Ultimate Florida Road Trip Guide

Image via Flickr by bolfing.yama

If you’re planning a road trip and plan on passing through Jacksonville, Florida, or you’re a local looking for a quick getaway, there are several great attractions you can check out nearby. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors or learn more about the city’s history and culture, Jacksonville has something for everyone. Here’s our ultimate road trip guide in and around Jacksonville that’s sure to lead you on an adventure.

Relax on Neptune Beach

A short 25-minute drive outside of Jacksonville, Neptune Beach is a great place to unwind and take in the natural beauty that Florida has to offer. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city atmosphere, you’ll enjoy the laid-back attitude of this coastal community. As this spot has become increasingly popular amongst tourists, you’ll also find several new restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite and head back to the beach.

Stop by Saint Augustine

If you’re a history buff, you can’t miss a trip to Saint Augustine, a nearby town full of old-world charm and paranormal myths. Known as America’s oldest city, Saint Augustine was originally founded in 1595, prior to the European settlements that became the United States. This beautiful city still features a lot of its original buildings, allowing you to explore architecture that’s been around for over 400 years. If you’re feeling brave when you decide to visit this waterfront city, you can book a night at one of its haunted hotels, rumored to be filled with ghosts of eras passed.

Explore the Appleton Museum of Art

Just outside of Jacksonville, you can visit the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, Florida. With 81,610 square feet for you to explore and 30,000 square feet dedicated solely to the museum’s permanent collections, you can enjoy a variety of exhibits from Asia, Africa, and the Americas and more. If you’re looking for something fun to do, consider one of the museum’s many events or one of its workshops, art classes, or educational programs. This is also a great spot to check out if you’re on a budget because they offer free admission on the first Saturday of every month.

Stop for a Stroll at Ginnie Springs

If you’re looking for a place to get out of your car, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beauty of Florida, make sure to stop by Ginnie Springs. The springs pump out 80 million gallons of crystal clear water every day, and the surrounding area is just as breathtaking as the springs themselves. 

Here, you’ll find a variety of scenic trails and eye-catching greenery, perfect if you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll or a challenging hike. There are also several places where you can stop for a picnic and take in your surroundings. A popular attraction among locals, Ginnie Springs is also a great place to meet new people and spend a day in the sun.

Check Out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

If you’re an art-lover, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville is a must-visit, with nearly 5,000 items in its permanent art collection. Established in 1958 by gardener and art-enthusiast Ninah Cummer, the museum also includes historic gardens with a backdrop of the St. Johns River. The permanent collection at the Cummer Museum features pieces that span from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, which includes the unique Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain. You can view more pieces by taking a stroll through the courtyard, where you’ll find several sculptures on display.

Enjoy the Ocala National Forest

If you’re looking for a destination that’s a bit of a longer drive, make sure to stop by the Ocala National Forest in Ocala, Florida, about two hours outside of Jacksonville. This 383,000-acre outdoor space is perfect if you’re looking for an adventure, with over 600 hiking trails, rivers, springs, lakes, and wilderness areas.

It’s a wonderful road trip destination because you can also explore this national park by car and travel along the Black Bear Scenic Byway with 60 miles of breathtaking views of the natural landscape. Be on the lookout for several species of local wildlife, including alligators, deer, boars, tortoises, and black bears.

Camp at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

If you’re looking for an open space with a more intimate feel, check out Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Only recently established in 2017, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park typically receives less tourist attention than other older and larger sites, allowing you and your companions to enjoy the beautiful natural spring in a more laid-back environment.

However, when visitation is high, the park only allows registered campers to enter, so it’s important to register ahead of time if you plan to stop by. The major ecological habitats here include the spring run stream, where you can spot a wide array of wildlife, including fish like largemouth bass, channel catfish, and both redbreast and spotted sunfish as well as turtles and a variety of invertebrate species.

Visit Keith Pierson Toyota for Maintenance

Before setting off on your next adventure, make sure to stop by Keith Pierson Toyota for a maintenance check while you’re in Jacksonville. It’s important that your engine, brakes, and other features are running well after spending a lot of time on the road, and our team of knowledgeable professionals at our service center are ready to answer your questions and get your vehicle back in shape. Staying on top of your car’s maintenance needs can help you stay safe on the road and look forward to many adventures ahead.

There you have it, our recommendations for all the must-visit attractions for a road trip through and around Jacksonville, Florida. Did we include all the best local spots, or did we miss your favorite destination? Feel free to check out our guide before you take a road trip and contact us to let us know what you think and we’ll gladly update our list of suggestions so more road warriors can enjoy what this area has to offer.

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