PLACES WITHIN 3 HOURS OF

JACKSONVILLE

MARINELAND

Situated halfway between the centuries-old allure of St. Augustine and the ever-growing development of Palm Coast is the Florida Oceanarium Marineland Dolphin Adventure, home to dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures.

Historic Marineland allows visitors to enjoy an up-close interaction with a dolphin, all with an oceanfront view. Choose from experiences ranging from simply watching the dolphins interact with their trainers and other guests to suiting up with the trainers to interact in and out of the water with the sea mammals.

With a variety of programs available, families can experience these animals in a unique setting – have fun, learn and make great family memories too.

MATANZAS INLET

Matanzas Inlet may just be one of the most picturesque coastlines in Florida.

The inlet, between historic St. Augustine and charming Flagler Beach, is where the lively Atlantic meets the Matanzas Estuary, one of the state’s purest.

Its Atlantic shoreline is a favorite with kiteboarders; the Intracoastal side is a paddle boarding and boating paradise. And all around the inlet, you’ll find history, adventure, and great dining.

PALATKA

Nestled within a bend of the St. Johns River, one of the few rivers that flow north, Palatka is a historic Northeast Florida city that proudly showcases its past. You can experience Old Florida charm in Palatka while you celebrate Florida’s heritage at the Florida Azalea Festival, St. Johns River Catfish Festival, Blue Crab Festival or Bostwick Blueberry Festival. Bass fishing? Why, certainly. Also camping, canoeing, kayaking the area's eight blueway trails, playing golf, touring historic homes and churches built in the 1800s, hiking or bicycling, and visiting birding sites listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail. Also, don’t miss the Palatka Mural Tour, featuring more than 30 artistic renderings that depict the historical, cultural and natural riches of Palatka and Putnam County.

ORLANDO

It’s true: Orlando is a magical place. Every day here, no one is too old, or too young, to wear Mickey ears or wave a wand and cackle in delight. For family fun, there are theme parks that tap into your love affairs with comic-book heroes and galaxies far, far away, and leave you screaming at every free fall and splashdown. I-Drive is 11 miles of sensory overload such as the Wheel at ICON Park and WonderWorks. Disney Springs combines shopping, food, attractions, and live entertainment. A short ride from the bright lights are outdoors adventures such as 72-degree springs and airboat rides in the headwaters of the Everglades. You can be a participant: swimming, paddling, golfing, hiking, cycling, and fishing. You can be a spectator: championship golf tournaments, and professional basketball and soccer.

Springs
Golf
Airboats

OCALA

As you approach the rural central Florida city of Ocala, it’s easy to see why this is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”

For miles, brown and white board fences enclose squares of green pastures. Well-built barns abound. And the sleek, muscular animals themselves graze in fields against a blue horizon backdrop. Marion County is home to more than 600 Thoroughbred farms and is one of a handful of Thoroughbred centers in the world.

Ocala and the region's freshwater streams, rolling hills and clean air remain unspoiled and have been used for Hollywood movies. Nearby Ocala is Silver Springs, a national landmark and nature theme park on 350 acres.

After exploring those underwater wonders, the intrepid are invited to zip 150 feet above phosphate canyons.

For more information, visit Explore Ocala.

DAYTONA BEACH

Daytona Beach is the ideal destination for friends, families and race fans looking for modern resorts, thrilling amusement rides, breathtaking beaches and one of the most famous race tracks in America.

The eponymous Speedway, a shrine of stock-car racing and the home of Speedweeks and the annual Daytona 500, is a must-see experience. No less significant is the city island ballpark where Jackie Robinson first integrated professional baseball in 1946. The ballpark now bears Jackie’s name and a museum is a memorable tour.

Daytona is the ultimate Florida oceanside park, like a fairground on the beach. One of the few Florida beaches that allows vehicular traffic, it radiates a party atmosphere on its broad, hard-packed sands.

High Springs

The casual tempo of High Springs, the north central Florida town of 3,600, entices travelers.

Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville, High Springs tempts visitors with diverse and unique offerings of art, antiques and outdoor adventures that make it a refreshing getaway.

Surrounded by natural attractions, the town attracts canoeists, cave divers, and campers heading to the nearby Santa Fe River. Yes, High Springs is a place for snorkeling, diving, tubing or swimming in freshwater springs that flow at a steady 72 degrees all year long.