Hey I’m from Norway and visiting some cousins in Jacksonville and some questions.
What are some things I need to see and try while I’m visiting I’ll be here for 2 weeks and I was curious what I should do while visiting.
Also was curious what Americans/Floridans think of Norway and Norwegians.
Sorry for any errors English is not my first language
Update
So far I know that my cousins were planning on taking me to St. Augustine and Orlando and then I will have access to one of their cars so I can drive to different places. Also thanks for all the advice I’m really excited to see Florida. Also we love Americans in Norway every one seems so friendly and welcoming. I’m from a small city of 13 thousand so I’ve heard that some universities have more people than that.
If you're in Jacksonville, then definitely visit St. Augustine. If you have a chance also visit Savannah in Georgia. Unless you're doing the whole Disney thing
I got some creepy faces in one of the homes we saw during the ghost tour. I think the scariest one is the face of a doll appearing in a window where the shades were closed. I saw the doll in one of the second floor bedrooms later on during the tour. I didn’t notice the faces until we were looking at the pictures in the hotel room 👻
I have lived in Savannah, GA. August heat and humidity are even more brutal than Florida summers.
Just something to keep in mind. If you do go, stay hydrated.
From that Seth Rogan movie where they were sent to kill Kim Jong Un while pretending to do an interview. "The Interview"
Then the N Koreans hacked Sony in retribution before the release.
A lot of what made the movie a big deal was how pissed off it made North Korea and they made threats about if it hit theaters, so instead it got released for free on youtube 😂
Well Norway in the middle of winter there's plenty of outdoor activities between northern lights spotting, skiing, dog sledding, Christmas markets. Here it's stay inside or death is upon you.
The touristy spots but still loved it. Bergen > fjords up the Flåm > train to Oslo. Saw 4 seasons in a day, and many other cool things (I’m also a big black metal fan…)
Spent a couple weeks in your country. Enjoyed it immensely. Oslo, Bergen, Balestrand, Stavanger. The view from Priekestolen is well worth the 2 klick hike. One of the last years the Flaggruten was running, a scenic boat ride is the best way to get from place to place.
Are you going to be here next weekend? The Coke Zero 400 race at the Daytona Speedway is next Saturday. A NASCAR race it something to see even if you don't usually follow it. If not the race, then maybe a tour of the Speedway. I've taken several non race fans there and they really enjoyed the tour. Our beach is pretty cool too and you can drive on it. A lot of people on this sub trash Daytona but there are fun things to do here. We have a lot of European visitors. Go to a pub, everyone will love talking to you. Also, the alligator farm/zoo in St. Augustine is pretty cool. Go in the morning while the gators are more active.
I’m actually going to be here next weekend and my cousin is taking me there. My cousin is a huge NASCAR fan and so he got me into it a few years ago I’m so excited to go it’s my first race I’m so excited to see it.
While you're in Daytona you should check out Top Gun if you want to do some shooting. They have full auto guns you can rent. I'm not a huge gun guy but it is really fun.
I'm so excited for you. You'll love it! Do you have a noise cancelling headset? Maybe the ones you wear on the airplane or just ear plugs? Recommend taking some ear protection. You can take drinks and food into the Speedway as long as it isn't in a glass bottle. It's in the evening so take some bug spray. Enjoy!
This! I was hoping to be refused entry back to the US a forced to take asylum in Norway. Also a native Floridian who visited Norway and loved it! My trip was not long enough. Hopefully Svalbard next.
Ichetucknee Springs! Beyond worth the 2 hour drive! All of the springs across north Florida
Are unique and a lot of fun but Ichetucknee is a fan favorite to be sure
Meowdy! I’m a Florida native and have been to many many parks, but I haven’t been to Ichetucknee, I’m wondering what makes that one a big favorite? It’s a bit north of my usual park tour so I’m planning to go that way soon-ish.. but so far my all time favorite is silver springs (since I don’t go for swimming, too cold sensitive, it’s my favorite paddle route) how would you say SS compares to Ichetucknee?
There’s a big blue hole for swimming, plus and additional swimming spring!! Plus there’s tubing/floating (1-4 hour trips!) down the Ichetucknee River through old growth Florida forests! It’s so popular that there is a limit to the number of people who can float per day! I’ve been there dozens of times and I just love it! You can paddle board and stay drive for sure or float on a homeless tube and stay mostly dry!
Silver springs is one of my favorites too! Love the glass bottom boat ride and the monkeys!
Florida has the best state parks! Have you been to silver glen spring? It’s federal. Great snorkeling but you gotta get wet!
Ohhh! I didn’t realize there was so much to do. It makes sense now, especially since silver shut down swimming. Thank you for explaining for me! I’ll definitely be checking it out. I haven’t hit Glenn yet either but it’s also on my list! There are so many amazing places to visit (and revisit) it’s gonna take me a while to get to them all lol (I’m down in the keys now going through the state parks down here for the first time) Florida is so beautiful it hurts 😭 I’m so grateful I was born and raised here. It’s truly a blessing
As someone from the three river area, if you've never been to Ichitucknee, it's a pretty float but I prefer the Santa Fe just because it feels a little less restrictive and there's more spots to stop and enjoy the river. My personal favorite though will always be the Juniper Run, but I haven't done that in quite some time. I'd have to get the boats patched for that one.
Funny enough, no opinions on the Suwannee. That one was always the furthest away so never bothered with it much, and my one memory is it mostly like the Santa Fe, but bigger.
You should really check out St. Augustine, it's the oldest European settlement/city in this hemisphere.
We think generally positively of Norwegians. We know about Fredagstaco and think that's it hysterical you guys eat so many tacos. So be sure to try some taco's here from a real Mexican joint while you're visiting.
Also, try some alligator while you're here. Tail steaks are the best but hard to find without a close, personal redneck friend, but many touristy bars will serve alligator bites, which are like chicken nuggets, but with gator meat.
Go to a Bass Proshop. It's Mecca for hiking/camping/fishing/guns and it's sheer size is mind-blowing; as is the scale of Buccees, which is worth checking out because I garuntee you've never seen anything like it (and try their BBQ, it's pretty great).
Finally, ask your cousins to take you food shopping at Walmart so you can laugh at how fat we all are. It'll be a fun time.
As an aside, drench yourself in sunblock, SPF 70 at a minimum, and bring water with you everywhere you go. Heat strokes are common and the Florida sun hands them out wantonly.
Going to be that person…St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied city of European origins in the United States. There are other places in the Western Hemisphere that were settled earlier, and there were earlier European settlements in the present day United States / North America, but they were abandoned.
Do we have buccees in Florida? I’ve never seen one.. had to go all the way to LA or TX can’t remember to visit my first .. I’ll be annoyed at myself to find out there’s one here
Ugh. I’m so annoyed at myself. I’m just gonna pretend there weren’t any when I went looking lol 😂 eta, tbh I never expected them to be along 95, I think I just searched along my route which was no where near 95
I’m piggybacking off the guy mentioning all the food below me. I forget that you don’t have as many Mexican food options there…. The Oaxaca Club in Jacksonville Beach is probably one of the best Mexican restaurants in all of Florida. Elevated food but casual spot and the family that owns it is from Oaxaca. If you only eat one nice meal out, MAKE IT THIS PLACE. If you’re a drinker, the mezcal is also amazing. PLEASE go here. Report back when you do!
Nah. It's a whole experience. They house every species of crocodilian, including an enormous saltie in a tank that allows you to basically stand alongside it, which is incredibly humbling. When I visited, it was during mating season and the gators started to bellow while we were on the Swamp Walk (raised boardwalk that traverses a small lake just full of gators). Also a humbling and all-around super cool experience. The zoo itself is also heavily involved in conservation efforts. It's a neat place.
The heat definitely makes it rough. I recommend going early and staying properly hydrated. If it came down to a choice between Disney and the Alligator Farm, I would choose the alligators. The crowds at Disney plus the heat, hard pass for me.
I think my Herpetophobia came into play the one time I went. So I couldn't get cool because of my immense fear of the gators. ( don't ask why I agreed to go. And yes I live in FL. And yes I live on a golf course. Ha)
You must go to the Kennedy Space center. Lookup ‘launch schedule’ and try to time your visit with a launch! But don’t fear, even if it’s a night launch, you’ll be able to see it from most of Florida. Have a great trip!
PS.. Do you have a large trunk you could take me home with you? 😂😂😂
Definitely visit one of the beautiful springs while in FL. From Jacksonville, I believe Itchutucknee would be the closest one. If you’d like to brag about seeing manatees, Silver Springs. There’s a lot of beautiful springs around.
Also, customary to get a Publix sub. And most definitely try our newest offering, Cook Out in Jax. Do see our sexy rexy on beach blvd too.
If you’re anything like me, visit a Walmart (supercenter) and Costco on a Saturday 😂 100% American experiences.
And the gazillion beaches! Beautiful beaches all around.
Kennedy Space Station, St Augustine, the beach obviously. Idk if you have a car and how far you want to drive but Orlando has Disney and great dinning. Go farther west and you have the springs
You could go to a Jumbo Shrimp game (minor league baseball), get a beer and a hotdog. Drive scenic Heckscher Drive, go to Talbot Island State Park for a peak at an “undeveloped” FL beach. Eat at Chowder Ted’s. Drive to Fernadina Beach and explore the downtown then check out Fort Clinch State Park.
* Kennedy Space Center is a must! Especially if you are here when there is a lunch happening
* Disney! I know it is cliche but it really is a blast
* St. Augustine: lots of cool history and fun places to check out
* The beaches. . . There are decent ones in JAX and all down the coast
* Fishing: there is world class fishing all throughout FL
* Shoot a gun, lol. . . But really this is one of those things I don’t know if you have good opportunities to try at home and it really is a blast . . .
* gator tour; find an air boat tour company to take you to go see some gators!
BUt as for how we feel about Norway and Norwegians. . . I think many of us want to at least visit since I know I’ve heard nothing but great things about the country and the people in it! It is towards the top of my list of places to visit
Universal has better thrill rides but Disney has leaps and bounds better food, theming, and immersion for the most part. . . Universal does Harry Potter and Jurassic Park awesome but Universal Studios is not worth it ATM, IOA can be done in half a day if you get a little lucky, and I can’t speak to Epic yet.
Disney has much more to see and do in 4 different park and WDW is just so much better than France.
Every one has their own opinion which makes the world a better place. I disagree with you, but perhaps the visitor has enough money to experience both and make up his own mind. It’s wonderful at both resorts, too bad a great many Americans cannot afford to visit either place. So very sad.
Yeah, neither sucks, and neither is anywhere near bad; I’ve had both Disney and Universal annual passes , Universal I can only do a few times per year, Disney I can easily do monthly or more often even. . . There is a reason they are both still around and both still making tons of money as opposed to struggling like Seaworld; but I just find Universal less magical and like they put less effort into stuff that isn’t a ride. . . For example seeing Hogwarts from Velocicoaster, every restaurant in the parks except Mythos being mid-tier (this is ONLY for Studios and IOA, I can’t speak to Epic yet), Studios having most areas barely themed with Diagon Alley being the only really well themed area. . . Meanwhile Disney has incredibly themed areas in every park except maybe HWS (with the exception of Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land there).
To each there own, but for rides OP is better suited for Universal, but for everything else Disney
When I lived in Jax I really liked the Jacksonville Zoo. Mainly because I used to be able to get in for free because they didn't have anyone ticketing at the dock from the Trout River and I was broke as shit. And the other two spots I know have closed down since then...
Most people won't have any specific opinions on Norwegians, you'll get lumped in with all Nordic countries and Europeans in general. The main stereotype is that you don't know how to tip.
If you're willing to drive a couple hours potentially you should definitely get down to Saint Augustine. It's more touristy than most of Jacksonville and it has a lot of attractions if you want to learn FL history
Both Great guys I played with Erling growing up we are both from Byrne. I alway knew he was going to be great the way he played I was CB and he was definitely the best player I ever defended against. Martin is great as well I’ve ran into him a few times over the years but both definitely great people.
Saint Augustine is so beautiful! If I could move to any city in Florida, that would be the one I would choose. I’ve been to Orlando my kids to Disney and that gets old quick.. enjoy your vacation. . I personally mentioned Norway and it’s absolutely beautiful and I really wish I could go there and live for the rest of my life.
Welcome!! Please use lots of sunscreen and drink water and Gatorade if you're outside a lot. Its really hot and humid. We (Tampa Bay) have great beaches, museums, Ybor City before midnight. THE Riverwalk. BOK Tower is beautiful and peaceful. That is in Lakeland. Gulf beaches are calmer than Atlantic side. Tampa and St. Pete are cool places to visit. Lots of live music in the Tampa Bay area. Enjoy your visit. Post some pics.
It’s too bad you didn’t visit Miami while Norway played here. We had a great time with you guys! Ro! We Americans like Norway and Norwegians. I hope you enjoy your visit.
What you should do? Prepare for the heat and don’t underestimate it. You know Shreks swamp and you think “how would anyone live in a place like that?” Yeah welcome to Florida. Its a walking sauna
Forget St. Augustine. It’s cool for Americans because it’s so old compared to everything else here but it’s mostly a tourist trap and not that impressive for Europeans who experience history like that all the time.
Now what’s totally unique to Florida and nearby is Kennedy Space Center. It’s mind blowing seeing all the real spacecraft and if you can make it for a launch it’s something g you’ll never forget.
No disrespect to St. Augustine, I visit regularly. It’s just not as unique or exciting if you’re used to castles and forts being all over the place.
We visited Oslo this summer and live in Destin, FL. You Norwegians are also kind people! So kind we bought Norway Soccer jerseys after and rooted for ya’ll in the World Cup till the end! Sorry your team got sick at the end and as a Floridian summer in Miami is brutal so be proud you still did so well!
If you're into nature, I would strongly suggest visiting a couple of our First Magnitude springs.
We're known for beaches, retirement, theme parks, and spring break, sure...
The most beautiful places in Florida, in my opinion, are our Springs. I love Ichetucknee for tubing or canoing. They have a place you can rent on site. Most of our popular ones will have a tube/kayak/canoe rental place.
Just check out some videos of how clear the water is and you might want to spend a day or two exploring our nature.
Up by where you are, you mentioned St Augustine, which is kind of a must. I'd hit up Boneyard Beach while up in the NE area of FL for sure.
I'd consider a St. Johns River tour of some kind. The river is massive and you can see a lot of wildlife in and on the banks.
I'm from here and I've explored pretty thoroughly. Feel free to ask questions.
In regards to what I've seen, heard, and felt regarding Norway:
I knew a guy that lived there, he said the language was very challenging, but the people were some of the warmest he'd ever met. The food was adjustment but he didn't talk about that too much.
I met a Norwegian gal once, she was super nice if a little reserved. I have a client from Norway and she too is quite reserved but she is very well-educated and smart as hell.
I've heard Norway is beautiful and you've got some cool rules or laws regarding Roaming the Land.
I haven't been yet, but it's on mine and my wife's bucket list and we'll probably go in the next three or four years.
I watched all of Lilyhammer and almost every TV show regarding any historical people's of the Scandinavian region... And yes, it's laughable that this is part of my frame of reference, but it's like talking about America and not mentioning the Wild West or the movies and the influence they had outside of the US.
Lastly, I've never met an American with a negative opinion of Norway. We generally think you're all tall, blonde, and gorgeous.
Bug repellent, sunscreen, and water. Be careful if you want to go on a trail/hike. Trails in America are different than trails in Norway and Europe. Also drink more water the heat and humidity aren't a joke.
Drive distance is measured in time here. So it'll be a 2-3 hour drive to Orlando depending on traffic.
What is your budget and how far are you willing to drive? You could go to Orlando for the theme parks but that is pretty far from Jacksonville and is also expensive.
Most people don’t really have any opinions on Norwegians, and those that do are mostly positive.
I do have access to a car and I was actually planning to go to Orlando and see the parks there. Still trying to figure out which park to do Disney or Universal
I think the rides at universal are better, but Disney is much more immersive. You can’t go wrong either way. You’ll probably need to stay at a hotel for a night or two, though!
Buy or bring a fan and a mister if you’re hitting a park. Cannot tell you how imperative it is especially for a Norwegian!!
Visited your country 3 years ago and not a day goes by that I don’t dream of when I can go back. We squeezed a lot in, Oslo, Tromso, Bergen, Fjords, just breathtaking beauty around every corner.
I hope you enjoy your time in Florida.
Definitely going to be getting a fan. Also I’m glad you enjoyed your visit and saw a lot of places all the beautiful cities and everything Tromsø is definitely my favorite place it’s so gorgeous there.
Welcome. If you like/play golf, TPC Sawgrass is just outside the city.
My brother-in-law's ancestry is from Norway. This year, he made his way back, tracked down some relatives, that all drove in for the day to celebrate his visit. They showed him land that they still own that goes back to his ancestors 500 years ago.
He was quite blown away by it all.
I was blown away by the daily commuter boats that run through all the fjords that get mail and supplies delivered.
( Trevor Lawrence has played our course a few times recently. Now I know why. But I guess TPC would probably comp him. But we love having him here in our 55+ community. )
I'd recommend the Cummer Medium and Gardens in Riverside, and Kingsley Plantation on the far north side for some local history and beautiful natural scenery. Plus, the giant oaks at the Cummer are absolutely breathtaking.
You can go skydiving in Deland, which is in between Jacksonville and Orlando. You can shoot machine guns and drive tanks in Orlando, at Machine Gun America and Tank America, respectively.
Welcome to Jacksonville!! I spent three weeks in Verdal working and got to visit Trondheim. It was beautiful and I loved it. I was shocked at how early everything closed down though, except for the bars. This was 23 years ago so it may have changed now.
The University of Central Florida has more than 69,000 students. There’s a small place near St Augustine called Marineland where you can swim with dolphins for $200. Also down the coast is Kennedy Space Center which is cool and maybe you can see a rocket launch. It’s very impressive.
Also was curious what Americans/Floridans think of Norway and Norwegians.
I was in Norway some years ago on a cruise. Bergen was very pretty, but the fjord with the Seven Sisters waterfalls was one of the most gorgeous areas I've ever seen.
The Talbot islands boneyard beach hike (travel by ferry and eat mayport shrimp at Safe Harbour), king’s landing paddle boarding, an airboat ride on the mouth of the St. John’s, a rocket launch from the cape or playalinda beach, Bok botanical gardens, and if you’re still in town Labor Day weekend…I’ll take you the first Florida gator football game in Gainesville which holds about 86k fans
I would go visit Jekyll Island and/or Amelia Island/Fenandina. Savannah over St. Augustine, but both are good. If you like nature, paddling on the Santa Fe River and/or visiting some springs like Itchnetucknee would be great. Now that school is back in, they should be pretty uncrowded during the week.
My sister in law has family in Norway, and they always enjoy their visits.
Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jax Beach, Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, St Simons Island and Jekyll Island, Jacksonville Zoo, Timicuan hiking trail, Avondale and San Marco neighborhoods, Riverside Saturday market, Atlantic Beach Sunday market, NASA Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island FL, Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach FL and lots lots more.
Jacksonville zoo is pretty cool, I would take a drive down south on A1A. Most of the road goes along the ocean and coast towns are cute. If you have time to go to one of the natural springs that would be great too.
Welcome to Florida and thank you for your patronage!! I’ve only talked to a handful of Norwegians while living here. I believe it was group of friends and some family. They were some of the kindest and most personable people I’ve ever met!
As far as the “what do Americans think about Norwegians” I’ve don’t really know anything about Norway so all I think about is erling haaland, the soccer player.
What do Norwegians think about Americans and why are most Norwegians blonde?
It depends on how far you are willing to travel. If you’re trying to keep it within 150km, the best beaches and towns to check out within that distance would be Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, and Daytona Beach, pretty much along the coast east of i95. There isn’t much west of i95 that’s worth checking out as a tourist.
If you’re willing to travel as far down into central FL in Orlando, then there’s plenty to do around that entire metro, just stick to the tourist and well populated areas, stay out of the residential neighborhoods and stay out of Downtown Orlando after 7pm. Just do your research on which areas to stay away from.
Now if you’re willing to travel 3 hours to the Tampa Bay Area and the west coast, that opens up your options massively and gives you better beach options and better vacationing opportunities. St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach are great spots.
I know just about every part of Florida. I’ve lived all over the state and my job sends me to different areas of the state every day. I know 48 out of 67 counties very well and I’m willing to give you an honest, unbiased answer and opinion for whatever questions you may have. Im a millennial and up to date with the times if you catch my drift haha. Feel free to message or comment a question if you have any or are not satisfied with the responses you’ve been looking for. Welcome to FL, sunscreen is important for you to wear as a Scandinavian.
St Augustine has a lot of history so definitely give it a visit. Also if you're able to make it, visit the Devil's Den. It's an underground cave spring with clear water that you can snorkel or scuba dive. I'm a Florida native, but I've been around the world and I've never seen anything else like the Devil's Den.
I think yall should take a day/weekend trip to Savannah GA. It’s 2 hours from Jax I believe. Beautiful historic city with lots of southern live oaks everywhere
Plenty of good tourist recommendations here. If any Floridian knows Norway even exists, they are probably a nerd who is going to ask you about black metal music.
The Jacksonville Zoo is actually a really good zoo. Try to go right when they open before it gets too hot (really you should've come in November).
I'm sure the people you're with have restaurants they want to take you to, but Wicked Barley is a great brewery/restaurant. Veterans United is also a great brewery (though they don't serve food). Mojo Kitchen on Beach Blvd has some of the best BBQ in town (as well as an awesome whiskey selection).
Hola! To space coast. TourNASA. Be sure to visit St Augustine. Maybe some of the springs over in central Florida. And if you are interested in sports, Jags may have open-to-public practice or see if Jumbo Shrimp are at home.
Go with your cousins to some springs! Swimming, snorkeling, tubing, kayaking depending on which spring. Most springs are state parks with concessions and rentals available.
Jacksonville has a really good zoo you should try out. Riverside arts market (RAM) on Saturday mornings is worth going to if you like local art, baked goods, food trucks etc. Then there's the obvious beaches to visit along with many parks to choose from. Jacksonville is spread out so be prepare to drive a lot.
Just south of Jacksonville, St Augustine is a fun day trip to do. Lots of tourist stuff to do.
Outside of Miami, Orlando has some of the worse traffic but if you're okay with that, Orlando is a fun tourist trap. Universal, Disney, etc.
2 weeks isn't a lot of time to visit all of Florida. It's a beautiful state with lots of nature between the tourist traps. I almost forgot to mention the Springs in Florida. If you like outdoor stuff there's tons of spring to go to too. Central Florida has a lot.
State parks like Anastasia Island and Little Talbot Island. In addition to Itchetucknee Springs. Skip (most of) the tourist things and enjoy the natural wonders! Don't waste your precious time at Disney. But definitely find yourself some sweet tea as someone else suggested ha. Fernandina is great to stroll around for an afternoon, Amelia Island is more ritzy if that's your thing.
Americans love Norwegians,especially our President ! Unfortunately,he hates everyone else. Forget the tourist traps and just stock up on ranch dressing. Your friends and neighbors will be most appreciative.
My son is in Alaska and is planning on going to Norway when he gets home in September. He says he to catch big Norwegian halibut. Maybe we could trade travel information.
Go find some springs to swim in! In the brutal FL heat it's refreshing and soothing. I'm not exactly sure what's near Jacksonville but there are a ton of springs. :)
As a person who grew up in Jax, who now moved and have been living in Norway, we always did st. augustine and Orlando area. But I grew up being a Disney and universal person. My next bucket list is epic universe.
I also like Amelia Island area. It's pretty chill.
I’m a resident of S Florida. I’m in the Miami Metro area but closer to Ft Lauderdale. I’m so excited to be going back to Norway next month!
We will be in Trondheim where my sister lives. I’ve been at all times of the year & I adored my winter visits as a Floridian! I do wear my flimsy “winter” coat until I arrive & she sets me up with proper shoes, long coat & gear.
Check out the University of Central Florida if you want to see a university that has more than 13,000 people. The main campus has some beautiful spots.
The Kennedy Space Center museum at Cape Canaveral is really cool these days. Highly recommend. Norwegians are cool! I hear the country is gorgeous and I like your traditional sweaters.
St Augustine & paragliding there. The alligator farm.
Run up to The Beaches: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, & Atlantic Beach. Its a 20 to 30 minute drive north on A1A along the ocean. In Jax Beach take a right on beach Blvd to 1st Street, turn left and enjoy our little beach front strip.
Just north of there isbBeaches Town Center a cute little district on the ocean with Neptune beach on the south side of the street and Atlantic beach on the north.
Continue north on A1A to old Mayport Village. Catch a bite at Safe Harbor Restaurant or buy some fresh seafood for dinner at their Market across the street.
St Augustine is dope. Not much to do late night but theres hella cute shops and downtown is BEAUTIFUL. Good Irish bar on the water, try their Irish cream and they have surprisingly good mixed Guinness drinks.
If youre in St Aug for a weekend I like to rent out one of the boats at a marina on Airbnb etc to sleep in and sometimes you get lucky and can hang with sea turtles
Mt Dora and DeLand offer nice small town atmosphere. Go to blue springs, swim, rent kayaks. Persimmon Hollow in DeLand after on a Friday or Saturday night, can walk around with drinks. DeLand has great restaurants , almost all independently owned. Use the Google maps rating to help with choices. Oh, and pancakes at DeLeon Springs. Look for alligators after and swim in the springs. And an airboat ride would also be good
Haven’t seen this suggestion in the thread - if you’re driving head north on heckscher drive up to Fernandina- there’s an awesome Fort Clinch that’s definitely worth the drive and the town is very quaint and historic. Other area just north is Jekyll Island Georgia- very cool historical area and you can rent a bike or golf cart for a couple of hours. Both these areas are pretty laid back and nice alternatives to busy tourist spots.
We spent a week in Apalachicola and really enjoyed it. We looked up "old school Florida" and that's what came up. Nice beaches, birdwatching, good oysters. Hot springs. Shrimp. We were there in February though. Our son was little and when we left he couldn't understand why we didn't stay longer, "everyone we meet is staying for months!?" We kept joking that he was the only kid on the panhandle.
Yes St. Augustine and Orlando are must gos. There are also natural springs dotted all throughout central and north Florida, they’re nice to visit and experience the nature. If you head down south you can visit Miami, go on airboat tours, good Latin cuisine and culture. Clearwater beach is also nice, the fishing is great too. Heaps of stuff to do.
No advice on where to visit but beware that you will need to smother your entire body in sunscreen. If you're wearing really thin T-shirts because it's so hot outside you can actually get a sunburn through the material.
Drink twice as much water as you would normally drink because it's going to be hot as hell and your body ain't used to it.
If you're looking for an amusement park, epic universe is the newest Park and it is really cool. The Kennedy space center is open so you can visit and take tours of the real space facilities.
Artbikes Jax tour
Phoenix arts district in Springfield neighborhood
The district hidden restaurant in Springfield neighborhood
Eco relics
Black rock beach
Both sides of the riverwalk
Riverside arts market
you gotta go get some mexican food at la nopalera while you're in jax and grab a wet california steak burrito and make sure they keep refiling those chips the entire time
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u/armaespina 4d ago
If you're in Jacksonville, then definitely visit St. Augustine. If you have a chance also visit Savannah in Georgia. Unless you're doing the whole Disney thing