25 Epic Summer Day Trips from Jacksonville

When school is out and summer camp isn’t in session, it’s time to load the kids in the car and head out for some family fun. There are tons of great summer day trips from Jacksonville. We’ve rounded up 25 of our absolute favorites so you’ve got lots of choices for an epic adventure the kids will love.

Summer Day Trip to a Florida Spring

Florida has hundreds of beautiful, clear springs that you can swim, kayak or paddle board in and many are just a short drive from Jacksonville. Summer day trips from Jacksonville to a spring nearby is perfect for those who want to get away and see what the real Florida has to offer. Be sure to go early as they often fill up and check to see what amenities are offered.

Alexander Springs

Located in the Ocala National Forest, ​Alexander Springs Recreation Area​ has everything a family needs for a day of fun in the sun. There is a per person fee to enter the recreation area that varies from weekday to weekend.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 49525 County Rd 445, Altoona, FL 32702

Blue Springs

Blue Springs State Park has swimming and water sports in the summer. This popular state park frequently reaches capacity during the week and on the weekends, during the summer months. To avoid waiting, visit the park early. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

Buccaneer Bay

Buccaneer Bay is located inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and features two tremendous water slides: the Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge flumes. This park is notorious for filling up early and the park closes admission when capacity is reached each day. There is a per person fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3.5 hours
Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606

DeLeon Springs

One of Florida’s State Parks, De Leon Springs has easy hiking trails, a beautiful spring and even a boat tour. Go early and plan to eat at the Old Sugar Mill restaurant where you can make your own pancakes. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 601 Ponce de Leon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Fanning Springs State Park

Fanning Springs is located along the meandering Suwannee River, and is an inviting source of cool, clear crisp water that has attracted people for thousands of years. Families can enjoy swimming in the spring, picnicking and playing on the playground. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 18020 N.W. Highway 19, Fanning Springs, FL 32693

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs is Florida’s newest State Park and contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second-magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the park. Pavilions are available, and a concession stand provides food and beverage service plus paddling equipment rentals. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 7450 N.E. 60th Street, High Springs, FL 32643

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is a great spot if you’re looking to swim, paddle or tube in the springs. You can drift along the Sante Fe River between access points and then take a short walk back to the main parking lot and general store. Ginnie Springs is known to get very crowded on the weekends and during holidays so we recommend you visit during the week. There is a per person fee to enter the springs area that varies during the on and off season.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643

Homosassa Springs

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park​ is located along Florida’s Nature Coast this state park is absolutely worth a visit. This unique state park serves as a rehabilitation and refuge center for injured manatees as well as other Florida wildlife. There is a per person fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 3 hours
Address: 4150 South Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446

Ichetucknee Springs

Sit back, relax, and float down a natural waterway. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, tubing down Ichetucknee Springs is good old-fashioned fun that makes it a perfect summer day trip with the kids. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park, but additional charges for tubbing and ridding the shuttle.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 12087 S.W. U.S. Highway 27, Fort White, FL 32038

Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is a natural, crystal clear pool in the middle of the forest. Important to note, the swimming area is not very big, but it is deep. There is a per person fee to enter the recreation area that varies from weekday to weekend.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Madison Blue Springs State Park

Madison Blue Springs is a crystal-clear, first-magnitude spring is a popular spot for swimming and cave diving. Scenic woodlands of mixed hardwoods and pines create a picturesque setting for picnicking, paddling and wildlife viewing. There is a $5 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 8300 N.E. State Road 6, Lee, FL 32059

Peacock Springs State Park

Peacock Springs has two major springs, a spring run and six sinkholes, all in near pristine condition. Visitors can enjoy swimming, diving, and grills and pavilions are available for picnicking. There is a $4 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 180th Street, Live Oak, FL 32060

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs State Park is where you’ll find the spring head that feeds the Rainbow River. This Florida State Park offers a wide variety of activities kids of all ages will enjoy. Fees vary based on activities you’re planning to enjoy.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Rock Springs & Kelly Park

Kelly Park is a county park, where you can swim, tube, and camp. Make plans to kayak from Rock Springs up towards Kelly Park. It’s here that you’ll encounter the Emerald Cut of Rock Springs, it’s stunning and well worth the paddle. There is a per vehicle fee to enter the park and additional fees for water activities.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712

Royal Springs

Royal Springs is a hidden gem, in a rural area of Suwannee County. One of our favorite features of Royal Springs is that it’s completely free to visit. It’s also easily accessible despite its remote location. There is ample parking and the walk to the springs is not far.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: Royal Spring Rd, O’Brien, FL 32071

Rum Island Springs

Rum Island Springs is a county park that is free to visit. It allows access to the Santa Fe River and the beautiful, clear, freshwater spring, is a gateway to canoeing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sunning and more. 
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 1447 Southwest Rum Island Terrace, Fort White, FL, 32038

Salt Springs

Salt Springs​ is located in the Ocala National Forest. The swimming area has a cement wall built all around it, with stairs to enter the water. From up above you can see everything in the water, it’s so blue and crystal clear. There is a per person and a parking fee for Salt Springs.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 13851 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134

Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area

Silver Glen Springs is a hidden Florida oasis perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Located deep in the Ocala National Forest, ​Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area​ offers swimming and other water sports. There is a per person fee to enter the recreation area that varies from weekday to weekend.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134

Wekiva Falls Water Park

The Wekiva Falls Water Park swimming lagoon is fed by a large sulfur spring and surrounded by a cement deck with lounge chairs and two beaches. It has shallow parts perfect for smaller kids and depths of 8-10 feet by the slides and spring. There is a per person fee to access the water park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2 hours
Address: 30700 Wekiva River Road, Sorrento, FL 32776

Summer Day Trips to a State or National Park

North Florida has so many great state and local parks to explore, as well as our abundance of historical forts. While many of these parks are great for hiking in the cooler months, there are a few that are worth a visit during the summer.

Anastasia State Park

Although we love Anastasia State Park for camping, it also makes a great spot for a day trip with the family. The beach is typically less crowded and there are concessions including kayak and canoe rentals nearby. There is an $8 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd. St Augustine, FL 32080

Cumberland Island National Seashore

A truly epic day trip, with the chance to see wild horses is what you’ll get when you visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Accessible only by ferry, make sure to book your reservations early because they fill up fast. There is a fee for the ferry and to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour drive to ferry launch plus 45 minute ferry ride
Address: (ferry launch) 101 Wheeler Street, St. Marys, GA 31558

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is an amazing state park with so much to explore. The park has trails, a rocky beach, and plenty of spots for a family picnic. There is a $5 per vehicle fee to enter the park.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonvillle: 1.5 hours
Address: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Summer Day Trips to a Water Theme Park

We love a good theme park day trip, and there are dozens of awesome water parks to visit that are just a short drive from Jacksonville. You can enjoy a float on the lazy river or take on some slides. We included just a few of our absolute favorites that you should put on your summer day trips bucket list.

Aquatica Water Park

While there are a lot of waterpark day trips you can take from Jacksonville, Aquatica Water Park Orlando is one of our favorites because of the mix of big kid and little kid activities available. Ticket prices range based on number of days and combo ticket options with SeaWorld.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is unlike any water park experience available in Florida. This all inclusive resort offers meals, snacks, snorkeling, animal encounters and so much more. Ticket prices range based on experiences added on time of year visiting.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 2.5 hours
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Other Favorite Summer Day Trips from Jacksonville

Rounding out our summer day trips list are a few favorites that the kids enjoy time and time again. Whether you’re looking to get up close with some dolphins, or just explore a new park, there are so many great spots that are just a short drive from Jacksonville.

Jekyll Island

While we love a visit to Jekyll Island for the Summer Waves Water Park, there are also lots of other activities available that the family will enjoy. You can enjoy biking, fishing, the beach and so much more.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 210 South Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

One of our favorite summer day trips, at Marineland you can meet bottlenose dolphins up close, experience the wonder of marine life, explore 80 years of Florida history, and even swim with dolphins in our unique educational programs. Prices vary based on what type of animal encounter experience you choose.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Address: 9600 Oceanshore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Ragans Family Campground

From the water slide to our zero-entry swimming pool; Ragans Water Zone at Ragans Family Campground has something for everyone. There is plenty to do for thrill seekers big and small. For those preferring a more relaxing visit, float along the lazy river. Day passes are $20 per person for 4 and up.
Approximate Distance from Jacksonville: 1.5 hours
Address: 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Road, Madison, FL 32340

Looking for more great day trips from Jacksonville?