Waterside Spots Making a Splash
We love living in Northeast Florida! We love it so much that we would be hard pressed to count all of the reasons why this is the best place to live, but being so close to the water has to be at the top of the list. Residents of Greater Jacksonville get to enjoy breathtaking water views and easy access to both the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean daily when most of the country can only experience such things on vacation.
As summer winds down, our ability to enjoy the water doesn’t. Lucky us! So we have put together a list of some of our current favorite waterside spots that are making a splash…
Admiral’s Fleet Boat Club
Best way to enjoy the water? By boat, of course! Admiral’s Fleet Boat Club is a membership-based boating service based in Fleming Island that offers unlimited access to a fleet of high-quality boats without the pesky cost or maintenance of ownership. As both Gavin and Ashley are members, they can attest it’s a great way to get out on the river. All the fun, none of the stress!
Silver Glen Springs
Known for its exceptionally clear, turquoise water, Silver Glen Springs is a beautiful spot along the edge of the Big Scrub in the Ocala National Forest with a spring run that pours out into Lake George. It’s one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations and for good reason! You can kayak, snorkel, swim, or hike for a low admission fee. Plus, you can access the recreational area via boat or car — win, win!
https://www.ocalamarion.com/directory/silver-glen-springs-recreation-area
Matthew David Christian Majka Photography
Spring Park
Nestled along the west bank of the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs, you’ll find the picturesque Spring Park. This public park is open from sunrise to sunset year-around and offers the perfect place to stroll through the live oaks dripping in spanish moss, enjoy a picnic under the covered gazebos, or take a dip in the spring-fed municipal swimming pool. Spring water rises up from the aquifer below at a constant temperature of 77 degrees. Talk about the miracles of nature!
https://www.greencovesprings.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Spring-Park
Waterside Dining
Nothing beats dinner with a view! Northeast Florida has a dynamic food scene so we are constantly exploring new places to enjoy a beverage or eat a meal waterside. These are just a handful of our current go-to spots:
Julington Creek Fish Camp: Relaxed, elegant spot for seafood with a Southern twist in Jacksonville. https://julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Wicked Barley: A casual pub with house-brewed craft beers and bar bites in Jacksonville. https://wickedbarley.com
Outback Crab Shack: Riverfront staple known for its lobster rolls, seafood classics, and live music in St. Augustine. https://obcrabshack.com
River House: Private club meets dive bar in this Orange Park establishment whose Happy Hour drinks are just as good as the view.
Club Continental: A private club and event venue in Orange Park. Membership gains you access to 3 pools, 7 tennis courts, and gourmet dining. https://clubcontinental.com
Club Continental
We’re always looking for a good excuse to get out and play tourist in our own town. Share your favorite local waterside spots that we missed in the comments. We’d love to check them out!