11 Underrated Things To Do In Northeast Florida
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 Underrated Things To Do In Northeast Florida

Admittedly, most of these are in Jacksonville.

3738
11 Underrated Things To Do In Northeast Florida

When people think of Northeast Florida, they usually think of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the beach or the St. Johns River. Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida, is much more. Even as a local, I sometimes forget that the First Coast has more then boating, the beach, and shopping.

Here are 11 underrated things to do in Jacksonville (that the locals may not have done yet):

1. Go to Little Talbot Island State Park.

Little Talbot Island is more than five miles of pristine white sand beaches. It is tranquil and is the beach I go to if I am desperate to avoid tourists. In addition, the western side of the island has maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes.

Island activities include kayaking, beachcombing, hiking, surfing, and soaking in the sun's rays.

2. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

Aside from being a beautiful museum, the Cummer features the massive Cummer Oak tree. It shades a generous portion of the 2.5-acre spread, which includes statuary, reflecting pools and a Zen-like view of Downtown.

3. See a production at Theater Jax.

The small theater is the oldest continuously operating community theater in the country. It has been in operation since 1919, and consistently puts on professional and entertaining productions.

4. Spend a day at the Riverside Arts Market.

One of my personal favorites, the Riverside Arts Market helps support locals businesses as vendors sell everything from fresh produce to jewelry to art to cheese. There is typically live music, as well. The Riverside Arts Market is held Saturdays for 51 of the 52 weeks of the year.

5. Take a ride on the Mayport Ferry (the St. John's River Ferry).

On your way to Fort George Island or to Little Talbot Island, take a ride on the Ferry. The Ferry saves you so much time getting there and it is also a nice relaxing way to travel over the St. Johns.

6. Sneak into School no. 4.

Also known as the "Devil's School," School no. 4 is said an abandoned structure off of I-95 that is supposedly haunted. It is also home to some pretty interesting graffiti.

7. Get chicken from Beach Road Chicken Dinners.

I'm a vegetarian, and I will still recommend this place. It is the oldest restaurant in Jacksonville and is home to some fantastic southern cooking.

8. Attend the Blue Angels air show.

During the Sea and Sky Spectacular held in October every year, the world famous United States Navy Blue Angels perform a spectacular airshow. The beach will have several activities on the ground but if you would like to avoid crowds, consider taking a boat out on the St. Johns.

9. Marineland.

At Marineland education and conservation are high priorities, but don't worry, you can still have fun! You can swim with dolphins!

10. The Happy Grilled Cheese truck.

Hunt down the Happy Grilled Cheese food truck. I love a good grilled cheese and the Happy Grilled Cheese rivals some of the best grilled cheeses I have had in my life. You can find the truck across Jacksonville, usually at offices, festivals, or bars.

11. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum Ghost Tour

This ghost tour is not for the easily frightened. Are you afraid of ghosts?


These were just 11 of my personal favorites and recommendations after 12 years as a Jacksonville local. There are countless other Jax gems out there. You just have to know where to look or who to ask!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50387
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32193
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955536
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180654
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments