Planning the Perfect Road Trip Through Northeastern Florida

Planning the Perfect Road Trip Through Northeastern Florida

Yes, the road trip is still alive and well in the 21^st century. Florida can be an ideal driving destination for those on the East Coast. Of course, the perfect road trip in Florida depends on what you and your family enjoy most when on vacation. Florida has a little bit of everything, and there is certainly a lot to explore beyond Disney. From the adventures of Juan Ponce de León to the brave astronauts who blasted off at Cape Canaveral, the rich history of Florida is well worth your time.

In this blog, we will be exploring some of the cities in the northeastern part of the state. Its quiet beauty goes unnoticed by many people who are typically drawn to the central and southern part of the state. Let’s explore St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and a few of the beautiful beaches surrounding these cities. Many find this area is best discovered in the spring (March-May) when the temperatures are comfortable and flowers are in bloom.

Starting in St. Augustine

This is a great place to begin your tour if you are already in Florida and want to drive north toward Georgia. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Its historic district is filled with Spanish colonial architecture, shops, a nice variety of unique restaurants, and attractions. 

Castillo de San Marcos: The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. This fort was built by the Spanish to defend this area and the Atlantic trade route against pirates and other enemies.  Queen Regent Mariana of Spain ordered funding for the construction of a fortification made of coquina, a local shellstone that proved remarkably resistant to cannon fire. 

St. George Street: As one of the main attractions in St. Augustine, this street traces its origins back to a colonial road laid out by Spanish settlers in the 16th century.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum:  Visitors can climb 219 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and historic downtown St. Augustine.

Tip: Parking in St. Augustine can be challenging in the historic district, so consider parking once and exploring several attractions on foot. Another option is to ride the trolleys in the historic district. The trolley drivers are very knowledgeable about the area and make history come alive while you are comfortably sitting and taking in the beauty and history of the area. 

Next, Drive up the Atlantic Coast

From St. Augustine, head north along the coast toward Jacksonville. Depending on your route, you can enjoy stretches of coastal scenery, beaches, and small “hidden gem” communities along the way.

A1A is a historic highway, now officially designated as the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway. It is a particularly appealing option when your priority is to see the ocean and the beautiful beaches that stretch along the highway. 

Keep in mind that, depending on the day, coastal roads may present challenges such as heavy beach traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, narrow roadways, frequent intersections and traffic signals, sudden stops near beach access points, and limited parking during busy periods. If you anticipate these conditions, you can allow extra time and enjoy the experience (slowly).

Exploring Jacksonville

Jacksonville is much larger than St. Augustine and offers a different experience. You can see the St. Johns River, visit parks and museums, or continue toward Jacksonville Beach and the surrounding Atlantic coast.

St. Johns River: This vast river is considered the longest river in Florida. In some areas, it is up to three miles wide. Enjoy a variety of water sports and fresh local seafood at the riverfront restaurants. 

Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve: This beautiful preserve is considered the largest urban park system in the country, spanning over 80,000 acres of city, state, and national lands. You can also learn about the Timucua, Indigenous peoples who lived throughout northern Florida and southeastern Georgia and were organized into numerous chiefdoms. 

These suggestions are just a sampling of the beauty and history you can explore with your family, driving through this corner of Florida. Of course, you will have to visit these attractions in reverse if you are driving north to south and headed for additional adventures in southern Florida. Fuel up, remember the snacks, and enjoy your road trip. 

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!