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.
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.
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