Most visitors to northeastern Florida stay on the barrier islands that hug the coast. It is an area where old meets new, St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral. While much of the Florida coast has been developed for tourists -- some might say overdeveloped -- Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, on the coast north of Jacksonville have retained much of their 19th century charm.

Jacksonville

On the 1960s, when the city of Jacksonville incorporated with Duval County, it became the largest city, in area, in the world. Much of its 800 square miles is still undeveloped pine forest, however. The city is situated on the St. Johns River. From its Southbank, a visitor can take a water taxi to the Northbank and explore the shops of the orange-roofed Jacksonville Landing. Nearby is Alltell Stadium, home field of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars and site of the 2005 Super Bowl. Nearby on the Riverfront is Metropolitan Park, whose white canvas band shell is said to resemble a schooner under full sail.

St. Augustine

This city of 18,000, set in a peninsula between two rivers is host to 2 million visitors a year. Guarding this historic place is the Castillo de San Marcos, constructed of coquina limestone in the late 17th century. Nearby, inside the old city walls, is the St. Augustine Restoration Area, whose shops, restaurants, and art galleries celebrate more than 400 years of Florida history. The costumed interpreters at Spanish Quarter Living History Museum give tourists a glimpse of life in 18th-century St. Augustine.

Daytona Beach

Daytona is often a quiet place, with lovely beaches and plenty of room for sunbathers. However, several times a year -- during Bike Week, at Spring Break, and during events at the the Daytona International Speedway -- it hosts a party of thousands. People come to soak up the rays and soak up the experience.

Florida's Space Coast

At the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral, visitors can see exhibits about manned spaceflight, watch films about the astronaut program, and take guided tours of the launchpad area. Nearby is the Astronaut Hall of Fame and Space Camp Florida, where kids can learn firsthand what it's like to train to go into outer space. Those who dream about searching the skies on cloudy days may want to visit the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium & Observatory in the town of Cocoa, just south of Cape Canaveral. While the emphasis in this part of Florida is on the high-tech, outdoor lovers are not ignored. In this area, one can find Canaveral National Seashore, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.