☀️ Summer Vibes: The Best Things to Do in Northeast Florida (July–September 2025)
Hey y’all! ☀️ Ready to make the most of these sun-soaked months in beautiful Northeast Florida?
Whether you’re looking to keep the kids busy or sneak away for some adults-only fun, I’ve rounded up the must-do activities from July through September. From beach days to food festivals to weekend adventures, there’s something here for everyone.
So grab your sunnies, load up the cooler, and let’s get into it!
1. Moonlight Movies at Jacksonville Beach
📍 Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
🕒 Fridays in July | 8 PM (sunset)
💰 FREE
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and a little bug spray—this is summer movie magic under the stars! Classic family flicks play every Friday night in July. Parking is free, and there’s usually a food truck or two if you forget the snacks.
What to Bring: Blanket or beach chairs, snacks, bug spray, and maybe a hoodie for the breeze.
2. 🎉 Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival
📍 Downtown Jacksonville
🕒 August 23–25, 2025 | Parade kicks off Saturday midday
💰 Free general admission | VIP options available
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
This is a bold, bright, and beautiful weekend filled with music, dancing, Caribbean food, and high-energy vibes. Think colorful costumes, steel drums, and serious fun. Great for families or a festive girls’ day out.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, a portable fan, sunhat, and cash for local vendors.
3. 🛶 Clear Kayak Sunset or Dolphin Tour – St. Augustine
📍 Launches from Salt Run or Vilano Boat Ramp
🕒 Evenings throughout summer | Tours begin around 6:30–7 PM
💰 $59+ per person
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly (ages 4+)
Swap holiday lights for real Florida sparkle with a guided clear kayak tour at sunset. Paddle calm waters with views of wildlife like dolphins, manatees, and seabirds. You’ll also catch a killer view of the Castillo or lighthouse—depending on your route.
What to Bring: Water shoes, a dry bag, phone leash, change of clothes, and insect repellent.
👉 Get Up and Go Kayaking – St. Augustine
4. Splash Into Adventure Landing’s Waterpark
📍 Jacksonville Beach
🕒 Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM (weather permitting)
💰 $32.99/day or season passes available
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
When it’s 95 degrees out, this is where the kiddos (and you!) will want to be. Lazy river, wave pool, and waterslides galore. They’ve also got mini-golf and an arcade for when the little ones need a break from the sun.
What to Bring: Towels, sunscreen, water bottles, flip-flops, and a waterproof phone pouch.
5. First Wednesday Art Walk
📍 Downtown Jacksonville
🕒 First Wednesday of each month | 5 PM – 9 PM
💰 Free
👩👨 Great for friends, dates, or solo exploring
If you’re craving some culture with your cocktails, this downtown art walk delivers. Live music, pop-up galleries, street performers, and so many cool photo ops. Local bars often offer happy hour specials, too!
What to Bring: Comfy shoes, cash/card for local vendors, and your artsy spirit.
6.🚤 Red Boat “Sundown & Lights-Up” Cruise – St. Augustine
📍 Vilano Beach Pier or Downtown Marina
🕒 Nightly | Departs around 5:15 PM
💰 Adults $49 | Kids $22 (3–12), $8 (2 and under)
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly / Romantic Couples Night
If you’re missing the sparkle of the Nights of Lights, this BYOB-friendly evening cruise is the perfect stand-in. Chill vibes, pretty views of the bridge and historic bayfront, and a relaxed way to end a summer day.
What to Bring: Light jacket, your favorite drink, and a camera for golden hour shots.
7. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Game
📍 121 Financial Ballpark, Jacksonville
🕒 Multiple games July–Sept | First pitch usually at 7:05 PM
💰 Tickets from $10
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
America’s pastime with a local twist! Great concessions (get the funnel cake fries), themed nights, fireworks, and even Thirsty Thursdays. It’s a fun night out for literally anyone.
What to Bring: Hats, cash for snacks, and something to sit on if you’re in general admission.
8. Beach Day at Little Talbot Island
📍 Little Talbot Island State Park
🕒 8 AM – sunset, daily
💰 $5 per vehicle
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly or Chill Solo Day
This hidden gem of a beach has beautiful dunes, shelling spots, and fewer crowds than the big-name beaches. Bring a picnic and stay all day. There’s also a few short trails for an easy post-swim hike.
What to Bring: Umbrella or pop-up tent, cooler, towels, trash bags (leave no trace 💚).
9.🌿 Amelia Island Paddle Tours – With Amelia Adventures
📍 Fernandina Beach / Big Talbot Island / Lofton Creek
🕒 Daily guided tours | Morning and sunset options
💰 Starting at $55 per person
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
If Middleburg’s too far or booked up, check out this beautiful, easy paddle experience. You’ll explore creeks, marshes, and hidden coves with a guide. Great for beginners, couples, or a family day in nature.
What to Bring: Sun hat, bug spray, snacks, and a waterproof case for your phone.
10. 🧘 SUP Yoga & Sunrise Paddle – St. Augustine
📍 Anastasia State Park / Salt Run
🕒 Select mornings | Typically around 6:30–7:30 AM
💰 Varies | Around $45–$60 per session
👩 Adults Only
Want something zen and salty? Try stand-up paddleboard yoga or a relaxing sunrise paddle with small groups. It’s peaceful, beginner-friendly, and the view of the rising sun over the water? Total serenity.
What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, water bottle, waterproof sunscreen, and a chill mindset.
Summer Pro Tip: Always check local event pages before heading out—weather and hours can change quickly here in Florida (thanks, pop-up storms 🌧️).
So there ya have it! Whether you’re looking for a romantic paddle, a night at the ballpark, or just want to keep the kids off screens for a day—Northeast Florida’s got you. Let me know which one you’re trying first!
✌️ & ☀️,
Your Local Summer-Obsessed Explorer
