Thanks to its west coast location and year-round warm climate, Tampa is an excellent beach destination, home to popular spots like Clearwater Beach or the quieter, but even more gorgeous Indian Rocks Beach. Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is one of Florida’s most well-travelled and exciting cities.

Tampa Source: Bonnie Fink / shutterstock Tampa Juniper Run and Silver Glen Springs are particularly popular for a refreshing dip in swimming holes and tubing routes, while the Silver Springs State Park offers land activities such as horseback riding. Here, you’ll find a mixture of enchanting glens flanked by weeping willows, and tranquil springs with clear waters. Ocala Source: Adventures On Wheels / shutterstock Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, OcalaĪnother pristinely beautiful escape from metropolitan life comes in the form of the sun-drenched region of Ocala, boasting mile after mile of untouched natural reserve – the most attractive of which is the Ocala National Forest. Blue Springs State Park Source: Adventures On Wheels / shutterstock Blue Springs State ParkĮasily one of the most beautiful and popular stretches of the St John’s River, the waters of Blue Springs State Park span an impressive 2600-acres of pristine, unspoiled, tantalizing landscape.Ī mere two hours from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville, the springs are also home to West Indian manatees that are visible during manatee season and add to the gorgeous azure attraction of the warm waters.Īs you’d expect, the summer months see many locals and visitors arriving to swim and kayak through Blue Springs and embark on guided ecological excursions throughout the area.ĥ. Here are 15 of the best day trips from Jacksonville. With most of these prime destinations situated less than an hour away from the city, you’ll find that it’s easier than ever to enjoy Florida’s stunning attractions in the space of a day. Jacksonville also happens to be ideally located in terms of its proximity to the various neighbouring gems, including everything from national seashore beaches populated by wild horses to ancient natural springs. Home to the beautiful St John’s River and the longest coastline of any city in the United States, Jacksonville is one of the most popular cities in the Sunshine State of Florida – and easily one of the most charming.īetween the countless urban parks, world class cuisine and thriving nightlife, there’s no shortage of excitement in this coastal river city.

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