Sometimes an adventure is right around the corner – if you know where to look for it! While Live Oak Florida is home to plenty of natural beauty and fun activities, there are also several options to make a nearby day trip. Whether you want to do a little shopping, take a hike or explore historic sites, here are six of our favorite options for a day trip.
Drive from Live Oak: About an hour
Valdosta, Georgia has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1860. Today, it retains many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Lowndes County Courthouse and the Crescent, a historic mansion-turned-museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks and nature trails, and the popular Wild Adventures Theme Park is a great place to bring the grandkids.
Valdosta also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, ranging from national chain stores and restaurants to locally owned boutiques and eateries. It is also home to Valdosta State University.
Lowndes County Courthouse in Valdosta, GA
Drive from Live Oak: About an hour and 15 minutes
Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida and is home to the Florida State Capitol building. The city’s downtown area is dotted with government buildings, including the historic Old Capitol building, which now serves as a museum. The city is also located near several state parks and natural areas, such as Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and Lake Talquin State Forest, which offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. The mild climate allows for outdoor activities year-round.
Tallahassee boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries and performance venues. It is home to the Tallahassee Museum, the Museum of Florida History and the Challenger Learning Center, among others. It’s also known for several academic institutions such as Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College.
Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL
Drive from Live Oak: About an hour and a half
Gainesville, Florida is home to the University of Florida, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States. UF contributes significantly to the city’s cultural and intellectual life, with numerous events, performances and lectures open to the public.
It is surrounded by natural beauty, with many parks, nature preserves and outdoor recreational areas nearby. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park are popular destinations for hiking, birdwatching and exploring the outdoors.
Downtown Gainesville is also a bustling hub of activity, with a variety of shops, thrift stores, restaurants and entertainment options to explore.
Depot Park in Gainesville, FL
Drive from Live Oak: About an hour and a half
As one of Florida’s largest cities by population, Jacksonville offers many attractions, amenities and experiences. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, which stretch for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Popular beach destinations include Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach,and Atlantic Beach, each offering soft sand and rolling waves.
Jacksonville also offers many cultural attractions including museums, art galleries and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Shopping opportunities include everything from upscale malls and boutique shops to flea markets and antique stores.
Leaving for another adventure? Jacksonville also offers the closest international airport for Live Oak residents.
Ponte Vedra Beach in Jacksonville, FL
Drive from Live Oak: About 20 minutes
Suwannee River State Park is situated along the banks of the scenic Suwannee River, offering breathtaking views of the river and its surrounding landscapes. The park is characterized by lush forests, towering trees and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking trails wind through the park’s woodlands, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes. The park is also popular for picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing.
The park features a visitor center where visitors can learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. This includes exhibits, interpretive displays and educational programs that provide insight into the park’s ecology and heritage. To enter the park, there is a $5 fee per vehicle.
Suwanee River State Park in Live Oak Florida. Image credit: Florida State Parks
Drive from Live Oak: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
Florida Caverns State Park is a unique natural attraction located near the town of Marianna. The highlight is its stunning limestone caverns, which were formed by the dissolution of limestone bedrock.
Guided cave tours are available to visitors, providing an opportunity to explore the underground world of caverns, stalactites, stalagmites and other fascinating geological formations. The tours are led by knowledgeable park rangers who share information about the caves’ formation, history and ecology.
In addition to cave tours, Florida Caverns State Park offers several hiking trails that wind through the park’s diverse natural landscapes. Trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to hikers of all skill levels. Blue Hole Spring, a natural limestone spring that feeds into the Chipola River, is a popular spot for freshwater fishing. For those with restrictions to physical activity, the park offers scenic drives that wind through the park’s picturesque landscapes.
To enter the park, there is a $5 fee per vehicle.
Caves at Florida Cavern State Park in Marianna, FL. Image credit: Florida State Parks
At Advent Christian Village, our active community enjoys taking frequent bus trips to nearby locations to explore and enjoy new experiences. You can read about upcoming opportunities to explore local adventures in the Friendly Neighbor News.
10680 Dowling Park Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060
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