Nightlife

Photo by Stephanie Marty

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock Photo by Alexandre Saraiva Carniato, courtesy of Pexels

Boating

With many prime spots for boating on the First Coast, the options are endless. Make sure to bring water skis or a wakeboard for some added fun. Fort George River and Clapboard Creek are two popular waterways to explore for boaters. The St. Johns River Taxi is a great way to cruise downtown and offers a variety of tours, including a sunset cruise.

Jet Skis

For thrill-seekers, look no further than taking a spin on a Jet Ski. With multiple rental locations along the water, the choices of waterways to explore are endless.

Paddle Sports

Are you looking for a relaxing ride down one of the creeks? Or a challenge tackling the ocean waves? Throughout the First Coast, there are multiple locations where kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can be rented, perfect for a day filled with serenity and adventure.

Photo by Stephanie Marty

Surf, Boogie or Skimboarding

Each year, the crashing of the waves along our coastline attracts people who enjoy riding the waves on skim, boogie or surfboards. Some favorite spots include Huguenot Park, Mayport Poles, Atlantic Beach and the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

Retail erapy:

First Coast Shopping

If you are on the hunt for a uni ue piece of furniture or a stylish new outfit, the First Coast has numerous shopping centers and malls that won’t disappoint. Below you will find some of the shopping options in your neighborhood or even find your ne t shopping adventure destination!

Amelia Island shopping, photo courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

CLAY COUNTY

In Clay County, shoppers don’t need to go far to find great stores. Residents can explore the indoor Orange Park Mall and the many shopping plazas in Fleming Island such as the Fleming Island Shopping Center.

DUVAL COUNTY

Located at the heart of the Atlantic and Neptune beach communities, the Beaches Town Center offers oceanfront shopping with several unique boutiques. On the Southside, The Avenues is a multi-level indoor shopping mall that allows for a day of shopping in the cool A/C. Nearby is the St. Johns Town Center, an upscale open-air shopping destination that has shops from popular designers and brands. Next door is The Markets at Town Center, which houses many top retailers as well.

Located in the beautiful San Marco neighborhood, San Marco Square is filled with boutiques offering one-of-a-kind items. The trendy Five Points district in Riverside boasts fashionable clothes, rare accessories and even some shops just for your four-legged friend. The Shoppes of Avondale, nestled in Jacksonville’s historic Avondale neighborhood is a quaint, tree-lined community with several locally owned shops and boutiques. On the Westside, Oakleaf Town Center offers a number of retailers for shoppers running errands.

Photo by Stephanie Marty

Orange Park Mall, photo courtesy of Clay County

River City Marketplace on the Northside is conveniently located near the Jacksonville Airport and offers an array of popular retailers.

NASSAU COUNTY

Shoppers in Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach will find a variety of shops in this northernmost county of the First Coast. Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach and The Shops at Omni Amelia Island are the perfect places to peruse an array of boutiques filled with stylish home décor, art, trendy clothes and unique gifts.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

St. Johns County is the perfect shopping destination for those looking for something unique. Shoppers can peruse upscale shops and boutiques at Sawgrass Village. The Nocatee Town Center offers residents an assortment of restaurants and shops. Northern St. Johns County is growing as a shopping destination that attracts residents and visitors. Durbin Park, including The Pavilion at Durban Park, is continually adding excellent shopping and dining options and will soon be the largest shopping area on the First Coast. The second phase of the development will be adding several more stores and retailers. Also nearby is The Shoppes of Bartram Park, Bartram’s largest retail center that includes several restaurants and shops. The First Coast’s premier outlet mall, the St. Augustine Premium Outlets offer shoppers both designer merchandise and name brands at prices that won’t break the bank.

In St. Augustine’s quaint historic downtown district, shoppers can stroll along St. George Street, a pedestrian-only cobblestone street lined with one-of-akind shops and art galleries.

YUM A Southern Market, photo courtesy of Clay County

Pavilion at Durbin Park, photo by Monica Fields

All-Natural and Organic Grocery Stores

Grassroots Natural Market 2007 Park St., Jacksonville

Grassroots Natural Market II 1915 East West Pkwy., Ste. 1, Fleming Island Publix GreenWise Market 250 Pine Lake Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach St. Augustine location coming soon Native Sun Natural Foods Market 1585 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach

Sprouts Farmers Market 12675 Beach Blvd., Ste. 200, Jacksonville 4873 Town Center Pkwy., Jacksonville The Fresh Market 1960 East West Pkwy., Ste. 100, Fleming Island 12795 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1, Jacksonville 13493 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville 150 Riverside Ave., Ste. 200, Jacksonville 840 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach

Trader Joe’s 11112 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 4180 S. 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach

Whole Foods Market 10601 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 2050 3rd St. S., Jacksonville Beach