Weekends feel a little easier — and a lot more exciting — when you’ve got a Toyota Highlander loaded up and ready to roll. With three rows of comfort, generous cargo space, and a smooth, quiet ride, the Highlander is built for family adventures around Jacksonville. Whether you’re craving beaches, history, or nature, here are some top family-friendly weekend getaways within about an hour of the city.
St. Augustine
Website: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Distance: Approximately 45 minutes from Jacksonville
St. Augustine is one of the easiest and most rewarding weekend trips from Jacksonville. Families can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, wander historic cobblestone streets, visit the Pirate and Treasure Museum, or enjoy ice cream along the bayfront. For beach lovers, nearby St. Augustine Beach and Vilano Beach offer wide stretches of sand and gentle waves that are perfect for kids.
With the Highlander’s flexible seating and deep cargo hold, packing for a beach day or an overnight stay is effortless. There’s plenty of room for coolers, beach chairs, towels, toys, and bags — without sacrificing comfort for passengers. The Highlander’s advanced safety features also help make I-95 driving feel more relaxed and controlled.
Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach
Website: https://www.ameliaisland.com/
Distance: Approximately 40 minutes from Jacksonville
For a family weekend that blends history, charm, and coastal relaxation, Amelia Island is an easy choice. The beaches are clean and calm, downtown Fernandina Beach is lined with local shops and restaurants, and Fort Clinch State Park offers historic tours, fishing piers, and scenic trails.
Kids can ride bikes along the paved paths, comb the shoreline for shells, or watch wildlife in the marshes. The Toyota Highlander’s large cargo area makes it simple to bring bikes, beach umbrellas, picnic baskets, and folding chairs — while still keeping everyone comfortable in all three rows.
Big Talbot Island State Park & Little Talbot Island
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-talbot-island-state-park
Distance: Approximately 30 minutes from Jacksonville
If your family loves the outdoors, Big Talbot Island and nearby Little Talbot Island offer a peaceful escape from city traffic and crowds. Big Talbot’s famous driftwood-covered shoreline is one of the most photographed beaches in North Florida, and the short walking trails make it easy for kids of different ages to explore.
Little Talbot Island offers shaded trails, picnic areas, and quiet beaches where you can spend the day playing in the sand or exploring the dunes. With the Highlander’s higher ride height, smooth suspension, and available all-wheel drive, the drive out to the islands feels stable and comfortable. After a full day outside, the quiet cabin and supportive seats make the ride home just as enjoyable.
Why the Toyota Highlander Makes Weekend Trips Easier
The Toyota Highlander is designed for families who like to get out and go. Whether you’re heading down I-95, cruising along A1A, or exploring state parks and historic towns, it brings the right mix of comfort, space, and technology.
- Flexible Seating: Three rows of seating let you carry family, friends, or fold seats down for extra cargo.
- Generous Cargo Space: Perfect for beach gear, overnight bags, sports equipment, and coolers.
- Comfortable Ride: A quiet, composed ride helps keep kids relaxed on longer stretches of highway.
- Advanced Safety Features: Available driver-assist features help reduce stress on busy roads.
- Strong Efficiency: Competitive fuel economy means more time exploring and fewer stops at the pump.
More Ways We Can Help at Keith Pierson Toyota
Whether you’re already driving a Highlander or just starting to think about upgrading before your next family trip, Keith Pierson Toyota has tools and resources to make the process simple.
- View Current New Vehicle Specials: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/newspecials.html
- Explore Lease and Finance Offers: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/new-lease-and-finance-specials
- Value Your Trade: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/trade.aspx
- Schedule Service Online: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/#schedule-service
- Learn How to Sell Your Car Near Jacksonville Beach: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/how-to-sell-car-near-jacksonville-beach-fl
- Get Pre-Approved for Financing: https://www.keithpiersontoyota.com/preapproved
Whether you’re planning your first weekend getaway in a new Highlander or getting ready for years of family road trips, our team at Keith Pierson Toyota is here to help you find the right vehicle, the right plan, and the right support for every mile ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville Weekend Getaways
What are some good weekend getaways near Jacksonville for families?
Popular family-friendly weekend getaways near Jacksonville include St. Augustine, Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, and Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island. Each destination offers a different mix of beaches, history, and outdoor adventure that is easy to reach in a Toyota Highlander.
Why is the Toyota Highlander a good SUV for family road trips?
The Toyota Highlander offers three rows of seating, generous cargo space, and a quiet, comfortable ride. It also includes advanced safety and driver-assist features that help make highway driving and longer trips more relaxed for parents and passengers.
How far is St. Augustine from Jacksonville?
St. Augustine is roughly a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville under normal traffic conditions. It makes an easy weekend day trip or overnight getaway for families looking to explore historic sites, local restaurants, and nearby beaches.
Can the Toyota Highlander fit all the gear we need for beach and bike trips?
Yes. With its flexible seating and large cargo area, the Toyota Highlander can handle beach gear, folding chairs, coolers, strollers, and even bicycles with the rear seats folded. It is designed to give families room for both passengers and weekend adventure essentials.
How can I get pre-approved or check current specials before my next trip?
You can get started online by visiting Keith Pierson Toyota to view current new vehicle specials , explore lease and finance offers , or submit a quick application to get pre-approved for financing . You can also value your trade if you are considering upgrading to a Highlander before your next family road trip.
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