Northeast Florida
In this region of Florida, small towns are the norm and large cities the exception. Tucked off seaside roads and backcountry rural routes are the special hidden places that add to the unique appeal of Florida’s First Coast.For a scenic drive along the Northeast Florida coast, follow the historic Buccaneer Trail on its 52-mile trek past some of the area’s most renowned historical and natural sites, such as Little Talbot Island State Park and the Kingsley Plantation. Along the picturesque route, from Mayport to Ponte Vedra Beach, lie quaint oceanfront towns known collectively as "The Beaches." Ships of all sorts still set sail from the historic fishing village of Mayport, strategically situated where the St. Johns River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can hop aboard the Mayport ferry for a scenic trip to Fort George, or head out to sea on a casino boat cruise. The nearby Mayport Naval Station offers visitors a tour of destroyers and frigates.
Further south, Jacksonville Beach always attracts plenty of beachcombers, but history buffs will find the town is worth a visit as well. The Pablo Historical Park explores the role of the Florida East Coast Railway in developing the area and offers guided tours of historic buildings. Over at the American Lighthouse Museum, visitors can gaze at authentic scale models of famous lighthouses and view more than 300 oil paintings, many dating from the 1800s.
In Ponte Vedra Beach, active vacationers can enjoy world-famous fairways and championship tennis courts. The prestigious home of the PGA Tour headquarters, Ponte Vedra Beach offers visitors the opportunity to play the same courses that challenge professional golfers. The area also features premier tennis facilities, such as the ATP Tour International Headquarters, where many of the world's greatest players train. Guests at select resorts can also use the facility.
The Buccaneer Trail ends in St. Augustine, where 300-year-old stone forts and opulent turn-of-the-century hotels provide visitors with plenty to explore even before they reach the beach. But just across the historic Bridge of Lions from St. Augustine lie the beaches of Anastasia Island, where sabal palms and sea oats grow wild on 15-foot-high dunes. On the way to the surf, take a slight sidestep to the distinctive candy-striped St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. Purported to be the site of Florida’s first lighthouse, the view from the top is worth the climb.
Southwest of St. Augustine, along the banks of the St. Johns River, Putnam County offers quiet, unassuming historic sites, like the Bronson Mullholland House, the Putnam Historic Museum and the David Browning Memorial Railroad Museum. At these small museums, exhibits tell of the story of Putnam County, including the impact of the Civil War, the advent of steamboat travel along the St. Johns River and the gilded age of the Flagler Railroad.
Azaleas bloom in odd places at Ravine State Gardens, in Palatka. The 182-acre botanical garden is set in a deep ravine along the banks of the St. Johns River and features camellias, azaleas and other flowers. Walking trails lead around the ravine and along a spring-fed creek at the ravine's bottom.
