Fruit Cove

While technically in St. Johns County, this northwestern corner is often associated more with Jacksonville than St. Augustine. Still, restaurants and attractions are worth mentioning if you're driving from St. Augustine to Jacksonville while in “vacation mode” or "house hunting mode."

To the west, visitors will find a portion of the William Bartram Scenic Highway, SR 13, that runs along the St. Johns River. In addition to a beautiful drive, the WBSH takes visitors through the charming historic area of Switzerland and past several parks, including Riverfront Park and Alpine Groves Park. Riverfront Park has a short trail and a long fishing pier that ends at a gazebo overlooking the St. Johns River. Alpine Grove features a historic 19th-century citrus-growers homestead and butterfly gardens, 45 minutes and 29 miles from the Plaza de la Constitución.

You'll see more development to the east, with the new Durbin Park featuring housing, shopping, and the Cinemark Theatre, 25 miles -- or 33 minutes -- from Historic Downtown.