A beautiful city that stretches from the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville’s North Florida location makes it easy to go on a day trip to explore a variety of top natural attractions. Offering the perfect escape from some of Florida’s more touristy areas, here you have easy access to some of the Sunshine State’s most picturesque cities, state parks, and beaches in less than one tank of gas. Pack your snacks and hit the road, as these are the best day trips from Jacksonville.
Ichetucknee Springs
Less than 100 miles away, Ichetucknee Springs is considered a top natural spring in North Florida. Home to an impressive nine crystal clear springs, here you’ll find over six miles of refreshing spring-fed waters and shaded hammocks that provide the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation. Cave divers can explore nearby Blue Hole Spring, the largest of the springs, while visitors of all ages can enjoy swimming, tubing, and spotting local wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wood ducks, and great blue herons.
Amelia Island
Just 30 miles north of Jacksonville you can visit Amelia Island and nearby Fernandina Beach, a charming barrier island with wide Atlantic beaches, serene marshes, and moss-draped oak trees. A place to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, here you can spend your days meandering through the area’s art galleries and locally owned boutiques for a unique souvenir, touring the historic downtown on the Amelia Island Trolley or sipping a cocktail at The Palace Soon, the oldest and longest operating saloon in Florida.
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is a sprawling college town that offers access to many of Florida’s state parks, gardens, and geological sites. Nature lovers are spoiled for choice in this city, as they can enjoy a day of admiring the bamboo displays at the 62-acre Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, visit the live Butterfly Rainforest exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History, or admire the 120-foot deep sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park. After a day of sightseeing, wind down with a cold brew at the award-winning Swamp Head Brewery.
Blue Springs State Park
Only a two-hour from Jacksonville, Blue Springs State Park is one of the most popular natural springs in Florida to catch a glimpse of the famous West Indian manatees in their natural habitat. Stretching across more than 2,600 acres, here you’ll find the largest spring on the St. John’s River, where its 72-degree waters are ideal for a day of swimming, kayaking and paddling through its unspoiled natural landscapes. A pedestrian-friendly boardwalk allows you to watch the manatees drift by in manatee season, while boat tours offer narrated nature and ecological excursions throughout the area.
Ocala
The perfect day trip destination for those looking to get away from the tourist crowds, drive two hours south to discover the array of unique natural attractions in Ocala. The Ocala National Forest is the area’s biggest draw, where you’ll find a plethora of outdoor recreation, including paddling adventures in Juniper Run and swimming holes in Silver Glen Springs. Ocala offers you a different side of Florida, where you easily spend a day in the countryside spotting local wildlife and horseback riding in Silver Springs State Park.
Palatka
Just an hour south of Jacksonville, Palatka is a historic city with Old Florida charm. Tour the city’s historic homes and churches built in the 1800s and go on the Palatka Mural Tour to discover more than 30 pieces of art that highlight the city’s vibrant cultural past. You won’t want to miss Ravine Gardens State Park, where you can drive or bike through the paved road to soak in the sight of two large ravines up to 120 feet deep. A beautiful area with recreational activities like picnicking, hiking, and biking available, explore the 59-acre gardens, and enjoy a peaceful day out in nature.
St. Augustine
A list of day trips near Jacksonville just wouldn’t be complete without including St. Augustine, one of Florida’s most enchanting vacation destinations. The oldest city in the country, St. Augustine is considered a must-see for history buffs, where its beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets lure travelers in from around the country. With a unique European-style ambiance, here you can walk along the walls at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, drink from Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse for impressive views of this historic city.
Ginnie Springs
The perfect getaway from Florida’s summer weather, Ginnie Springs offers visitors the chance to unwind in cool, crystal-clear waters. Less than a 2-hour drive from Jacksonville, open water and cave divers will find this area ideal, as the extensive caverns beneath the water’s surface unlock access to a whole new world of underwater treasures. Also, a great place to swim or snorkel, bring your own floats, or rent one for a day of lazily floating down the series of picturesque emerald blue springs.
White Springs
Just an hour west of Jacksonville is one of Florida’s smallest towns, White Springs. Offering visitors a mix of rural scenery and natural beauty, here you will discover old Victorian homes, antique shops, and historic landmarks. With a population of less than 800 you’ll never be pressed for time in White Springs, which is perfect for enjoying the beautiful outdoors. See the 97-bell carillon and miles of trails at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park or brave the Class III Whitewater rapids at Florida at Big Shoals State Park.
Ponce Inlet
Home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, you can drive south to Ponce Inlet in less than two hours. Close to Daytona Beach, you’ll find surf-worthy waves at its picturesque beaches, an ideal getaway that will appeal to the entire family. Watch the kids discover a variety of colorful shells along the shoreline, or climb the 203 steps up the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the area.
St. Marys, Georgia
Many Floridians don’t realize that Jacksonville is closer to Georgia than Orlando, only a one-hour drive from The Peach State. The perfect day trip for those looking for something new, head to St. Mary’s and hop on a ferry to Cumberland Island, where you can see beautiful wild horses roaming the shoreline. With undeveloped beaches and freshwater wetlands, you’ll find unique ecosystems to explore, where you can spot diverse wildlife along the scenic hiking trails.
