From fascinating cultural attractions to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, there is a good reason North and Central Florida bring in millions of visitors every year. Summer is an excellent time to experience these regions, but sifting through the plethora of activities can be a challenge. We are here to help by showcasing some of the best summer activities in Central and North Florida.
Kayak Through Silver Springs State Park
Tranquil gardens and scenic forest wilderness surround one of America’s largest springs in Silver Springs State Park. Silver Springs, a distinctive and clear body of water, has been a popular natural attraction in Florida for over a century. Schedule a glass-bottom kayak tour to make the most of your experience at this one-of-a-kind Marion County park. These tours make viewing wildlife easy, as you can see the underwater world beneath you throughout the journey. Also, larger glass-bottom boats are available for group tours.
Explore the Panhandle’s Beaches
The Panhandle has some of the best beaches in Florida. Cities such as Destin, Pensacola, and Panama City Beach feature expansive, open beaches along some of the prettiest water in the country. These beaches maintain high standards of cleanliness and offer ample space, ensuring that even on busy days, crowds don’t become a concern.
Enjoy a Theme Park Trip in the Orlando Area
Orlando has much to offer visitors, but the city’s most significant draw is its close proximity to several surrounding theme parks. If you want a family-centric getaway, visiting Orlando’s theme parks in the summer will create unforgettable memories. Below are a few examples of the area’s most renowned:
Disney World: Walt Disney World reigns as the world’s most-visited theme park, with attractions that include Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Universal Orlando: This thrilling resort features adrenaline-inducing rides and the famed Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
LEGOLAND Florida: Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, the massive LEGOLAND theme park also offers a water park to beat the heat.
Take in the History of North Florida
If you are a history buff, North Florida offers several towns and cities with fascinating histories. Summer visitors can enjoy these communities without the immense crowds that winter typically brings:
St. Augustine: Founded in the 1500s, St. Augustine is considered the oldest continuously inhabited, European-settled city in the country. It boasts numerous preserved buildings and captivating museums that showcase its past.
Fernandina Beach: Visitors to Fernandina Beach have the opportunity to explore 19th-century forts and museums that highlight the city’s unique history, which ultimately led to its designation as the Isle of Eight Flags.
Experience a Summer Festival in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, the largest city within the Central and North Florida regions, hosts a multitude of events that draw in substantial crowds of visitors throughout the season. We’ll explore a few below:
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament: This massive tournament attracts hundreds of competitors of all experience levels and includes a food festival.
904 Day: Support and enjoy a celebration of the many local and small businesses across the Jacksonville area during 904 Day.
Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration: Take in one of Florida’s biggest Independence Day celebrations, involving fireworks launching from various locations throughout the city.
