School’s out, and summer is here. It’s the season when Northeast Floridians hit the beach, fire up the barbecue and bring along the fishing rod. Several new family-friendly attractions, concerts, exhibits and experiences add to the fun. Please enjoy a summer guide curated by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty from a new fitness option to Father’s Day ideas to Fourth of July festivities. Here’s to creating great memories this summer.
New Attractions
The Emerald Trail, a 34-mile, pedestrian and bike path connecting 14 neighborhoods, unveiled its first phase. The LaVilla Link offers users shade trees, pollinator plants and points of interest including public art, historic sites and a pond. The new Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure invites visitors to get up close and personal with its residents, and even touch some. A 110,000-gallon shark tank is among highlights.
groundworkjacksonville.org | daytonaaquariumandrainforest.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
Daytona Beach is most famous for the Daytona International Speedway, home of NASCAR’s Daytona 500, as well as myriad events like Welcome to Rockville music festival. Twenty-three miles of white sand beaches and the ability to drive vehicles on them are among more attractions. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings in nearby Ormond Beach with the following link.
Ormond Beach
Community Spirit
The traveling Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival’s inaugural Jacksonville edition also includes culinary seminars, dancing and cigars (Metropolitan Park, June 15). Teams on more than 300 boats will be out for glory during the 44th annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament with a junior anglers’ competition, food festival and boat showcase benefiting marine research, education and preservation (Jim King Park & Boat Ramp, July 10-20).
beerandbourbon.com | kingfishtournament.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
For Kids
Get a break from screentime at Museum of Science and History’s “Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic” through September 6. Sundown brings spectacular, colorful light displays, from the renovated Friendship Fountain’s nightly, music-filled shows (St. John’s River Park) to Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens’ “IllumiNights” with entertainment and animal encounters through July 28. UNF’s Adam Hubert Center hosts First Coast Comic Con (July 6).
themosh.org | jacksonville.gov | jacksonvillezoo.org | firstcoastcomiccon.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
Father’s Day
Catering to stylish men throughout Florida, John Craig’s Ponte Vedra store stocks gifts like Peter Miller polo shirts and Smathers & Branson’s embroidered drink coasters and flasks. Book a table at nearby 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop for its newly added brunch service with dreamy views. If dad’s a baseball fan, take him to 121 Financial Ballpark to see the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Indianapolis.
johncraigclothier.com | 1912oceanbarandrooftop.com | milb.com
An idyllic oceanside enclave 18 miles south of Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is often discovered while watching the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass or vacationing at its iconic Ponte Vedra Inn and Club. Many visitors fall in love with its quiet, chic lifestyle and make it their home. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Summer Music
Jax Beach Country Fest is family-friendly and free (Seawalk Pavilion, June 2). St. Augustine’s “Concerts in the Plaza” run every Thursday evening (Plaza de la Constitución, through August 29). The St. Augustine Music Festival presents “Juneteenth Recognition,” a New Orleans meets Harlem concert by Marcus Roberts Trio (Lewis Auditorium, June 19) and Mozart to Stravinsky’s classical works (Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, June 21-23, June 28-30).
jaxbeachcountryfest.net | citystaug.com | staugustinemusicfestival.org
Part of Jacksonville’s 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville Beach is the largest of the city’s beach communities. Officially named in 1925, the hub for outdoor activities and entertainment counts many attractions including Jacksonville Beach Pier and Seawalk Pavilion. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
In 1565, Spanish explorers established the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the U.S. Known as the Ancient City or the Old City, St. Augustine charms residents and visitors to this day with its historic architecture, over 42 miles of barrier coastline and thriving hospitality scene. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
St. Augustine
Fourth of July
Omni Amelia Island Resort has designed an entire weekend around Independence Day. On the Fourth of July, its golf cart parade winds through Racquet Park, and families can build toy boats and enjoy s’mores, selfies and a DJ set during “Party on the Pool Deck with Fireworks.” The fun continues with sand castles, mini golf, evening kayaking, the Firecracker 5K and Marché Burette’s “Steak Out.”
omnihotels.com
Part of the Sea Island archipelago in the Southeastern U.S., Amelia Island tops many vacationers’ bucket lists. Eight flags have flown over the centuries-old, historic destination, whose quiet beaches and premier resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island continue to draw residents and visitors. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Amelia Island
