In 2007, I surprised my parents by deciding last-minute to not go to college near my home in New Jersey but to instead find a college that would accept me without much notice. Jacksonville University was the pick and within days we were in Jacksonville scouting it out. A week later, I moved to Jacksonville, FL where unknowingly I’d be living for 13 years until our move to South Carolina in 2020.

The bros, Logan and I enjoyed so many different things about Florida, so this is a list of our favorite activities to do in or near Jacksonville, FL:

LEGOLAND – Ninja Days, Beach Retreat, main hotel

Nocatee – be sure to experience Nocatee’s Spray, Splash Park and amazing paddle board launch

St. Simon’s Island and Jekyll Island – nearby and make for fantastic weekend trips

St. Augustine Pirate’s Museum – great for a rainy day

St. Augustine Alligator Farm – great for littles who love wildlife

Crayola Experience – this interactive experience in Orlando, FL helps bring color to life

Orlando Science Center – one of the best-run science centers in the country

Disney World – while Disney isn’t our happiest place in the world, every child should experience it once

Castillo de San Marcos – this historic fort entertains our bros for hours

Cummer Museum – this Jacksonville museum has great hands-on activities for littles

The Collector Inn – a great romantic overnight choice for adults-only in historic St. Augustine

St. Augustine Aquarium – this aquarium is small but offers children the chance to get up close to some cool fish

Marineland – go for a splurge experience and swim with the dolphins

Sweet Pete’s Candy – a go-to around the holidays for decorating candy-themed gifts

Camp Chowenwah – a great location for “outdoor” camping while really just staying in air-conditioned cabin

Fort Matanzas/ Cumberland Island – take a ferry boat ride around Cumberland Island and look for wild horses

Disney Springs – eat at Enzo’s Hideaway, a hidden Italian restaurant underground

Universal Studios – Harry Potter World is a must-experience attraction for littles

St. Augustine Lighthouse – climb the steps of this tall lighthouse but be aware of motion sickness

Sea World – always choose the splash zone!

Timucuan Preserve – learn more about ancient Florida and the Indian culture that once lived there