Florida's First Coast Vacation Guide
Discover Florida’s First Coast: Your Ultimate Vacation Guide
Florida’s First Coast is where coastal beauty and centuries of history come together. From the sandy beaches of Amelia Island and Jacksonville to the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine—the nation’s oldest city—this region has something for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a family beach trip, a romantic retreat, or a fun getaway with friends, our Florida’s First Coast vacation guide highlights the best places to explore, play, and unwind.
Concert Venues
Daily's Place
Florida Theater
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Museums
Cummer Museum
MOSH Museum of Science & History
MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art
USS Orleck Naval Museum
Beaches Museum
Parks & Trails
Baldwin Trail
Emerald Trail
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Memorial Park
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Garden
South Beach Park & Sunshine Playground
Big Talbot Island State Park
Spring Park
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Reserve
Professional Sports Teams
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Giants
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Jacksonville Icemen
Jacksonville Armada
Foodie Things
Jacksonville Ale Trail
Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail
Mayport Shrimp Trail
Distilleries
Go Tuk'N Progressive Dinner
Beaches
Jacksonville Beach
American Beach
Black Rock Beach
Mickler's Landing
Neptune Beach
Atlantic Beach
Family-Friendly
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
K1 Speed Indoor Go-Carting & Arcade
Stumpy's Hatchet House
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Cattyshack Ranch
Top Golf
Sweet Pete's
Friendship Fountain
Shopping
St Johns Town Center
River City Market Place
Beach Boulevard Flea Market
Beaches Town Center
Riverside Arts Market
St August Premium Outlets
Fernandina Beach Main Street Shops
Shops at Omni Amelia Island
Shopping on Walnut - Green Cove Springs, FL
On the Water
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Surfing
Fishing
Fishing Charters
Airboat Tours - Sea Serpent
Sunset Cruise
Dolphin Tours
Backwater Catboat Tours
Fury Water Adventures
River Taxi Tours
Fun Things to Do
Go Tuk'n Tours
Pedal Pub Jax
Explore Jax Core Tours
Jacksonville Pub Walks
Self Guided Mural Tour
Jacksonville Walking Tours
Shady Rest Alpacas
Congaree & Penn
📅 Sample Itineraries for the First Coast
4-Night Stay
- Day 1: Ease into your trip with laid-back days at Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach. In the evening, enjoy some bites and brews on the Jax Ale Trail or indulge in fresh seafood along the Mayport Shrimp Trail.
- Day 2: Head south to St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city—wander its cobblestone streets, tour Castillo de San Marcos, and explore historical sites. On your way back, visit one of Jacksonville’s top museums like the Cummer Museum, MOSH, or MOCA.
- Day 3: Explore lush nature at Big Talbot Island State Park, stroll the Emerald Trail, or discover the serene Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Cap your day with a sunset dolphin tour, kayaking, or a sunset cruise.
- Day 4: Spend the morning at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens or try something more unique like iFly Indoor Skydiving or Stumpy’s Hatchet House. Wrap up your day browsing local favorites like the Riverside Arts Market, St. Johns Town Center, or Fernandina Beach Main Street Shops.
5-Night Stay
- Day 5: Venture to Amelia Island for coastal horse rides, beach exploration, or a stroll through its charming downtown.
6-Night Stay
- Day 6: Start your day with a mural or walking tour in Jacksonville or a peaceful stroll through Spring Park or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. In the afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise or try a backwater catboat tour—a relaxing way to end your vacation on the water. For a final evening, enjoy a progressive dinner like Go Tuk'N, or check out a live performance at Florida Theatre or Daily's Place.
Your Dream First Coast Vacation Awaits
From sun-soaked beaches and dolphin-filled waters to cobblestone streets and food-truck feasts, Florida’s First Coast is where history meets good vibes. Dive in, wander around, and soak up the coastal fun—one adventure-packed day at a time.
