Most of us live in Jacksonville because we like what the city has to offer. But every now and then it can be nice to get away and explore a different environment — and a day trip is a perfect way to do so in the midst of a busy schedule.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of a few cool places that are just a few hours away from the First Coast, making them easy day trip destinations.
Approximate travel time: 2 hours.
Orlando is the closest “big city” within driving distance, and one of the country’s (and world’s) most prominent tourist destinations.
The city features three major theme parks: Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld. Each draws millions of visitors every year and is known worldwide. It also boasts a few smaller attractions worth checking out, however. Like St. Augustine, Orlando has a Ripley’s museum, as well as a Wonderworks museum with its iconic upside-down building design. Other attractions include a biblical theme park (Holy Land Experience), an alligator/crocodile zoo (Gatorland), and The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel within the new ICON Park that also features Madame Tassauds, SKELETONS bone museum, and a food hall and live music venue.
If you want to avoid the tourist traps, there’s still plenty to do in the area. Orlando features several major shopping destinations, from the upscale Mall at Millenia to the massive Florida Mall. The Amway Center hosts many big-ticket concerts as well as the Orlando Magic, the nearest NBA team to Jacksonville. If soccer is more your thing, Orlando City FC’s games are also a great time.
Despite the rampant tourism, the city maintains a strong local culture. Church Street Station adjacent to the Amway Center acts as a major social destination, and downtown’s SAK Comedy Lab is one of Florida’s most prominent improv comedy theaters.
