Day Trips from Jacksonville Beach
There are plenty of reasons to stay put at Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach. The ocean is steps away, the drinks are cold, and the sunsets practically demand you settle into your chair for the rest of the evening. But one of the best things about this stretch of Northeast Florida is how much there is to explore nearby. From the famed Fountain of Youth to Civil War–era forts and professional football games, discover the best places to visit within an hour’s drive.
St. Augustine
Step back in time to explore the “Nation’s Oldest City,” just an hour drive south of Jacksonville Beach. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the longest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States, and is known for its Spanish colonial charm and coastal setting.
Start your visit at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built by the Spanish in St. Augustine to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. Enjoy reenactments of colonial life and cannon demonstrations on a self-guided tour of the fortress. From there, stroll down to St. George Street, a pedestrian-only stretch lined with colonial-era buildings, local restaurants, and boutique shops.
For even more history, climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and the city below. Or tour Flagler College, home to the historic Ponce de León Hotel, which was one of the first buildings to be wired for electricity when it opened in 1888. St. Augustine is also home to the legendary Fountain of Youth, where you can take a sip from the spring itself.
After satisfying your appetite for adventure, wind down in Jacksonville Beach. With ocean views and delicious bites, Land Shark Bar & Grill is the perfect place to cap off the day.
Amelia Island
If your perfect day trip includes scenic drives, quiet beaches, and Old Florida vibes, Amelia Island is the place to go. An easy coastal drive, just 45 minutes north of Jacksonville Beach, Amelia Island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and pristine, 13-mile shoreline.
Begin your day at Peters Point or Main Beach Park to catch the sunrise and enjoy the calm, uncrowded sand while scouring for seashells as the waves roll in.
After an active morning, follow the mossy, oak-lined streets to the north end of the island and into Fernandina Beach, the island's charming historic hub. Wander the 50-block downtown district, where Victorian storefronts and shaded sidewalks line Centre Street, and settle in at one of the local seafood spots for lunch. After your meal, browse the boutiques and cool off with an ice cream cone before heading to Fort Clinch State Park for a dose of nature and history. At the park, shaded nature trails wind through maritime forest to a beautifully preserved Civil War–era fort perched above the Cumberland Sound.
When you’re ready, let the island breeze carry you back to Margaritaville Beach Hotel, Jacksonville Beach for a relaxed evening.
Downtown Jacksonville
For a change of pace, drive 30 minutes northwest to Downtown Jacksonville. Set along the St. Johns River, the city's urban core trades sand and surf for skyline views, cultural stops, and riverfront dining.
Start with a walk along the Jacksonville Riverwalk, a wide, paved path that hugs the St. Johns River and gives you a front-row seat to the city skyline. Along the way, you'll pass public art installations, shaded rest spots, and views of boats cruising the river below. From there, head to MOCA Jacksonville (Museum of Contemporary Art) to browse rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection spanning contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography.
Sports fans will also want to make a stop at EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even on a non-game day, the stadium district is worth a walk — but if you can time your visit with the football season or a major event, the atmosphere is electric. Jacksonville is also home to the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, one of the biggest tournaments in professional golf, held every March.
