The Atlantic Coast of Florida is rich with natural and human history. If you fly into the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Amelia Island is just a short drive away. The area’s Native American, French, Spanish, English, and American history will spark your imagination. Pristine beaches, salt marshes, and coastal forests will give you a glimpse of an unspoiled Atlantic coast.
Pick up your JAX car rental, enter these destinations into your GPS, and start exploring the amazing places to visit!
11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Take your rental car east from the Jacksonville Airport and set a course for the Kingsley Plantation, in the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. Any history buff will appreciate the expertly preserved plantation house and grounds. If you’re passing through on a weekend, you can take a tour of the house, but make a reservation beforehand. On a weekday, you can explore the plantation grounds, which feature slave quarters, a barn, and a kitchen house. When you’re done enjoying this piece of Southern history, you can move up the coast on the A1A, one of Florida’s most scenic roads.
12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
The State Parks on Little Talbot and Big Talbot Islands, some of the most popular travel destinations from Jacksonville, are perfect for nature exploration and beach relaxation. Little Talbot is known for its fishing, kayaking, and beach picnics. Travellers stop by Big Talbot mostly for the wildlife; it’s an especially good spot for bird watching. Many visitors take the trail to Boneyard Beach, famous for its peculiar tree “skeletons,” which have been soaked by the salty waves for years.
Amelia Island, Florida 32034
Amelia Island is home to many popular travel destinations. Head farther north from the Talbot Islands, and cross the Nassau Sound on the mile-long George Crady Bridge. There at the South end of Amelia Island sits Amelia Island State Park, where you can go horseback riding on the beach, fish from the pier, and tour 200 acres of untouched Florida nature. Farther north you’ll find Fernandina Beach and a host of other enjoyable beach parks.
The Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838, is Florida’s oldest lighthouse—and a popular place to visit, too. The city gives tours of the lighthouse on the first and third Wednesday of the month, which must be scheduled in advance. As you head toward the northern tip of Amelia Island, you’ll reach Fort Clinch State Park. In addition to 1,400 acres to explore by hiking and biking, the park includes its namesake, a Civil War era fort. There, you can see reenactments and learn about 1860s military life.
In a relatively short road trip, you can see a world of Florida sights. We hope you enjoy your time in and around Jacksonville and visit some of the fascinating travel destinations the area has to offer. As you plan your trip, get the best rates when you rent a car in Jacksonville by choosing Avis, a leading provider for standard and luxury car rentals in Florida, and if you plan to use any toll roads, check out our e-toll program.