Traveling from the laid-back shores of Anna Maria to the bustling city of Jacksonville covers approximately 248.5 miles. You should plan for about 4 hours and 24 minutes of pure drive time, making this a manageable journey to complete in a single day. Since this route avoids major highways entirely, your fuel budget will hover around $41, though local driving patterns can impact your final spend. Because the path relies on local roads rather than interstates, you won’t be moving at highway speeds, so factor in extra time for traffic. It serves as a great direct connection between the Gulf Coast and the northern reaches of the state. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, this one-day itinerary offers a straightforward path through Florida.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
124.1 miles from Anna Maria, FL
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
127.6 mi
2h 17m
US 301
75.9 mi
1h 34m
I 10
16.8 mi
19m
Manatee Avenue
8.3 mi
15m
Tamiami Trail
5.9 mi
8m
Gulf Drive
1.5 mi
4m
Northwest 70th Street
1.5 mi
2m
FL 326
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 127.6 mi, about 2h 17m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 43 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,771 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,435
Quietest
2 AM
~367 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
10.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anna Maria, FL and Jacksonville, FL.
1
Start on this road
27 ft·4 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto Pine Avenue
0.4 mi·1 min·Pine Avenue
3
Turn left onto Gulf Drive
0.7 mi·2 min·Gulf Drive
4
Continue on Palm Drive
0.7 mi·1 min·Palm Drive
5
Continue on Marina Drive
0.7 mi·2 min·Marina Drive
6
Turn left onto Gulf Drive
0.8 mi·2 min·Gulf Drive
7
Turn left onto FL 64
8.3 mi·15 min·Manatee Avenue
Use the left lane.
8
Turn right onto FL 64
314 ft·9 sec·15th Street West
9
Keep slight left at fork onto FL 64
0.8 mi·2 min·6th Avenue West
10
Turn left onto US 41; US 301
0.5 mi·53 sec·1st Street East
11
Continue on US 41; US 301
0.4 mi·37 sec·Hernando DeSoto Bridge
12
Continue on US 41; US 301
3.0 mi·4 min·Tamiami Trail
13
Continue on US 41
2.9 mi·3 min·Tamiami Trail
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·48 sec
15
Merge onto I 275
0.3 mi·21 sec·I 275
16
Keep slight right at fork
1.4 mi·3 min
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
17
Merge onto I 75
128 mi·2 hr 17 min·I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 358Toward FL 326Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn slight right
144 ft·4 sec
20
Turn slight right onto FL 326
1.1 mi·1 min·FL 326
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on FL 326
1.5 mi·2 min·Northwest 70th Street
22
Turn left onto US 301; US 441
5.5 mi·6 min·US 301; US 441
Use the left lane.
23
Turn straight onto US 301
52 mi·1 hr 5 min·US 301
Toward North US 301: StarkeUse the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 301
18 mi·22 min·US 301
25
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 10 East: Jacksonville
26
Merge onto I 10
17 mi·19 min·I 10
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Jacksonville Beaches, Daytona Beach
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·56 sec
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, SavannahUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·1 min·I 95
30
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 17; FL 228
Exit 353BToward Union Street, Beaver Street
31
Turn straight onto US 17; US 23; FL 228
0.7 mi·1 min·Union Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
32
Arrive at destination
US 17
Trip Plan
Given the nature of this 248.5-mile route, your best bet is to depart early in the morning to beat local congestion. Since you are relying on local roads, you should build in at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $41 gas budget in mind. Pay close attention to navigation, as the reliance on local avenues like Pine and Gulf Drive means frequent turns rather than straightforward interstate cruising. Because the entire drive is localized, you have the flexibility to adjust your pace based on real-time traffic conditions. A helpful tip for this specific journey is to keep your GPS active at all times, as the turn-heavy profile makes it easy to miss a transition between local roads.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 124.1 miles from Anna Maria, FL, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 127.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 55 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.1 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Jacksonville, FL than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anna Maria, FL so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anna Maria, FL
This is one driving day of about 248.1 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Anna Maria, FL.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 127.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.2 and 247.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.2 mi into trip|~10m in|FL 64 / Manatee Avenue
Turn left onto FL 64 / Manatee Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
19.9 mi into trip|~38m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 North: Tampa
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 75 North: Tampa
7
149 mi into trip|~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward FL 326
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 358
Toward FL 326
8
245.8 mi into trip|~5h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savannah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: International Airport, Savan...
6
247.2 mi into trip|~5h 3m in|US 17; FL 228
Take the exit onto US 17; FL 228 toward Union Street, Beaver Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 353B
Toward Union Street, Beaver Street
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.56 one way
$75.11 round trip
$3.85/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.22
$41.21
$82.42
premium
$4.55
$44.44
$88.89
diesel
$4.80
$46.85
$93.69
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.4
0
$26.05
$11.91
Efficient EV
62
0
$21.71
$9.92
EV Truck/SUV
99.2
1
$34.73
$15.88
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Anna Maria, FL
Morning
in Anna Maria on Sunday
Local time
6:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SSE 9 to 17 mph68% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Jacksonville, FL
Morning
in Jacksonville on Sunday
Local time
6:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Sunny
S 3 to 13 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 5m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. You will navigate via Pine Avenue, Gulf Drive, and Palm Drive, with 0% of the trip spent on major highways. Because this route lacks long, uninterrupted stretches—with the longest segment being 0 miles on Pine Avenue—you will find yourself constantly navigating intersections and local traffic patterns. This isn't a high-speed cruise; instead, it is a deliberate, winding journey through the heart of the region. Be prepared to shift gears frequently as you make your way from the coast toward your destination.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 127.6 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 301. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.2 miles in near FL 64 / Manatee Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 248.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (FL 64 / Manatee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 149 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Jacksonville occupies one of the most coveted spots on the Atlantic coast. Set amongst abundant beaches and possessing an ideal subtropical climate, its crown jewel is the unique habitat and natural beauty of the St. Johns River. For this reason and more, "The River City" is a popular destination for vacationers looking for a laid-back Sunshine State escape.
Top landmarks
•Fort Caroline — fort in Florida managed by the National Park Service
•Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville — museum in Jacksonville, Florida
•Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve — wetlands in Florida (U.S.) managed by the National Park Service
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 248.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 127.6 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Jacksonville, FL before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.2 miles (FL 64 / Manatee Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 149 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — De Soto National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Jacksonville, FL before the return drive.
