Discovering the Beautiful Town of Nocatee, Florida

Welcome to Nocatee, Florida, where sunshine, warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and endless activities for the whole family await you. This gorgeous town is an unincorporated community located in northeastern St. Johns County, with a population of about 25,000 people. Nocatee stretches over 14,000 acres and offers a unique mix of urban-convenience and small-town charm, making it a top-rated place to live, work, and play in Florida.

Places to Visit in Nocatee, Florida

Splash Water Park

If you’re looking for a fun water park to visit with your family, Splash Water Park is one of the most popular attractions in Nocatee. This water park features a lazy river, a wave pool, water slides, play areas for kids, and plenty of shaded seating.

Nocatee Preserve

The Nocatee Preserve is a beautiful natural area with over 3,000 acres of unspoiled wildlife, hiking trails, and freshwater streams to explore. This is a great place for bird watching, picnic, and camping.

Kayak the Intracoastal Waterway

Kayaking down the Intracoastal Waterway is a great way to explore Nocatee’s stunning scenery and landscapes. With plenty of outfitters available, renting a kayak has never been easier, and it is a fantastic activity for all ages and skill levels.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches near Nocatee, Florida. This unspoiled beach offers crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, quiet stretches, and endless opportunities to explore Florida’s natural beauty.

St. Augustine

Just a short drive from Nocatee, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Florida. This city boasts stunning Spanish colonial architecture, plenty of historic sites, beautiful beaches, and a thriving arts scene.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Research Reserve

The GTM Reserve is a vast natural area that spans over 73,000 acres and features beautiful beaches, tidal creeks, marshes, and plenty of wildlife. Visitors can explore the reserve on their own or join one of the guided tours that showcase the area’s unique flora and fauna.

World Golf Village

The World Golf Village is a massive complex and a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts. This destination features two championship golf courses, a Hall of Fame, a museum, plenty of restaurants, and shops. Visitors can also stay at the luxurious Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, which features plenty of amenities and activities.

Adventure Landing

Adventure Landing is a family-friendly theme park that offers a variety of attractions, such as mini-golf, batting cages, go-kart racing, laser tag, an arcade, and much more. This is a great place to visit with your kids and enjoy hours of entertainment.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of the most important cultural institutions near Nocatee, Florida. This museum boasts a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art, with European landscapes, American modernism, and contemporary art being some of the highlights. The museum also features over 2.5 acres of stunning gardens and sculptures to explore.

St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier

The St. Johns County Pier is a scenic spot that offers beautiful views of the ocean and the beach. This is a great spot for fishing, walking, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery. The pier also features a playground, volleyball courts, and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.

Places to Avoid in Nocatee, Florida

The Crossing at Nocatee

The Crossing at Nocatee is a small shopping center that has seen better days. With a limited selection of stores and restaurants, this place is not worth the trip, and you’re better off exploring other shopping options in the area.

The Nocatee Farmers’ Market

The Nocatee Farmers’ Market is a small market that operates every third Saturday of the month, but the selection of vendors is quite limited, and the prices are slightly higher than what you would find at other farmers’ markets in the area.

Publix at Nocatee

While Publix is a great supermarket chain, the Nocatee location is often crowded and understaffed, making shopping here an unpleasant experience. It’s best to visit other supermarkets in the area, such as the Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods or Winn-Dixie.

Liberty Pines Academy

Liberty Pines Academy is a local school that has received mixed reviews from parents and students. While some aspects of the school are commendable, such as the dedicated teachers and supportive environment, the school’s administration leaves much to be desired, and there have been several incidents of bullying and harassment reported.

The Nocatee Welcome Center

The Nocatee Welcome Center is a small building with limited resources and information. There are better options for getting information about the town, such as the town’s official website or the local tourist offices.

Overview of Nocatee, Florida