20+ Best Day Trips from Jacksonville FL

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Florida's best destinations, perfect for both tourists and locals!

Photo credit Conservation Florida

Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park

Just south of Gainesville, there is so much to explore and discover at Payne’s Prairie Preserve! This state park is biologically, geologically, and historically unique, making it one of the best places to hike if you’re interested in a day trip! This vast savannah is home to herds of wild horses, over 300 species of birds, alligators, deer, and other iconic Florida wildlife. The most notable animal, however, is the wild-roaming bison! Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience the spectacular sight of grazing bison, making this location worth the hour (and some change) drive!

Photo credit Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens

Located between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean, Washington Oaks offers a diverse and beautiful location for exploring! Just outside of St. Augustine, Washington Oaks is definitely worth the drive. Stroll through beautiful gardens of vibrant azalea bushes, gorgeous landscapes, ancient live oaks, and eye-catching water features. On the beach side, venture through a unique shoreline of coquina rock formations, creating the perfect backdrop for beachcombing, tidal pool exploring, and more!

Falling Creek Falls

Lake City is home to another rare Florida waterfall – Falling Creek Falls! Venture through familiar Northeast Florida forests on an easy boardwalk path and discover this hidden gem! The hour-long drive is worth it by itself, but this would also make a perfect pit stop on the way to the panhandle to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Don’t miss out on this beautiful spot!

Photo credit Hidden Gems USA Travel

Cumberland Island

Take the ferry and head to Cumberland Island for a day of whimsy and wonder! This once-upon-a-time vacation island for the wealthy Carnegie family is now open to explore. Check out the ruins of a seaside mansion built in 1884 and burned down in 1950. Cumberland also has one of the only feral herds of horses on the Atlantic that remains untouched by the outside world. About 200 horses roam the lands, living off the rugged beachside terrain.

Photo credit billbaumannlandscapephoto

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island has so much to offer from shopping, beaches, Golden Isles visitor tours, acres of wilderness and so much more! Places we recommend include:

Zachry’s Riverhouse– Nice porch seating with views of the river and offers burgers, wings, seafood and more!
The Pantry – Stop in the morning for some pastries, cinnamon buns or muffins! Also offers lunch options!
Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum – This museum takes you through the rich culture and natural history of Jekyll Island!

Talbot Island State Park

Talbot Island State Park includes seven parks and if you’re into bird watching photography, and exploring nature, this place is for you! You can go hiking on Blackrock Trail, go on kayak tours, adventure down to Boneyard Beach and so much more!

Osceola National Forest

Almost 200 acres of pure, natural Florida, Osceola National Forest is rife for exploring and getting in touch with your inner Floridian. Dense forested woodlands and diverse ecological swamps are untouched by humans in this scenic park. This day trip is also coated with history! Check out the Olustee Battlefield Trail to experience what Civil War soldiers lived through.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Find a mini oasis in this incredible day trip! Right around the corner from Devil’s Den you can find Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. These botanical gardens used to be a quarry and now it has been transformed into a magical place. You’ll be able to explore waterfalls, koi ponds, wildlife, tons of flowers and so much more! Exploring these grounds could take a few hours, so be sure to bring a bottle of water and a picnic if you’d like! Dogs are welcome, just be sure to let the owners know beforehand.

Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka

A spectacular hike in Florida, Ravine Gardens has many features that make it unique and worth the day trip! The lush park comes to life in the spring when all the landscaping comes alive. A guided tour tram ride will take visitors past 100,000 of azaleas planted. Hit Ravine Gardens at its peak coloring, which is February or March, during the annual Florida Azalea Festival. Additionally, the park has two picturesque suspension bridges and waterfalls for that perfect photo-op moment.

Devil's Millhopper

This park has been around since the 1880s and takes you on an adventure into another world outside the Florida palms and beaches and into a mini rainforest!

Bok Towers

Nestled atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales, Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is a hidden gem that truly stands out. This 250-acre sanctuary, created by Edward Bok in the 1920s, offers more than just beautiful landscapes. With its peaceful contemplative gardens and bird sanctuary, visitors can take a welcome break from everyday life surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you're an art lover, culture seeker, or simply looking for a moment of tranquility, Bok Tower Gardens has something special for everyone who wanders through. The iconic singing tower rises majestically against the Florida sky, making this spot a memorable destination.

Natural springs near Jacksonville

Hop in your car to check out these gorgeous, crystal clear natural springs in the Sunshine State!

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Cities & attractions

Discover some of our favorite cities to explore and their must-visit attractions!

Amelia Island

With 13 miles of beautiful beaches, the freshest seafood and so much more, Amelia Island is a must for a weekend getaway! Whether you want to take some kayaking excursions, golf at the top golf islands in the world or have a spa day with your significant other, there’s something for everyone here.

Photo credit Visit Savannah

Savannah

Yes, Savannah is just about two hours away from Jacksonville! If you haven’t made a weekend out of this cute little southern town already, it’s time to change that. From trendy boutiques, ghost tours and historic sites, this place is one of our favorite spots to get away! We recommend:

Savannah Bee Company Mead Tasting – this is so fun and you get to try all kinds of mead you might not have on a regular basis!
The Public Kitchen & Bar – Outdoor patio seating is amazing!
Tree House – For those late night party-goers, check out the Tree House for your night on the town!

Photo credit Aerial Tallahassee

College Towns

Whether you’re a college football fan, love thrilling nightlife, or have a heart for the outdoors, both Tallahassee and Gainsville have something to offer you! Enjoy natural springs just a short drive outside of town, party it up at College Town (sidenote: all roads lead to Palace) in Tally or the Social at Midtown in Gainesville, or catch a football game in the flesh!

St. Augustine & the Lightner Museum

This iconic building is a great addition to your day trip to St. Augustine! In the heart of historic downtown, explore an extraordinary museum offering an immersive experience of art, architecture, and history. Formerly called the Hotel Alcazar, the museum is located in a stunning Gilded Age resort hotel with breathtaking views! But, there’s tons to explore in St. Augustine! From the San Sebastian Winery to the Castillo San Marcos, immerse yourself in astonishing history and rich culture!

More things to do in St. Augustine

Explore the Nation's Oldest City with these awesome activities and attractions!

Activity

The 'Boozy Brunch' Culinary Tour (Chauffeured)

Activity

Corks & Forks Culinary Tour (Strolling/Historic District)

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Wine & Dine Culinary Tour (Chauffeured/Historic District)

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Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine

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Walking and Tasting Tour of Historic St. Augustine

Activity

Ale Trail Craft Beer & History Experience

Activity

Riding Through History of St.Augustine: Premium Tour with PiCk Up

Activity

Rhythm of the Night Tour Party Boat St. Augustine, FL

Attraction

Lightner Museum: Skip The Line Ticket

From$19

Attraction

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum: Entry Ticket

From$20.22

Attraction

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: Entry Ticket

From$22.95

Attraction

St. Augustine Old Jail: Guided Tour

From$19.17

Things to do in and around Tampa Bay

From the Bucs to the beaches, Tampa is a great spot for a little vacay!

Stuff to do in Tampa Bay

We may be biased but our friend over at Stuff To Do in Tampa Bay have the best things to do in their city! Whether you want to visit for a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game or want to enjoy a night out in Ybor City, they have you covered when it comes to a Tampa Bay Road Trip.

Our recommendation: Check out Go Tiki Tours for the best views of the city or an awesome experience at Clearwater beach!

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Photo credit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Get up close and personal with your favorite marine animals at the Clearwater Aquarium! Specializing in rescue, rehab, and release, this Aquarium allows you to meet rescued animals, and learn about Florida’s wildlife through experiences and exhibits.

Photo credit Fairgrounds St. Pete

Fairgrounds St. Pete

Embark in an indoor adventure with the Fairgrounds St. Pete experience! This immersive art exhibit creates a weird world worth exploring – celebrating the weird and wonderful Florida we all love. See if you can piece together the mystery that surrounds the Mermaid Star Hotel and see our home state in a new light!

The Ringling Museum

With 5 estate venues featuring art, history, and extraordinary architecture, the Ringling Museum offers beautiful backdrops and stunning exhibits both inside and out! The Ca’ d’Zan, one of the 5 venues, was built by John Ringling and his wife Mable as their summer home in Sarasota. This is why the museum hosts a circus history exhibit! 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Keel Farms

Keel Farms is a veteran-owned farm and beverage destination that uniquely combines a winery, brewery, restaurant, and agricultural experience, offering ground-to-glass products in a family-friendly environment. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, dining, and annual events like Watermelon Weekend and Harvest Days, making it a versatile and welcoming agricultural attraction.

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Business Details

Keel Farms,5202 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565-5700, United States

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Things to do in and around Orlando

From theme parks to can't-miss bites, explore everything Orlando has to offer!

Stuff to do in Orlando

We also have friends over in Orlando that would love to show you the best things to do in their city! Whether you are like us and love visiting for a trip to Disney or are looking to cheer on your favorite team from the stands at one of their sports venues, they have you covered when it comes to an Orlando day trip.

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Daytona

Whether you’re off to the races or just want a mini-vacay, Daytona is a great spot for a getaway! Tour the Daytona International Speedway, take a trip to the beach, and enjoy some delicious food for the perfect adventure just a couple of hours away from Jacksonville! Watch our video to experience our perfect day trip to Daytona!

Kennedy Space Center

Are you a lover of all things space and science Take a road trip to the Kennedy Space Center to explore all of the awesome scientific advancements in space exploration! With fun, interactive displays and awesome exhibits, this is the perfect way to escape the Florida heat in an exciting and educational way! Pro-tip: Plan your visit to see a launch!

Mount Dora

This adorable central-forida town is full of delicious culinary experiences (wheck out WAVE Sushi!) and fun shopping opportunities. Mount Dora is a quaint town with loads to do – we recommend kayaking along the Dora Canal or checking out the sights around Lake Dora! With tons of town festivals and farmers markets, there’s always something going on during the weekend!

Titusville

Explore Florida’s Space Coast and visit Titusville! Watch thrilling rocket launches, paddle through old Florida on the Indian River, and get up close and personal with some awesome wildlife all in one place! If you’re visiting during the Summer months, you’ve absolutely got to try out a nighttime kayak adventure to witness the glowing bioluminescence. The water lights up a bright neon blue whenever you touch the water, and it’s truly an awe-inspiring experience!

Have fun at Florida's favorite theme parks

From thrilling rides to fan-favorite characters, Florida's theme parks has it all!

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Best beaches

Looking for the best Florida beaches? We’ve got you covered! It’s no secret that Florida is home to the endless summer.

St Pete Beach

This gorgeous Florida resort city is set against an unbelievably beautiful backdrop of a barrier island. Take in beautiful west coast (of Florida) sunsets and iconic architecture at the Don CeSar Hotel, and adorable wildlife at this beach!

Clearwater Beach

Looking for white sands and crystal clear blue water? It's literally in the name - Clearwater beach is the perfect candidate for a weekend getaway! There is also plenty to do in the area, like exploring the inviting small-town atmosphere, dining out at delicious restaurants, and even going to visit the Clearwater Aquarium!

Photo credit Suncoast Aerials

Siesta Key

Another spot to visit for a relaxing getaway is Siesta Key! This 8-mile-long island is made up of quartz-sand, creating stunning white beaches and crystal clear water! Enjoy tons of fun outdoor activities, from fishing and kayaking to parasailing and swimming!

Destin

Take a trip to the Emerald Coast and visit Destin! This area has so many gorgeous beaches featuring incredible colored water and soft sandy shores. With plenty of beautiful nature trails to explore, delicious places to eat, and fun water activities, Destin is a must visit for all!

Rosemary Beach

This adorable beach town is known for its gorgeous sandy shore and stunning architecture! Located on the Florida Panhandle, Rosemary Beach is a perfect destination for your next aesthetic vacation. Offering award-winning restaurants and great shopping opportunities, we can't think of a better place for a getaway!

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Curated by

Becca McCandless

Duval Native | Sunshine State ☀️ | Aspiring Plant Mom 🌱