From tourist attractions to hidden gems, there’s a lot to love about living in Jacksonville, FL. That said, we all need a break from our routine every once in a while, and there are lots of fun cities and charming towns near Jax that you can escape to. If you feel like you need a break, load your family into your 2024 Mazda CX-90, and check out one of these great weekend getaways.
3 Great Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL
1. Amelia Island
If you are a history buff visiting Amelia Island, you need to check out American Beach at the end of Lewis Street. It was founded by A. L. Lewis in 1935 in response to the segregation laws in the state. Today, this pristine beach can be enjoyed by anyone, and it serves as Florida’s Black Heritage Trail’s first stop. We also love Amelia Island State Park at Florida A1A.
This state park is open from 8 AM until sundown daily, and parking is free. However, there is a fee to enjoy the park. You will need to put $2 per person into the honor box before entering. One of the greatest things about this park is that it is great for birdwatching. Depending on the season, you may see such bird species as:
- Bald eagles
- Least terns
- Wilson’s plover
- Osprey
- Pelicans
- Royal terns
- Piping plovers
- Black skimmers
- Willets
2. St. Marys
We also love visiting St. Marys. One of our favorite places to visit is Crooked River State Park at 6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy. In this convenient state park, you can enjoy the best of the maritime forest and Intracoastal Waterway. We recommend staying in one of the comfy, cozy cottages near the tidal river. However, you can also camp surrounded by beautiful old oaks and massive palmettos.
This 500-acre park features over five dozen campsites, 11 cottages, four picnic shelters, and two group shelters. It is a great place to picnic, and it is also a great place for a wedding or vow renewal. Some things you can do here include biking, birding, boating, and fishing.
3. Daytona Beach, FL
We also recommend checking out Daytona International Speedway at 1801 W International Speedway Blvd. With a Fanzone ticket, you can:
- Sign the finish line
- Look in the garage
- Enjoy the pre-race concert
There are many great places to get away from Jax for the weekend, and you can explore them whenever you want with reliable transportation. Just make sure you stay on top of your manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car running smoothly. If it’s been a while since your last tire rotation, contact us now at Tom Bush Mazda to schedule a service appointment.
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