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Huguenot Memorial Park
904-251-3335
Google Maps 36 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
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 , the
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, Mayport Naval
Base, and the Jacksonville Zoo.
Admission fee: $ .50 per person (6 and older)
Huguenot Memorial Park is open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., April
- October and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., November - March.
Fort George Island Cultural
(904) 251-2320
Google Maps 41 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
Native Americans feasted here, colonists built a fort, and
the Smart Set of the 1920s came for vacations. A site of
human occupation for over 5,000 years, Fort George Island
was named for a 1736 fort built to defend the southern flank
of Georgia when it was a colony. Today´s visitors come for
boating, fishing, off-road bicycling, and hiking. A key
attraction is the recently restored Ribault Club. Once an
exclusive resort, it is now a visitor center with meeting
space available for special functions. Behind the club,
small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched on the tidal
waters.
To reserve the Ribault club for a special event, contact
Amelia Occasions at 904-251-1050. Located approximately 16
miles east of downtown Jacksonville on State Road A1A, or
three miles south of Little Talbot Island .
For an eco-friendly experience you won't soon forget, sign
up for a guided tour of Fort George Island on a cross
terrain Segway with Ecomotion Tours. This 2 hour tour
departs from the historic Ribault Club and visits the
Kingsley Plantation while traveling along more than 3 miles
of maritime forest, abundant with plant and animal life. No
experience necessary, but advance reservations are required
so please call 904-251-9477 for more information
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier
904-251-2320
Google Maps 42 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
Located northeast of Jacksonville, this mile-long,
pedestrian-only fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound providing
access to one of the best fishing areas in Florida.
Fishermen catch a variety of fish, including whiting, jacks,
drum, and tarpon. The fishing bridge is open twenty-four
hours a day, 365 days a year. Primary access is on the north
end through Amelia Island . A small parking lot at the north
end of Big Talbot Island allows access to the southern
end of the fishing bridge. The Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle
shop (904-277-9772), located on the north end of the fishing
bridge, is open year-round and offers live bait, snacks, and
(more importantly!) some of the best fishing advice in the
area. The whole family (no pets) can enjoy a safe, fun day
of fishing or give the fish a rest and take a leisurely walk
along the beach of Amelia Island . The George Crady Fishing
Pier is located seven miles north of Little Talbot
Island on State Road A1A.
Little Talbot Island
904-251-2320
Google Maps 43 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches,
Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped
barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests,
desert-like dunes, and undisturbed salt marshes on the
western side of the island allow hours of nature study and
relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth
of wildlife. River otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a
variety of native and migrating birds can be seen here.
Anglers find excellent fishing in the surf and tidal
streams. Bluefish, striped bass, redfish, flounder, mullet,
and sheepshead are common catches. Other popular activities
are hiking, swimming, canoeing, and surfing. The park has a
full-facility campground, as well as a youth/group tent
campground. Beachside picnic pavilions are available for
visitors to the park. For a guided paddle tour contact Kayak
Amelia at (888) 30-KAYAK (305-2925). Kayak Amelia is located
17 miles northeast of Jacksonville on State Road A1A.
Advance reservations are required
Big Talbot Island
(904) 251-2320
Google Maps 45 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
Located on one of the sea islands unique to Northeast
Florida, this park is primarily a natural preserve and a
premier location for nature study, bird watching, or
photography. The shoreline is unlike any other in Florida.
Centuries of wind and water have eroded the island, creating
a 20 foot bluff along the shore. The park´s famous boneyard
beach is covered with the skeletons of live oak and cedar
trees that once grew near the ocean. A boat ramp provides
access for fishing and touring the salt marshes. Visitors
can picnic on the bluff overlooking the water, then visit
the beach to sunbathe or stroll along the shore. Hikers can
walk along one of the park´s two trails and experience the
diverse habitats preserved here. Kayak Amelia offers canoe
and kayak rentals. 888 -305-2925. Located 20 miles northeast
of downtown Jacksonville, on State Road A1A North, just
north of Little Talbot Island .
Fort Clinch
904-277-7274
Google Maps 50 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of
the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country.
Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned
during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the
1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and
rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort.
Daily tours with period renactors depicting garrison life
bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming,
and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach.
Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of
excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a
six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails
provide opportunities to learn about and observe native
plants and wildlife. A full-facility campground and a youth
camping area provide overnight accommodations. Located north
of the city of Fernandina Beach, off State Road A1A.
Amelia Island
904-251-2320
Google Maps 53 minutes from downtown Jacksonville
An easy drive from Jacksonville, the park protects over 200
acres of unspoiled wilderness on Amelia Island. Beautiful
beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests provide
a glimpse of the original Florida. This park is one of the
few locations on the East Coast that offers horseback riding
on the beach, a 45-minute riding tour along the shoreline.
Fishing is one of the top activities and anglers find the
secluded beach a perfect place for surf fishing. Visitors
can also stroll along the beach, look for seashells, or
watch the wildlife. For horseback tour reservations, contact
Kelly Seahorse Ranch at (904) 491-5166. Tours are given four
times daily. Amelia Island is located seven miles
north of Little Talbot Island on State Road A1A, or
eight miles south of Fernandina Beach.
Anastasia
904-461-2033
Google Maps 1 hour from downtown Jacksonville
Anastasia welcomes visitors from all over the world to
enjoy the remarkable natural and cultural treasures we
steward. At Anastasia you can enjoy camping, nature trails,
beach time, water sports, and an archaeological site where
coquina rock was mined to create the nearby fortress,
Castillo de San Marcos.
Anastasia , located just south of historic St. Augustine on
Anastasia Island, has a broad beach, a tidal salt marsh, and
maritime and upland hammock.
Camping, beachcombing, swimming, fishing, picnicking,
windsurfing, hiking, wildlife-viewing, and boating are
popular activities. Nature trails meander through the
ancient dunes shaded by hammock forests.
The full-facility campground is in a wooded area within easy
bicycling or walking distance of the beach.
Island Joe's camp store, rental shop, and tropical grill
sells beach sundries, camping and fishing supplies, and
rents bicycles, beach chairs, ocean toys, umbrellas, canoes,
sailboards, paddleboats and kayaks. Lessons on various water
sports are available. Call 904-461-9322 for more
information.
Neighboring Park: Fort Mose Historic Many visitors to
Anastasia do not realize that just a short drive north is
Fort Mose Historic . (Anastasia administers Fort Mose,
pronounced "Mo-say".) Fort Mose was the first free black
community in the United States. Fort Mose represents an
amazing story of human endurance and the drive for freedom.
Faver-Dykes
904-794-0997
Google Maps 1 hour from downtown Jacksonville
Noted for its pristine condition, this tranquil park borders
Pellicer Creek as it winds along Florida's east coast
highways down to the Matanzas River. Pellicer Creek is a
popular site for birding with more than one hundred bird
species seen during spring and fall migrations. Songbirds,
including the colorful wood warblers, along with eagles and
falcons, return to nest at the park each year. Wading birds,
such as egrets, wood storks, white ibis, and herons, feed in
the tidal marshes and creeks. This peaceful park is also
home to deer, turkeys, hawks, bobcats, and river otters.
Fishing, picnicking, and nature walks are popular
activities. Pellicer Creek is a designated state canoe trail
and visitors can rent canoes at the park. A full-facility
campground is available for overnight stays. Located 15
miles south of St. Augustine near the intersection of I-95
and U.S. 1.
Tomoka
386-676-4050
Google Maps 1.5 hours from Jacksonville
Native Americans once dwelled here, living off fish-filled
lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing,
boating, and fishing. The park protects a variety of
wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West
Indian manatee. Tomoka is a bird-watcher's paradise, with
over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and
fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a one-half mile nature
trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo
field for an 18th century British landowner. A museum houses
artworks by artist Fred Dana Marsh, wildlife displays,
Native American artifacts, and exhibits about Florida's
history. A boat ramp gives boaters and canoeists access to
the river. The Park Store offers snacks, camping supplies,
and canoe rentals. Contact 386-673-0022 for more
information. For overnight stays, the park has full-facility
campsites and youth camping. Located three miles north of
Ormond Beach on North Beach Street.
Hontoon Island
386-736-5309
Google Maps 2.25 hours from Jax
This island, located in the St. Johns River in Volusia
County, welcomes visitors to enjoy nature and history in
quiet solitude. The island is accessible only by private
boat or park ferry. Evidence of Native American habitation
over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike
through the park. Stop in and walk through the impressive
visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and
uses of Hontoon Island over the years. Boating, canoeing,
and fishing are popular activities and canoe rentals are
available. Picnic areas include tables, grills, and a
playground. For overnight stays, the park has rustic cabins
an enclosed sleeping space with electricity no heat, air
conditioning, bathrooms, or kitchens. Overnight boat slip
rentals and a tents only campground are also available. The
park's ferry operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to one hour
before sunset. Located six miles west of Deland off State
Road 44.
Canaveral National
Seashore - National Park Service
Google Maps 2.5 hours from Jacksonville
Canaveral National Seashore Mosquito Lagoon map.pdf
Kayaking Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore Canoe Adventures
Mosquito Lagoon PDF
Fish at Mosquito Lagoon PDF
NORTH DISTRICT - A 24-hour boat launch is located west of
Parking Area #1.
SOUTH DISTRICT - Eddy Creek Parking Area has a boat launch.
STATE ROAD #3 - A boat launch is located at Beacon 42.
Waccasassa Bay Preserve
3 hours from Jacksonville
352-543-5567
Accessible only by boat, this preserve is a favorite of
anglers because it boasts both saltwater and freshwater
fishing. Bordering Florida's Gulf Coast between Cedar Key
and Yankeetown, extensive salt marshes and tidal creeks
create habitats for saltwater fish, crabs, and shellfish.
The park's uplands protect a remnant of the Gulf Hammock
that once spanned thousands of acres between the Suwannee
and Withlacoochee rivers. Endangered and threatened
species-including West Indian manatees, bald eagles,
American alligators, and Florida black bears-live or feed
within the preserve. Although there aren't any marked foot
trails, nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing from a
canoe. A primitive campsite on the Waccasassa River,
accessible only by private boat, is available on a
first-come-first-served basis. Boat access is from County
Road 40 in Yankeetown, County Road 326 in Gulf Hammock, and
Cedar Key. Driving Directions Waccasassa Bay State Preserve
extends along the coast between Cedar Key and Yankee Town.
Waccasassa Bay Preserve is only accessible by boat.
Boats can be launched from several ramps located outside the
preserve. Boat access is from C40 in Yankee Town, C326 in
Gulf Hammock, and Cedar Key.
Crystal River Preserve
352-563-0450
Google Maps 3 hours from Jacksonville
A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed
islands, inlets, backwaters, and forests of this preserve
are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers.
The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between
the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Visitors can
hike or bicycle along nine miles of trails or study the
native wildlife and plants on the two-and-a-half mile
interpretive trail. Anglers can walk down a short path to
the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing.
Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the
scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water. On the
third Saturday of each month, the visitor center features
the Redfish Revue Theatre, a video presentation about the
park. Located west of U.S. 19 in Crystal River.
St. Sebastian River Preserve
321-953-5004
Google Maps 3.5 hours from Jax
This site preserves open grassy forests of longleaf pine
that were once commonplace throughout Florida. The pine
flatwoods form a backdrop for other biological communities,
including cypress domes, scrubby flatwoods, sandhills, and a
beautiful strand swamp. These habitats are home to many
native plants and animals, including over 50 protected
species. Photographers, bird-watchers, and nature
enthusiasts can explore miles of trails on foot, bicycle, or
horseback. Canoeing, boating, and fishing on the St.
Sebastian River are popular activities. Launching facilities
are available outside the preserve at Dale Wimbrow Park and
several private ramps along the St. Sebastian River, and a
canoe launch north of County Road 512. The visitor center is
open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The north entrance
for the visitor center and Manatee Vista is off Babcock
Street (County Road 507) just north of the C-54 Canal. Exit
I-95 at County Road 514 to reach County Road 507. The south
entrance is off Fellsmere Road (County Road 512) 1.8 miles
east of I-95.
Bald Point
850-349-9146
Google Maps 3.75 hours from Jacksonville
Some of the most picturesque scenic areas along north
Florida´s Gulf Coast can be found at this park. Located on
Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay,
Bald Point offers a multitude of land and water activities.
Coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak thickets foster a
diversity of biological communities that make the park a
popular destination for birding and wildlife viewing. Every
fall, bald eagles, other migrating raptors, and monarch
butterflies are commonly sighted as they head south for the
winter. Bald Point offers access to two Apalachee Bay
beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Other
activities include canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and
hiking. Facilities include a fishing dock and picnic
pavilions. Located off U.S. 98, one mile south of
Ochlockonee Bay. Take State Road 370 for 3 miles to Bald
Point Road.
Sebastian Inlet
321-984-4852
Google Maps 4 hours from Jax
The premier saltwater fishing spot on Florida's east coast,
this park is a favorite for anglers nationwide for catching
snook, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel from its
jetties. Surfing is also a popular recreation and several
major competitions are held here every year. Two museums
provide a history of the area. The McLarty Treasure Museum
features the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet; the
Sebastian Fishing Museum tells the history of the area's
fishing industry. Three miles of beautiful beaches provide
opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling,
shelling, and sunbathing. Canoeing and kayaking in the
Indian River Lagoon are also favorite pastimes. Visitors can
relax with a stroll down the mile-long Hammock Trail.
Waterfront pavilions and picnic areas are great for family
outings. Full-facility campsites and a boat ramp are
available. Located on State Road A1A 15 miles south of
Melbourne Beach.
Egmont Key
727- 893 - 2627
Google Maps 4 Hours from Jax
Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, it can be
a personal refuge - a place to relax and collect shells
along secluded, pristine beaches. Accessible only by private
boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history,
including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the
19th century, the island served as a camp for captured
Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later
occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as
the Spanish - American War threatened, Fort Dade was built
on the island and remained active until 1923. After touring
the historic sites and trails, visitors can enjoy swimming,
fishing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Located at the
mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach.
Fort De Soto Park
Google Maps 4.5 hours from Jax
727.582.2267
Complementing the park's natural and historic features are:
1. An 800-foot-long
boat launching facility with eleven floating docks.
2. A 238-site family camping area with facilities including
picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers,
sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play
areas, and a camp store.
Two fishing piers--one on Tampa Bay (500 feet long) and the
other on the Gulf (1,000 feet long). Each pier has a food
and bait concession. Over 7 miles of waterfront A 2.25-mile
recreational canoe trail
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