Just a short 1.5 hour drive away and you can snorkel or scuba in crystal clear spring water. Visit Devil's Den Spring to swim inside of a cave with the sun shining in from above. Hit Silver Glen Springs during the winter months to snorkel with manatees, or Salt Springs and Alexander Springs to see crabs and various species of fish. I recommend going in the early morning to have the place to yourself and see the most wildlife.

The Riverwalk stretches along the St. Johns on both banks near San Marco and Riverside. Great for a relaxing evening walk, visit the massive Friendship Fountain, attach a lock with your loved one's initials to the bridge, and watch dolphin's swimming through the water. For a daytime visit, I highly recommend renting an electric bike from Art Bike's Jax.

The main feature of the park is the bronze sculpture Life, honoring the Floridians that died in service during World War I. The grassy lawn is often filled with picnicking families and pick-up soccer games on the weekends. Along the water you may find fishing or just casual observers enjoying the view of the widest part of the St. Johns River.

Formal gardens, a unique shoreline with rare coquina rock outcroppings, beautiful oak trees, and nature trails. Visitors can hike, bike, and picnic in the park.

Just a short hour drive from Jax, and a quick ferry ride, and you’ll be on a magical island where you can explore ancient ruins, encounter wild horses, and enjoy beautiful beaches. There is very little “civilization” on the island, other than one hidden hotel, so I recommend packing lunches and bringing bikes for quicker travel.

A favorite spot for photographers, boneyard beach is a beach covered in unique driftwood formations, wildlife, and few people. It is a medium length hike from the road, but you’ll enjoy pretty vegetation and a nice trail the whole way.