Great Northern Florida Itineraries

Northern Florida in One Week

As much as South Florida centers on the present and future, northern Florida is more about the past. From America’s oldest city—the circa-1565 St. Augustine—to the lost-in-time seaside communities along the 250-mile coastline of the Florida Panhandle, northern Florida embraces the architecture, simplicity, and pace of yesteryear. Beyond dedicated party towns, don’t expect much in terms of nightlife or glitz. Do expect stunning, wide expanses of white-sand beach, day-caught seafood served up in no-frills settings, regions rich in marine life, excellent fishing, a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of fun-in-the-sun.

St. Augustine

1 or 2 days. Start your journey through northern Florida in the nation’s "oldest city," which the Spanish claimed in 1565. To explore the state's Spanish past, visit Castillo de San Marcos (its colonial-era fortress), the Colonial Quarter (a 2-acre living history museum of Florida life in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries), or stroll the streets of the Old City that grew up around the colonial quarter, giving you a chance to experience life in the past lane. A whole city block of historic houses built between 1790 and 1910 has been turned into the Dow Museum. But St. Augustine's future isn't all in the past. Peruse the many boutiques and indulge at the prolific restaurants that line the town center, stay in one of the many charming bed-and-breakfasts, and discover why St. Augustine rivals Savannah and Charleston as one of America’s most charming cities. To the east is Anastasia Island, a state park with a stunning beach.

Amelia Island and Vicinity

2 days. Head northeast beyond Jacksonville to reach prestigious Amelia Island, home to world-class beach resorts and wide swaths of family-friendly beaches. By day simply enjoy some fun-in-the-sun or beachcomb nearby undeveloped beaches for sand dollars and seashells. At night, search for nesting sea turtles. You can stay in one of Amelia Island's posh resorts, or for a similar experience that doesn’t require such deep pockets, enjoy the beach action slightly south along one of the four quieter communities of Jacksonville Beaches, specifically Atlantic Beach or Ponte Vedra Beach. Jacksonville itself is an underrated vacation destination full of charm with a lively arts scene that often turns up on lists of the best places to live in the United States. Take a short detour into Jacksonville one day to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville or the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, two of the area’s world-class attractions.

Tallahassee

1 day. Drive west toward the Panhandle to get a true taste of the South in Spanish moss–draped Tallahassee, visiting Maclay Gardens, the Tallahassee Museum, or the State Capitol before grabbing a cold brew at Lucky Goat Coffee or a beer at Proof Brewing Company. Then get a dose of Old Florida at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, protected since the 1930s and famous as the jungle setting of the original Tarzan films, which today houses the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world and plenty of manatees, alligators, and turtles, plus more than 180 species of birds.

Panama City Beach

1 or 2 days. Continue past the state capital to the 250-mile-plus belt known as Panhandle's Emerald Coast, heralded for its powdery white-sand beaches and sparkling water. If you take the coastal route, U.S. 98, along the way you may want to plan a stop in Apalachicola, a friendly and charming fishing town that's become a major regional tourist draw. Off the beach, this area feels more southern than South Florida. Sun-worship and indulge in Gulf-to-table seafood in Panama City Beach, enjoying enhanced nightlife options that go beyond the typical spring break options. Take a boat tour out to St. Andrews State Park to tour protected Shell Island, one of the few places in the world where you can swim with dolphins in the wild.

South Walton and Pensacola Beach

1 or 2 days. From Panama City Beach to Pensacola, take a relaxing drive along scenic Route 30A in South Walton, passing nostalgia-inducing communities like WaterColor and Seaside, with an optional stop in glorious Grayton Beach, where kayaking ranks high on the agenda—or have lunch in the Panhandle’s poshest subcity, Sandestin. At Pensacola Beach—one of the longest barrier islands in the world—enjoy such pursuits as fishing, boating, water sports, or simply relaxing and soaking in the laid-back beach vibe. Time and interest permitting, take a half-day trip up to Florida Caverns State Park, one of the state’s lesser-known treasures, where rangers lead insightful cave tours.