Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This small maritime museum on the harborfront provides a selection of local maps and
pamphlets.
Nassau County Public Library
INTERNET
10am-6pm Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10am-8pm Mon & Thu)
Free internet access.
Getting There & Around
Hwy A1A splits in two directions on Amelia Island, one heading west toward I-95 and the
other following the coast; both are well marked.
To get to Amelia the fastest route from the mainland is to take I-95 north to exit 373 and
head east about 15 miles straight to the island.
Want a prettier route? Heading from Jacksonville Beach to the town of Mayport, catch
the
St Johns River Ferry
, which runs every 30 minutes to Fort George Island.
NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
Sprinkled between the thoroughbred-horse studs, the sprawling forest of Ocala and the
funky college town of Gainesville, you'll discover crystal-clear springs, meandering back
roads and small Victorian gingerbread towns reminiscent of a time before the tourism ex-
plosion. North Central Florida is more 'Southern' than Florida's South. Go figure!
Blue Spring State Park
The largest spring on the St Johns River, Blue Spring maintains a constant 72°F (22°C).
Between November and March it becomes the winter refuge for up to 200 West Indian
manatees. The best time to see them is before 11am; there's a wheelchair-accessible path to
bluespring
; 2100 W French Ave, Orange City; car/bike $6/2; 8am-sunset)
is a revitalizing spot to
swim (prohibited when manatees are present), snorkel or canoe. Campsites ($24), basic
cabins ($95) and gear rentals are available.
