Places We Visit

Situated at the northern tip of Amelia Island where the Amelia River meets the Atlantic, Fort Clinch State Park blends rich history with scenic natural beauty. Anchored by the well preserved 19th century Fort Clinch, the park transports visitors back to Civil War era life through period rooms, cannons, and regular living history reenactments. Beyond the fortress, over 1,100 acres of maritime hammocks, dunes, beaches, and tidal marshes invite exploration. Whether you’re hiking or cycling shaded trails, lounging on quiet sands, fishing, shelling, or birdwatching, the park offers peaceful outdoor adventure for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Standing tall since 1838, the Amelia Island Lighthouse is Florida’s oldest lighthouse and a treasured piece of maritime history. Overlooking Egans Creek and the Atlantic, this still active beacon offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its classic brick tower and serene surroundings. While the lighthouse itself isn’t open for climbing, visitors can walk the grounds during scheduled open hours and enjoy stunning views of the coast. It’s a quiet, scenic stop that adds charm and historical depth to any Amelia Island visit.

Tucked along the northern end of Amelia Island, the Fernandina Beach Historic District is a charming waterfront downtown rich in history and architectural beauty. Stroll down brick lined Centre Street and explore over 50 blocks of preserved Victorian era homes, historic churches, and local shops housed in 19th century buildings. From Florida’s oldest operating bar, The Palace Saloon, to the stately Nassau County Courthouse, the district offers a walkable blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal heritage. Whether you’re browsing boutiques, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply soaking in the small town atmosphere, Fernandina’s historic charm makes it a memorable stop for any visitor.

Located on the scenic Fort George Island near Jacksonville, Kingsley Plantation offers a powerful and immersive experience into Florida’s complex past. As the oldest surviving plantation house in the state, this historic site tells the story of life on a 19th century Sea Island cotton plantation , from the perspective of both the enslaved people who lived and labored here and the plantation owners who ran it. Visitors can explore the original plantation house, the kitchen house, barn, and one of the most complete remains of slave quarters in the country. Interpretive exhibits and self guided tours provide thoughtful insight into the lives of the people who shaped this land, including Zephaniah Kingsley and his wife Anna Kingsley, a formerly enslaved woman of African descent who played a prominent role in the plantation’s history. Set against a backdrop of moss draped oaks and tidal marshes, Kingsley Plantation is both a beautiful and sobering place to reflect, learn, and connect with Florida’s layered history. It’s a must visit for those interested in American history, cultural heritage, and the enduring stories of resilience and transformation.

Step back in time and explore the homestead of Pulitzer Prize winning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, nestled in the quiet community of Cross Creek, Florida. This beautifully preserved 1930s Cracker style farmstead offers a unique glimpse into the life and inspirations of one of Florida’s most beloved literary figures. Visitors can tour Rawlings’ original home, complete with period furnishings and personal belongings, and stroll through the citrus groves that still bear fruit today. Guided tours led by knowledgeable rangers bring her stories to life, especially her best known work, The Yearling. The surrounding grounds and shaded trails offer a peaceful escape into Old Florida, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and literary enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re drawn by the history, the landscape, or the literary legacy, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is a charming and memorable stop on any Florida itinerary.

Micanopy (pronounced mi KAH no pee) is often called “the town that time forgot” a peaceful, historic village just south of Gainesville and Florida’s oldest continually inhabited inland town. Built around tree lined Cholokka Boulevard, the town features 19th century brick buildings shaded by majestic live oaks. Visitors can wander through unique antique shops, charming cafés, art galleries, and local eateries enjoying Old Florida hospitality and local flavors. With just over one square mile and a population under 700, Micanopy has maintained its nostalgic charm. Highlights include the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, picturesque downtown, and easy access to nearby nature preserves like Tuscawilla Preserve and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Whether you’re browsing for antiques or exploring the outdoors, Micanopy offers a serene glimpse of authentic small town Florida and rich local history in a relaxing, walkable setting.

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on Florida’s east coast near Cape Canaveral, is a 140,000 acre sanctuary established in 1963. It provides a diverse habitat for over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including endangered species like the West Indian manatee and bald eagle. The refuge features marshes, coastal dunes, hardwood hammocks, and lagoons, making it a prime spot for birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife observation. It’s also unique for sharing land with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Discover the White Sands Buddhist Center, a hidden gem on Florida’s Space Coast in Mims, Titusville. Nestled on 30 tranquil acres, this Vietnamese Mahayana temple showcases three of the largest granite Buddha statues in Florida each carved in Vietnam and standing up to 35 feet tall surrounded by manicured gardens, a reflecting pond, and granite meditation benches that create a peaceful retreat ideal for reflection and photography. With free admission and donation based support, visitors can tour the lush grounds by appointment, explore a small gift shop featuring handcrafted items, and experience bilingual meditation services every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Whether you seek a contemplative escape, cultural insight, or a unique tour destination, the White Sands Buddhist Center offers an unforgettable experience of serenity and spiritual artistry perfect for your next Florida itinerary.

Island park accessible only by ferry, known for wildlife and shell mounds

Charming downtown with historic architecture and shops

State park with natural spring and Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant

Discover the charm of Historic St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., on a guided tour through cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and centuries old landmarks. Explore iconic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and the Fountain of Youth, while learning about the city’s rich colonial history and cultural heritage. Perfect for history lovers, families, and curious travelers seeking authentic experiences in St. Augustine, Florida.

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, is a popular natural haven known for its crystal clear, 72°F spring water and seasonal manatee population. Located along the St. Johns River, the park offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. In the winter months, it becomes a protected refuge for hundreds of manatees, making it a top destination for nature lovers. The park also features a historic 19th century home, scenic boardwalks, and shaded picnic areas, making it a great spot for year round outdoor recreation.

Step into history at this coquina stone fortress in St. Augustine, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

Wander through the driftwood sculptures and salt sculpted shoreline of this untouched barrier island in northeast Florida.

Explore the heart of St. Augustine along this historic pedestrian avenue lined with colonial architecture, shops, and cafes.

Immerse yourself in the vast pine forests and cypress swamps of this national treasure, home to rare wildlife and scenic trails.

Devil’s Den Spring is a unique underground spring located in Williston, Florida, about 35 minutes south of Gainesville. It’s housed within a prehistoric cave formed by the collapse of a subterranean river’s roof, creating a dramatic chimney like opening that emits mist on cold mornings. The spring is famous for its crystal clear 72°F water year round and its distinct geological structure a large inverted mushroom shaped cavern about 50 feet deep. It’s a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, but general swimming isn’t allowed inside the cave. Access to the water is via a staircase that leads down into the cavern. The site is also rich in history, with fossils of ancient animals and early humans found in its depths. These discoveries have made it both a natural wonder and an important archaeological site. Visitors can enjoy excellent visibility, surreal lighting from the natural skylight, and an overall serene and otherworldly experience. The facility offers gear rentals, changing areas, a heated pool, camping accommodations, and picnic areas, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through lush riverfront gardens and view classical to contemporary masterpieces at this Jacksonville museum.

Paddle through the moss draped cypress waterways of one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in the South.

Climb the spiral staircase of this 19th century lighthouse for sweeping views of historic St. Augustine and the Atlantic coastline.

The Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, located inside De Leon Springs State Park, offers a unique, hands on dining experience where guests cook their own pancakes on griddles built into the table. Set in a charming replica of an 1830s sugar mill, the restaurant is known for its rustic ambiance, family friendly atmosphere, and scenic park surroundings. Visitors can choose from stone ground or buttermilk batter and enjoy a relaxed, interactive meal. It’s a popular spot with long wait times on weekends, but the memorable experience makes it well worth the visit.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville, Florida is a 125 acre nature preserve designed to improve water quality while offering a serene escape into North Florida’s natural beauty. The park features a network of walking trails and boardwalks that wind through wetlands, ponds, and marshes, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and wildlife spotting. Visitors often see alligators, turtles, and over 200 species of birds in their natural habitat. Originally created to filter treated wastewater before it flows into Paynes Prairie, the park is now a popular destination for both locals and eco tourists seeking a peaceful and educational outdoor experience.