If you think Jacksonville is just beaches and bridges, you’re missing so much of the fun.
This road trip takes you to 9 spots around the Jacksonville area that are seriously cool, super unique, and probably not what you’d expect.
We’re talking wild nature trails, artsy stops, secret history, and a beach where cars roll right onto the sand, perfect for a day of exploring or a whole weekend away.
Ready to see a whole new side of Jax? Let’s hit the road.
1. Amelia Island State Park
Amelia Island State Park is located about 40 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, and it’s the only Florida state park where you can ride horses right on the beach.
This 200-acre park offers shoreline, salt marshes, and coastal forests, making it a top spot for shelling.
If fishing is your thing, you’ll love the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, which stretches for a mile and is packed with redfish, flounder, and sea trout.
You’ll also see plenty of wildlife here, like gopher tortoises and shorebirds, while walking the beach or taking a guided horseback ride.
2. Big Talbot Island State Park
A quick drive from Amelia Island State Park takes you to Big Talbot Island State Park, known for its eerie Boneyard Beach.
Along the shore, you’ll see massive driftwood trees lying bleached in the sun, creating a one-of-a-kind sculpture garden made by nature.
You can also hit the 1-mile Blackrock Trail, which winds through coastal hammocks and ends at black rock-like cliffs that look like mini canyons.
Afterwards, you can paddle through tidal creeks, watch birds in the salt marshes, or just relax on one of the most unique beaches on the East Coast.
3. Little Talbot Island State Park
Right next door is Little Talbot Island State Park, a peaceful escape with wide beaches, winding trails, and way fewer crowds.
It’s one of the only barrier islands in northeast Florida that’s still totally undeveloped, offering a rare look at the state’s natural coastline.
With over five miles of white-sand shoreline, the park is perfect for beachcombing, surfing, or enjoying a picnic beneath the sea oats.
And if you’re up for a hike, the 3.8-mile Dune Ridge Trail takes you through maritime forests, dunes, and marshes where you can see herons, raccoons, and armadillos.
4. Kingsley Plantation (Timucuan Preserve)
About 15 minutes from Little Talbot, you’ll reach Kingsley Plantation in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where history runs deep.
This site dates back to the 18th century and still has the original plantation house, a kitchen house, and 25 tabby slave cabins built from oyster shells and lime.
You can walk through the grounds for free, and there’s a self-guided audio tour that shares powerful stories about the people who lived and worked here.
Aside from its past, the area is filled with old oaks, Spanish moss, and river views, making it a quiet, shady place to wander and reflect.
5. Huguenot Memorial Park
Just 20 minutes from Kingsley Plantation, Huguenot Memorial Park is where you can park your car on the beach and spend the whole day by the water.
The park sits along the Fort George Inlet and is popular for swimming, fishing, windsurfing, and birdwatching (200+ species of birds have been spotted here!).
You can also camp near the shore, watch giant cargo ships roll past, or hike along the scenic 3.6-mile nature trail loop.
It’s one of the few places in the state where the beach meets both the river and the ocean, so the view changes with every tide.
6. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
From sandy shores to wild encounters, head inland to the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, only 30 minutes from Huguenot Park.
You’ll find more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species here, plus crowd favorites like the Range of the Jaguar exhibit and the giraffe feeding station.
There’s also a zoo train, a free-flight bird aviary, and the award-winning Primate Forest, where gorillas and bonobos are just a few feet away.
And the gardens are just as cool, with themed areas like the River of Color and the peaceful Asian Bamboo Garden.
7. Jacksonville Riverwalk & Downtown
After hanging with giraffes and gorillas, cruise downtown to the Jacksonville Riverwalk for breezy views, public art, and plenty of snack spots.
The Riverwalk stretches along both sides of the St. Johns River, giving you space to walk, bike, or scooter past some of the city’s best views.
You can stop by Friendship Fountain or swing by the Museum of Science & History if you’re up for some hands-on exhibits.
Stay after sunset to see the Main Street Bridge light show and maybe catch an event or two at Riverfront Plaza or along the Southbank.
8. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Then there’s Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, where creativity and calm collide right on the river’s edge.
Inside, you’ll find over 5,000 works of art, from ancient to modern pieces, including highlights like European paintings and the Meissen porcelain collection.
But the real surprise is out back, home to three historic gardens designed in different styles, including an Italian garden with reflecting pools and a canopy of live oaks.
They even offer free admission on select days, so check their calendar, pop in, walk around, and soak up some beauty without breaking the bank.
9. Beaches Town Center
To wrap up your road trip with some laid-back, flip-flop energy, head to Beaches Town Center, where Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach meet.
This area is lined with cute shops, beachy boutiques, and local eats like burgers at Poe’s Tavern, frozen custard at Whit’s, and boba at Treata Tea Shoppe.
You can rent a beach cruiser or just chill on the spacious, clean beach with plenty of room to spread out.
It’s the perfect place to end the day barefoot, while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic.
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