Drive on Down: 5 Free Things to Do Near Jacksonville, FL

The Jacksonville, FL, area is close to some of the most picturesque parts of the state, so it's the perfect place to set off on a relaxing day trip with no particular agenda in mind. Roll the windows down and take one of our three favorite scenic drives in North Florida. The 3 Top Scenic Drives Near Jacksonville, FL SR-13 From Jacksonville to Spuds For this scenic route, you'll start in Jacksonville and travel south along the St. Johns River for an up-close view of old Florida. In addition to the stunning water views, you'll see historic buildings and homes, including the former residences of writer Harriet Beecher Stowe and composer Frederick Delius. The 55-mile stretch is shaded by towering oak trees and drapes of Spanish moss. Spuds is a tiny town situated in the middle of the state's northeastern potato farming region. When you arrive, you can take a side trip to Deep Creek Conservation area, which has hiking and biking trails where you can spot blackbirds, egrets, herons, and other marsh and wading birds. Bring a kayak or canoe if you want to paddle in Deep Creek or along the river. You'll find a boat access ramp on SR-207 just west of its intersection with SR-206 at the Deep Creek Bridge. more SR-A1A From Ormond Beach to Matanzas Inlet To take this drive from Jacksonville, you'll first head to Matanzas Inlet about an hour south of the city. From there, you'll get on SR-A1A, which winds through historic undeveloped parts of the state. This 30-mile stretch is free of traffic lights for at least 20 miles, so you can truly cruise along and enjoy unmatched coastline views. Pack a picnic to enjoy at any of the free beaches and state parks along this route. You can also explore local history at stops like a 1942 World War II submarine watchtower, one of the few still remaining from that era. Find it at 2269 Ocean Shore Blvd near the end of your drive in Ormond Beach. William Bartram Scenic and Historic Trail This trail has been recognized by the Florida Scenic Highways Program for its cultural history and natural beauty. You can observe palmetto and pine trees that have been growing in the region for more than three centuries, expansive swampland, and thick oak forests. Along the way, you'll pass through the area where European pioneer William Bartram settled along the St Johns River with the region's Native Americans. The William Bartram Scenic and Historic Trail is just over 17 miles long and the northern end is located right in Jacksonville, so it's a great scenic drive if you only have an hour or two. Head south on San Jose Blvd and you'll reach the route when that route crosses over Julington Creek just past Mandarin Park. The Mazda Miata is the perfect car if you love driving through Florida with the top down. Test drive it today at Mazda City of Orange Park.

Do you feel like you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a day or two? While Jacksonville, FL is a great city to call home, we all need to take a short break from our usual routine every once in a while. If you want to get away, but don't know where you want to escape to, read on to discover our favorite small towns within driving distance of Jax. 3 Charming Small Towns in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL 1. Neptune Beach Neptune Beach is one of the cutest towns near Jax, and there are several activities you can enjoy here. Our favorite thing to do in Neptune Beach is swing by Jax Surf & Paddle at 241 Atlantic Boulevard #102. You can rent hard and soft top surfboards for anywhere from an hour to seven days. You can also rent skimboards, bodyboards, and paddleboards for up to a week. Jax Surf & Paddle doesn't just rent everything you need to enjoy the local waterways. They can give you the skills you need to practice a new hobby safely. You can take private surfing lessons or public surfing classes. You can benefit from private surfing lessons regardless of your skill level, and every Saturday there are beginner and intermediate public classes. more 2. Fernandina Beach We also strongly recommend visiting Fernandina Beach. There are many activities you can enjoy in this town, too. Our favorite is visiting Fort Clinch State Park at 2601 Atlantic Ave. You can visit this state park from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, and the ranger station is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. What we love the most about this state park is the wide variety of activities you can enjoy here. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the park. There is a challenging six-mile hiking trail that is also popular with mountain bikers. There are also other hiking trails in this state park. 3. Callahan Finally, we recommend visiting Callahan if you need a break from city life. Here, you can find the West Nassau Museum of History at 45383 Dixie Ave. This free museum is open from 9 to 12 on most Saturdays and features many historic maps, model railroad cars, and much more. There are many charming towns within driving distance of Jacksonville. However, if you need a quick break from city life, you need a reliable car. If you feel anxious driving because your car has broken down recently, it may be time to drive off in a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata. To take one for a spin, visit us today at Mazda City of Orange Park.

There are many reasons to love living in Jacksonville, FL, including its proximity to a wide variety of things to do. You can spend the day touring a museum or plantation and end your day with a concert that will rock your world. If you are unsure of how you want to spend your day, we recommend loading your family into your Mazda CX-90 and checking out one of these exciting weekend activities. 3 Weekend Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens If your kids are tired of being cooped up in the house on a beautiful summer day, we strongly recommend taking them to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens at 370 Zoo Parkway. There are over 100 acres of award-winning gardens and exhibits to explore, including Giraffe Overlook, Amphibian Conservation Center, and Emerald Forest Aviary. There is also a permanent collection of artwork and traveling sculptural exhibits that you won't want to miss. more 2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens If you are impressed by the gardens at Jacksonville Zoo, you will be blown away by the gardens at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens at 829 Riverside Avenue. Generally, children between 6 and 17 years old require a $15 ticket, and adults generally need to pay $20 for admission. However, you and your family can enjoy free admission from 10 to 4 on the first Saturday of each month, making a visit an ideal weekend activity. The Italian Garden is the crown jewel at Cummer Gardens. It was designed in 1931 by Ellen Biddle Shipman, featuring two reflecting pools and a gloriette that is reminiscent of some of Tuscany's most famous water gardens. The J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Community Sculpture Garden is also worth checking out while you're here. It hosts a temporary exhibit annually and is home to four permanent installations. 3. Tour the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary We also recommend dedicating some of your weekend to touring the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary at 1860 Starratt Road. Night Feeding tours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 8, your last chance to book a ticket online is 5 o'clock, and your last chance to be admitted is 7 o'clock. The self-guided walking tour can be enjoyed at your own pace, but most people walk the 1-mile handicap accessible path in roughly 40 to 45 minutes. Just make sure to stick around for the big cats being fed at 7. There are lots of fun ways you can spend your weekend in the Jacksonville area, but you need a reliable way to get there. If your vehicle no longer meets your family's needs, visit us at Mazda City of Orange Park to test drive a more suitable vehicle.