4 Great Places to Explore in Northeast Florida (Day Trips from Jacksonville)
Jacksonville, Florida, is a beautiful city that stretches from the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s only a short drive to some of Florida’s most impressive, natural sites. If you’re ready to explore some of the most beautiful locations Florida has to offer, then pack some snacks and grab your water bottles. Here are some of the best day trips from Jacksonville.
Jekyll Island State Park
If you’re looking for a trip filled with peace, natural beauty, and endless fun, then Jekyll Island state park is the perfect day trip for you. With ten miles of sandy beaches and twenty-two miles of scenic trails, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and little explorers. Along with the natural beauty of the island, you’ll find the Summer Waves water park, known for its incredible views and capacity for family fun! As if that wasn’t enough to make a great day trip, there is mini golf, tennis, and the historic Horton House, where you can learn all about the colonial history of the island. There is something for everyone on Jekyll island. You may want to stay for more than a day!
St. Augustine
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine is a place people have been attracted to for many, many years. This is an ideal day trip for inquiring minds. Learn about the legendary place where Ponce De Leon found the magical healing waters off the coast of Florida in 1513. Stop by the Spring House and have a drink from Ponce De Leon’s spring. Go back to 2400 B.C. when the Native American Timucua people occupied the region. Explore a Timucua village and learn about their traditions. Don’t forget to stop by the Navigators Planetarium and the founder’s Riverwalk. The Riverwalk offers brilliant views of the surrounding scenery and the park.
Hannah Park
One of the few places left in Jacksonville with undeveloped land all along the beachfront, Hanna Park is a place where you can see the true natural beauty our Florida beaches have to offer. The day will fly by making memories in Hanna Park! From hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, canoeing, paddle boating, and of course, camping, there are an abundance of activities to choose from. One of the most extraordinary things about Hanna park is the affordability; $5 gets your entire carload onto the park grounds. It’s a place where all Florida families can find something to enjoy during their stay.
Guana Preserve
The Guana Preserve is known for its wildlife. It’s actually part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This preserve is teaming with life; many different animals and different habitats all coexisting, from the ocean to the forest and everything in between. Guana Preserve is the perfect place for adventurers to see Mother Nature in action! There is hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to watch animals in their natural habitats. The Guana Preserve is a favorite for bird watchers and nature photographers, so you’ll likely run into other nature lovers out and about during your visit. The Guana Preserve is a protected place for the local wildlife; the beaches alone provide a safe nesting place for sea turtles and shorebirds.
Florida is filled with plenty of magical locations to explore other than the four listed above. We encourage you to embark on your own adventure and who knows, maybe you will discover a new hidden gem! Take advantage of our Florida sunshine and start exploring today!
