Jacksonville, FL

[ATSFfan]

This is a combination question: First, I'm taking Amtrak to Jacksonville to start the Southern Tier route. Are there any hotels nearby the station (NW of downtown, Edgewood Ave. and New Kings Rd)as I will be arriving late afternoon/early evening (nothings a given with Amtrak arrival times!)and don't want to ride too far.

Secondly, once arriving in Jacksonville, is there a preferred route to St. Augustine? I see Hwy 1 heads directly there but would likely be heavy traffic. How is Hwy 13/San Jose Blvd (goes along the St Johns River, then heads east towards St. Augustine)?

Thanks
Richard Pace