While Jacksonville offers fun in the sun and romantic attractions for couples, sometimes you might want to get out of the city and explore the rest of Florida with your significant other. Book a stay at a Jacksonville vacation rental to be situated in proximity to plenty of exciting cities and towns in Florida. Whether you are nestled in a cozy cottage in Lover’s Key or exploring your adventurous side in Orlando, the state of Florida is a mecca for romance and beachfront activities. Treat your loved one to an island oasis when choosing Amelia Island as your vacation destination, or immerse yourselves in history with a stay at St. Augustine for the weekend. When planning your next romantic getaway from Jacksonville, consider these cities.
1. St. Augustine
In just under an hour, you and your soulmate can find yourselves touring one of the oldest cities in the United States in St. Augustine. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets with Country Carriages or snap a photo to remember your trip at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The St. Augustine Beach is the perfect spot to relax in the sand or see the dolphins on board a boat tour with St. Augustine ECO Tours. When you want to stroll hand-in-hand to see the history of the city, stop in at the Castillo de San Marcos before enjoying a romantic dinner at Collage.
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2. St. George Island
Romance is not only in the air, but in the sky when you spend your weekend star gazing from your vacation rental balcony on St. George Island, located just under four hours from Jacksonville. This quaint Florida city gives you picturesque views from the St. George Island Lighthouse and beachfront adventures with access to the Gulf of Mexico. Take a guided boat tour with Journeys St. George Guided Boat Tours or learn about the history of the island’s lighthouse at the attached museum and gift shop. Top off a weekend evening with a date night at Eddy Teach’s, where you can try oysters together.
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3. Orlando
Feel like kids again when spending your romantic weekend in Orlando, home to Disneyworld, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. After a two-hour drive, take in a dolphin show at SeaWorld together before exploring the rollercoasters at Disneyworld or Universal for the day. The city of fun also offers outdoor adventures with the Tibet-Butler Preserve and hiking trails at Lake Eola Park. Take a romantic stroll through the Harry P. Leu Gardens to rekindle that spark before choosing a romantic restaurant on International Drive for dinner, such as the Capital Grille or Maggiano’s Little Italy.
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4. Lovers Key
A five-hour drive puts you in the heart of a lover’s land at Lovers Key. This small Florida city with access to the Gulf of Mexico is home to quiet beaches for soaking up the sun with that special someone. Take a hike through Lover’s Key State Park or rent some canoes to serenade your sweetie on the water with rentals from Lovers Key Adventures. Take in the night life of the city with tickets to the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater before retreating to your cozy vacation rental.
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5. Tampa Bay
A three-hour drive puts you in the big city of Tampa Bay where you can take in creative performances at the Tampa Theatre or enjoy an upscale meal at Mise en Place Restaurant on your romantic weekend getaway. A vacation rental in Tampa Bay puts you in close proximity to Busch Gardens, a theme park with one of the tallest roller coasters that sends you through the air at 70 miles per hour. Couples who enjoy bonding over outdoor adventures can view wildlife at the Big Cat Rescue wildlife center or take a romantic walk through Busch Gardens for the day.
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6. Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne, located five hours from Jacksonville, offers a romantic setting for lovers to profess their love or even pop the big question when visiting the historic lighthouse. After climbing the 109 steps of the lighthouse, you can take in breathtaking views of the area and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Afterward, head over to Crandon Park to stick your toes in the sand or see butterflies, birds, and loggerhead turtles roaming. Get an even better view of the city when taking a ride with Miami Seaplane Tours. When you and your mate want to enjoy some nightlife, cross the Rickenbacker Causeway to hit the hotspots in Miami for the evening.
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7. Amelia Island
Get to know each other better and the outdoors with a vacation rental on Amelia Island, located just under an hour from Jacksonville. The golden sand beaches offer the perfect romantic setting and the historic district is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand to browse the specialty shops or even buy each other something special. Continue your outdoor adventures with a walk, jog, or hike together on the trails of Fort Clinch Park or horseback ride to see the sunset with Happy Trails Walking Horses. An intimate dinner at Salt is the perfect way to end a weekend evening.
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