Things to do / Travel Guide
If you really want a great outdoors-oriented region in the deep South, hosted by mangroves, manatees, live oaks, and an endless slow-moving river, look no further than northeast Florida and the Panhandle. All in one region you've got Ocala National Forest, the Nature Coast and Cedar Keys, the St. Johns River, the First Coast, Fernandina Beach, cities like Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Pensacola, and the Emerald Coast. So whether you're planning on vacation hiking, biking, diving, fishing, or kayaking on your vacation, you'll have your work cut out for you finding your favorite spot.
Land-based Activities in Northeast Florida and the Panhandle
The prime hiking area in northeast Florida and the Panhandle is undoubtedly Ocala National Forest. The crown jewel segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) is located within Ocala, in which rolling hills and over 50 ponds characterize the landscape, and longleaf pine forests and cypress and gum swamps set the tone. You'll also pass through the world's largest stand of sand pine scrub forest, known affectionately as the Big Scrub.
When it comes to biking in northeast Florida and the Panhandle, the rule is “flat.” Whether you bike the FNST or the barrier islands, the steepest slopes you'll ever have to worry about are when passing sand dunes. The barrier islands all the way down to Daytona Beach are all perfect for biking, as the sand is heavily packed. It's a nice ride all the way down, even the built-up areas, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other.
On the Nature Coast, the paved Nature Coast State Trail is an excellent route, crossing the Suwannee River, and making its way to the Gulf of Mexico. This multi-use trail traverses an abandoned rail bed, and it's your chance to witness the diverse wildlife and plant life from the seat of your bike. Famed above all when it comes to the region's sea-creatures is the manatee, which makes a star appearance on the Nature Coast, and you'll pass saw palmettos, red cedars, and Spanish bayonets.
No vacation to the region would be complete without a few rounds of that game - formerly attributed to gentlemen but now roaring in popularity for the average man and woman - golf. Fantastic courses can be found on Amelia Island, on Amelia Island Plantation (the island's first-rate resort), in Jacksonville, the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, and the Emerald Coast's Sandestin's Burnt Pines Course.
Water Activities in Northeast Florida and the Panhandle
Another great way to really take in the Nature Coast's diversity is by kayaking, an activity that's quite common in these waters. Paddle your way down the Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail along the Salt River, or jump from island to island along Cedar Key, where you're sure to spot a dolphin or two.
Up on the Panhandle, treat yourself to the perfect canoe trip. Santa Rosa County, just east of Pensacola, is hailed as the “Canoe Capital of Florida.” The area contains the state's most canoe-friendly rivers, like the Blackwater River, the Sweetwater-Juniper River, and the Coldwater River. For smooth waters, peace and quiet, and lots of sandbars for picnicking and other nature breaks, this area is Florida at its best.
Jacksonville, the largest city by surface area in the lower 48 states, is famous for what's called “yak fishing,” or fishing from a kayak. The fish in St. Johns River, south of the city, all the way to the estuaries connecting the river to the Intracoastal Waterway, are so plentiful that folks have taken to fly fishing from their kayaks. It's basically like the Native Americans used to do. The perfect combination of two great sports, you can angle for spotted sea trout, redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, stripers, and snook (if you're lucky).
Northeast Florida and the Panhandle yield a number of top rate fishing areas, which you'll have to try out for yourself to appreciate. Apalachicola, where the Apalachicola River meets the Gulf of Mexico, is an excellent place to fish because the Gulf Stream swerves close to the shore, bringing many deep-sea fish with it. And Daytona Beach isn't only for auto racing: on the Halifax River you can catch large reds and trout, while off-shore, blue marlin, sailfish, dolphin fish, tuna, and giant wahoo can be caught practically year-round.
Daytona Beach also happens to be a region favorite with regards to diving and snorkeling, both on Halifax River and off-shore, as there are over 40 reefs, both natural and artificial, plus two sunken TB-M torpedo bombers to explore. That's a helluva lot to explore, and it's the perfect way to come face-to-face with nature.
The region is famous for its inland diving opportunities as well, as deep as Gainesville. The attraction, along the Santa Fe River for instance, is cave diving, and because the water is so clear it's one of the only places that inexperienced divers are allowed to cave dive. The rock formations in the area are dazzling, owing to the special limestone. Otherwise, head south for the Crystal River, and swim with the manatees!
Northeast Florida and the Panhandle also boast some excellent surf! Head to Jacksonville Beach, specifically Hanna Park, to go on a generous swell. In the immediate area you'll find such locations, veritable to the locals, as Mayport Poles, Officer's Club, and Lighthouse.
There's plenty of diving and fishing around Amelia Island. Should you go backwater fishing for redfish, sea trout, tarpon, and Spanish mackerel? Deep-sea bottom fishing - near the ironically-named Shultz's Fish Market - for red snapper, cobia, and amberjack? Deep-sea trolling for tuna, wahoo, and kingfish? Beach fishing for black drum? Freshwater fishing - in Red Maple Lake, for instance - for sunshine bass, catfish, or bream? Difficult decisions to say the least!
Yak fishing is another favorite around Amelia Island, and the opportunities for kayaking sans-fishing rod are near endless as well. Explore and try to spot sea turtles, great blues, bald eagles, and great horned owls. Hunting for seashells is also an absorbing activity on the island.
The other top draws to the region are the white beaches and emerald waters of the Emerald Coast. Those beaches between Pensacola, Fort Walton, and Panama City are becoming more and more popular for visitors across the country. There's arguably no better place in the region to enjoy the great outdoors than lying on a beach chair or enjoying a cool swim.
Northeast Florida and the Panhandle from Above
By the way, they don't only race horizontally at Daytona Beach: you can skydive from the city's regional airports, reaching a terminal freefall velocity of 120 miles per hour before deploying your parachute - Geronimo!
Florida may be foremost known to the rest of the country as the land of Disney and retirement condos - which we're not knocking - but northeast Florida and the Panhandle is the perfect region to give you a taste of a different Florida. And a great way to experience this other Florida is by exploring the great outdoors along the coasts as well as inland.
Outdoor Recreation in Jacksonville, Destin, Daytona Beach, Pensacola, St. Augustine, Northeast Florida
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
St. Andrews SRA Beach - Panama City Beach, Florida
New Smyrna Beach, Florida (Bethune Beach)
|
|
|