Northeast Florida has plenty to offer! From south of the Georgia border all the way to Daytona Beach, Florida is full of jaw-dropping adventures. Here are just a few popular vacation home rental locations:
Amelia Island
This is not your typical tropical island – it is a natural paradise! From viewing aging oak trees to horseback riding in the forest, there is plenty to explore. Taking a trip to the Atlantic beaches can provide excellent entertainment, such as surf fishing or just classic fishing off of the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier over Nassau Sound. Big Talbot Island is known for its Boneyard Beach. Paddling and bird viewing are popular among visitors of Big Talbot Island. Amelia’s natural beauty does a great job shining through the extravagant golf courses found throughout the island. For a more intimate stay, visitors can also partake in fine dining and spa trips.
Fernandina Beach
While Fernandina Beach is a part of Amelia Island, it’s got plenty of its own history and destinations worth classifying on its own. Here, you can take a horse-drawn carriage operated by a Florida local or a walking tour through the town. The Amelia Island Museum of History offers a walking tour which dives into the Island’s history. You’ll learn about the eight different leaders since the 16th century, and you’ll get to explore the gigantic National Register Historic District, along with its shops, cafes, and bed and breakfast locations. Along the Amelia River, visitors can board onto fishing charters, river cruises, and watch fisherman bring in shrimp. On the outskirts of downtown, you’ll find the well-preserved Fort Clinch above the St. Mary’s River.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is one city that encapsulates all forms of enjoyment: booming nightlife, broad culture, great meals for foodies and most importantly, the waterfront. The St. John’s river provides a relaxing venue for a leisurely stroll or floating in a water taxi all while seeing the reflection of the city skyline in the water. In Jacksonville Landing, you’ll find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants providing live entertainment. There are plenty of opportunities to gather knowledge of cultures in Jacksonville. Here, you’ll find the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Ritz Theatre Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum of Jacksonville. Eclectic neighborhoods can be found throughout the city, which can provide for great restaurants, boutiques, galleries and historic buildings. San Marco has its fair share of beautiful parks which are checking out as well. Visitors often catch a movie in the 1938 establishment, the San Marco Theatre. Riverside-Avondale provides a great view of the river, as well as Victorian and Prairie style architecture. Constructed in 1901, the Riverdale Inn is a popular bed and breakfast that is a reminder of “The Row” – a strip of 50 mansions that once resided along the Riverside Avenue. Of these, only two remain standing today, giving vacationers a look back into the area’s past. The Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail steps away from the rustling of the city, and provides a more natural experience. Wetlands and woods can be found, as well as a trailhead to Camp Milton, a former Florida military post for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
Jacksonville Beaches
Jacksonville provides twenty miles of beaches, including the Atlantic, Jacksonville and Neptune beaches. At the Atlantic Beach, you’ll find the Abbey Hanna Park. The park is supplied with a 60-acre freshwater lake, walking trades, and unique boutiques and food establishments. Neptune Beach sticks to a low-key vibe which caters to cyclists and surfers. The southernmost beach, Jacksonville Beach, is the most spirited beach that Jacksonville has to offer. Volley-ball, fishing and surfing are all activities that can be found while exploring the beach. Live music can also be found at the Sea Walk Pavilion.
St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach
St. Augustine is America’s oldest city, and while plenty of history can be found here, there are also modern diversions such as Ponte Vedra Beach, where the PGA Tour is headquartered, and TPC Sawgrass, where THE PAYERS championship unfolds. Luxurious accommodations can be found here, such as the dune-covered shores at Pone Vedra Beach. Spas, shops and resorts provide relaxing venues for travelers to St. Augustine. Going back to history – the 17th century Castillo de San Marcos are a must-visit destination while visiting. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the United States, The Gonzalez-Alvarez House and hotels dated in the late 1800s can all be explored while visiting here. From upscale to atmospheric to authentic cuisine, restaurants in St. Augustine will not disappoint. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum both provide eccentric and exciting opportunities for visitors as well.