Florida’s Northeast Coast
The northeast coast of Florida never gets old for return visits which is funny to say, considering St. Augustine, right at the heart, is the oldest city in America. This stretch of coast, running from just below Georgia through Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Hammock Beach, and down to Daytona Beach, feels like the USA’s own Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a place of broad beaches and marinas, moss draped trails and marshland, fresh seafood towers, championship golf and casual rounds where strategy matters more than swing speed.
Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida
In January, when Jacksonville and St Augustine hosted the Society of American Travel Writer’s Freelance Council, the region put on a full display. Jacksonville often flies under the radar even while their airport demonstrates a high energy vibe and is one of the most efficient. Fly into JAX and you’re barely ten minutes from St. John’s River, the city’s backbone. An evening cruise shows it off best with bridges lit from span to span, reflections shimmering across the water and the skyline glowing.
St. Augustine: Where History Feels Alive
St. Augustine wears its history well. Characters in period costumes reenact blacksmithing and situations in the Oldest Jail and all around the city. A trolley tour with Bud exposed many city sites, stories and the brilliance of the famous Nights of Lights on its final evening, caroling all the way. Months of planning and friendly competition go into these Christmas displays to rival any other.
Hammock Beach: Championship Golf and Coastal Retreat
Hammock Beach never disappoints. This year they hosted the Golf Writers Association of America tournament across both of its courses. Jack Nicklaus’s Ocean Course is the first true ocean course in Florida with six holes bordering the Atlantic while Tom Watson’s Conservatory Course is one of Florida’s longest and most challenging. Both championship layouts pair well with excellent cuisine and sweet suites deliver extraordinary balcony views.
Daytona Beach: Rev Up, Then Relax
Daytona Beach proclaims itself loudly and proudly as the World’s Most Famous Beach. During the Rolex 24, engines roar around the clock, turning time itself into the theme of racing, quite literally, for 24 hours straight. There are no tours during race events but catch the track during off hours and it’s absolutely worth the admission.
Summed Up: Northeast Florida Delivers Golf and Fun
If you’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, Daytona is as good a place as any to learn why people make a pilgrimage just to fuel up, admire the famously clean massive restrooms, and stock up on snacks, brisket, and quirky gifts. From Jacksonville’s riverfront neighborhoods to St. Augustine ’s living history, Hammock Beach’s polished calm, and Daytona’s blend of speed and serenity, Florida’s northeast coast delivers variety without chaos. We’d bet a buck, once you visit, you’ll return.
