5 Underrated Destinations in Northern Florida

Northern Florida might not top every travel bucket list, but for us, it’s home—and we think it’s one of the most underrated regions in the Sunshine State. We’ve had years to explore its serene beaches, charming historic towns, and unspoiled natural wonders. Lately, while working on our van build, we’ve rediscovered how much this area offers. In this guide, we’ll share 5 of our favorite North Florida destinations, complete with our favorite things to do in each. Let’s dive in!

1. Jacksonville, Florida

🏆 Known for: Flea markets, farmers markets, river walks, art museums, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, and a mix of both lively and serene beaches just a 30-minute drive from downtown

As locals who grew up in Northern Florida, we might be slightly biased, but Jacksonville holds a special place in our hearts. We typically frequent four areas of Jacksonville, Brooklyn, and Riverside neighborhoods: Downtown, Southbank, and the beach. Here’s a quick guide to each:

Brooklyn & Riverside

A visit to Jacksonville is incomplete without visiting the Riverside Arts Market from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Here, you can find vendors selling local crafts and musicians playing live music.

Once you finish at the market, walk to the nearby Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, this museum boasts over 5,000 works of art and breathtaking gardens.

Downtown Jacksonville

We find downtown Jacksonville to be a fun place to get some steps in, so don’t hesitate to simply put your walking shoes on and explore without a plan! Chamblin’s Uptown, a sprawling bookstore and coffee shop, is one of our favorite spots to take a break. It’s the perfect place to get lost in for a few hours.

Another chill option is to picnic in Riverfront Plaza, a sprawling park along the north bank of the St. Johns River. This park is also where the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held every May, a huge 4-day free music festival that dates back to 1981!

Southbank

Cross the river to the Southbank, where you can walk along their Riverwalk, admire the iconic Friendship Fountain, and rest your legs in the tranquil Treaty Oak Park. And while we’ve heard mixed opinions on MOSH (Museum of Science and History), it’s a great attraction to take kids to Southbank if you don’t mind the $24 admission fee.

Jacksonville Beaches

If a beach day is calling your name, Jacksonville delivers three excellent options, all just a 30-minute drive from downtown:

• Jacksonville Beach: Perfect for lively surf and sand.
• Neptune Beach: A peaceful escape with fewer crowds.
• Atlantic Beach: A quaint small-town vibe with uncrowded charm.

2. St. Augustine, Florida

🏆 Known for: Old Town Trolley Tours, The Fountain of Youth, historic forts, cobblestone streets, and some of our favorite restaurants in North Florida

It may come as a surprise that the oldest city in the US isn’t in Massachusetts or Virginia but rather Florida! St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles, holds the title of the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. With its cobblestone streets, centuries-old landmarks, and Spanish colonial architecture, it feels like stepping into another era.

If it’s your first time visiting, we highly recommend getting tickets to the hop-on-hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour. This guided trolley experience lets you ride while learning about St. Augustine’s incredible history. Afterward, take a stroll down St. George Street, a lively pedestrian-only district packed with quirky shops, street performers, and some of our favorite restaurants in all of North Florida.

If you’re particularly interested in history, the Castillo de San Marcos is a must-visit. Built in 1672, this historic masonry fort offers stunning views of Matanzas Bay and is well worth the $15 entry fee. That said, if you’ve already been inside or want to save some cash, an alternative is to stroll around the fort’s exterior and relax by the water!

3. Fernandina Beach, Florida

🏆 Known for: Quiet beaches, small-town vibe, Florida’s oldest bar, Shrimp Festival, and Fort Clinch State Park

If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway that feels like stepping into a postcard, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island is where you need to be. As locals, we’ve spent countless weekends here soaking up its charm—and trust us, it never gets old. This quaint coastal town is a dreamy mix of quiet beaches, historic landmarks, and a vibrant small-town vibe, perfect for a relaxing escape.

We always kick off our visits downtown, where Victorian-era architecture sets the scene, and independent shops, galleries, and cozy restaurants make it easy to lose track of time. One must-stop spot is The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar. If you’re visiting in May, you can’t miss the Shrimp Festival—it’s a big deal around here, with parades, live music, and some of the best shrimp dishes you’ll ever eat.

For outdoor adventurers, Fort Clinch State Park is adjacent to the downtown. Wander through the 19th-century fort, bike along shaded trails, or stroll the serene beach. Wrap up your day by catching the sunset at Main Beach Park. The pastel skies and peaceful vibe are the perfect finale to any Amelia Island adventure.

4. Itchetucknee Springs State Park

🏆 Known for: Crystal-clear springs, tubing adventures, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming holes, all in year-round 72°F waters

If there’s one place that screams classic Florida adventure, it’s Ichetucknee Springs State Park. As kids, tubing down the Ichetucknee River was a summertime rite of passage, and honestly? It still hits the spot as adults. The water is so clear it looks like liquid glass, and the gentle current makes it perfect for a lazy float. The springs stay a cool 72°F year-round, so they’re just as refreshing in the summer heat as they are in the cooler months.

If tubing’s not your thing, you can kayak, snorkel, swim, or explore the park’s shaded hiking trails by the North Entrance to the park, the main entrance. The Pine Ridge Trail is one of the most popular in the area, a loop trail that takes about 45 minutes to hike. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail, so bring your pup along! We’ve popped the Alltrails map to this trail below.

We love using AllTrails to download maps offline so we can always stay on the trail. Sign up for AllTrails+ so you too can download maps offline before your hike!

The headspring area is our favorite spot to snorkel and swim in the park. On our last visit, we even spotted a manatee gliding through the water! If you’re looking to snorkel, you can rent gear on-site or bring your own. The other popular swimming area is called Blue Hole, but it’s more well-suited for experienced swimmers as the waters are deep.

Location: South Entrance and North Entrance
Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
Price: Free Park Entry

5. Big Talbot Island State Park

🏆 Known for: Driftwood-strewn beaches, dramatic coastal landscapes, Blackrock Trail, and off-the-beaten-path tranquility

Big Talbot Island State Park is the type of place that locals love but somehow manages to stay off the tourist radar. We can’t count how many times we’ve brought people to visit Boneyard Beach, a unique stretch of shoreline, covered in sun-bleached driftwood. To reach the beach, we recommend following the short Blackrock Trail (mapped below with Alltrails).

Plan your visit around low tide for the best views of the driftwood and rocks. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you’re planning to explore the shoreline—it can get a little slippery out there!

If you’re looking for a full-day plan, pair your visit with a trip to the nearby Little Talbot Island State Park and/or Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve for even more trails, history, and sweeping views of the Northern Florida coastline.

Location: Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, Jacksonville, FL
Hours: 7 am – 8 pm Daily
Price: $3 per vehicle

⭐ Extra Things to Do in North Florida

If you’re left with some time on your hands, consider exploring one of these options that almost made our list:

• Discover More State Parks: North Florida is packed with natural beauty, so why not visit more state parks like Little Talbot Island State Park, known for its pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, or Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a unique inland spot where you can see wild bison and horses.
• Venture into Georgia: Just across the border, you’ll find Cumberland Island National Seashore, reachable by a short ferry ride from St. Marys, Georgia. This hidden gem is famous for wild horses, untouched beaches, historic ruins, maritime forests, and secluded hiking trails!
• Relax at Poe Springs Park: Near High Springs, Poe Springs Park offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, or a peaceful picnic. The spring stays a refreshing 72°F year-round and is a budget-friendly, family-friendly alternative to larger springs.

🎉 Annual Festivals in Northern Florida

• St. Augustine Nights of Lights (November–January) – A dazzling holiday display of over three million lights illuminating the historic city that has been drawing crowds for years! National Geographic has even called this festival “One of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world!”
• Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May) – A 4-day free celebration of world-class jazz performances in downtown Jacksonville, held right by the water!
• Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May) – Fernandina Beach’s iconic seafood festival featuring parades, live music, and incredible shrimp dishes.
• Florida Folk Festival (May) – A long-running cultural festival highlighting Florida’s diverse music, crafts, and cuisine at Stephen Foster State Park.
• The Fest (October–November) – Gainesville’s iconic punk and indie music festival featuring over 300 bands. Includes comedy shows and wrestling events, as well as musicians!
• The Right Whale Festival (November) – Fernandina Beach celebrates the return of the endangered North Atlantic right whales to the warm waters of Georgia and Florida with this festival.

⏰ How Long Should You Visit Northern Florida?

Depending on how many sites you’re interested in seeing, we recommend at least 2-3 days for larger cities like Jacksonville, 1-2 days for smaller towns like Fernandina Beach, and 1 day for the state parks mentioned here.

☀️ Best Time to Visit Northern Florida

We recommend spring and fall if you’re looking for mild weather even mid-day, blooming wildflowers, and lively festivals like the Shrimp Festival and Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Winter brings cooler temperatures, without getting too cold, and seasonal highlights like St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, which kicks off at the end of November. Summers are best for beach lovers, but not the best for exploring cities or going on hikes.

🚗 How to Get to Northern Florida

Getting to North Florida is relatively easy, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, bus, or car. That being said, if you don’t plan on coming in by car, renting a car is highly recommended unless you’re only visiting a major city like Gainsville or Jacksonville. Here’s a quick breakdown for each method of travel:

• By plane: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) offer convenient access to the entire North Florida region.
• By train: If you prefer train travel, Amtrak has routes that stop in both Jacksonville and Palatka.
• By bus: For bus travelers, Greyhound provides affordable options with stops in cities like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Gainesville.
• By car: If you’re driving, I-95 runs along the east coast and I-10 cuts across the state, making the area easily accessible from surrounding states.

✏️ Travel Tips for Northern Florida

🚗 Have a Car for Maximum Flexibility

Public transportation options in North Florida are limited, so having a car is essential to explore the region’s beaches, parks, and historic towns. Many destinations are a bit spread out, and driving allows you to make the most of your trip.

☀️ Get a SunPass for Tolls

If you plan on driving extensively, especially on major highways like I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike, a SunPass can save time and money. It’s a prepaid toll pass that works across the state, so you can breeze through toll roads without stopping.

😎 Dress for the Weather

Northern Florida’s weather can vary, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing for summer and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings in the winter months. Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Plan for Seasonal Crowds

Summer and spring break can bring larger crowds to popular spots like St. Augustine and Jacksonville Beach. Visiting during shoulder seasons (fall or early spring) often means fewer tourists, milder temperatures, and cheaper accommodations.

Read Next:

Our 15 Favorite Free Activities in Jacksonville, Florida

📰 Related Articles

• Our 15 Favorite Free Activities in Jacksonville, Florida
• Our 15 Favorite Free Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
• A Comprehensive Guide to Historic St Augustine, Florida
• Ultimate Guide to Downtown Fernandina Beach: Top Things to Do, See, and Eat
• 11 Must-Try Activities in Fernandina Beach FL: A Quick Guide

🔎 Ready to Explore Northern Florida?

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