Not only does Jacksonville boast some of coolest things to do in Florida (uh, hello Catty Shack Ranch, the all of the tacos at Corner Taco, and the white sand at Little Talbot Island) but there is a ton of things to do at our doorsteps. Road trip anyone?
There are fun spots to get your active self on and relaxing things do to if you just want to chill. And everything on this list you can get to in under three hours.
Bonus points: a lot of the stuff on this list you can do on the super cheap which is going to make your student loan collector a lot happier. Amirite?
@gabriellecuevasExplore Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
@be_lovedlamb400,000 people visit the refuge every year. There are great trails for walking or biking including the 9-mile Swamp Island Drive. You can also fish year round.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Horseback riding on Jekyll Island
@kiwidizzleSomething everyone has to do at least once in their life is horseback riding. On the beach. At sunset.
Time from Jacksonville: A little over 1 hour
Taking the best photos at the Butterfly Rainforest in Gainsville
@datfyyreddThe Butterfly Rainforest has anywhere from 60 to 80 species from around the world on any given day. This is one place you are going to take a million photos. Be warned, the butterflies don't always cooperate with your Snap plans.
Also, the butterflies love the humidity (even by Florida standards) so plan your makeup accordingly.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour 40 minutes
Since you're in Gainsville, why not see the rest of the museum
@broice.vThe museum has everything from a family Discovery Zone to exhibits that showcase the wildlife and history of Florida. They also have a bunch of dinosaur fossils.
Be sure to check out a listing of their temporary exhibits before you go and plan accordingly.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour 40 minutes
Drink Sangria at sunset
@nikki_crissThe award-winning San Sebastian Winery is a chill place to try some great local flavors. Right near downtown St. Augustine, the winery has a great outdoor space for watching the sun go down over a nice glass (glasses???) of Sangria.
Time from Jacksonville: 45 minutes
Getting inked at Hart and Huntington
@hhorlandotattooWhether you're looking for your first tattoo or you are a seasoned veteran, this parlour has some amazing artists. This flowered octopus was done by Miss Wild West. You can check out some of her other work here.
Time from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Running through Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area
@p__h__d_o_t_yThis conservation area is just part of Florida's effort to preserve its waterways and wildlife. If you're lucky, you'll see some of our wildlife as you run through a scenic three-mile trail.
There's also horseback riding, cycling, and hunting.
Time from Jacksonville: 30 minutes
Explore Driftwood Beach
@cheycoluDriftwood Beach gets it name from the driftwood that is everywhere. And I mean everywhere. You could spend all day here taking the perfect photos.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour 30 minutes
Swim with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure
@marinelandflMarineland Dolphin Adventure is an amazing must-see for anyone in the area. The park also hosts birthdays and weddings. Swimming with dolphins is basically on everyone's bucket list so why not cross it off now.
1. Recreate the shopping spree scene from Pretty Woman in real life
2. Swim with Dolphins
3. Meet Cole Sprouse
...
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Run through the Swamp
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Technically the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, everyone just calls it the Swamp. Even when there isn't a game, the stadium is open to go for a run. Go Gators!
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour 30 minutes
Go Ziplining
@sadecapriConquer your fear of heights at the Cable Junction Zipline Adventure Park. Reach speeds of up to 30mph as you try all seven of their zip line stations. Feel like staying the night? They also have onsite camping.
Time from Jacksonville: 40 minutes
Picnic in quaint Green Cove Springs
@thriveat45Just feel like escaping the city and seeing a quieter part of Florida? In less than an hour you can check out the cute shoreline, the pier, and even an old spaceship fuel tank. Bring some sammies, have a picnic at the park, and look out at the water.
Time from Jacksonville: 40 minutes
Practice yoga...on a paddleboard
@flyogaandpaddleFlorida Paddle and Yoga offers a totally unique way to achieve inner peace. Head out onto the water to practice your downward dog.
Time from Jacksonville: 30 minutes
Head up to Georgia to see historic Savannah
@jpanchetaGoing to the historic district will make you feel like Claire Randall traveling through time. Everywhere you look there is something that looks out of a movie. Take a carriage ride and feel like a Southern princess.
Time from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Go kayaking in Silver Springs
@julii_1109Did you know you could go kayaking in America and see actual monkeys? Yup, you can see actual monkeys (safely from your kayak, of course). Kayak Silver Springs also has canoe tours. And, if you're feeling lazy, you can have a great afternoon coasting along in a glass-bottom boat.
Also, in case you didn't already know, the signs remind you to not swim with alligators.
Time from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Geocaching at Wakulla Springs
@travlinmadAlthough this cool park has glass-bottom boat tours and hiking, you'll want to check out their geocaching treasure hunts. All you need is a GPS and you're good to start finding secret, hidden caches.
If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend trip, stay at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Time from Jacksonville: 2 hours 50 minutes
See all the sights at Cumberland Island National Seashore
@cuban_peteYou'll need to take the ferry to see this barrier island. If you're interested in history you can check out the Seashore Museum or the spooky ruins of Dungeness mansion.
There are no shops on the island so make sure you pack everything you need. Also, be sure to book a ferry reservation ahead of time.
Time from Jacksonville: 45 minutes plus 45 minutes on the ferry
Eat all the shrimp on Amelia Island
@melmal9Just one of the beautiful Sea Islands, Amelia Island is host to the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Every May people flock to Fernandina Beach for all the shrimp you could ever want. For people who don't like shrimp (who are you anyways?) there is music, crafts, and people dressed as pirates.
Time from Jacksonville: 45 minutes
Surf at Cocoa Beach
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Don't be intimidated by Cocoa Beach's vibrant surf scene. There are plenty of shops if you are just learning. Or if you just want to watch, head to the Rikki Tiki Tavern and see the experts from the pier while you sip margaritas.
Time from Jacksonville: 2 hours 30 minutes
Relax on a quiet beach
@missrissannFlorida has got plenty of awesome beaches. Anastasia State Park just outside St. Augustine is a great place to unwind and enjoy the water.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Show your Florida pride with fruit
@elf21793Everybody knows that Florida has the best oranges. But you might not know all the cool foods you can make with this citrus fruit. Head south for an afternoon at Orange Lake and be sure to check out the Orange Shop on for their jams and honey.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Shopping the cutest boutiques
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Head toward the Florida-Georgia line along the coast to find the quaint town of Fernandina Beach. The town has plenty of chic little stores with unique jewelry and clothes.
Time from Jacksonville: 45 minutes
Pick your own fruit
Via Congaree and Penn | Facebook
The Congaree and Penn Farm & Mills is a beautiful farm open to public. You can pick fruit like grapes and yummy blackberries. They also serve farm to table dinners and host parties and weddings.
Time from Jacksonville: 20 minutes
Check out a winery
@zoogirlkeciaFeel like "sampling" some vino? The Log Cabin Winery makes both red and white wines. In August they hold a festival where you try your feet at some grape stomping.
Time from Jacksonville: just over 1 hour
Feed some retired horses
@lynnflipsThis is going to be one of the memorable trips you ever take. Mill Creek Farm is a sanctuary for retired and rescued horse. Every Saturday you can visit the farm and see and pet some beautiful animals. The fee to enter the farm just two carrots.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Climb up a lighthouse
@fia_gaelachSee the view from the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a National Historic Monument and a great place to make your Fitbit happy. There's also a museum you can check out while you're there.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Lift your spirits
@gypsibarmanWhile the craft beer scene has been popular for years, recently, craft distilleries have been all the rage. The St. Augustine Distillery is a great place to tour and learn about how they make spirits. It's also a great place to sample some of those spirits.
Time from Jacksonville: 45 minutes
See all the Spanish moss in Mandarin
@creekhuggerJust south of Jacksonville is the lovely neighborhood of Mandarin. Step 1: walk along the avenues and see all the gorgeous Spanish moss draped over old oak trees. Step 2: pretend you're in a Southern mystery novel. Why I declare Miss Daisy is the culprit!
Mandarin also has a great walk along the water and lots of restaurants worth checking out.
Time from Jacksonville: 30 minutes
Stay in Mandarin for a cold one
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The Wicked Barley Brewing Company boasts of their "naughty ales for noble souls." They have a covered patio and you can even reach the brewery by boat. Head up during the week for some great eats on Taco Tuesday.
Time from Jacksonville: 30 minutes
Brave what has to be the world's tiniest ferry
@marly_laOk, so this ferry might hold two cars. Or maybe a few motorcycles. People apparently use this ferry all the time to cross the St. Johns River. For many, braving this teeny fairy cuts their trip down by 50 miles.
Time from Jacksonville: 1 hour and 30 minutes
