This state park is so worth a drive to explore. It would take days to experience it all – a beautiful beach, an extra-long fishing pier, a well-preserved Civil War fort, hiking, wildlife, great camping.
Northeast Florida
Whale watching in Florida: Winter thrill on northeast coast
Endangered right whales are viewed close to shore from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine every winter. Sightings aren’t predictable, but here’s how to get a chance to see Florida’s largest endangered species.
St. Augustine fort: Castillo de San Marcos makes history fascinating
The don’t-miss experience when visiting St. Augustine is touring the Castillo de San Marcos — the historic Spanish fort.
Exploring the St. Johns River: Springs, kayaking, hiking near Welaka
This out-of-the-way rural area on the St. Johns River offers good hiking, kayaking and springs. With Welaka as a base, we explored a place little changed by the years.
Road Trip: Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail worth more than a quick ride
The Ormond Scenic Loop is a 30-mile road trip through live-oak canopies, waterfront postcard scenes, abundant wildlife, two state parks. It’s not long but it’s worth spending a few hours exploring the sights and parks.
The Yearling: At restaurant near Ocala, eat like a cracker
This historic restaurant near Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park at Cross Creek is a great place to eat like a cracker. It offers an old Florida ambiance and menu.
Kayak New Smyrna waterways for wildlife, mangroves & sandbars
The waterways along the Intracoastal in New Smyrna Beach are a terrific place to explore by kayak or SUP. Richard Barrett shares some of his favorite routes — places you might overlook when going to the popular beaches in the area.
An island of Old Florida, where Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote ‘The Yearling’
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings came to Cross Creek and wrote the beloved story of a young boy and his pet fawn, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939. Today, visiting the author’s beautifully preserved home is an excellent way to discover the authentic Florida, far from the strip malls and theme parks.
Five cool things we discovered in St. Augustine
Here are five cool things I was surprised to discover about America’s oldest city — from the story of a fiery pepper to a tasty locally made gin.
11 outstanding outdoor things to do in Amelia Island
With eight state parks, a national park, scads of history and top beaches, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach make a great base to explore northeast Florida.
