Sometimes the best form of relaxation includes taking a break from our day-to-day routine and heading out to explore somewhere new. Road trips are not only fun to plan but they give us a chance to see sights we’ve never seen before without traveling too far. So whether you want to stay in the Sunshine State this holiday season or you’d like to adventure a bit up North, there’s plenty of places that aren’t too far of a drive, but just the right distance from home to make you truly feel like you’re on vacation. The upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to plan a road trip and enjoy all that our neighboring cities have to offer, from holiday festivities and much more, there’s plenty of things to see, so what are you waiting for? Get packing!
Amelia Island, Florida
Just a quick drive north from our ancient city is another beautiful beach town – Amelia Island. A bit further from Jacksonville, this drive is more of road-trip territory and with plenty of small-town charm, it makes the perfect holiday get-away. Drive up the coast for a scenic route and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take the ferry from Jacksonville onto the Island and really escape from the world. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy plenty of holiday festivities including a holiday home tour, Dickens on Centre holiday festival, or just enjoy a walk through downtown as you admire the stores window decorating contest that they hold throughout the season. Grab a meal at one of the many local restaurants such as Cafe Karibo or The Salty Pelican and enjoy a cocktail as you play a round of Mini Golf at MacGregor’s. With plenty to see and even more to do, you’ll be dying to extend vacation. For more info on holiday events in Amelia Island, visit here.
Seaside, Florida
Does a Florida town get anymore idyllic (other than our little city, of course!). This quaint and charming Gulf coast town was the picture-perfect backdrop for the movie the Truman Show, if that gives you any idea of its gorgeous streets. Enjoy holiday events such as the annual festival of holiday lighting in town which takes place on November 30, or grab tickets to the classic performance of the Nutcracker. Enjoy the annual Thanksgiving parade as they make their way through the town, or simply kick back and relax with a glass of wine at a local shop like the Wine Bar and take in the town’s holiday spirit. For more festive events taking place in this beach town, visit here.
Pensacola, Florida
While this drive is a bit longer, it’s totally worth it! Head over to the State’s panhandle toward Pensacola where you can enjoy all the beauty of the Gulf and so much more. Make a full holiday-go of it and attend the city’s annual Winterfest, which takes place from November through the end of December (they even have fake snow). Enjoy a plate of delicious soul food at a local eatery such as the 5 Sisters Blue Cafe before wandering through center city and enjoying the sight of the town lit up by over 400,000 twinkle lights. You can even attend holiday parades, and much more this season, just be sure to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate after the festivities are over. To view a full list of holiday events taking place in Pensacola, visit here.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’re ready to take a trip that gets you out of the Sunshine state this holiday season, then have no fear! There’s plenty of surrounding cities that offer plenty to do without a dreadful journey. Take this opportunity to venture North toward the charming city of Savannah, Georgia. Enjoy a holiday boat tour on the river, 12 bars of Christmas holiday bar crawl, Savannah Harbor Holiday Series, and much more! Enjoy a delicious meal at the aesthetically pleasing, Olde Pink House in the heart of downtown and grab a piping hot latte from The Coffee Fox before taking in the evening sights of the city. No matter what, you’ll be sure to enjoy this vacation. Visit here for a complete list of events taking place.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
If you enjoy vacations that offer a greater opportunity to connect with nature, then consider heading to Cumberland Island in St. Mary’s, Georgia this holiday season. Pack up the car with your coziest sleeping bag, smores’ essentials and your favorite camping partner for a holiday vacation like no other – Pro Tip: you’ll probably spot some wild horses. Take this opportunity of cold weather to camp in a beautiful area by the sea and still enjoy the events taking place in town. A few holiday festivities that will be taking place this season include the annual White Lighting Ceremony, the Christmas in the Park event, Santa Express Train Rides, and much more. For a full list, visit here.
Charleston, South Carolina
Head north this holiday season toward the Holy city of Charleston, South Carolina. With plenty of holiday festivities taking place, you can enjoy all this town has to offer along with a side of pure Southern charm. View the shimmering Holiday Festival of Lights, tune in for a holiday show at the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, head to the music hall for a Christmas Special, or enjoy a bottle of bubbly under the vast oak trees at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens. No matter what, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season in the Holy City but don’t forget to indulge in some delicious seafood at The Darling Oyster Bar and enjoy the sight of downtown Charleston. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even see snow! For more events taking place, visit here.
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