Best Places to Visit When Driving from Bartow to Jacksonville

Florida is known for its beautiful sunshine, beaches, and warm weather. From Bartow to Jacksonville, Florida offers a spectacular range of activities for those taking road trips or just looking to explore. The route takes you from the middle of Florida to the northeastern side of the state, giving you many different places to stop and visit on the way. This blog post will provide you the best places to visit on this drive, so grab a map and start exploring!

Florida Aquarium - Tampa

Located only an hour away from Bartow, Florida Aquarium in Tampa is a fantastic place to start your journey. The Aquarium is home to over 14,000 animals and has many different exhibits that showcase the biodiversity of Florida's ecosystems. It is perfect for families with young children who can experience the marine life by touching the stingrays in the wetlands!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - Weeki Wachee

Once you finish your visit to the aquarium, continue your journey to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. This unique park offers underwater mermaid performances, River boat cruises, and water slides. It is an ideal location for families with kids who are interested in water activities and exploring nature!

St. Augustine - Oldest City in USA

St. Augustine is one of the most romantic cities in Florida and is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in history, architecture, and exploring some of the best beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. It has remained relatively untouched with Spanish colonial-style architecture and a unique history. Take a stroll around the city and visit the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortress in the United States, or explore the colonial shipyards.

Amelia Island - Beach Haven

Once you're done with St. Augustine, drive down to Amelia Island, which is a beautiful place to spend a day strolling along the 13 miles of pristine beaches. It's the perfect location to have a picnic with your family and enjoy the sunshine. Apart from soaking up the sun, you can also explore the island's local boutiques and try out some of the best seafood restaurants.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos is a national monument located in St. Augustine, and it is one of the country's most well-preserved examples of military architecture from colonial periods. The fort was constructed by the Spanish in the late 17th century and has withstood a significant number of battles. If you have children, they will love exploring the tunnels and rooms, and you can also learn a lot about the history of the area.

Fort Caroline National Monument - Jacksonville

Fort Caroline has a history that dates back to the 1500s when France attempted to colonize Florida. It is a national monument located on the east banks of the St. Johns River and is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Fort Caroline is a perfect place to learn about the history of early French settlements and see the beautiful Guana State Park Marshes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this route from Bartow to Jacksonville is full of unique and historical locations that are worth a visit. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or friends, it offers a lot of diverse activities to explore. These are just a few of the many places you can visit on this drive and explore what Florida has to offer! So, grab your sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks and go for a road trip!