Scenic Drives through Jacksonville
Beautiful parks, peaceful beaches, historic riverfront homes… these are some of the unforgettable sights you can experience as you drive along Jacksonville’s most scenic routes.
Jax is a historic destination with so much to discover, even from your car. So, pick your favorite podcast or music station, get in the car, turn the A/C on and enjoy the ride!
Beaches
A1A Ocean Islands Trail Scenic Highway
Cruise down A1A and experience the natural side of Northeast Florida.
This scenic drive will take you from Fernandina Beach to South Jacksonville Beach.
What will you see? Miles of untouched woodlands, marshes, Atlantic Coast beaches, wildlife, the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, Mayport Navy Base, waterfront dining, The Beaches Town Center, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach and plenty of beautiful homes. At the end of the drive you can head to the beach!
Highlight: Traveling on the St. Johns River Ferry which is one of the last passenger ferry boats in the State of Florida and has been in operation since 1874.
Starting Point: S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Ending Point: Jacksonville Drive, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
Distance: 31 miles
Arlington: State Road 116
(Merrill Road, Ft. Caroline Road, McCormick Road, Mt. Pleasant Road, and Wonderwood Drive.)
This scenic drive will start at Fort Caroline which is one of Jacksonville’s National Parks and take you thru beautiful neighborhoods, shoreline and historical sites.
What will you see? Drive along Fort Caroline Rd to see the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Ribault Monument. Continue along this scenic drive passing under beautiful canopy trees. The drive will take you to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, one of Jacksonville’s top City Parks. There is tons to explore at Hanna!
Highlight: Fort Caroline is a replica fort marking the spot where French Huguenot first landed in the New World.
Starting Point: Intersection of Mt. Pleasant Rd & Fort Caroline Rd. (12705-12675 Fort Caroline Rd)
Ending Point: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (3037 Seminole Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32233)
Distance: 8 miles
Northside:
New Berlin Road - Cedar Point Road
This scenic drive will take you through both a City, State and National park for you to explore our unspoiled wetlands, marshes, and woods and experience the natural beauty of our city.
Highlight: Pumpkin Hill Preserve has more than 4,000 acres for you to stretch your legs and is an ideal spot for birding. End the drive overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Timucuan Preserve.
Starting Point: Sheffield Park Playground (Black Walnut Ct, Jacksonville, FL 32226)
Ending Point: Timucuan Boat Ramp (8650 Cedar Point Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226)
Distance: 7 miles
Historic Neighborhoods: Riverside Ave. & St. Johns Ave.
This drive will take you through the charming tree-lined streets of historic Riverside Avondale.
What will you see? The riverfront districts, known for their beautiful architecture, was founded after the Great Fire of 1901 in Downtown displaced thousands of residents. If you are interested in learning more about the story behind these architectural gems, check out our Historic Homes of Riverside Avondale self-guided tour. https://jacksonvillefl.visitwi...
Highlight: So many! Check out the Shoppes of Avondale for great local finds!
Starting Point: Cummer Museum (829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204)
Ending Point: PORT 32 Jacksonville at Ortega Landing (4585 Lakeside Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32210)
Distance: 4 miles
Historic Neighborhood: San Marco
Take a ride thru State Road 13(San Jose Boulevard) and explore one of Jacksonville’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods, San Marco, as you take a ride thru oak-lined streets, beautiful riverfront homes and memory lane.
What you will see? Old homes, little villages, oak canopied roads and Spanish Moss. Beautiful river views.
SR 13 is known as San Jose Boulevard for much of its run through Duval County (coextensive with the city limits of Jacksonville). As it approaches Downtown Jacksonville, it becomes Hendricks Avenue, then turns west along Prudential Drive and then turns into San Marco Boulevard before crossing the St. Johns River at the Acosta Bridge. The road ends at an interchange with Riverside Avenue (former US 17).
Starting Point: The Local (4580 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207)
Ending Point: Brooklyn Station (50 Riverside Ave. Jacksonville, FL)
Distance: 5 miles
