Jacksonville's Wondrous Parks

Fort Caroline National Memorial


Home of the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center, this park memorializes the site of a 16th-century French colony – the first European settlement in the area. Check out the Visitor Center with exhibits about the area’s natural history, European exploration, and the Timucua Native Americans. Take a hike on the many trails through mature hardwood forests. Trails lead to a Timucuan hut and shell mound exhibit and a memorial fort exhibit and former French colony along the St. Johns River. You can even tie your boat to the onsite dock. After a few hours here you can travel across the street to the Theodore Roosevelt Area.

12713 Ft. Caroline Road (904) 641-7155
www.nps.gov/timu

Fort George Island Cultural State Park/ Ribault Club


Check out the exhibits at the restored 1928 Ribault Club where events and weddings are still being held today. Bring your kayaks or small boats and explore the safe waters and sand bars of the Ft. George River marsh areas. Then have a picnic under the open grassed area under large oak trees. Many trails begin at this area and meander through Ft. George Island with some trails ending with views of the Ft. George River. Hiking too strenuous? - Segway tours of the island are available

11241 Fort George Road (904) 251-2802
www.floridastateparks.org/fortgeorgeisland

George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier


George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a favorite for local fishermen. This one-mile, pedestrian-only fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound and provides access to one of the best fishing areas in Northeast Florida. Anglers catch a variety of fish, including whiting, jack, drum and tarpon. Access to the bridge is through Amelia Island State Park. Amelia Island State Park is one of the few locations on the east coast that offers horseback riding on the beach and riding tours along the shoreline

State Road A1A, north of Big Talbot Island (904)251-2320
www.floridastateparks.org/georgecradybridge/

Huguenot Memorial Park


This park is practically surrounded by water. This beautiful beach area offers camping, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and nature trails. Huguenot Park is considered by the Duval Audubon Society to be the premier birding site in Duval County. You can drive and park directly on the beach. Lifeguards and concessions are available at this park.

10980 Heckscher Drive (904) 251-3335
www.jaxparks.com