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The state of Florida is packed with history, from that of native groups to French and Spanish colonial influences.  If you live in Jacksonville, FL, there are plenty of great historic sites perfect for a quick drive. Keep reading to learn about some of the best historical attractions close to the city. Drive on Over: 5 Historical Attractions Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Kingsley Plantation Kingsley Plantation allows you to step back in time, experiencing how plantation owners, workers, and slaves lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, you can roam the grounds and tour the house. Admission is free for all visitors. This site is located on 11676 Palmetto Ave, on Fort George Island. The journey from Downtown Jacksonville ought to take around 40 minutes. more 2. Saint John's Cathedral Built in 1906, Saint John's Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Its stained glass windows and breathtaking architecture means it's well worth a visit. The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the week and there is no charge to come in and look around. There is also a restaurant onsite, open on Fridays from 12 PM-2 PM. Find the cathedral at 256 E. Church Street. 3. Fort Caroline National Memorial Fort Caroline National Memorial preserves the remains of a short-lived French settlement from the 16th century. At the visitor center, you can learn more about the settlement and enjoy activities to help you learn. The memorial's address is 12713 Fort Caroline Road. The best way to get there is with a great new car like the 2022 BMW X3 M40i. 4. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest remaining stone fort in the continental United States, and it's only an hour's drive from Jacksonville! Constructed to defend early Spanish settlements in the area, it features towering ramparts, elegant walls, and restored cannons. This magnificent fortress can be found in St. Augustine, around an hour from Jacksonville. You can visit any day throughout the year, apart from December 25. Tours begin at 8:45 AM and finish at 4:45 PM. 5. Beaches Museum The Beaches Museum explores the lives of early Florida settlers. From river pilots to pioneers, these fascinating stories are told through colorful and ever-changing exhibits. The museum is housed in a historic seaside resort building. The museum can be found at 381 Beach Boulevard. It is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 PM to 4 PM on Sundays. Admission is free. With a new car, you'll be able to experience the best of Florida. Pay a visit to Tom Bush BMW today and get your hands on a great new vehicle.

Jacksonville, FL is one of the most picturesque and lovely cities in Florida, but if you want to get away in the more rural parts of the state, these nearby small towns are excellent bets. Enjoy the trip in your sleek and sophisticated BMW 4 Series, with its incredible city and highway MPG, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio to keep you entertained for the whole ride. 4 Charming Small Towns in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, FL 1. Fernandina Beach Just about 45 minutes from Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach is an easy day trip away and well worth the visit. Located on Amelia Island right near the border of Georgia, Fernandina Beach is about as far north as you can get in Florida and is a historic and charming spot right on the Atlantic ocean. Fernandina Beach has a charming Main Street, many dining options, and plenty of hiking on Amelia Island itself. more 2. St. Augustine Less than an hour south of Jacksonville, you'll find the historic and fascinating town of St. Augustine. One of St. Augustine's primary claims to fame is its iconic Fountain of Youth. You can visit the fountain and even sample some of the water if you want. Additionally, there's a preserved fort, lots of shopping and places to eat, local tours, live music, and seasonal events. St. Augustine is close enough that you can spend the day there, enjoy the sunset, and still be back in Jacksonville at a reasonable hour. 3. Nocatee Nocatee's small, planned coastal community is just over half an hour away from Jacksonville. Experience a slice of small-town Americana, practice your golf swing, or simply stroll on some of the finest beaches you will find on Florida's First Coast. You can also go hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the Nocatee Preserve or get in some sea kayaking in the calm waters around Nocatee. Sports enthusiasts will also want to check out the Nocatee Zip Line, which gives you a bird's eye view of the coast. 4. Palatka Just over one hour from Jacksonville, Palatka is a charming town with a long history dating back to the Native Americans. If you have an interest in local Floridian history and want to see a different side of the Sunshine State, put this place on your list. The Putnam Historical Museum is an excellent place to start and will give you a good idea of what to expect here. Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities around, like hiking, biking, and trekking. There's a lot to see, but you'll need some good wheels. Visit us at Tom Bush BMW today and test drive a vehicle that can get you anywhere you want to go in the Sunshine State.