5 Natural Adventures You Won’t Forget Near Northeast Florida

When winter rolls into Northeast Florida, it’s time to trade cozy nights in for outdoor adventures under sunny skies. With cool breezes and perfect weather, the season has opportunities to explore 80,000 acres of urban parks and 1,100 miles of shoreline. But there’s more to this region than its beaches and big-city charm. From hidden trails to unique waterways, Tributary residents know some of the best-kept secrets for getting out and exploring. Here are five natural adventures that promise to bring a little extra thrill to your Northeast Florida experience.

1. Fresh Catch on Florida’s Waterways

Cooler temperatures and calmer waters during winter bring a variety of fish species closer to shore. Just 8 miles from Tributary, Lofton Creek is a hidden gem where anglers can reel in speckled trout, black drum, and flounder. In Mayport, Little Jetty offers access to the St. Johns River, Atlantic Ocean, and Intracoastal Waterway, with prime fishing around the jetties for sheepshead and drum using live shrimp or crabs. Meanwhile, the tidal flats at Cedar Point Preserve attract redfish, trout, and black drum, making it a favorite spot for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

2. See Wild Horses on Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island, just 22 minutes north of Tributary in Georgia, is a haven for coastal explorers. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, the island boasts over 50 miles of trails and five campgrounds. The Lands and Legacy Tour offers the ultimate way to experience its rich history and natural beauty. This five- to six-hour van excursion takes visitors to landmarks like Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church, and the Cumberland Island Wharf. Along the journey, you might encounter the island’s famed wild horses. Believed to descend from those brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, these majestic creatures now roam freely, grazing on native grasses and adding to the island’s untamed charm.

3. Explore a Driftwood Wonderland

Just 25 miles from Tributary, Boneyard Beach offers one of the most unique and otherworldly landscapes in Northeast Florida. This Big Talbot Island gem features 30-foot bluffs and a shoreline scattered with sun-bleached oak trees. A short half mile walk through a coastal forest leads to this beach, where driftwood sculptures stand upright, topple over, or emerge as stumps reminiscent of a dry swamp. It’s a spot for an artistic photographer, tree climbers, and those looking for a unique place to discover.

4. Pitch a Tent at One of Florida’s Oldest Forests

For a unique family campout close to home, Cary State Forest is just 18 miles from Tributary. Established in 1937 as Florida’s second State Forest, this 13,000-acre park offers stunning landscapes of mature flatwoods, sandhills, and cypress domes. After camping under the stars at either RV or primitive sites, families can explore a variety of outdoor adventures. The 1.25-mile nature trail meanders through the flatwoods and cypress swamp, featuring a boardwalk that takes hikers across wetlands. This trail is a favorite for birdwatching, where you might spot eastern bluebirds, red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers, and owls. For those who love horseback riding, the forest offers two designated trails—the 12.2-mile Fireline Trail and the 7.75-mile Red Root Trail—also open to hiking and biking.

5. Ride the Winter Swells

The consistent swells of the winter months also bring a new rhythm to surfing in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Beach Pier remains a top pick for local surfers, offering dependable conditions and occasional overhead breaks that attract intermediate and advanced riders. Just up the coast, Fernandina Beach provides a quieter, more scenic option. While its waves are less predictable, northeast winds can deliver solid swells, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a laid-back vibe with quality surf. Whether chasing powerful breaks or enjoying the serenity of winter waters, the region’s surf scene thrives during the cooler months.

Winter Fun Begins Right at Home

While there are many things to do throughout Northeast Florida, residents of the master-planned community Tributary don’t have to travel far to have fun. The stylish Lookout Amenity Center has become the community’s vibrant social hub. Here, residents stay active with a range of top-notch amenities, including a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, two pickleball courts, a children’s playground, a resort-style pool, and a recreational playfield. The community even caters to pets with the Pawsome Dog Park, which features separate play areas for large and small dogs and an obstacle course. Scenic nature trails are planned to wind throughout the area, offering direct access to the Nassau River, Four Creeks State Forest, and Tributary Regional Park.

New Construction Homes Now Available

Spanning 1,550 acres of land in Nassau County, Tributary offers an impressive selection of new, single-family homes for all ages priced from the $300s to the $500s. Each is built by some of the nation’s top builders, including David Weekley Homes, Dream Finders Homes, and Lennar. Tributary’s active-adult neighborhood, Lakeview 55+, has already sold out of its first phase of homes. Additional homes will be available in the future.

Model homes are open daily at Tributary for tours. To get a full overview of the community and surrounding area, be sure to connect with Tributary on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit TributaryLiving.com for more information.