Jacksonville, FL is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places in the state to live in and visit! The vibrant city is home to a bustling economy, a diverse array of cultures, and one of the most extensive park systems in the country. Read on to learn about some of the most exciting local attractions in and around Jax!
4 Favorite Local Attractions You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL
1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Located a short drive away in St. Augustine, this location was originally built as a Moorish Revival-style mansion and is the oldest of all Ripley’s museums. Its famous Odditorium features 14 galleries filled with thousands of strange artifacts and pop culture items. The newest gallery is the Jungle Room, which houses many tribal artifacts and animal oddities like a taxidermy of a tortoise that somehow managed to live with a hippo tusk lodged in its shell.
Paranormal enthusiasts definitely won’t want to miss the museum’s Haunted Castle Investigation! During this 60-minute tour, experienced guides teach guests all about the ins and outs of ghost hunting while delving into the dark history of St. Augustine.
2. Castaway Island Preserve
Some of Northeast Florida’s most stunning scenery is on full display when you visit this beautiful nature preserve. The 235-acre preserve is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway and encompasses a vast marshland ecosystem that has become home to a variety of wildlife.
You’ll be able to hike through several winding trails or use the high-strength roof rails of your Mazda CX-50 to take your kayak along and explore the park’s waterways.
3. St. Johns Town Center
This 1.2 million-square-foot outdoor mall boasts over 175 shops and over 20 restaurants, making it one of the top shopping destinations in Jacksonville.
The stores range from Target and Dillard’s to Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, so there’s something for everyone. Building up an appetite after all that shopping? Stop by for some fresh Japanese food at Sushi House or enjoy a flavorful dry-aged steak at The Capital Grille!
4. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
If you’re an appreciator of fine art, then visiting Cummer is an absolute must when you’re in the Jacksonville area. The museum’s permanent collection showcases over 5,000 pieces of art from just about every era, from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Along with enjoying scenic riverfront views, visitors can also take a walk through the museum’s enchanting gardens, which include both English- and Italian-inspired arrangements.
Jacksonville is filled with amazing attractions like these, so you’ll always have a great excuse to get out of the house and into your car! Need a new ride? Head on over to Tom Bush Mazda today and browse our huge inventory of new and used automobiles!
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Connect with us
