Northeast around St Augustine, Florida Attractions
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After failures in other parts of Florida, the Spanish finally managed to create a permanent settlement in this region, in St Augustine, in 1565. With few interruptions they maintained their influence here until the land was sold to the U.S. in 1821.Northeastern Florida incorporates the stretch of land from the Georgia border to Daytona Beach. Other than St Augustine, major cities in the area include Jacksonville, a modern city with a historical port and Daytona Beach, a popular spring break destination for college students.
Daytona Beach, Florida
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Guana River Wildlife Management Area and State Park, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Guana River Wildlife Management Area and State Park protects 12,000 acres of coastal barrier beach, coastal hammock, pine flatwoods, a lake, ponds and marsh. Offshore areas and Guana Lake attract birds such as sea ducks, common loons and northern gannets in the winter months. Black-necked stilts, yellowlegs, dowitchers and other shorebirds have also been spotted.
Palatka, Florida
One of Palatka's foremost residents, Judge Isaac Bronson was a member of the 25th U.S. Congress and responsible for proposing the act that saw Florida become a state. His home, built in 1854, has been restored and is open to the public.
Ravine State Gardens
Ravine State Gardens is representative of the never-ending shaping that occurs by water. A steep ravine was created by water flowing from beneath the sandy ridges that flank the west shore of the St. Johns River. As time passed, the slopes of the ravine were colonized by grasses, shrubs and trees.A children's playground, picnic facilities and a fitness trail are available.
National Fish Hatchery, Welaka, Florida
The National Fish Hatchery Aquarium in Welaka displays reptiles and about 50 species of native freshwater fish. The hatchery was built in 1926 and operates 2 ponds. This warm water hatchery raises between 4.5 to 5 million fish annually.
