6 Destinations Near Jacksonville for Your Weekend Getaway

Whether you enjoy exploring white sandy beaches, getting up close and personal with manatees, or taking a luxury paddlewheel cruise, there is something for everyone in the Jacksonville area. In the span of one weekend, you can pile your family in your SUV or minivan and spend time together watching space rockets launch, enjoying delicious cuisine, or biking together along boardwalks or riverside paths. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider planning a trip to one of these six nearby destinations.

Amelia Island

About 40 miles from Jacksonville, Amelia Island awaits with its pristine beaches and sparkling blue waters. With over 13 miles of sandy beach to explore, Amelia Island is easily accessible from Jacksonville either by boat or road using one of the two bridges available. Amelia Island is known as a barrier island, which protects the mainland from the often harsh weather of the Atlantic Ocean. It also provides a shelter for sea life that typically would not be able to inhabit this area if not for the barrier it provides between the land and water.

Amelia Island is also home to one of the area’s largest maritime forests. This property contains a diverse range of both plants and animals, and can withstand the strong winds and salt spray that accompanies the ocean waters. Due to its unique and rare ecosystem, many conservationists have explored Amelia Island, learning much more about sea life in this area. 

When you’re done exploring the beautiful white beaches, swimming in the salty ocean water, or exploring the miles of trails located on the island, visit the downtown area. Featuring both a National Historic District and more than 90 local restaurants and eateries, you will have no trouble enjoying a relaxing weekend getaway at Amelia Island.

Blue Springs State Park

If you’ve always wanted to experience and learn more about manatees, you need to plan a weekend trip to Blue Springs State Park. The warm waters of this park have created a perfect habitat for the manatees that live there. The park began housing manatees in 1970, beginning with 14 of these gentle sea cows. Now, there are 485 living happily at the park. 

While visiting the manatees, be sure to also stay for the bird-watching, hiking, and kayaking tours. Blue Springs is home to several birds of prey such as eagles, kingfishers, ospreys, and more. Explore the entire park, watching for these majestic fowl while hiking one of the trails or kayaking through this outdoor playground. 

Blue Springs State Park is open every day of the year and is only approximately 100 miles from Jacksonville.

Jekyll Island

Head north of the Florida border to Jekyll Island, located about 90 miles from Jacksonville. Jekyll Island is the southernmost Golden Isle and is one of the most popular vacation spots along Georgia’s coast. At 5,500 acres with 10 miles of shoreline, this island is known for its family-friendly attractions and historical homes. The Millionaire’s Village is located in the historic district and was home to some of America’s most affluent families such as the Cranes, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Goodyears. 

Bring your bikes along for an adventurous ride along the bicycle path. This trail provides a scenic tour of some of the island’s most popular places of interest, like the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or Driftwood Beach. Explore the maritime forest, ride along the beautiful beachside, or make your way to the lively downtown for some shopping and a bite to eat.

Mount Dora

For a relaxing weekend taking in the local scenery or enjoying one of the annual festivals, plan a visit to Mount Dora. About 140 miles from Jacksonville, this charming city in Central Florida boasts antique shops, popular local eateries, yearly events, and a wide range of water activities the whole family will enjoy. 

Lake Dora provides plenty of ways to experience the gorgeous warm waters. Rent and drive a high-speed catamaran boat or hop on one of their guided boat tours. Enjoy a luxury paddlewheel cruise or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard with family and friends. Take a walk along the Palm Island Boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery this charming village has to offer.

Mount Dora is proud to host over 30 local events each year that bring in thousands of visitors to this quaint Florida town. Many of the smaller events, such as 5Ks, wine walks, and pet-friendly activities, benefit local non-profits as well as small businesses in the area. A few of their larger festivals include the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts and the Annual Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora.

Cocoa Beach

If your family loves all things space and science, you will definitely want to plan a trip to Cocoa Beach. Kennedy Space Center, the headquarters of NASA, offers several areas that are accessible to the public as well as many exciting events. Take a tour of the facility and the launch pads. Meet with astronauts and view the amazing technology of NASA’s space rockets. When launches are scheduled, they can be viewed right from Cocoa Beach too.

Cocoa Beach is a historic community with more than 50 local boutiques and shops, and several restaurants and diners. It is also home to Ron Jon’s, the largest surf shop in the world, and provides some amazing surfing spots along the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. This popular oceanside city is approximately 165 miles south of Jacksonville.

Daytona International Speedway

For families who absolutely love watching Nascar on the weekends, you can’t go wrong spending a weekend exploring the Daytona International Speedway. Home to the world-famous Daytona 500, this international stadium recently underwent a $400 million renovation. When racecar events are not being held, you can take in a concert, car show, or any of the other several events that are often hosted by the speedway. Daily tours are provided and last about 60 minutes. Daytona International Speedway is less than 100 miles south of Jacksonville.

Keith Pierson Toyota has just given you six ideas for a weekend adventure with family, friends, or simply you and a loved one. Which one of these locations will you visit first? Is there a favorite of yours that we missed? If so, please let us know! We’d be happy to add it to our list.

Tags: jacksonville, vacation, weekend getaway
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