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: 60-75 minutes.
The lesser-known St. Simons Island, positioned almost dead in the middle between Jacksonville and Savannah, offers a beautiful sea-side experience.
Like nearby Savannah, the island has a few notable historical destinations. It was the site of the Battle of Bloody Marsh between British and Spanish troops in the 1700s; the site is now a national monument. It also is a place of significance in African-American history, having acted as a starting point for many newly-freed slaves after the Civil War to thrive in a farming-friendly environment.
The island is a common destination for beach tourists — in fact, over a quarter of the households on St. Simons Island are beach houses or vacation homes. The scenery and access to the water are by far its biggest draws, with many visiting for the sole purpose of taking in the beautiful views. It’s a popular spot for tourists, but not as hyped up as the other three cities on our list, allowing it to maintain a lower profile and a particularly laid-back feel. While Jacksonville Beach is beautiful, it simply can’t match the views provided on St. Simons Island.
