Discover the Best Day Trips from St. Augustine

While St. Augustine is sure to be the main attraction on your Florida vacation, there’s loads of fun to experience beyond its sunny shores. If you’re looking for more excitement to add to your upcoming trip, or if you’re a snowbird visiting for an extended stay, getting out and exploring the surrounding areas will make your trip all the more memorable.

From zoos and aquariums to unique shopping and more, we’ve got some of the best day trips from St. Augustine so you can venture beyond the marvelous historic district and enjoy even more of the Florida coast's offerings. 

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Top Day Trips from St. Augustine

Jacksonville

Distance: 40 miles (Just under an hour)

Jacksonville, aside from being a popular travel hub for people getting to Saint Augustine, is home to loads of fun-filled family activities and things to do. From art galleries and eco-adventures to delicious restaurants and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are our top selections: 

• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – See more than 2,000 rare animals and 1,000 varieties of plants when you visit this community favorite destination.
• The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – A European-inspired garden that winds along the St. Johns River.
• Riverside Arts Market – Every Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM, you can shop unique artisan goods and local produce under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and more!
• Kingsley Plantation—While St. Augustine has several historical sites like the Castillo de San Marcos or Fort Matanzas, you’ll find plenty more throughout Florida. One of the most well-preserved in Jacksonville is Kingsley Plantation, where you can take a self-guided or guided tour and learn about the life of the plantations’ enslaved peoples, their trials, and what life was like in the area in the early 1800s.
• Museum of Science and History (MOSH) – Experience one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the United States.
• EverBank Stadium – Home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, if you’re visiting during football season, be sure to catch a game!
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – View more than 1,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography installments, and works of visual art in this massive permanent collection.
• IKEA – This one may sound strange, but if you’ve never spent an afternoon getting lost in IKEA or enjoying their delicious meatballs, you’re missing out. If you’ve ever wanted to see what all the fuss was about, don’t miss the chance to visit this popular store on your day trip from st. Augustine. You may even find a must-have piece of furniture or décor while you’re there! 

Daytona

Distance: 57 miles (About an hour)

It’s been the inspiration for popular songs and once even held the honor of being the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” From race cars to rolling waves, regardless of what you know Daytona for, if you’ve never been, it’s worth a visit, especially if you’re already as close as St. Augustine. When you go, be sure to visit:

• Daytona Aquarium – Immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world and learn all about the marine creatures found in Florida’s waters. From petting areas at Ray Bay to educational showings in the Shark Reef, you’ll find a new appreciation for the ocean after your visit. Plus, coming in 2025, a brand-new Rainforest attraction!
• Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier – Explore gift shops, snack bars, an old-school arcade, and more when you stroll down the boardwalk and pier. May – September, the boardwalk presents its Bandshell Concerts and Fireworks series with street performers, rides, and tons of fun activities.
• Daytona International Speedway – Attend a race or take a tour of this iconic racing location. And be sure to visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America while you’re there!
• Ponce Inlet Lighthouse – A national historic landmark, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, standing 175 feet tall. Climb the 203 steps to the top for incredible panoramic views of the area.

Gainesville

Distance: 73 miles (An hour and a half)

The lively and inclusive community of Gainesville attracts visitors from all over for its museums, beaches, live music, and natural areas. Whether you’re hitting up craft breweries or diving into the history of the city, there’s never a dull moment when you visit. Make the most of your trip when you experience these favorites:

• Butterfly Rainforest – Experience hundreds of free-flying butterflies from all around the world as you tour this unique museum. Birds, turtles, fish, and tropical plants envelop you and make you feel like you’re in a totally new world.
• Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention – Make slime, try your hand at your own experiment, learn to 3D print, and explore interesting exhibits when you visit this unique museum. Perfect for all ages!
• Florida Museum of Natural History – After you tour the butterfly exhibit, be sure to check out the rest of the unique wonders at the Natural History Museum. From fossils to exhibits on Florida’s native inhabitants, there’s a world of wonder to get lost in.
• Dudley Farm Historic State Park – See what life was like on the farm more than 100 years ago at this National Historic Landmark. Perfectly preserved, the one-of-a-kind working farm lets visitors feed the animals, fetch water, prepare grains for use, and so much more.

Cape Canaveral

Distance: 125 miles (2 hours)

Known for its historic role in space travel, Cape Canaveral is a hub for scientific learning. But beyond its connection to NASA, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Here are our picks:

• Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum – Learn all about the first walk on the moon, upcoming rocket launches, the history of missiles and rocket artifacts, and the history of the space program at this treasured museum.
• Kennedy Space Center – 3D rides, an Astronaut Hall of Fame, live science shows, and the Apollo 8 Firing Room are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible and immersive world waiting for you at the Kennedy Space Center.
• Brevard Zoo – See over 900 animals when you visit this popular Florida zoo. Enhance your visit by adding on things like giraffe feedings, kayaking expeditions, and the Tree Top Trek, which lets you fly high above the zoo for a unique perspective.
• Cape Canaveral Lighthouse – This iconic landmark is more than 155 years old and is still used as a navigation aid by the U.S. Coast Guard. Book a tour at least four days before arriving to learn all about its storied history.
• Wizard of Oz Museum - At this rare and truly unique experience, you can wander a vast collection of more than 2,000 pieces of movie memorabilia and artifacts, enjoy interactive exhibits, and fully immerse yourself in the lore of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

Find Your Perfect Getaway with Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or you’re a snowbird who’s shedding the winter weather blues, you can fill your time with as many exciting adventures as you want with these day trips from St. Augustine.

After exploring, nothing beats coming back to your St. Augustine vacation rental and relaxing as you listen to the waves crash in the distance. At Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals, you’ll find everything from oceanfront properties to pup-approved pet-friendly getaways.

When you find the perfect spot, remember to book it directly with us right here on our site. Booking direct not only puts you in contact with a local team, but it also guarantees you get the best rate on your stay! That’s because we’ll never charge you hidden third-party fees like Airbnb or VBRO.

Browse our available properties and start planning your next adventure today! We can’t wait to welcome you to St. Augustine!