10 Spontaneous Day Trips from Jacksonville
Destination: Jacksonville, Florida
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- St. Augustine
- Overview: Discover America's oldest city, St. Augustine, brimming with Spanish colonial architecture and rich history. Walk down the cobblestone streets, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fort, and explore the enchanting Lightner Museum.
- Duration: Full Day
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Next Stop: Savor local flavors at the Columbia Restaurant, known for its Spanish cuisine.
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Amelia Island
- Overview: Relax on the pristine beaches of Amelia Island, enjoy horseback riding along the shore, or explore the charming Fernandina Beach downtown filled with boutique shops and eateries.
- Duration: Half Day
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Must Try: Fresh seafood at Timoti’s Seafood Shack.
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Cumberland Island, Georgia
- Overview: Take a ferry ride to Cumberland Island, a serene national seashore where wild horses roam freely amidst the dunes. Explore the ruins of Carnegie mansions and hike through lush forests.
- Duration: Full Day (including ferry travel)
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Highlight: Picnic at the picturesque Dungeness Ruins.
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Ocala National Forest
- Overview: Venture into Florida's natural beauty at Ocala National Forest, ideal for hiking, kayaking, and spotting wildlife. The crystal-clear springs like Juniper Springs offer a refreshing swim.
- Duration: Half Day
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Activity: Paddleboarding on Alexander Springs.
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Daytona Beach
- Overview: Feel the sand between your toes on Daytona Beach, famous for motorsports and its wide, drivable beach. Visit the Daytona International Speedway for a behind-the-scenes tour.
- Duration: Half Day
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Foodie Spot: Grab lunch at Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grill.
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Gainesville and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Overview: Explore Gainesville's vibrant college town atmosphere and then head to Paynes Prairie for breathtaking views of Florida's unique ecosystem, including possible sightings of bison and wild horses.
- Duration: Full Day
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Nature Walk: La Chua Trail for wildlife watching.
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Savannah, Georgia
- Overview: Immerse yourself in Southern charm in Savannah, known for its antebellum architecture, oak-lined squares, and ghost stories. Take a walking tour or simply enjoy the riverfront.
- Duration: Full Day
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Don't Miss: A haunted pub crawl.
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Marineland Dolphin Adventure
- Overview: Interact with dolphins and learn about marine conservation at Marineland, a historic oceanarium that combines education with fun interactive experiences.
- Duration: Half Day
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Experience: Dolphin Touch and Feed encounter.
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Flagler Beach
- Overview: Escape the crowds at Flagler Beach, a quiet coastal town with a retro vibe, great for surfing, fishing, and sunset watching from its iconic pier.
- Duration: Half Day
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Lunch Recommendation: Golden Lion Cafe.
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St. Johns River Eco Tours
- Overview: Cruise along the St. Johns River, one of Florida's most significant waterways, witnessing diverse wildlife such as alligators, manatees, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Duration: Half Day
- Tour Highlight: Sunset Eco Cruise.
Each of these day trips offers a unique experience, ensuring that every moment spent outside of Jacksonville is filled with excitement, relaxation, or both. Happy exploring!