North Florida

North Florida has the distinction of being home to the oldest continually inhabited city in the United States. This area has a plethora of historic sites and monuments as well as natural springs, giant sinkholes, and pristine beaches.

North Florida was home to Native American tribes such as the Apalachee and Timucua for thousands of years. In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon led a Spanish expedition to Florida. The city of St. Augustine was established in 1565, and the Spanish built many missions in an attempt to convert the Native Americans. In the 1700’s and 1800’s, Florida changed hands multiple times between Spain and Britain before finally becoming a U.S. state in 1845. North Florida saw many battles during the Civil War and served as a key route for supplies. In 1906, the University of Florida officially started classes on its campus in Gainesville, becoming one of the oldest and most influential universities in the state.

Today, North Florida blends historic charm, natural beauty, and Southern culture. Hike scenic trails, climb historic lighthouses, snorkel inside a cave, or even go white water rafting in this remarkable region.