Fun Spring Road Trips You Can Plan From Jacksonville

Mardis Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Mardis Gras isn’t over just yet… at least in Orlando! The annual Mardis Gras celebration at Universal Studios is back and better than ever for 2022! Check it out daily, now through April 24th – admission is totally free with your theme park ticket!

You’ll enjoy all of the awesome rides and attractions that Universal Studio is known worldwide for, as well as some cool, seasonal offerings! There are Mardis Gras themed food and drink options throughout the park, exclusive merchandise, and a party-packed parade with music, performers, and of course… loads of beads!

There’s also a concert series on select nights, with superstars like Marshmallow, Lee Brice, and Khalid!

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival

Indulge this spring at Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival! This fun event is back to Tampa, with even more food, drinks, and special offerings than ever before! It’s running now through May 11th.

Taste flavors from around the world with dozens of unique dishes, from savory to sweet. There are some fan favorites from years past, as well as some new things to try! Pair it with an international wine, or maybe a local Tampa brew!

Aside from the thrilling rides and coasters (have you checked out the new Iron Gwazi yet?!), and the on-property zoo, there are also concerts from artists across all genres. You can see Sean Paul, 3 Doors Down, Kansas, and many more!

Pro tip… check out the rides before you move on to the food and wine!!

Tampa Bay Blues Festival

Sing and dance your blues away this spring at Tampa Bay Blues Festival! We have some awesome music fests this year in Jax too, but trust us – this one is worth the drive! This year’s event runs from April 8th – 10th.

Head to the beautiful waterfront Vinoy Park in Historic St. Petersburg for an epic three days of music! Check out acts like JJ Grey & Mofro, Jimmie Vaughan, Larkin Poe, and many, MANY more!

If you want a more luxe experience, spring for the VIP ticket to get special seating, a shaded view, and complimentary food daily. Purchase tickets online, or with CASH ONLY at the door day-of.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot is proof that Walt Disney World is for adults too…. and the Flower & Garden Festival is the perfect way to have a little nostalgic fun this spring! The event runs all the way through July 4th, so you have plenty of time to make the trip to Orlando!

Epcot is transformed into a lush paradise covered in gardens, floral exhibits, and extravagant topiary displays! There’s plenty to snack on as you take it all in, as there are outdoor kitchens set up all throughout the park for you to sample dishes and drinks!

See one of the free, daily shows that are a part of the Garden Rocks concert series. And of course, check out what really sets Disney apart – the characters and stories that you know and love!

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

A parade, live music, arts and crafts, and of course…. SHRIMP! That’s what you’ll get at the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach. This small town festival seriously has it all, it runs from April 29th – May 1st, and you could go everyday and still find something new to do!

See who takes the crown at the 2022 Miss Shrimp Festival pageant. There’s also a decorated shrimp boat contest, a 5k shrimp run, and seriously SO. MUCH. SHRIMP. Some of the best shrimp you’ll ever have!

Welcome to Rockville

Get ready to rock at Welcome to Rockville in Daytona this spring! This classic spring break city is getting a hard core makeover, as all of the top names in the Rock genre come to down. Head to the Daytona International Speedway on May 19th – 22nd for all of the fun.

See Korn, Guns N Roses, Breaking Benjamin, KISS, Shinedown, and dozens of other legendary names and rising stars. There are always great food and drink options on site (they’ll be announced ahead of the event), and to really keep the vibes going, you can camp out and stay all weekend long!

Cedar Woods Lakes and Gardens

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. For more on this hidden gem be sure to check their website!