North Florida Family Vacations

From the historic city of Pensacola and Tallahassee, Florida's capital on the state's western border, east to Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Amelia Island on the east cost. North Florida family vacations will bring squeals of delight and gasps of wonder as visitors discover the abundant historical, cultural, and natural attractions of Florida's First Coast and inland areas. One will find plenty of beach in North Florida, with the west coast bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Off the state's northeastern-most corner, Amelia Island provides a refreshing change of pace for those looking for travel information on north Florida family vacations. On this small island, families will find blocks of old mansions, miles of beaches, and lots of seafood. One of the nation's fastest growing and most modern cities, Jacksonville is situated along the banks of the state's longest river. Following the twists and turns of the St. Johns River, visitors to "Florida's River City by the Sea" will find amusements ranging from the modern downtown delights of Jacksonville Landing to the historic Ft. Caroline National Monument. Also at the Landing is the small Jacksonville Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore model ships and artifacts depicting the coastal city's colorful seafaring history. Upriver, the Cummer Museum of Art showcases American impressionist paintings and Japanese ivory carvings.

On Jacksonville Beach, kids enjoy a different sort of fun with laser tag at Adventure Island or Florida's only uphill water coaster at Adventure Landing. At Guana River State Park, south of Ponte Vedra Beach, active families can mountain bike along nine miles of old service roads or boat through nearby rivers.

To the south lies the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States — St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown, St. Augustine has diligently preserved much of its rich heritage along a 144-block downtown historic district that offers a history lesson with proven kid appeal. Once the kids get their fill of Florida history, put some bite back into the trip with a stop at the century-old St. Augustine Alligator Farm, famed to be the first of its kind in America.
With more than 2,700 gators and crocodiles, the farm features the world's most complete collection of crocodilians. Another American first, is nearby Marineland of Florida.

Pensacola Beach and the Beaches of South Walton, offer miles of unspoiled natural beauty and endless options for family fun. Kids and parents alike will enjoy beachcombing along sugary sand so fine it squeaks beneath the toes. The calm Gulf waters provide children of all ages with a welcome "splash zone" ideal for wading or swimming. Downtown Pensacola provides the perfect setting for romantic walks through its charming historic districts.

The North Central Region consists of 16 counties and extends from Gadsden and Wakulla Counties in the west to Alachua County in the east. The group consists of "The Original Florida and "The Nature Coast."
It is here where you will find Florida's capital city – Tallahassee. Tallahassee, Florida's Capital City, is located in North Central Florida, although it bears little resemblance to the rest of Florida. Geographically closer to Atlanta than Miami, Tallahassee exudes the charm of a small Southern city with its oak-lined canopy roads, colorful azaleas and rolling hills -- a Florida few expect to find.