Fun, Covid-Safe Things to Do Close to Military Housing in Jacksonville
Cooler weather is here at last in Florida – but this is not your ordinary winter! The Covid-19 virus is affecting many Floridians these days, in different and challenging ways. Take heart though, there are still PLENTY of fun and safe socially distanced activities you and your loved ones can enjoy while the weather is sparkling. Jacksonville offers some of the best military housing options in the country, and the area has an abundance of things to do.
There's Always the Beach
Even if you're not a sun bunny, some of Florida's best beaches are right here in Jacksonville – and they are incredibly convenient to military housing. Grab your bikes or rent electric scooters or mopeds, and cruise down scenic A1A. Did you know that Jacksonville has 22 miles of beaches and over a thousand miles of waterways to enjoy? It's more than anywhere else in the country, perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Check out Big Talbot Island State Park – ancient, petrified trees line the beach with an otherworldly beauty, and create a stunning backdrop for that killer Instagram post. You can also take the St. John's River Ferry, close to Mayport, and enjoy some of the best seafood in the world, caught fresh daily, at the Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant. Jacksonville is also getting a lot of notice on the diving scene, with over 30 exciting reefs to explore.
Walk Along the River
The proud St. John's River is one of few north-flowing rivers in the world and offers a plethora of education and entertainment. Many locals enjoy fishing for flounder and blue crabs in these waters and they are absolutely delicious. Gazing out across the deep blue waters, you might catch a view of frolicking dolphins, manatees, or even a shark. Also close to military housing is Jacksonville's famous Riverwalk. Boasting over a mile of outdoor restaurants, beautiful views of Downtown Jacksonville, and a marina, strolling the Riverwalk is a great way to enjoy the city but remain safe and socially distanced. Be sure to stop by River City Brewing Company – one of Jacksonville's best restaurants, it offers riverside outdoor seating with stunning views and a menu full of casually elegant cuisine.
Tee Up
Golf is outdoor exercise at its most relaxed, and the Jacksonville and Mayport areas are home to several world-class golf courses. It's not just for rich people anymore! Many local courses offer classes, equipment rental, and flexible scheduling for tee times so you can remain safe while hitting the links. One of the most affordable and welcoming golf clubs near your housing is the Jax Beach Golf Club, offering several options for friends and family groups. If you're a golf fan, don't miss a chance to whack some balls at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Home of the Players Championship, the course is both stunning and challenging.
Have A History Lesson
The Jacksonville area is known as the "First Coast" because it was the very first area of the state explored by Europeans. Only a short drive down A1A from big city Jacksonville, the ancient town of St. Augustine is utterly charming and offers military families a huge variety of Covid-19 safe things to do. Take a stroll down world-famous St. George Street, home to quaint outdoor cafes, unique boutiques, and intriguing stone buildings dating back to the late 1500s. Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, built in 1672 by Spanish governor Don Manuel de Cendoya. The Castillo offers breathtaking views of the Matanzas Inlet and a fascinating look into Florida's historical roots. Another enchanting outdoor historical area is the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Timucuan Preserve. Fort Caroline is located just a short, picturesque drive from Naval Station Mayport, and features an abundance of monuments, pathways, and exhibits about the first French colony in the United States.
Get Out There and Enjoy!
This is only an exceedingly small taste of all the exhilarating things the Jacksonville area offers to military members and families. There is a huge variety of fun yet Covid-safe activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy that are convenient to the area's wide selection of military housing. Get your mask and your favorite people and get out and safely enjoy all life has to offer in Jacksonville!