Between Jacksonville And St. Augustine Is Florida's Small Town With River Fun, Shopping, And Local Eats

If you're visiting Florida, you've likely got white sand beaches or world-famous theme parks at the top of your list of places to visit. However, if you're looking to go local and get away from the tourist crowds, the Sunshine State also has charming, easygoing towns where time goes a bit slower. Travelers looking to experience a slice of life in Florida will likely enjoy their time in Orange Park, a small town of less than 9,000 residents.

Orange Park is nestled on the St. Johns River and Doctors Lake about 30 minutes south of Jacksonville, and less than an hour from St. Augustine. The town has a fascinating history, growing from a plantation owned by Loyalists in the late 1700s called Laurel Grove. After Laurel Grove was burned during the Patriot's Rebellion in 1814, it was reborn as a community of small farms and second homes in 1877. Soon after, Orange Park welcomed northerners escaping the cold during winter, including President Ulysses S. Grant, Buffalo Bill, and Chief Sitting Bull. 

Oranges were a mainstay in the town's early days, but the local cuisine encompasses more than just fresh fruit. Restaurants in town feature a wide variety of options from fresh seafood and comfort food from the Caribbean and across America, with a local twist. While it is possible to reach Orange Park by public transportation from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and downtown, your best option is to arrive by car. Orange Park is about 20 miles from downtown Jacksonville. If you are driving down, be aware that traffic on Blanding Boulevard and Park Avenue, the two main thoroughfares, south of Interstate 295, can snarl for miles.

Even if you're not a morning person, you'll likely be glad you crawled out of bed bright and early to catch a beautiful sunrise over the St. Johns River, one of the laziest rivers in the world. The Kingsley East River Overlook is a popular spot to go for a morning stroll or to get some exercise with your pup. If you're feeling energized, take a 3.3-mile walk along the River Road Walking Trail running parallel to the river. There are several pet waste stations along the way, but no bathrooms.

Visitors looking to see Doctors Lake and the St. Johns River in its more natural state should visit the Rob Bradley Conservation Park at Nelson Point. The park features a dock and kayak launch area, though it does not have major park amenities near the water. There is, however, plenty of green space and a few benches to sit and enjoy the views and natural environment. Florida has many well-known spots to watch manatees, and you may even see a few feeding nearby.

If you're planning to go out on the water and don't have your own watercraft, head to nearby Doctors Lake Park on the south shore of Doctors Lake. The area park has a 320-foot-long pier stretching out into the lake, where anglers can toss in a line. The park also has paddleboard and kayak rentals through the Padl App. Both cost $25 per hour and can be reserved in advance.

Despite being a small town, Orange Park has a wide mix of cuisines from around the world. If you're looking for a taste of Jamaica, Irie Diner Caribbean Restaurant serves classic comfort foods such as jerk chicken, pork, ribs, and curry goat. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try the Jamaican-style oxtails. You can island hop to the flavors of Puerto Rico and Cuba just a mile up the road at Palermo Puerto Rican Kitchen and The Cuban Place, respectively. If you're after something a bit closer to home, consider Metro Diner or Grumpy's Restaurant for a hearty breakfast, or go local and try the catch of the day at OP Fish House and Oyster Bar.

If you're looking for the most dining and shopping options in one spot, (or need some retail therapy and a movie), the Orange Park Mall has over 120 stores and nearly two dozen restaurants and eateries. Major chain stores and restaurants include Belk, Dillard's, Sbarro, and Buffalo Wild Wings. However, you will find a few unique offerings as well. If you're in the mood to try something exotic, try authentic Japanese sushi, Vietnamese pho, or even West African cuisine.

Foodies and travelers looking to shop and eat local shouldn't miss visiting on a weekend to explore the Orange Park Farmers' Market. The market was "voted best Farmer's Market in Northeast Florida" and is held at Town Hall Park on every other Sunday between September and June. Over a hundred local vendors sell everything from fresh fruit and honey to local handmade handicrafts. If you're looking to take your inner foodie up to cloud nine on your next trip to Florida, head to West Palm Beach, where you'll find the second-best farmer's market in America.