3 of the Best Day Trips You Can Take Near Jacksonville, FL

Thanks to its enviable location along the western coast of the state, the city of Jacksonville, FL, is a popular summer destination among visitors from all over the region. While Jacksonville certainly has enough attractions to keep you busy for a couple of days, the city is also an excellent base from where you can go on exciting day trips to nearby destinations. Whether you prefer urban areas or natural escapes, these are some spots you should check out.

3 of the Best Day Trips You Can Take Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Big Talbot Island State Park

Established in 1982 and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Big Talbot Island State Park is a fantastic day trip destination for visitors wanting to get away from the city and check out one of the most pristine nature reserves in the region. This state park is a popular destination for a vast array of sports and outdoor activities, including kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming, and picnicking.

Open year-round from eight in the morning until sundown, Big Talbot Island State Park welcomes visitors with several miles of hiking trails, as well as well-maintained amenities including fishing piers, boat ramps, and public beaches. Besides the beautiful landscapes, this nature reserve is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching, as it is home to sea turtles, alligators, foxes, bald eagles, and river otters. Getting here from downtown Jacksonville takes a little over 35 minutes by car.

2. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Spanning a territory of over 400,000 acres, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is the best day trip destination for those looking for a place to truly disconnect from the routine. Featuring massive swamps and wetlands where visitors can enjoy different activities including hiking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and hunting, this nature reserve was established in 1937 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Driving here from the Jacksonville city center takes about an hour, heading northwest along route US-23.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the most popular sites in the National Wildlife Refuge System of the United States, welcoming nearly 400,000 visitors each year. There is evidence that points out the fact that the area was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 2500 B.C., making this site not only a beautiful nature reserve but also a place of great historical significance.

3. Savannah

Established in 1733 along the banks of the Savannah River, Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. With a charming downtown area and numerous historic buildings, Savannah is a great day trip destination for Jacksonville locals looking for a place to go for a relaxing stroll, eat some great food, and check out some cozy local cafés.

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