Mazda City of Orange Park

May 6, 2021

Do you have an itch to just hop in your car and discover someplace new? Check out these unbeatable day trips from Jacksonville, FL that are all just a short drive away!

The Top 6 Day Trips From Jacksonville, FL

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is about a 90-minute drive south of Jacksonville and provides visitors with plenty of breathtaking scenery. It’s close to Ocala National Forest which features these precious Salt Springs. The turquoise blue waters will entice you to jump right in and be sure to bring your goggles to get a look at the stingrays and crabs moving below you. Salt Springs has various degrees of depth and includes a shallow area for toddlers to get their feet wet too!

Daytona Beach

Florida’s car racing capital is 90 miles away from Jacksonville and packed with amazing fun for people of all ages. If you have a passion for thunderous car engines, look no further than the Daytona Raceway, home of the Daytona 500. The city also features one of the most stunning beaches in the state (and country) and has an array of cultural sites to explore. Dining is a treat, as visitors can sample exquisite cuisine from around the world.

Amelia Island

With just 33 miles separating Jacksonville from this naturally beautiful Island, a day trip to Amelia Island makes perfect sense. Start at the north end where you’ll find Fernandina Beach. Enjoy an afternoon of sun, swimming, and snorkeling, before making your way to Fort Clinch State Park. It boasts 1,400 acres of scenic landscape and cultural sites like an army fort that dates back to the Civil War. You can even go island hopping to Big and Little Talbot Island.

Cross Creek

This quaint community saw its rise to fame thanks to the novel The Yearling, written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marjorie Kinnan Rawling. It’s located approximately 80 miles from Jacksonville and has lovely parks and a bustling main street to enjoy spending the day. Visitors can also take tours of Marjorie Kinnan Rawling’s home and property that has been preserved to feature the beautiful magnolias she wrote about. The tenant house and barn are also there to explore.

Osceola National Forest

For day-trippers who love spending time in the great outdoors, this 200,000-acre forest is less than 60 miles from Jacksonville and provides a plethora of nature-filled activities. Head to Ocean Pond to enjoy some fishing and hiking in the surrounding areas. It also has a charming beach area with picnics nearby. History buffs will enjoy visiting the nearby Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park to enjoy Civil War reenactments during February.

De Leon Springs

Take a dip in these beautiful freshwater springs just 95 miles from Jacksonville. You can also spot into the Sugar Mill Restaurant located nearby and enjoy some delicious pancakes while sitting by an open fireplace that keeps everyone toasty during colder months.

Stop by Mazda City of Orange Park today and find the day trip vehicle of your dreams!