Spring is finally here and there is plenty to do in Northeast Florida! Here are some fun activities to soak up some sun and explore nature:
Visit the beach:
Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including Amelia Island, Jacksonville Beach, and Vilano Beach. Take a swim in the warm waters, build sandcastles, and enjoy the sunshine.
Go hiking:
The Northeast region is also home to some great hiking trails, such as the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, which offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. One guided hike is on May 3rd at the River-to-Sea Preserve from 9am to 11am. The guided hike will include learning about Florida trees, seasonal flowers, and Native American lore.
Visit a park:
There are several parks in Northeast Florida where you can enjoy a picnic, play some sports, or simply relax in the sun. Some popular parks include Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Treaty Oak Park. At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, there are biking trails that stretch 20 miles, a 60-acre lake for fishing, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes, and a splash park for kids. Treaty Oak Park has what is said to be Jacksonville’s oldest tree, estimated to be around 250 years old. Its long branches spread wide across the park and make for a beautiful view.
Attend a festival:
Northeast Florida hosts a variety of festivals during the spring months, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. This festival begins May 25th and features live music, local food, and tasty drinks. This festival in the heart of downtown Jacksonville and has been a yearly event for over 40 years. Be sure to experience this completely free entertainment!
Explore historic sites:
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and is full of historic sites to explore, such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. At the Fountain of Youth, you can learn about the oldest continuous European settlement in U.S. history.
Take a boat tour:
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Northeast Florida from the water by taking a boat tour. Amelia River Cruises at Fernandina Beach offers scenic views on the water and if you keep an eye out, you may just spot wild horses. They offer five different tours, from the beautiful sunset tours to hands-on shrimping eco tour, you are sure to enjoy this experience!
Visit a zoo or aquarium:
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine are great places to visit with the family and see some amazing animals. At Marineland Dolphin Adventure, you can belly ride with dolphins, feel the thrill of the foot push, and even receive a kiss on the cheek.
These are just a few ideas for spring activities in Northeast Florida. Enjoy what Florida has to offer in the outdoors and appreciate our community in the spring season!