Top 5 Jacksonville Car Tours: See the City Your Way
Looking to scope out Jacksonville at your own relaxed rate? You’ve got the right idea. Forget those big bus tours and those packed walking groups; a car tour really allows you to explore this cool Florida town exactly how you like. And that too is almost like getting the inside scoop on all the finest spots, those secret locales, and perhaps the juiciest historical tidbits without, you know, feeling herded. Think of it a little like setting off on your own hand-picked adventure, where the music’s always what you want, and the pit stops are planned just so. What’s awesome about Jacksonville is that it’s jam-packed with intriguing spots only a breezy drive apart. In that spirit, allow me to share some suggestions, the city’s sweet spots that turn an average road trip into something that might be totally unforgettable.
1. The Historic Beaches Tour
If that old-time Florida beach vibe is what you’re going for, then, very, a driving exploration of Jacksonville’s beaches could be just your thing. Start maybe at the Beaches Museum and History Park in Jacksonville Beach. They’ve got some truly engaging displays there to kind of soak in some local lore before you roll out. Then you are going to point your ride north toward Atlantic Beach. That location, by the way, has its very own relaxed personality and great little spots to pause for coffee or perhaps just a light bite. Consider taking a little side trip over to Neptune Beach, too, it’s almost since these communities flow right into one another and each has just a bit of its own unique local charm.
As a matter of fact, be sure to roll along the A1A, this way you are afforded amazing sights of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and lovely beach bungalows just peeking through the dunes on the other, so, too it’s almost picture-perfect. Really get that window down (weather allowing!) and let the sea air flow as you consider scoping out the local boutiques. Also make sure that you check out the neighborhood eateries. A couple of great stops? Try either North Beach Fish Camp at Neptune Beach, or maybe the quaint Ocean 60 at Atlantic Beach, both have such mouthwatering local favorites that you just might be thinking about for weeks. The casual, breezy atmosphere really adds such an easy charm that makes you want to stick around. This cruise has an easy pace, therefore plan on carving out three to four hours in order to really absorb everything and chill as you wish.
2. Downtown Jacksonville Architectural Marvels
Now, If you are feeling those city vibes, the buildings soaring high over you and modern sights, you know, downtown Jacksonville might wow you. Therefore it could be fascinating to experience a self-led architectural trip that highlights, I mean, shows off how the town is changing. Begin this trip at the iconic Jacksonville Landing. I mean it stands where St. Johns River curves, and it kind of features both recent and historical designs.
As a matter of fact, cruise south near the considerably modern Museum of Science and History or MOSH as those local call it, it gives an eye catching compare against the river background. That museum spot has plenty to provide for those in your group, I’m talking from science exhibits for young kids all way up and beyond for grown ups. Now, head over toward the amazing structures dotting the riverbank, such as the old Barnett National Bank structure; It’s kind of like an amazing work reflecting what’s up for that town, that maybe an easy old plus what new that shows you Jacksonville’s goals. This kind of architectural investigation allows for a deeper exploration, and you might have the ability to adjust the exploration depending on how much each building catches your eyes; in other words, you can explore very nearly totally freely! Put two hours apart, anyway, so that we are able to check it out thoroughly, because you don’t want rushing!
3. Riverside Arts and Gardens Route
You may prefer the funky and colorful type things, and with that maybe the Riverside region would tickle your desire just right. This district, now, teems to show arts, some local flavor, a few gorgeous yards! So get cruising slow along Riverside’s roads in order to take sight-worthy houses, where architecture meets creativity with each residence telling us a story. Take a peek at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, really you must. So it is filled with attractive flowerbeds and fantastic skill pieces, which I understand that you are gonna appreciate. Additionally, there exists the very popular Five Points spot around right there. I am referring about all those eclectic cafes together quirky retail outlets. Take the car off for awhile, explore by feet to try regional delicacies that perhaps shop uniquely crafted products.
When you proceed at this particular excursion that perhaps I am trying describe for those to know? That you can, you can drive that historic area called the “Shoppes of Avondale,” what provides something beautiful including both architecture, shopping, or cafes just in the area near to where you have traveled! Now perhaps it takes to you approximately 3 hours (plus potentially slightly bit more if were want to check around or visit shops during walk time) to definitely be prepared by your itinerary. One little extra thing that provides those interesting twist during adventure right over into this beautiful urban town! It just is full colorful stuff!
4. The Southside’s Hidden Gems Expedition
Therefore we check around something for maybe, like an adventurous side? I assume a little visit throughout southside might maybe provide such an intriguing journey right over that location. Therefore south area perhaps provides great amount sights going beyond main touristic streets. Thus, begins approximately throughout Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, therefore provides tranquil retreats just with inside perhaps winding paths, gorgeous flowers around every direction of travel.
Then begin a driving across further at those neighborhood for perhaps something local restaurants that mostly tourists are potentially unknown and might taste something extraordinary. Keep cruising just next to those Philips Freeway (aka U.S Route one aka one with historical impact into local history). As I might saying just go visit Regal Cinema’s area – mostly at the beginning for perhaps something retro theaters! – which shows just classic displays together independent shows that would something extraordinary to people. This will allow for something much wider experience, perhaps just seeing at many local secrets who not ever know exists even though you will living from longer that neighborhood. Keep approximately two until three hours for completely immersing inside Southside. Take short stops – even sometimes where there may shows a little interesting – after those might providing beautiful insight who may provide inside local lifestyle/nature around that location.
5. Kings Road and Springfield Exploration
Seeking an even slightly vintage-ish journey exploring, by chance? Now journey towards King’s lane (historic streets from near to city that have charming style into past era). Begin such time cruising over throughout main central streets with an entire sights through some buildings/communities/local life style whom show long periods that local history will potentially touch the spirit deeply and feel such sense connecting those location (through space time perhaps. As a matter of fact there are little stores over from Five point that might prove a shopping opportunity which sell handmade products, local items that could bring home.
Journey now at Northside for exploration at “Springfield zone” (just area-part Jacksonville downtown but it has more to speak relating their heritage since rebuilding-time those districts have changed in some major good sense and improved to much high levels). After which you are cruising all directions towards different area with many architecture which reflect historic periods. Keep watch particularly to gorgeous Victorian-design homes that almost display excellent example construction art from Jacksonville during those years! While driving throughout zone keep seeing various little cafes which I assume those might grab quick coffee maybe little snack maybe small meal break depending desire when traveling. Allow your almost time two to get exploring those both Springfield King’s path that something will make memory trip last from Jacksonville
