak. Or you can spend the day and take a hike or scenic drive.