THE ATLANTIC COAST

St. Johns River, Florida 30°23'32.6"N 81°25'47.8"W

The St. Johns River is a place most Great Loop travelers only dip into, stopping in Jacksonville before heading back out to the ICW. But what’s beyond Jacksonville makes the St. Johns River a must-see destination. It is probably better considered a side trip as it dips some 160 miles back south from the river’s mouth at Mayport. The extra miles are well worth it, as below Jacksonville the river becomes interesting, passing through large estuaries, narrow sections of river and lakes. St. Johns is dotted with small marinas, coves in which to anchor and cozy backwater towns. If you make your way to the cruising grounds’ end in Sanford, you will only be a short hop to the attractions of Orlando. But anyone who makes this journey is more likely to enjoy the quite stretches of river along the way than the log flume of Thunder Mountain.

Beaufort, South Carolina 32°25'53.7"N 80°40'11.4"W

Welcome to Lowcountry. Beaufort is another great suggestion of a Great Loop backwater from AGLCA’s Kim Russo. Beaufort is a town steeped in Southern history, with historic homes dating back to the pre-Civil War era, a working waterfront that is part of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail and great Southern cooking. Here, it’s best to stay more than a day or leave your departure open-ended. Take a horse-and-buggy tour to learn the area’s history. Beaufort is home to several great museums and historical sites as well, and the Maritime Center is a must-see. This is South Carolina Lowcountry. It is known for its Southern hospitality, so don’t be shy to ask a local for suggestions on what to do and where to eat.