Day Trips from Jacksonville, Florida

1. Amelia Island - 50 minutes

• Where is Amelia Island located, and how can visitors reach it?
  • The enchanting Amelia Island is situated just a few miles off the northeast coast of Florida.
  • It is easily accessible by boat or road and is connected to the mainland by two bridges.
• What natural attractions does Amelia Island offer?
  • The island boasts pristine beaches stretching for 13 miles along the coastline.
  • It is a barrier island home to hundreds of wildlife species both on land and in the water.
  • The island’s rare maritime forests provide a unique ecosystem that attracts naturalists and conservationists.
• What can visitors do in downtown Amelia Island?
  • The island’s downtown area features a vibrant atmosphere centered around the National Historic District, which spans 50 blocks.
  • There are plenty of shops, cultural attractions, and entertainment options available.
• What dining options are available on Amelia Island?
  • Visitors can enjoy food and drinks at more than 90 local restaurants across the island.
  • The fresh catch of the day is the most popular menu item at many of these eateries.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Amelia Island?
  • Nature lovers can explore trails by horseback, foot, or bicycle.
  • The island offers abundant water activities, including kayaking, boating, and fishing.

2. Anastasia State Park - 1 hour

• What is the oldest city in the United States?
  • The oldest city in the United States is St. Augustine, Florida, which has been continuously inhabited since Spanish explorers settled there in 1565.
• What is a must-visit attraction in St. Augustine?
  • One of St. Augustine’s top attractions is Anastasia State Park, which spans 1,600 acres and features four miles of beautiful white-sand beaches.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Anastasia State Park?
  • Visitors can explore natural trails that lead through the dunes and provide access to the beach.
  • Water recreation options include surfing, swimming, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding.
• Are there camping facilities at Anastasia State Park?
  • Yes, the park has a full campground with modern shower house amenities and a beachside camp store.
• Is Anastasia State Park pet-friendly?
  • No, Anastasia State Park is not pet-friendly—dogs are not allowed on beaches or in public spaces within the park.

300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, Phone: 904-461-2033

3. Big Talbot Island State Park

• What are the operating hours for Big Talbot Island State Park?
  • Visitors can access the park every day of the year from 8 AM to sunset. However, the boat ramp is open 24 hours a day.
• Where is Big Talbot Island State Park located?
  • Big Talbot Island State Park is a unique sea island located in northeast Florida and serves as a natural preserve for dozens of bird species.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Big Talbot Island State Park?
  • Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the salt marsh or fish in the ocean waters.
  • Guided kayaking tours are available.
  • A 2.9-mile paved road is available for handicap visitors, inline skaters, and cyclists, featuring educational points about the park’s resources.
  • Additional activities include geo-seeking, birding, hiking, shelling, and picnicking.

State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, Florida, 32226, Phone: 904-251-2320

4. Blue Springs State Park

• Why should I visit Blue Spring State Park?
  • Blue Spring State Park is famous for its warm waters that consistently stay at 72 degrees, making it an ideal breeding ground for manatees.
  • In 1970, only 14 manatees were recorded in the park, but by 2018, the number had grown to 485.
• When is the best time to visit Blue Spring State Park?
  • The park reaches capacity almost daily, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early, even during winter months.
• What wildlife can be seen at Blue Spring State Park?
  • Besides manatees, visitors can spot several birds of prey nesting in the park, including eagles, kingfishers, and ospreys.
• What activities are available at Blue Spring State Park?
  • Visitors can explore two different trails or take a guided boat or kayak tour.

2100 W French Ave, Orange City, Florida, 32763

5. Cedar Key

• What makes Cedar Key a great getaway destination?
  • Cedar Key is a quiet, old-fashioned Florida getaway with quaint beaches and lush natural preserves.
  • The tiny enclave features houses on stilts, a laid-back fishing culture, and abundant fresh seafood.
• What attractions can visitors enjoy in Cedar Key?
  • Nature lovers can explore the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.
  • History buffs can visit the Cedar Key Museum State Park.
  • For a unique dining and lodging experience, visitors can check out The Island Hotel & Restaurant.
• What is special about the Shell Mound in Cedar Key?
  • The Shell Mound, located in the wildlife refuge, is a popular attraction for families.
  • The mound is believed to be up to 1,800 years old and was constructed by indigenous peoples.

6. Cocoa Beach

• Why is Cocoa Beach a great destination for families?
  • Cocoa Beach is located on Florida’s Space Coast and offers a mix of space exploration, science, and beach fun.
  • The area provides access to the Kennedy Space Center, where families can tour space facilities, meet astronauts, and see space rockets.
  • Visitors can also witness rocket launches from the beach.
• What are some of the top attractions in Cocoa Beach?
  • The famous Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-visit spot with restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
  • Cocoa Beach is home to Ron Jon’s, the largest surf shop in the world, and a hotspot for surf enthusiasts.
  • The area offers amazing surfing spots, making it a prime location for water sports.
• What is unique about Cocoa Village?
  • Cocoa Village is a historic riverside community with over 50 boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries.
  • The village provides a charming contrast to the beachside atmosphere, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
• Where can visitors stay in Cocoa Beach?
  • The area features many resorts that cater to both beachgoers and visitors exploring nearby Orlando attractions.

7. Cumberland Island

• Where is Cumberland Island located?
  • Cumberland Island is the largest barrier island in Georgia and remains largely undeveloped.
  • To visit, travelers must leave Jacksonville, Florida, and cross into Georgia.
• What makes Cumberland Island unique?
  • The island’s ecosystem is constantly changing due to natural forces like wind and wildfires.
  • It offers a pristine, untouched landscape perfect for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring.
• How do visitors access Cumberland Island?
  • All visitors must start at the Mainland Visitor’s Center to check in.
  • They will need to take the ferry to reach the island.
• Can visitors stay overnight on the island?
  • Yes, visitors planning to stay overnight must obtain camping permits.
• What facilities are available at the Mainland Visitor’s Center?
  • The center has a Mainland Museum with limited operational hours.
  • It serves as the starting point for all island visits, providing essential permits and information.

8. Daytona International Speedway

• What is the Daytona International Speedway?
  • The Daytona International Speedway is known as the “World Center of Racing” and is home to the Daytona 500.
  • It is a premier racing facility that hosts some of the most exciting motorsport events in the world.
• What upgrades were made during the 2016 renovation?
  • The Speedway underwent a $400 million renovation in 2016.
  • It now features 101,500 state-of-the-art stadium seats for fans.
  • The upgrades include three levels stretching along the front stretch, which is a mile long.
  • Modern concession stands were also added to enhance the visitor experience.
• Besides racing, what other events take place at Daytona International Speedway?
  • The Speedway is also used for concerts, civic and social events, corporate events, and photoshoots.
  • It hosts car shows, vehicle testing, and motorcycle training for police officers.

One Daytona Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, Phone: 800-PITSHOP

9. Gainesville

• What makes Gainesville unique?
  • Gainesville is a blend of outdoor adventure seekers, artists, and craft brewers who appreciate nature and north-central Florida living.
• What major university is located in Gainesville?
  • The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, contributing to the city's vibrant culture and community.
• What is Gainesville’s ambiance like?
  • Gainesville has a southern charm with Spanish moss-draped trees, as well as refined boutiques and restaurants.
• What natural attractions can visitors explore?
  • Gainesville is surrounded by state parks featuring:
    • Sinkholes
    • Waterfalls – Explore local springs
    • Lush forests
• What other activities are available in Gainesville?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
  • Antiquing
  • Visiting museums
  • Exploring art galleries
  • Relaxing at hip breweries with live music and great beer on tap

Visitors Bureau 33 N. Main Street, Gainesville FL, 32061, Phone: 352-374-52601

10. Ginnie Springs

• What is Ginnie Springs?
  • Ginnie Springs is an outdoor recreation center featuring seven natural springs that maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round, even during winter.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Ginnie Springs?
  • Visitors can participate in a variety of water and outdoor activities, including:
    • Kayaking and paddle boarding
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Hiking
• Can visitors camp at Ginnie Springs?
  • Yes, camping is allowed at Ginnie Springs.
  • Available options include tent sites along the river and RV hookup sites with water.
  • The campsites are surrounded by 200 acres of wooded land, providing a scenic and peaceful outdoor experience.
• Are there diving opportunities at Ginnie Springs?
  • Yes, Ginnie Springs offers three freshwater dive sites, including:
    • Devil’s Spring System
    • Ginnie Ballroom
    • Santa Fe River
• Are there any restrictions for diving in Devil’s Spring System?
  • Yes, no lights are allowed in the Devil’s Spring System.
  • All divers must be certified to carry dive lights in the area.

7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL, 32643, Phone: 386-454-7188