5 Things You Won’t Find Anywhere Else but Northeast Florida

The idea of experiencing a boring, uneventful day is entirely unfamiliar for residents of Northeast Florida. Stretching from St. Johns County to Nassau County, this captivating region’s eclectic mix of natural wonders, vibrant city life, and historic charm creates a unique and invigorating way of life. Whether one is captivated by the tranquil beauty of Nassau Sound or drawn to the vibrant energy of Downtown Jacksonville, there’s always something to explore for all ages and interests. With much to see and do throughout Northeast Florida, let’s dive into five of the region’s most cherished destinations.

1. Downtown Fernandina Beach

Located just north of Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a charming Old Florida-style destination brimming with charisma and historical intrigue. Fashionistas can stroll over 50 blocks of beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, filled with eclectic art galleries, antique stores, and gift shops with one-of-a-kind treasures. Foodies will enjoy the area’s vibrant culinary scene, with local restaurants offering fresh seafood and globally inspired dishes that cater to every taste bud. History buffs will find plenty of adventure on Fernandina Beach as well. Fort Clinch State Park and the Amelia Island Lighthouse, both established in the 19th century, create a captivating journey through centuries-old stories.

2. Four Creeks State Forest

From priceless estuaries to wooded preserves, Nassau County’s eclectic mix of natural wonders provides a nature-focused playground all ages can enjoy. Just north of Jacksonville along the Duval-Nassau county line, Four Creeks State Forest provides over 13,000 acres of state-protected land to explore. The park is one of few state-protected wildlife sanctuaries where untouched wild animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gopher tortoise and numerous songbirds reside. Visitors and future residents neighboring the lush, protected park will enjoy various recreational activities including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling and horse riding.

3. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens allows visitors to experience exotic animals up close. The zoo stands as Northeast Florida’s sole walking safari, where visitors explore the world’s wildlife through interactive and educational activities. The Jacksonville Zoo is also one of the few zoos in the nation with a dedicated animal wellness team and robust conservation initiatives. It contributes a portion of every ticket sale to support regional and global conservation programs. This destination hosts a diverse array of species, boasting over 2,000 rare animals and 1,000 exotic plants for visitors to explore.

4. A Hub for Art in All Forms

Whether one is a maker or enjoyer, Northeast Florida caters to the art world with a wide array of attractions. Art lovers will be delighted by the abundance of art museums in the area, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. The performing arts are also alive and well in the region, home to the largest symphony orchestra in Florida. Theater buffs can catch the latest Broadway hits at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts or head to Theatre Jacksonville to support the oldest continuously operating community theater in the country. The city is a hub for makers and hosts a monthly art walk, numerous craft festivals and so much more. 

5. Cheer on Your Favorite Sports Team

Northeast Florida is also the premier destination for avid sports fans. Jacksonville is host to a wide variety of professional sports teams, with the most popular being the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Also calling Jacksonville home are the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jacksonville Icemen, the baseball and hockey minor league affiliates that the locals love to watch. The region is also host to some very high-profile events like the annual Florida-Georgia college football game and the PGA Tour’s annual Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach. For those who would rather be active themselves, the Jacksonville area is home to many of the nation’s top golf courses, including King & Bear, World Golf Village, TPC Sawgrass, Amelia Island Resort, and more.

A New Northeast Florida Master-Planned Community Within Reach

Just minutes from these attractions, Tributary is a new 1,550-acre master-planned community that invites residents to Explore More with a prime natural location and private on-site amenities. The Lookout Amenity Center features a fitness studio, a resort-style pool, two pickleball courts, a playground, a dog park, and more. Miles of scenic nature trails wind throughout the community and provide direct access points to the Nassau River, neighboring trailheads of the Four Creeks State Forest and Tributary Regional Park.

Tributary offers new, single-family homes starting from the $300s, built by David Weekley Homes, Dream Finders Homes, Lennar, and Richmond American Homes. Additionally, Tributary announced the addition of Lakeview 55+, Nassau County’s newest active-adult neighborhood within the community. Tributary’s Model Home Village features 6 designer-decorated models, with 2 additional model homes set to open in the near future. The models are open daily for tours or can be toured virtually. To hear from residents themselves on what makes life at Tributary so unique and rewarding, watch our new Community Video. You can also request a complimentary copy of our Explore More lifestyle magazine, which provides information on the neighborhood and surrounding area. For more information, visit TributaryLiving.com.