Because of its superb location, there are heaps of amusing day journeys from Jacksonville, only a quick pressure from downtown. Jacksonville is situated subsequent to beautiful islands and seashores, nature preserves, and historic websites. I by no means get unwell of exploring this space – there are such a large amount of amusing day journeys from Jacksonville available.

After visiting the world for 5 years and dwelling south of Jacksonville for over a 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing dozens of day journeys. The most productive phase? I do know there are nonetheless such a lot of puts to seek advice from close to Jacksonville that I haven’t came upon but!

Perfect Day Journeys From Jacksonville Florida

From seashores and kayaking to historic websites and museums, simply hop within the automotive, and also you’ll be a brief pressure clear of many unbelievable day journeys from Jacksonville. It’s arduous to select the “easiest” tours close to the Daring Town as a result of there are such a large amount of implausible ones. I’ve narrowed down this listing to my favourite day travel locations; there’s one thing for everybody;

1. Saint Augustine

Only a 45-minute pressure from downtown Jax is the pretty town of Saint Augustine. What makes this this kind of big day travel from Jacksonville is that St. Augustine is the oldest town within the country – based in 1565. So, be expecting a ton of wealthy historical past, an outdated fortress/monument, museums, parks, eating places, and extra.

I reside midway between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, so I’m fortunate sufficient to seek advice from the “Historic Town” slightly ceaselessly. To me, it’s via some distance one of the crucial easiest puts to seek advice from close to Jacksonville, FL. Regardless of should you’re a widespread customer or a first-time vacationer, it’s a town that’s all the time price trying out. Simply by turning a special nook, you’ll to find one thing new.

St. Augustine could also be house to plenty of nice stores, breweries, parks, and occasional stores. For my part, on the other hand, I to find merely strolling across the historical downtown space amusing to do by itself. The structure and cobblestone streets are simply unbelievable.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 45 mins – 40 miles/64 kilometers from downtown Jacksonville
Location: Downtown St. Augustine
Getting There: If you wish to head all the way down to St. Augustine from Jacksonville, your easiest guess is to hire a automotive. You’ll additionally take the bus if a automotive isn’t an possibility.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: St. Augustine: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Excursion with Museum Access
Should-Do Actions: Taking a trolley excursion is an absolute should in St. Augustine. Stroll in the course of the grounds of Castillo San Marcos. When you occur to be visiting all the way through the vacations, I extremely counsel the Nights of Lighting Pirate Send Excursion.
The place to Devour: Llama is one among my favourite eating places on this planet – and I’ve been to twenty-five nations! It’s Peruvian and the meals is to die for. The Conch Area is a amusing eating place and bar proper at the water. And River and Fortress has an incredible rooftop bar with a fantastic view.

2. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is situated 45 mins northeast of downtown Jacksonville and is some other implausible possibility for an afternoon travel from Jax. The family-friendly island has a pristine seashore, an lovable downtown space/major boulevard, and nice eating places and bars. To not point out a virtually unending listing of outside/nature-centric actions as smartly.

Amelia Island can develop into crowded all the way through the summer season months, so I choose visiting all the way through the shoulder seasons months of April and Might or September and October. It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to sunbathe on the seashore, however the crowds have subsided.

I really like going to Amelia Island to get some recent seafood, a craft beer, and stress-free within the solar for a few hours. It’s truly arduous to not love this space.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 45 mins – 33 miles/53 kilometers
Location: Amelia Island
Getting There: Touring to Amelia Island is very best via automotive. Sadly, there isn’t any public transportation to the island, until you are taking an Uber.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Amelia Island Guided Kayak Excursion of Lofton Creek
Should-Do Actions: Taking a walk down the fascinating major boulevard in Fernandina Seaside is a blast. There’s heaps of buying groceries, a brewery, and plenty of eateries to check out out. Renting an electrical motorcycle to cruise alongside the seashore is a smart day out as smartly.
The place to Devour: On every occasion I seek advice from Amelia Island, going to Amelia Island Brewing Co. is an absolute should. Their beer is superb, and the shrimp chowder and gouda quick rib sandwich dishes are tremendous scrumptious. Some other nice possibility for a amusing surroundings is the Salty Pelican Bar & Grill.

3. Little Talbot Island State Park

The Talbot Islands be offering a really perfect day travel from Jacksonville – and Little Talbot Island is my favourite. Right here, you’ll to find 5 miles of lovely seashores, motorcycle trails, and wildlife-watching alternatives. I really like mountaineering the traditional dunes, searching for seashells, and taking a swim.

Many of us don’t call to mind tenting in Florida, however this state park is a truly amusing and wonderful possibility if you wish to sleep beneath the celebs. What’s nice about Little Talbot Island is that it’s most effective half-hour out of doors of Jacksonville.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: half-hour – 26 miles/42 kilometers
Location: Little Talbot Island State Park, 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Getting There: When visiting Jacksonville, it’s easiest to have get right of entry to to a automotive; riding is the best way to get to Little Talbot Island State Park. You’ll additionally take the automotive ferry.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Talbot Island Kayak Excursion
Should-Do Actions: Basking within the glory and wonderful thing about nature is what it’s all about at Little Talbot Island State Park. Take a kayak excursion, move mountaineering, or get away the binoculars to do a little chicken gazing.

4. Cumberland Island

Georgia’s greatest barrier island is Cumberland Island, and it’s situated an hour clear of Jacksonville. It’s identified for having one of the crucial impressive herbal habitats on this planet with surprising, undeveloped seashores.

The island is house to the biggest nesting of loggerhead sea turtles, and there also are feral horses, armadillos, wild hogs, and lots of species of birds. It’s in point of fact a wild and wonderful position to seek advice from for an afternoon travel.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: Hour and a part – 38 miles/61 kilometers
Location: Cumberland Island
Getting There: You’ll wish to pressure and take a ferry from St. Mary’s, Georgia.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Cumberland Island Strolling Excursion
Should-Do Actions: It’s all about nature and historical past on Cumberland Island. Cross mountaineering, swimming, or fishing. Discuss with the First African Baptist Church, excursion the noted Plum Orchard Mansion, and discover the Dungeness Ruins.
The place to Devour: There’s just one eating place on all of the island on the famend Greyfield Inn, run via the Carnegie kin. They just be offering one seating in step with evening at 7 p.m., so it’s most likely now not the most suitable option for an afternoon travel. Chances are you’ll need to pack a picnic and a few snacks.

5. Jekyll Island

Somewhat over an hour from Jacksonville is Jekyll Island, Georgia. You’ll need to pay a toll to get at the island, but it surely’s a small rate and so price it. This pretty island options quiet, beautiful seashores, nice eating places, golfing lessons, museums, and extra.

On every occasion I’m going to Jekyll Island, going to Driftwood Seaside is a need. I all the time make time to visit Tortuga Jacks for a waterside drink and a chew, and I like to recommend you do the similar! You’ll simply spend all of the day exploring this amusing hidden gem.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and quarter-hour – 74 miles/119 kilometers
Location: Jekyll Island
Getting There: Touring via automotive is your only option. You’ll additionally take a bus from the Jacksonville airport.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Jekyll Island Dolphin Excursions
Should-Do Actions: Discuss with the Georgia Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Heart, play mini golfing, or seek advice from the Summer season Waves Water Park. There’s such a lot to do!
The place to Devour: As discussed previous, Tortuga Jacks is one among my favourite puts for a chew. Every other nice choices are Harry’s Front room, Salty’s Oceanside Bar & Grill, and The Anchor.

6. Satan’s Millhopper Geological State Park

Florida is house to probably the most most pretty geological options. The Satan’s Millhopper Geological State Park is simply out of doors of Gainesville and makes for a great cool day travel from Jacksonville.

The principle enchantment of the park is the 120-foot-deep sinkhole. Take a small hike to the staircase that leads you with regards to the ground of the sinkhole with lush crops and cooler temperatures. It’s a pleasing respite all the way through the summer season warmth!

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 20 mins – 74 miles/119 kilometers
Location: Satan’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Millhopper Street, Gainesville, FL
Getting There: Riding to the state park is the very best and most suitable option.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Day-to-day ranger-led excursions
Should-Do Actions: The principle level of the seek advice from is to appreciate the wonderful thing about the limestone sinkhole. Mountain climbing down and up the ones stairs is certain to get your center pumping!
The place to Devour: Gainesville is only a quick pressure away with plenty of eating choices. I in most cases all the time prevent at The Social at Midtown, Satchel’s Pizza, or El Indio Mexican Eating place.

7. Osceola Nationwide Woodland

Not up to an hour from Jacksonville is the Osceola Nationwide Woodland. This pretty gem is the easiest position to move whilst you’re searching for a calm day in nature. It’s additionally a really perfect day travel in Jacksonville for {couples}.

There are miles of trails for mountaineering, seashores for swimming, and ponds for fishing. There’s additionally a space for goal taking pictures and trails for OHV using. Even though situated simply 45 mins from the town, you’ll really feel such as you’re hours away.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 48 mins – 49 miles/79 kilometers
Location: Osceola Nationwide Woodland, 24874 US-90, Sanderson, FL 32087
Getting There: Touring via automotive is your only option.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: There aren’t any excursions to be had, however try to time your seek advice from with the yearly Civil Conflict reenactment.
Should-Do Actions: With over 200 acres of nature, you’ll spend hours wandering the paths, swimming on the seashore, or simply conserving a be careful for flora and fauna.
The place to Devour: Lake Town is the nearest the city to the park. This tiny however lovable the city has some yummy choices for meals, like Jessica’s Bistro, Marion Side road Bistro, and Cedar River Seafood of Lake Town.

8. Gainesville

Gainesville is a great amusing possibility for an afternoon travel from Jacksonville. The College of Florida faculty the city is vigorous, and hip, and provides heaps of the way to spend your day. There are beautiful parks, scrumptious eating places, and amusing actions on this inland Florida the city.

The very best day in Gainesville, for my part, looks as if going to the Florida Museum of Herbal Historical past or the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens ahead of heading to Swamp Head Brewery for an IPA. Even though, there’s something to provide everybody – regardless of the age.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 22 mins – 72 miles/115 kilometers
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Getting There: A automotive is probably the most handy and speedy solution to get to Gainesville. You’ll additionally take the bus from Jacksonville.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Butterfly Rainforest at Florida Museum of Herbal Historical past
Should-Do Actions: Get started your day with a stroll in nature at Sweetwater Wetlands Park then head to the Harn Museum of Artwork. Take a walk at the College of Florida campus ahead of discovering somewhere to consume downtown.
The place to Devour: Gainesville has a ton of eating places to make a choice from however a few of my private favorites come with Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Alpin Bistro, and Underground Kitchen.

9. Saint Simons Island

Saint Simons Island, Georgia is among the easiest puts to seek advice from close to Jacksonville. It’s been named one among Go back and forth + Recreational’s Global’s Perfect Islands within the Continental U.S., and U.S. Information’ 16 Best Romantic Getaways in Georgia, in addition to 15 Maximum Romantic Small Cities within the United States.

The small island is the easiest day travel to hang around on the seashore, walk the oceanside major boulevard, and consume some scrumptious seafood. I used to be not too long ago in Saint Simons Island with my sister, and we couldn’t recover from how fascinating it used to be.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 13 mins – 75 miles/120 kilometers
Location: Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Getting There: Riding via automotive is the most efficient trip possibility.
Should-Do Actions: Stroll round Pier Village and walk the grounds of Fortress Frederica. Then, spend a couple of hours on the easiest sandy seashores.
The place to Devour: This small island has numerous nice eating choices! Once I not too long ago visited, I beloved Porch, Barrier Island Brewing, and Mallery Side road Cafe. I’d counsel any of those spots.

10. Daytona Seaside

It’s a bit little bit of a pressure from Jacksonville, however should you’re up for it, head south for an afternoon to Daytona Seaside. This world-famous seashore the city is bustling all the way through the height summer season months and the prestigious Motorbike Week.

House to the Daytona World Speedway and the famend Daytona 500, this town welcomes loads of hundreds of visitors every 12 months; now not just for the race – but additionally for its colourful seashore scene.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 28 mins – 95 miles/153 kilometers
Location: Daytona Seaside
Getting There: Riding your self is the quickest possibility, on the other hand, it is advisable to additionally take a bus.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Daytona Seaside: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Excursion
Should-Do Actions: The Daytona World Speedway is a sight to behold, the seashore’s boardwalk has a Ferris wheel and different rides and video games, and you’ll additionally pressure your automotive at the seashore, which is a truly cool enjoy.
The place to Devour: Ocean Deck Daytona Seaside has an incredible, comfortable vibe with unbelievable meals. Crabby’s Oceanside and Fratelli’s Pizzeria also are implausible.

11. Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka

Palatka is a quiet and fascinating inland, riverside the city with numerous persona. The Ravine Gardens State Park is an afternoon travel from Jacksonville this is significantly underrated. I went right here a few month in the past and used to be blown away via how stunning it used to be.

Take a hike in the course of the park and its lush crops, move two suspension bridges, and surprise on the waterfalls. It’s a calm break out from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 5 mins
Location: Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St, Palatka, FL 32177
Getting There: Riding via automotive is the most efficient and very best possibility.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Guided excursions are introduced via the park.
Should-Do Actions: Stroll the 1.8-mile paved highway in the course of the breathtaking ravines with stunning perspectives. Try to time your seek advice from all the way through the height flowering season for azaleas – January via March.
The place to Devour: The downtown Palatka space has some nice eating choices. My favourite eateries are The Magnolia Cafe, Corky Bell’s Seafood at Gator Touchdown, and Velchoff’s Nook.

12. Ginnie Springs

When you’re searching for a singular spot to chill off all the way through the new summer season months, Ginnie Springs is this kind of amusing day travel possibility. It’s a bit little bit of a distance from Jacksonville, however accept as true with me once I let you know that it’s utterly price it.

Kayak, paddleboard, or drift the crystal transparent waters of the Sante Fe River. You’ll additionally hire a snorkel and a masks to discover the waters stuffed with huge bass, catfish, and turtles. It’s certainly, probably the most most pretty water I’ve ever noticed.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 37 mins – 85 miles/133 kilometers
Location: Ginnie Springs, 5000 NE sixtieth Ave., Prime Springs, Florida 32643
Getting There: Touring via automotive is the most suitable option.
Should-Do Actions: It’s as much as you ways you’d love to spend your day at Ginnie Springs – it depends upon what actions you love to do! You’ll loosen up on an interior tube, revel in a extra energetic day on a paddleboard, or play a recreation of volleyball.
The place to Devour: You’ll need to pressure into north Gainesville for a meal after an afternoon of swimming. Head to Northwest Grille, Nation Foodly, or Las Margaritas.

13. Juniper Springs Sport Space

One of the vital oldest and most well liked game spaces at the East Coast, the Juniper Springs Sport Space looks as if one thing out of a postcard. It’s an oasis beneath a dense cover of arms and oaks.

The crystalline pool of unpolluted spring water is a paranormal position to swim, and you’ll take a brief stroll at the Juniper Run Nature Path. There are many picnic spaces as smartly.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 50 mins – 111 miles/178 kilometers
Location: Juniper Springs Sport Space, 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Getting There: Attending to the springs is very best and quickest via automotive
Should-Do Actions: Merely soaking in the easiest, transparent waters is sufficient to make the day travel price it. There’s a shallow finish to chill out and funky down in, and a deeper finish for leaping.
The place to Devour: Sadly, there aren’t any eating choices close to the park. It’s easiest to pack your individual snacks and a picnic.

14. Savannah

One among my favourite issues about dwelling in Jacksonville is its shut proximity to the superb town of Savannah, Georgia. When you stand up early and hit the street, you’ll spend all day in Savannah and be again house ahead of it will get too overdue.

Savannah is understood for its historical past, French structure, large oak bushes with striking Spanish moss, and thriving arts and tradition scene. There’s one thing about this town that oozes the epitome of Southern attraction. Plus, they’ve some implausible eating places and breweries.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 2 hours and a pair of mins – 139 miles/224 kilometers
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Getting There: You’ll get to Savannah both via automotive, teach, or bus.
Perfect Excursion from Jacksonville Florida: Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Excursion
Should-Do Actions: There’s SO a lot to do in Savanna; walk via Forsyth Park, spend a few hours on Tybee Island, stroll in the course of the historic Bonaventure Cemetery, and appreciate the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
The place to Devour: Savannah is overflowing with scrumptious meals. My favourite eating places are The Olde Crimson Area, Alligator Soul Eating place, and The Unusual Pub.

15. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Some other day travel from Jacksonville, that’s a bit additional afield, however utterly price it, is to Cedar Lakes Woods and Lawn. With over 50 lawn shows to appreciate, those botanical gardens have koi ponds, waterfalls, and beautiful perspectives.

The paths take round an hour and a part to finish and every step is surrounded via natural good looks. It’s some other non violent and tranquil travel to get you out of the town’s bustle.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 1 hour and 52 mins – 96 miles/154 kilometers
Location: Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE a hundred and eightieth Ave, Williston, FL 32696
Getting There: Touring via automotive can be your easiest and very best selection.
Should-Do Actions: The paths will information you via lawn shows like Bamboo Island, Ginger Gardens, and others.
The place to Devour: Southern Gainesville can be your possibility for yummy meals. I’d counsel Blue Gill High quality Meals, Crimson Rice Kitchen, or Yummy Area.

Perfect Day Travel Excursions from Jacksonville Florida

If you wish to take the guesswork out of making plans an afternoon travel from Jacksonville, you’ll all the time take an arranged excursion. Listed below are some highly-rated, amusing excursion choices to make a choice from:

1. CraigCat Boat Excursion from Fernandina Seaside: Have a blast on Amelia Island via taking a CraigCat Boat Excursion out of Fernandina Seaside. The two.5-hour excursion can have you at the water on a CraigCat Boat, which is largely a go-cart on water. Spot flora and fauna similar to dolphins, manatees, and turtles. Click on right here for extra main points.

2. Giant Talbot Island Self-Guided Excursion with Good Helmets: Discover Giant Talbot Island at your individual tempo in this 2-3 hour excursion. You’ll cruise on electrical motorcycles with sensible helmets that let you keep up a correspondence with different riders. Click on right here for extra main points.

3. Jacksonville: Florida Natural world Guided Airboat Journey: Get an adrenaline rush via taking a guided airboat excursion. The 1.5-hour excursion leaves from northeast Jacksonville and also you’ll skim around the water with 500 horsepower – cling onto your hats! Click on right here for extra main points.

4. Personal Guided Boat Excursion as much as 6 passengers in Fernandina Seaside: Discover Amelia Island via water by yourself non-public boat. The boat can be pushed via a USCG-certified captain and can take you round Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, and Fortress Clinch State Park. Click on right here for extra main points.

5. Downtown Fernandina Historic Strolling Excursion: Downtown Fernandina is filled with wealthy tradition. Know about 300 years of Fernandina historical past in this 1.5-hour guided strolling excursion. Pirates, historical houses, and native figures are coated subjects. Click on right here for extra main points.

Day Journeys Round Jacksonville Florida: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to the most frequently asked questions on the most efficient day journeys from Jacksonville, FL:

In Conclusion

Jacksonville’s geographical location makes it an excellent spot to have some superb day travel tours. That’s one of the crucial greatest causes I really like dwelling right here such a lot. Inside of a brief pressure, you’ll be someplace utterly other.

Whether or not you’re searching for an afternoon on an island or a dip in some herbal springs, Jacksonville has an afternoon travel day out for each passion.