Travelers Guide to North Florida
North Florida is one of the best places to go for an exciting vacation. This part of Florida is known for its plentiful attractions and pleasant weather throughout much of the year. You can choose to spend most of your time in Jacksonville or exploring the entire region, and you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Whether you’re traveling with your family or a group of friends or as a solo traveler, North Florida offers something special for everyone.
Popular Cities
Many great tourist spots can be found in North Florida’s most popular cities. Some of the best cities to visit include:
Jacksonville – You may be surprised to learn that Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental U.S., which gives you plenty of room to have fun in the sun. The Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens features many fascinating artifacts and beautiful flowers. Those looking for a bit of culture only need to look as far the Thrasher-Horne Performance Center. Home to Broadway shows all year round. Jacksonville is also a golfer’s paradise. Hosting several top courses run by Hampton Golf.
Gainesville – Famous for being the home of the University of Florida Gators, Gainesville also boasts attractions such as the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Hippodrome State Theatre. You can also spend an afternoon dining and shopping at the New England-inspired Haile Village Center.
St. Augustine – As Lonely Planet states, St. Augustine is the oldest U.S. city to be continuously occupied since being founded in 1565. You can learn more about the city’s long history by spending time exploring Castillo de San Marcos and other local historical sites.
Panama City Beach – This vibrant resort city attracts large numbers of college-age travelers each year during break. White sand and a blend of blue and turquoise seawater help make the beach one of the world’s most beautiful waterfront destinations.
Ocala – If you’re an avid horse rider, you’ll be pleased to know that Ocala is one of the horse capitals of the world and boasts thousands of acres of horse farms and riding trails. Other popular attractions include Silver Springs State Park and Circle Square Cultural Center.
Palatka – Many parts of Palatka resemble a quintessential Southern city. The Bronson-Mulholland House is a historical plantation-style home that can be toured. More structures that help tell the story of the city’s past can be seen along Historic Lemon Street.
Climate
Sunny skies and warm temperatures are ubiquitous in North Florida throughout much of the year. According to Wikivoyage, June and July are usually the hottest months with temperatures sometimes reaching into the 90s. The coldest winter temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. April and May usually experience the lightest rainfall with high temperatures often hovering in the 80s, and many people consider this to be the best time of year to visit the region.
A visit to North Florida will give you the chance to explore many fascinating places of interest while partaking in unique experiences. You’ll be spending your vacation time wisely when you take a trip to North Florida.
