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Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville spans the Atlantic coast with access to Amelia Island, St. Augustine, and the Florida-Georgia border country.

St. Augustine and Amelia Island offer history and beach culture within an hour.

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Try: birdwatching, disc golf, covered bridges, antique shopping, hot springs, photography spots

12 destinations near Jacksonville

Dungeness Ruins, GA 31558, USA

Dungeness Ruins

GA 31558, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 34 min from Jacksonville · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 34 min4.8 (509)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Okefenokee Adventures, Folkston, GA 31537

Okefenokee Adventures

Folkston, GA 31537

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 1.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 10 min from Jacksonville · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 10 min4.8 (1,115)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens, Port Orange, FL 32129

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens

Port Orange, FL 32129

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Jacksonville · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 32 min4.8 (2,134)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Blue Spring State Park, USA

Blue Spring State Park

USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 18.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 47 min from Jacksonville · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 47 min4.8 (18,420)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Bongoland Ruins, Port Orange, FL 32129

Bongoland Ruins

Port Orange, FL 32129

Why this destination?

Recommended because: highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Jacksonville

1 hr 32 min4.7 (428)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien, GA 31305

Fort King George State Historic Site

Darien, GA 31305

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 16 min from Jacksonville · fits $10 - $25 budget

1 hr 16 min4.7 (895)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, St Simons Island, GA 31522

St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum

St Simons Island, GA 31522

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 16 min from Jacksonville · fits $10 - $25 budget

1 hr 16 min4.7 (3,344)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Lightner Museum, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Lightner Museum

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 5.1k+ visitors) · 49 min from Jacksonville · fits $10 - $25 budget

49 min4.7 (5,087)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

De León Springs State Park, De Leon Springs, FL 32130

De León Springs State Park

De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 40 min from Jacksonville · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 40 min4.7 (6,231)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL 32821

Discovery Cove

Orlando, FL 32821

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 14.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 17 min from Jacksonville · fits $20 - $60 budget

2 hrs 17 min4.7 (14,345)FamilyAdventure$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Lover's Oak, Brunswick, GA 31520

Lover's Oak

Brunswick, GA 31520

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 6 min from Jacksonville · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 6 min4.7 (423)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Fort Frederica National Monument, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Fort Frederica National Monument

St Simons Island, GA 31522

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 23 min from Jacksonville · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 23 min4.7 (2,349)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from Jacksonville, FL?

The best day trips from Jacksonville include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.

How far should I drive for a day trip from Jacksonville?

Most great day trips from Jacksonville are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.

What are cheap things to do near Jacksonville?

Many of the best day trips near Jacksonville are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.

What is the best time of year for day trips from Jacksonville?

Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Jacksonville, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.

Are there weekend getaways near Jacksonville?

Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Jacksonville make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.

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