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About the Jacksonville, Florida Area

About the Jacksonville, Florida Area

Jacksonville has become known as Florida's First Coast. Unlike much of the rest of Florida, the First Coast's miles of beaches remain relatively unspoiled and unfenced. The Beaches communities in Duval County - Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach -- also offer some of the best sport fishing, boating and water sport opportunities in the country. A stroll along the beach might yield a collection of seashells, a view of the porpoise and northern right whales that cavort off the coast, or merely the relaxed state of mind that ocean waves can foster. Mayport Naval Station is home to many U.S. ships, including two aircraft carriers. Nearby, many fishing boats ply the waters for a variety of fish and shrimp.

Huguenot Memorial Park

Waterfront campsites, a bird observation area, and gorgeous views of some of North Florida's remaining natural areas await visitors to Huguenot Memorial Park. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, the park also offers swimming, fishing, surfing, a boat launch area, picnic shelters, restrooms, and shower facilities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Like Kathryn Abby Hanna Park south of the St. Johns River, Huguenot Memorial Park was designated a Great Florida Birding Trail site by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission because of the outstanding habitat and the abundance of various kinds of birds. The park includes a critical nesting area for terns and shorebirds, and often hosts rarities like bar-tailed godwits. Birders are likely to spot gannets, loons, and sea ducks. Huguenot Memorial Park is the only park in Duval County that allows beach access by vehicle. The park also has the benefit of being located near many of the area's significant points of interest, including Fort Clinch State Park, the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, Mayport Naval Base, and the Jacksonville Zoo

The Jacksonville Zoo

North of downtown, is a natural wonderland growing and changing daily, with more than 1,000 rare and exotic creatures. Covering about 70 acres along the St. Johns River, the zoo has the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo offers an entertaining and educational experience for visitors and residents of Florida's First Coast.

Theodore Roosevelt Area

This 600 acre wilderness preserve along the St. Johns River is a way to discover a natural treasure of hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation. Miles of thickly wooded, peaceful nature trails hiking trails are on site that offer views of distinct ecological communities with various flora and fauna present.

University of North Florida Nature Preserve

This 1,000 acre nature preserve features twelve miles of nature trails winding through typical northeast Florida terrain which includes a 21 station exercise course and a jogging path.

Kingsley Plantation

Visit Florida's oldest standing plantation where Kingsley's slaves produced sugarcane and Sea Island cotton during the early 1800s. Kingsley conducted many agricultural experiments and did much to further the cultivation of citrus fruits in Florida.