3 Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL

Are you planning a visually stunning expedition in Jacksonville, FL. If so, you won't be disappointed. The city has numerous attractions that create scenic backdrops for share-worthy pictures and professional photography. Here are the best photo spots you can drive to near the city. Make the Drive: 4 Great Photo Spots Near Jacksonville, FL 1. James Weldon Johnson Park James Weldon Johnson Park is a local gem located at 135 W Monroe St in downtown Jacksonville. This park features unique architectural buildings that are a dream for architecture photographers. Don't miss the park's impressive fountains, sculptures, and monuments, all of which offer a breathtaking backdrop for your pictures. As you take photos, stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful landscape and unique features. If you come during the weekdays, you will get to experience live music from local artists. Don't forget to sample the tasty food served at the food trucks. more 2. Walter Jones Historic Park Head over to the Walter Jones Historic Park and catch a glimpse of the past. Located at 11964 Mandarin Rd, this park houses the Mandarin Museum and several historic buildings. The stunning landscape is perfect for nostalgic sepia shots and architecture photography. There is also a lovely boardwalk that winds through the marsh. Here, you can spot birds or even catch shots of the stunning sunset over the river. So load up your 2023 Mazda CX-5 with the day's essentials, head to the park, and prepare to immerse yourself in nature and history. 3. Tree Hill Nature Center For a dash of wilderness, head over to the Tree Hill Nature Center at 7152 Lone Star Rd. This is a wildlife preserve and natural history museum that is a wildlife enthusiast's dream. Here you will see various animal exhibits featuring turtles, skunks, snakes, alligators, and even domestic animals like pigs, goats, and chickens. The animals, wildflower gardens, and surrounding landscape provide great opportunities for photography. You can also explore the center's various walking trails and take stunning pictures of the tall trees and lush greenery. There is also a lot to learn about the biodiversity of native Florida. 4. Southbank Riverwalk The Southbank Riverwalk, located at 1001 Museum Circle, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Jacksonville's cityscape. Head over to this promenade in the evening, and you will capture epic sunset shots and the beautiful skyline reflecting off the St. Johns River. You might also catch shots of dolphins swimming in the river and manatees coming up for air. The mural under the walkway also makes for excellent shots. Check out these spots if you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to experience Jacksonville through your lens. If you are shopping for a new car to cruise around in, stop by Mazda City of Orange Park and check out the latest Mazda vehicles on the market.

Museums are a great way to spend an afternoon or morning, and Jacksonville, FL has some great ones! Whether you're into art, history, science, or nature, there's a museum in town that is perfect for you. Here are four of the best museums near Jacksonville. Make the Drive: 4 of the Best Museums Near Jacksonville, FL Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville The museum's mission is to engage people of all ages in the world of contemporary art. MOCA Jacksonville commits to displaying the work of emerging and mid-career artists and established artists who are recognized internationally. The exhibitions are changed constantly, so there is always something new to see. The museum also offers various educational programs, including classes, workshops, lectures, and films. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is open Tuesday through Sunday, and the tickets are affordable. more The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens Arthur Cummings founded the museum in the 19th century in the Riverside district along the St. Johns River. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, and glassware from the 18th to 20th centuries and also houses a sizable collection of contemporary and Colonial American artwork. They also provide a range of educational activities and events for visitors of all ages. The beautiful garden at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is ideal for a stroll or picnic, and the on-site café offers delicious meals. Museum of Science & History With its many interactive exhibits, the museum is a great place to learn about science and history. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year, which make it a great place to visit for both kids and adults. Fortunately, your Mazda CX-5 is large enough to accommodate the whole family on a fun museum outing. From its dinosaurs and space exploration exhibits to its live animals and historical artifacts, the Museum of Science & History has something for everyone. The museum is open from Thursday through Monday and features other exhibits, such as a planetarium, an aquarium, and a hands-on science center. Ritz Theatre and Museum The Ritz Theatre and Museum is located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood. LaVilla was once a thriving center of African-American culture and business. Visitors can learn about the city's history through exhibits on its culture, art, and music. The museum is committed to preserving the history and culture of the African-American community in Jacksonville. The Ritz Theatre and Museum is also home to a performing arts center, which hosts various events throughout the year. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Jacksonville, check out the above museums. And if you're in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, contact us at the Mazda City of Orange Park. We sell top-quality vehicles at competitive prices and would love to help you find your perfect ride.

Jacksonville, FL has a thriving art scene complete with galleries, walks, and festivals. Known as a "city of makers", people all around the nation come to Jacksonville to share their ideas. Here are some of the best local art galleries that the city has to offer! 4 Great Local Art Galleries You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Mussallem Galleries Mussallem Galleries is an expansive 90,000-square-foot showroom showcasing eclectic paintings, furnishings, objects, and more. The gallery showcases an extensive collection of Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Continental, and European relics from various time periods. The European paintings found at this place date back to the 15th to 19th centuries, showcasing some of the most compelling pieces from the Renaissance. The collection of antique furniture and oriental rugs at this place cannot be missed! The Mussallem family was one of the original rug importers, meaning you will undoubtedly find some of the most iconic carpentry in the world.  One of the best ways to appreciate art history is through furniture! more 2. Florida Mining Gallery The Florida Mining Gallery showcases work by emerging and mid-career artists. The venue provides a space for these artists to mount exhibitions, spark conversations, and push boundaries in the art world. The exhibitions are constantly rotating, meaning there is always some new art to explore. Exhibitions explore photography, painting, and crafts by artists from all around the world! 3. The Art Center Cooperative The Art Center Cooperative provides an affordable venue for artists to display their work. Registered as a 501(c)3-nonprofit cooperative, TAC strives to promote accessibility in the art world. The art center displays work that ranges in paintings, mixed media collages, figure sketches, pastels, fine art photography, and sculptures. The art at the cooperative rotates every two months. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Prints of the showcased art, as well as the art itself, are available for purchase. 4. ARTSee and Shop This gallery showcases art from over 50 different artists. Located in The Markets at Town Center, you can shop around hundreds of handmade works and crafts. You will find things such as hand-blown glass, wood, ornaments, pottery, paintings, perfume, and more! This is a great place to find a unique gift while supporting the community. ARTSee provides classes and workshops on various art procedures. If you're looking to boost your creativity, we highly encourage you to check one of these classes out. One of the best ways to learn about the community is by browsing local galleries. Whether you just want to look around or you prefer to go on a shopping spree, these places will teach you a lot about the style of the city.  With six color options to choose from in the 2022 Mazda CX-9, you'll also be able to express your personal style. See what's in stock at Mazda City of Orange Park.