We will be vacationing in GA in April and are thinking of driving down to North East FL for a few days. I wanted to see what people would really recommend for nature and history lovers and how long they would recommend spending there. I've started researching the area and am thinking St. Augustine, Amelia Island, Cape Canaveral and the nature preserves there, and Kennedy Center. We'd also like to stop at othernature preserves, national parks or interesting towns in the area and would probably not venture any further south than Cocoa. Thank-you for any advice.

For nature and history lovers, St. Augustine hands down. Gorgeous.

You're on the right track.

Kingsley plantation is an interesting stop. It's part of the Timucuan Preserve. Remains of an old plantation -- it's actually FREE. Can you imagine?

Oh, St. Augustine, definitely.

If you're interested in birding, make a day trip to the Merritt Island Wildlife refuge (at the Cape).

St Augustine. To get you started:

http://www.staugustine.com/visit/

http://www.oldcity.com/

We love bicycling and walking nature trails. There is a very wonderful preserve of some sort just north of St Augustine. Half of it is on the ocean side, but the part across the road is the really really interesting part. Many miles of simply gorgeous, very old-Florida trails. Terrific woods and waterways. I'm sorry I don't remember the name, but it shouldn't be difficult to find on a map or in a guidebook. Also, though we resisted and resisted the idea of visiting an "alligator farm," the one just outside of St Augustine is absolutely fascinating-- lots of crazy birds too.

Thank-you for your replies - it sounds like St. Augustine is a definite yes. I'm also going to look into the Kingsley Plantation.

Here is a recommendation for St. Augustine that is under the radar for many visitors: Old St. Augustine Village <http://www.old-staug-village.com/>. When you are done, walk across the street and have lunch at the Cafe Alcazar, 25 Granada St, in the bottom of the swimming pool (drained, of course) at the Lightner Museum.