Best Day Trips From Jacksonville Florida (By a City Local)

Thanks to its amazing location, there are tons of fun day trips from Jacksonville, just a short drive from downtown. Jacksonville is located next to gorgeous islands and beaches, nature preserves, and historical sites. I never get sick of exploring this area – there are so many fun day trips from Jacksonville to be had.

After visiting the area for five years and living south of Jacksonville for over a year, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing dozens of day trips. The best part? I know there are still so many places to visit near Jacksonville that I haven’t discovered yet!

Best Day Trips From Jacksonville Florida

From beaches and kayaking to historical sites and museums, just hop in the car, and you’ll be a short drive away from many incredible day trips from Jacksonville. It’s hard to choose the “best” excursions near the Bold City because there are so many fantastic ones. I’ve narrowed down this list to my favorite day trip destinations; there’s something for everyone;

1. Saint Augustine

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Jax is the gorgeous city of Saint Augustine. What makes this such a special day trip from Jacksonville is that St. Augustine is the oldest city in the nation – founded in 1565. So, expect a ton of rich history, an old fort/monument, museums, parks, restaurants, and more.

I live halfway between St. Augustine and Jacksonville, so I’m lucky enough to visit the “Ancient City” quite often. To me, it’s by far one of the best places to visit near Jacksonville, FL. No matter if you’re a frequent visitor or a first-time tourist, it’s a city that’s always worth checking out. Just by turning a different corner, you’ll find something new.

St. Augustine is also home to lots of great shops, breweries, parks, and coffee shops. Personally, however, I find simply walking around the historic downtown area fun to do on its own. The architecture and cobblestone streets are just incredible.

Distance from Jacksonville Florida: 45 minutes – 40 miles/64 kilometers from downtown Jacksonville
Location: Downtown St. Augustine
Getting There: If you want to head down to St. Augustine from Jacksonville, your best bet is to rent a car. You can also take the bus if a car isn’t an option.
Best Tour from Jacksonville Florida: St. Augustine: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour with Museum Entry
Must-Do Activities: Taking a trolley tour is an absolute must in St. Augustine. Walk through the grounds of