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Places within 4 hours of Jacksonville

190 places are worth the drive within 4 hours of Jacksonville, counted by road time from ZIP 32202: 16 under 1 hour, 55 1 to 2 hours, 64 2 to 3 hours and 55 3 to 4 hours.

The mix leans toward beaches & lakes, history and wildlife, mostly to the south and north. Four hours each way is weekend territory: most of these work best with a night away, so check the places to stay on the state page.

The headline places are Castillo de San Marcos, Cumberland Island National Seashore and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and the closest real day trip is Little Talbot Island State Park (34 min).

Map: places within 4 hours of Jacksonville

Under 1 hour 1 to 2 hours 2 to 3 hours 3 to 4 hours

Under 1 hour from Jacksonville 16 places

Castillo de San Marcos

Photo: Schwerdf, CC BY 4.0

Historic site · 45 min southeast

Castillo de San Marcos

The oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., guarding St. Augustine's bay since the 1600s.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Daily 9 am-5 pm last entry; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Adult $15 for 7 days, 15 and under free
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Cumberland Island National Seashore

Photo: Tim Kiser, CC BY-SA 4.0

National park · 54 min north

Cumberland Island National Seashore

A wild barrier island with feral horses, mansion ruins and empty beaches, reached by ferry.

  • Full day
  • Year-round
  • Standard pass $15 plus ferry fare (checked Nov 2026)
Little Talbot Island State Park

Photo: Mwanner, CC BY-SA 3.0

Beach · 34 min northeast

Little Talbot Island State Park

Five miles of quiet, natural beach and dunes, with paddling in the salt marsh.

  • Half day
  • Year-round, 8 am-sunset
  • $5 per vehicle, $4 single occupant, $2 walk-in or bike (checked Nov 2026)
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Zoo · 48 min southeast

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Every kind of crocodilian on Earth, plus a wading bird rookery and a zipline course.

  • Half day
  • Daily 9 am-5 pm
  • Ticket prices
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Crooked River State Park

Photo: anoldent from Asheville, NC, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0

State park · 54 min north

Crooked River State Park

Marsh trails, river fishing and tabby sugar mill ruins near St. Marys.

  • 2-3 hrs
  • Year-round
  • Georgia State Parks ParkPass $10 per vehicle (checked Nov 2026)
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go

Small town · 42 min northeast

Fernandina Beach

A Victorian seaport on Amelia Island with a walkable downtown, shrimp boats and about 13 miles of beach.

  • Half day
  • Year-round
  • Free to walk around

More under 1 hour from Jacksonville, by type

History
Kingsley Plantation (39 min), Fort Mose Historic State Park (42 min), Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (43 min), St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum (48 min), Fort Clinch State Park (51 min), Fort Matanzas (58 min)
Beaches & lakes
Big Talbot Island State Park (37 min), Anastasia State Park (48 min)
Wildlife
Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve (41 min)
Small towns
St. Marys (42 min)

1 to 2 hours from Jacksonville 55 places

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain

Wildlife · 1 hr 9 min northwest

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Vast blackwater swamp with gators, cranes and boardwalks.

  • Full day
  • Year-round
  • Entrance fee required
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Jekyll Island

Photo: Jud McCranie, Public domain

Island · 1 hr 14 min north

Jekyll Island

A state-owned island with beaches, a historic club district, bike paths and a sea turtle hospital.

  • Full day
  • Year-round
  • Daily parking fee per vehicle
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bike trail · 1 hr 21 min southwest

Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

A 16-mile paved rail trail through forest and along Paynes Prairie.

  • 2-4 hrs
  • 8 am-sunset; Boulware Springs trailhead hours vary by season
  • Free
Fort Frederica National Monument

Photo: HAL333, CC BY-SA 4.0

National park · 1 hr 22 min north

Fort Frederica National Monument

Ruins of a 1730s British colonial town under live oaks on St. Simons.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Year-round
  • Free
Micanopy

Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Small town · 1 hr 30 min southwest

Micanopy

A tiny, very old town with antique shops and moss-draped oaks near Paynes Prairie.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Year-round; some shops closed early week
  • Free
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

Photo: Bubba73 (Jud McCranie), CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic site · 1 hr 8 min north

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

A rice plantation site with a museum and marsh views near Brunswick.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Check days open
  • Historic site admission
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go

More 1 to 2 hours from Jacksonville, by type

Beaches & lakes
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park (1 hr 7 min), St. Simons Island (1 hr 14 min), Driftwood Beach (1 hr 16 min), Tomoka State Park (1 hr 19 min), Daytona Beach (1 hr 28 min), Ichetucknee Springs State Park (1 hr 29 min), Sapelo Island (1 hr 29 min), Salt Springs Recreation Area (1 hr 31 min) and 10 more
History
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park (1 hr 10 min), Fort King George (1 hr 16 min), St. Simons Lighthouse Museum (1 hr 16 min), Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park (1 hr 18 min), Florida Museum of Natural History (1 hr 25 min), Museum of Arts and Sciences (1 hr 29 min), Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park (1 hr 30 min), Dudley Farm Historic State Park (1 hr 37 min) and 3 more
Wildlife
Marineland Dolphin Adventure (1 hr 1 min), Georgia Sea Turtle Center (1 hr 11 min), Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (1 hr 24 min), Okefenokee Swamp Park (1 hr 25 min), Marine Science Center (1 hr 46 min), Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens (1 hr 51 min)
Hikes
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park (1 hr 23 min), Laura S. Walker State Park (1 hr 24 min), Suwannee River State Park (1 hr 26 min), O'Leno State Park (1 hr 30 min)
Mountains & views
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (1 hr 4 min), Ravine Gardens State Park (1 hr 14 min), Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (1 hr 29 min)
Theme & water parks
Summer Waves Water Park (1 hr 11 min), Daytona Lagoon (1 hr 29 min), Wild Adventures (1 hr 51 min)
Small towns
Flagler Beach (1 hr 10 min), New Smyrna Beach (1 hr 41 min)
Family fun
Daytona International Speedway (1 hr 29 min)
Snow
Okefenokee State Park (1 hr 41 min)

2 to 3 hours from Jacksonville 64 places

Savannah Historic District

Photo: Lvklock, CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic site · 2 hr 5 min north

Savannah Historic District

Stroll 22 leafy squares, old homes and church spires in one of America's best walking cities.

  • Full day
  • Year-round
  • Free
Rainbow Springs State Park

Photo: Sphanyx, CC BY-SA 3.0

Springs · 2 hr 8 min southwest

Rainbow Springs State Park

A former roadside attraction with waterfalls, gardens and a buoyed swim area at the head of the Rainbow River.

  • Half day
  • Headsprings 8 am-sunset; tubing closed Oct-Mar
  • $5 per vehicle, $4 single occupant, $2 walk-in or bike (checked Nov 2026)
Magic Kingdom

Photo: TheWanderingTraders, CC BY-SA 4.0

Theme park · 2 hr 39 min south

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle, classic rides and parades. The heart of Walt Disney World.

  • Full day
  • Open daily; hours vary
  • Date-based tickets
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Three Sisters Springs

Photo: Ramos Keith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain

Wildlife · 2 hr 30 min southwest

Three Sisters Springs

Boardwalks over clear springs where hundreds of manatees gather on cold winter days.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily; last entry 3:30 pm
  • Admission includes shuttle
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Mount Dora

Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY 2.5

Small town · 2 hr 14 min south

Mount Dora

A hilly lakeside town with antique shops, festivals and lake views.

  • Half day
  • Year-round
  • Free
Crystal River Preserve State Park

Photo: LittleT889, CC BY-SA 4.0

Hike · 2 hr 24 min southwest

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Quiet trails and a long loop through salt marsh and pine flatwoods on the Nature Coast. Great for birding and biking.

  • 2-3 hrs
  • Year-round; best Oct-Apr
  • Free

More 2 to 3 hours from Jacksonville, by type

History
American Space Museum (2 hr 3 min), Telfair Museums (2 hr 5 min), Orlando Science Center (2 hr 8 min), Wormsloe (2 hr 8 min), Bonaventure Cemetery (2 hr 12 min), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (2 hr 19 min), Crystal River Archaeological State Park (2 hr 22 min), Tybee Island Light Station (2 hr 28 min) and 7 more
Beaches & lakes
Apollo Beach (2 hr 1 min), Manatee Springs State Park (2 hr 12 min), Wekiwa Springs State Park (2 hr 14 min), Reed Bingham State Park (2 hr 17 min), Playalinda Beach (2 hr 23 min), Tybee Island (2 hr 27 min), Jetty Park (2 hr 28 min), Jack Hill State Park (2 hr 30 min) and 5 more
Wildlife
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (2 hr 11 min), Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge (2 hr 13 min), Oatland Island Wildlife Center (2 hr 15 min), Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (2 hr 18 min), Brevard Zoo (2 hr 26 min), Gatorland (2 hr 29 min), Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (2 hr 35 min), Georgia Southern Wildlife Center (2 hr 38 min) and 2 more
Theme & water parks
Universal Volcano Bay (2 hr 20 min), Universal Studios Florida (2 hr 22 min), Universal Epic Universe (2 hr 23 min), Universal Islands of Adventure (2 hr 23 min), SeaWorld Orlando (2 hr 31 min), EPCOT (2 hr 34 min)
Hikes
Fort McAllister State Park (2 hr 6 min), Skidaway Island State Park (2 hr 11 min), General Coffee State Park (2 hr 13 min), Leon Sinks Geological Area (2 hr 45 min)
Small towns
Winter Park (2 hr 10 min), Cedar Key (2 hr 26 min) and 1 more

3 to 4 hours from Jacksonville 55 places

Fort De Soto Park

Photo: Richard Mc Neil, CC BY 3.0

Beach · 3 hr 52 min south

Fort De Soto Park

Nearly three miles of beach, a historic fort, fishing piers, a dog beach and a big campground at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

  • Full day
  • Year-round
  • $6 parking per vehicle (checked Nov 2026); increase approved for Dec 2026
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
The Ringling

Photo: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder. Feel free to use my photos, but…, CC BY-SA 3.0

Museum · 3 hr 57 min south

The Ringling

Circus museum, a grand Venetian-style mansion, an art museum and bayfront gardens on one big campus.

  • Full day
  • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's
  • ?; Ca' d'Zan tour costs extra
  • Confirm fees and hours before you go
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Photo: AbeEzekowitz at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5

Food town · 3 hr 27 min southwest

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Greek town on the water with sponge boats, bakeries and Greek restaurants along Dodecanese Boulevard.

  • Half day
  • Year-round
  • Free
Andersonville National Historic Site

Photo: Jud McCranie at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

National park · 3 hr 50 min northwest

Andersonville National Historic Site

A Civil War prison site and the National Prisoner of War Museum.

  • 2 hrs
  • Year-round
  • Free
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Photo: Greg Clarke, CC BY 4.0

Wildlife · 3 hr 59 min north

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

Boardwalks and trails through swamp and wetlands near Augusta.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Check hours
  • Check fees
Tampa Riverwalk

Photo: Barbthebuilder, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bike trail · 3 hr 13 min south

Tampa Riverwalk

A 2.6-mile path along the Hillsborough River linking parks, museums and restaurants from Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Year-round
  • Free

More 3 to 4 hours from Jacksonville, by type

Beaches & lakes
Sebastian Inlet State Park (3 hr 10 min), George L. Smith State Park (3 hr 10 min), Magnolia Springs State Park (3 hr 15 min), Ochlockonee River State Park (3 hr 17 min), Georgia Veterans State Park (3 hr 18 min), Bald Point State Park (3 hr 24 min), Fort Pierce Inlet State Park (3 hr 26 min), Lake Kissimmee State Park (3 hr 34 min) and 6 more
History
Thronateeska Heritage Center (3 hr 12 min), Ybor City Museum State Park (3 hr 13 min), Henry B. Plant Museum (3 hr 15 min), National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum (3 hr 27 min), The Dalí Museum (3 hr 35 min), Crooked River Lighthouse (3 hr 37 min), Gamble Plantation Historic State Park (3 hr 42 min), Museum of Aviation (3 hr 51 min) and 2 more
Wildlife
Wild Florida (3 hr 1 min), Lettuce Lake Conservation Park (3 hr 7 min), ZooTampa at Lowry Park (3 hr 9 min), Flint RiverQuarium (3 hr 12 min), Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (3 hr 14 min), The Florida Aquarium (3 hr 15 min), Clearwater Marine Aquarium (3 hr 42 min)
Mountains & views
Bok Tower Gardens (3 hr 15 min), McKee Botanical Garden (3 hr 17 min), Sunken Gardens (3 hr 34 min), Massee Lane Gardens (3 hr 47 min), Jimmy Carter National Historical Park (3 hr 52 min), De Soto National Memorial (3 hr 57 min), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (4 hr)
Hikes
Hillsborough River State Park (3 hr 11 min), Torreya State Park (3 hr 17 min), Florida Caverns State Park (3 hr 30 min), Seminole State Park (3 hr 37 min), Highlands Hammock State Park (3 hr 49 min)
Theme & water parks
LEGOLAND Florida (3 hr 4 min) and 2 more

Questions about places within 4 hours of Jacksonville

What are the best places within 4 hours of Jacksonville?

Our picks, by drive time, include Castillo de San Marcos (45 min), Cumberland Island National Seashore (54 min), Little Talbot Island State Park (34 min), St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (48 min) and Crooked River State Park (54 min). The full list on this page has 190 places, each with its drive time and direction from Jacksonville.

How many places are within 4 hours of Jacksonville?

71 places within 2 hours, 135 within 3 hours and 190 within 4 hours of Jacksonville, by road from ZIP 32202.

Are there free places within 4 hours of Jacksonville?

25 of the 190 places need no pass or fee, such as Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, Hontoon Island State Park and Mount Dora. Fees and passes change, so check each place before you go.

What can I do with kids within 4 hours of Jacksonville?

189 places are marked good for kids, including Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Bald Point State Park and Challenger Learning Center.

How are the drive times worked out?

They are by real roads on a typical day, from the middle of ZIP 32202 to each place (OpenStreetMap data with the OSRM route planner). Traffic, weather and closures can change them. Places under 25 minutes from the city center count as in town, not a day trip, so they are left out.

Can I see places within 4 hours of my own home?

Yes. Type your ZIP code into Day Trippin' and it shows everything by drive time. Your ZIP is used for that one search and is not saved.

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Drive times are by road on a typical day from ZIP <class 'zip'> (OpenStreetMap data with the OSRM route planner). Facts checked against official sites; passes and hours change, so check before you go.

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