4 Unique Attractions in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL

Is it time for you to de-stress? Jacksonville, FL is the place to give yourself some long-overdue TLC. 3 Great Places to De-Stress Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Pristine Public Parks What better place to get away from it all and rejuvenate your mind and spirit than Mother Nature? Jacksonville lays claim to the biggest and best system of urban parks in the entire nation. Whether you want to wildlife-watch, sail, swim, fish, hike, or just take in breaths of fresh air, over 80,000 acres are set aside in the city for just this purpose. Popular city parks with plenty of room for you to relax are in abundance. They include Metropolitan Park (stationed on the scenic St. John's River) at 1410 Gator Bowl Road, the Jackson-Baldwin Rail Trail (ideal for everything from biking to horseback riding), and the beach campground paradise Hanna Park. Bountiful state parks encompass the 200-acre Amelia Island State Park, the National Register of Historic Places-designated Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park, and more. And for a national park experience to remember, visit the wetlands haven Timucuan Preserve that spans over 45,000 acres. more 2. Cultural Enclaves The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has grown its masterpieces to 6,000-strong over the past six decades. Visitors from around the country come to 829 Riverside Ave. to marvel at the best of the art world for hours. And the equally stunning gardens allow you to take a peaceful stroll and soak in nature's own masterpieces. Since this locale's a hidden gem, you won't feel crowded and can just enjoy. Starting at 1000 Museum Circle, you'll embark on another unforgettable stroll with the scenic Riverwalk. Along the way, you can stop by a plethora of amazing museums and attractions like the Alexander Best Planetarium (and connect with the larger universe). And if you want to be inspired by talented musicians and actors, you can't go wrong at 300 Water St.'s Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 3. Cool Clubs If laughter is the best medicine and a salve for the soul, then the Comedy Zone at 3130 Hartley Rd. is your pharmacy of choice for a healthy dosage of comedic talents and community connection. And when you're ready to give your body a physical release, head on over to 10601 San Jose Blvd. and join in the funnest and most spirited workout of your life at iLoveKickboxing Mandarin. And to teach your mind the art of ultimate relaxation, set out on a mindful excursion at 3546 St. John's Road's Mindful Motion Yoga. Listen to all your favorite meditations on the road courtesy of the MINI Operating System 9. Aside from popular mainstays like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this upgraded infotainment hub features unique additions such as story and joke-telling and gamer downloads. It can soon be yours on the beloved MINI Cooper hatchback. Relax on the open road in comfort and style. Drop by Tom Bush MINI for a driver-pleasing selection of autos that proudly stand out from the pack.

Few things scream "weekend" more than jumping in the car and heading down the highway just for the sake of driving. Here in North Florida, we're surrounded by routes and roads full of history and scenery. You might need to plan a few separate day trips to see them all! Here are four scenic drives that should be at the top of your list, just a stone's throw away from Jacksonville, FL. 4 of the Best Scenic Drives in Jacksonville, FL 1. State Road A1A Cruise down the Atlantic Coast on the A1A, passing beaches like Flagler and Daytona along the way. This drive stretches from St. Augustine to New Smyrna Beach and is filled with impeccable ocean views, almost no traffic, and vintage attractions reminiscent of a Florida from days gone by. One of our favorite long-running attractions is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, which opened in 1893 and is home to more than twenty crocodile species. more 2. Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway This national scenic byway extends for more than 60 miles through Northeast Florida, but it's at its most breathtaking when you're traveling through the Ocala National Forest. There are plenty of picnicking spots around the forest, including the Big Scrub Campground and the Fore Lake Recreation Area. The MINI Clubman boasts an outstanding 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space, so you can load up the car with plenty of blankets, baskets, and snacks. 3. The William Bartram Scenic and Historic Highway (State Route 13) Soak up the beauty of the St. Johns River and the rich history alongside it as you travel from Jacksonville down the 55-mile State Route 13 to Spuds. Old, quaint houses and tiny villages are peppered along this drive; most notably, you can check out the homes of writer Harriet Beecher Stowe and composer Frederick Delius. The road is covered in canopies of oak branches which makes for plenty of shady rest areas to stop for lunch. 4. J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway About 50 minutes southwest of Jacksonville is the J.C. Penney Memorial Scenic Highway, a brief but highly unique route that offers drivers a glimpse into Florida's history at the turn of the 20th century. As the name suggests, you'll learn about James Cash Penney's legacy, both through the retirement community he established and the Town of Penney Farms. Hundred-year-old awnings of magnolia and oak line the road, making this road a one-of-a-kind experience. Wherever you're planning on heading for your next scenic drive, the MINI is the car to get you there. With expert handling, zippy powertrains, and head-turning looks, there's no better car to hit the open road in. If you're looking for a new or pre-owned model, or want to get your current car serviced, our team is happy to help. Come by Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL, today.

If you're looking for something fun to do around Jacksonville, FL that won't wreck your wallet, there are plenty of free things to do in the area. With an abundance of gorgeous beaches, nature preserves, and more metropolitan places to go, the hardest part is making up your mind. Here are three of our favorite things to do around Jacksonville. Drive on Down: Three Free Things to Do Near Jacksonville, FL Visit the Riverside Arts Market On Saturday in downtown Jacksonville, the Riverside Arts Market can be found at 714 Riverside Avenue. You'll encounter local food trucks, live music, and booths by local artisans and vendors. You can bring your dog and get to know the local arts community and, since the RAM changes from week to week, you never know what you'll find or who you'll meet. The Riverside Arts Market is close to the Jacksonville Riverwalk and the Cummer Museum, so you can make a day of it with a beautiful walk along the St. Johns River followed by a stroll through the art museum (check their website for days with free admittance). The RAM offers a snapshot of the local culture and people of Jacksonville that you won't find anywhere else. more Walk Through Castaway Island Preserve Walk the raised boardwalk trails through the Castaway Island Preserve at 2885 San Pablo Road South in Jacksonville. There are educational signs along the way to help you learn more about the beautiful salt marsh ecosystem. You can pause to reflect on one of the many benches positioned at scenic observation platforms along the way. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leashes, and the boardwalks and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible. The Education Center has clean bathrooms, and there are outhouses for times when the Center is closed. There are also docks for kayaks if you want to explore the marsh from close up. Spend Some Time at Atlantic Beach Enjoy the ocean air as you drive your MINI Convertible to Atlantic Beach at 800 Beach Avenue. Jacksonville has a wealth of amazing beaches, and Atlantic Beach is no exception. It is less crowded than many better-known beaches, but it has that distinctive soft white sand along a flat shore that Florida is known for. At Atlantic Beach, you'll find a nice pier you can walk out on to watch gorgeous sunrises or go fishing. Your kids will love hunting for shells along the sand and your dog can chase a frisbee when the tide is out, or you can check the tidal pools for wildlife. You won't find a car that is more fun to drive down the coast than a MINI. Stop by Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville today to take one out for a test drive.