Discover the 10 Best Small Towns Near Jacksonville FL – 2024 Update
We found the best small towns near Jacksonville FL for those looking for some quick escapes into small-town charm without venturing too far from Jacksonville.
There are some absolutely wild places within an hour of the city that deliver just the right mix of beautiful, and offbeat experiences. Below, we’ll explore the best small towns near Jacksonville FL, each packed with unique character. These small towns near Jacksonville Florida bring the curious traveler a variety of sights and activities to explore.
Ready for a road trip? Let’s see where to go around the Jacksonville area.
Table of Contents
Methodology
We used three guiding factors to choose the best small towns near Jacksonville FL for this list. First, the town had to be within a one-hour drive from Jacksonville. We used drive times to ensure quick and easy getaways.
Second, livability was a priority—these towns needed to offer a solid quality of life, making them not just tourist attractions but potential spots for relocation.
Lastly, each town was evaluated based on things to do and see, with a preference for places that showcase the odd and the charming in their own way.
The 10 Best Small Towns Near Jacksonville FL
10. Orange Park
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 15 Minutes
Population: 9,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Sitting almost in Jacksonville’s shadow, Orange Park is where suburban convenience mingles with a sprinkle of Old Florida charm. Its centerpiece, the lushly wooded Clarke House Park, feels like a tranquil portal to a different time, while the Thrasher-Horne Center offers unexpected culture—a performing arts haven in an otherwise sleepy locale.
Don’t miss the local farmer’s market on the weekends, where you can find everything from handcrafted soaps to fresh citrus, plucked from nearby groves.
9. Green Cove Springs
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 40 Minutes
Population: 8,900
Location: Check on Google Maps
Green Cove Springs is the kind of place where time forgot its suitcase.
The town’s namesake spring is a haven for those looking to dip their toes into something cool and ancient, while the riverfront park provides views that could charm even the most world-weary traveler.
And, there’s something inexplicably magical about the way the town gathers for its seasonal festivals—a rhythm that seems to sync with the flow of the St. Johns River.
8. Fernandina Beach
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 45 Minutes
Population: 12,300
Location: Check on Google Maps
Fernandina Beach sits on the northern tip of Amelia Island and plays host to an unexpected combo of Victorian elegance and beach-town vibes. Stroll along the historic downtown, where you’ll find houses with gingerbread trim and quirky boutiques selling seashell-adorned oddities.
Fort Clinch State Park lurks nearby with its labyrinthine tunnels and towering brick walls, a remnant of Florida’s lesser-known military history. For the more adventurous, a walk along the serene beaches at sunset will unveil landscapes worth getting lost in.
7. Yulee
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 30 Minutes
Population: 14,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Yulee is a fast-growing town just north of Jacksonville, where nature and new developments collide in unexpected ways. The town is home to the Four Creeks State Forest, a haven for hikers and those looking to wander under the dense canopy of pine and cypress.
Despite its rapid growth, Yulee hasn’t lost its small-town warmth—local eateries and farm markets still carry the heart of this charming little enclave, making it a delightful stop for anyone exploring small towns near Jacksonville Florida.
6. Middleburg
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 35 Minutes
Population: 13,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Middleburg seems to straddle that delightful line between rural serenity and suburban growth. Best known for its access to Black Creek and its kayaking trails, it’s the kind of place where locals know all the best fishing spots.
As you wander through the town’s quiet streets, you’ll stumble upon cozy diners and antique shops that feel like they’ve been plucked from a time capsule.
5. Macclenny
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 45 Minutes
Population: 6,500
Location: Check on Google Maps
This gem of a town is small, sleepy, and delightfully unhurried. Macclenny is where Southern hospitality meets a laid-back lifestyle, with streets lined by towering oaks and Victorian-style homes.
There’s also a surprising bounty of local history in the Baker County Heritage Park, a museum that gives you a glimpse into old Florida life. Quaint doesn’t begin to describe Macclenny—it’s an understated retreat, perfect for those who like their weekends slow and easy.
4. Keystone Heights
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 50 Minutes
Population: 1,500
Location: Check on Google Maps
Keystone Heights is nestled between a collection of serene lakes, making it the kind of spot where water enthusiasts thrive. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, or simply staring at reflections on the water, this town will appeal to your inner escapist.
In the town’s center, it feels like time moves at its own pace, with local diners and cafes offering the perfect spot for a slow morning coffee.
3. Callahan
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 35 Minutes
Population: 1,100
Location: Check on Google Maps
Callahan may be small, but it packs an unexpected punch of charm. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this town is an agricultural gem where fresh produce and livestock fairs reign supreme.
You’ll often find locals chatting at the diner, where the menu hasn’t changed in decades. The local fairgrounds host seasonal events that draw in visitors from the surrounding counties.
2. Hilliard
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 50 Minutes
Population: 3,200
Location: Check on Google Maps
Hilliard is the definition of a quiet escape. Known for its friendly locals and a welcoming vibe, it’s the type of town where everyone knows everyone. It’s also home to a surprising number of parks and nature trails.
If you want to get away from the city and reconnect with nature, Hilliard’s tree-lined streets and local festivals make it the perfect stop on your road trip list.
1. St. Marys, Georgia
Minutes from Jacksonville, Florida: 60 Minutes
Population: 17,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Crossing the state line into Georgia, St. Marys is a little town that feels worlds away from Jacksonville, despite being only an hour’s drive. As the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, it offers easy access to untamed beaches, wild horses, and windswept dunes.
Its historic downtown streets are lined with antebellum architecture, and you’ll find unexpected gems like the St. Marys Submarine Museum. A ferry ride from here will transport you to the untamed wilds of Cumberland Island, a national treasure.
Honorable Mentions: A Bit Further Out
If you’ve got a little more time and want to venture outside the hour-drive limit, consider these small towns, each of which offers a taste of something different: Palatka (75 minutes), Gainesville (90 minutes), and Lake City (60 minutes).
These towns are well worth the drive for a longer weekend trip.
