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Since moving to Jacksonville three years ago, we have embarked on so many great day and weekend trips – this post is a long time coming! Although there are a few on my list yet to wander to, this guide of Jacksonville weekend getaways is a great place to get you started.

Jekyll Island

Distance from Jacksonville: 1Hr 15 minutes

One (out of many) surprises for me when first moving to Jacksonville, but how beautiful the coastline of Georgia was. The Golden Isles seem underrated, and a small travel treasure while cities like Savannah and Charlestown take the lime light. The Golden Isles are close enough to be day trips, while also providing the perfect opportunity for a relaxing and romantic getaway.

With that said, Jekyll Island is perfect for a weekend of bike riding, walking by the beach or laying by the pool. The simplicity of nature, and a small array of beautiful hotels – we love this Jacksonville weekend trip!

Five experiences to have on Jekyll Island

St. Simons Island

Distance from Jacksonville: 1Hr 20 minutes

Another island off the coast of Georgia worth exploring – a perfect place to book a hotel by the beach and take a relaxing few days. Pop into the main downtown for dinner and ice cream, walk along the water to see the lighthouse and visit historical sights such as the Fort Federica National Monument. For more detail on how to spend a weekend on St. Simons Island, you can read my quick guide to a weekend on St Simon’s Island.

Savannah

Distance from Jacksonville: 2Hr 5 minutes

Georgia has been the state of wonderful Jacksonville weekend getaway surprises. Savannah is full of charm, exquisite restaurants and every street or park could be something on a postcard. One of our favorite stays to date, is the Perry Lane Hotel – a reason to go to Savannah alone.

Charleston

Distance from Jacksonville: 3Hrs 50 minutes

The charming southern city where we got engaged! Charlestown will forever hold a place in my heart and even though we have gone since, I would still go back for food and drinks alone. Charming cafes, walkways and well-known photo ops with a coastline – your weekend can easily be packed when visiting this South Carolina place.

Atlanta

Distance from Jacksonville: 5Hrs 10minutes

Ideal for a long weekend, or when you can take a few days off since this is the farthest drive on the list. Although it is a longer journey, it still deserves a spot among amazing Jacksonville getaways. Atlanta was a city that greatly surprised me – with an Austin, TX feel at times, outdoor activities a plenty and lined with coffee shops and breweries we can’t wait to go back. Creating a longer trip to Atlanta means you can scurry off to the Blue Ridge mountains for some hiking as well. We took this trip in November and absolutely fawned over the cool weather escape from the Florida heat. Atlanta has everything you want for a big city escape.

Atlanta Beltline, Ponce City Market and a stop at Emerald City Bagels were a few of my favorite places we went and can be found in my quick guide to a weekend in Atlanta.

Crystal River

Distance from Jacksonville: 2Hr 30 minutes

Crystal River is an escape from Jacksonville to swim with manatees and spend time in nature. This town is the only place in the United States you can be in the water with manatees legally to view them in their natural environment. They are fervently looked after and protected in this region as they migrate here to take warmer refuge. Lucky for us visitors, we are able to observe them and their families as they had to Three Sisters Spring and King’s Bay for warmer refuge. The height of manatee season is in the winter, in January and February.

For where we stayed and more information read my post on Where to Stay and Snorkel in Crystal River.

Amelia Island

Distance from Jacksonville: 40 minutes

A wonderful area to spend the day, or make a full weekend out of it. From wonderful spa and resorts such as the Omni, to numerous quaint places to stay (Elizabeth Pointe being on my list) and bed and Breakfasts – is the perfect spot to relax. With water activities such as kayaking with Amelia Kayak, or the boat tour around Cumberland Island – with shopping the downtown popping into cute shops, breweries and finding places to eat – you can create a packed itinerary for Amelia Island.

St. Augustine

Distance from Jacksonville: 45 minutes

Jacksonville’s neighbor to the south has an extensive amount of history, restaurants, coffee shops and charming streets with endless photo ops. Another city with gorgeous hotels to spend your time if this city is on your list of Jacksonville weekend getaways.

Orlando

Distance from Jacksonville: 2Hrs 5 minutes

Our most recent Jacksonville weekend getaway and one that surprised us in the best way. Lake Eola, the 50 Mills District and venturing off to close-by Winter Park make for a wonderful stay in Florida’s central city. If you are looking for a similar, casual and relaxed trip to Orlando, feel free to check out my slow guide to Orlando, FL.

Jacksonville getaways are extensive, and truly has something for everyone – city scapes, renowned restaurants, the water, acclaimed places to stay and endless amounts of picturesque neighborhoods to explore.

A few others on our list that if we are able, would love to visit are:

Seaside, FL

Miami, FL

Asheville, NC

Blue Ridge, GA

St. Petersburg, FL

San Marco, FL

Wilmington, NC

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