Sep 1, 2022

As days get longer and temperatures to begin to rise, travelers from all over the United States head to Florida to enjoy their favorite summer activities and have fun with their family and friends. Located in the northeastern part of the state, the city of Jacksonville, FL is a great gateway to start exploring the area. Here are three nearby destinations you can visit in your 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan for a well-deserved break from the routine.

3 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to From Jacksonville, FL

1. Surfing at Little Talbot Island State Park

Featuring a long stretch of pristine sandy beach on the Atlantic coast of Florida, Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the region, welcoming intermediate and advanced surfers with constant, powerful waves. Covering an area of about 2,500 acres, this state park was established in the early 1950s and has since been a well-known recreational destination.

Located a little over 25 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park can be reached in about half an hour by car via Heckscher Drive. This nature reserve is open year-round between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and is also a popular spot for other water sports and recreational activities including swimming, kayaking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and hiking.

2. Swimming at Anastasia State Park

Another expansive nature reserve boasting pristine beaches on a small barrier island, Anastasia State Park is a top-rated destination where you can easily spend an entire weekend enjoying the sun and swimming in the beautiful Matanzas Bay. Established in 1949 and covering an area of about 1,700 acres, this state park is open year-round between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm.

Although Anastasia State Park is an excellent swimming destination thanks to its long stretches of sandy beach and relatively calm waters, this nature reserve is also an excellent spot for other water sports including paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Located about 45 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville, this state park can be reached in about 50 minutes by car via route I-95.

3. Wildlife Watching at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

A historic coastal nature preserve boasting wetlands, salt marshes, and hardwood forests, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is an excellent spot for wildlife watchers and photographers wanting to check out the local species of birds and mammals that live in the region. Covering an area of over 46,000 acres, this nature reserve is located about 13 miles east of downtown Jacksonville and can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car.

If you are looking for a new or used vehicle to take your family on a memorable summer adventure, visit us today at Tom Bush Volkswagen! Check out our inventory, ask one of our colleagues about our latest deals, and take home a shiny new set of wheels.