Tag: JACKSONVILLE

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Florida Jacksonville National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States

Fort Caroline- Jacksonville’s Great Mystery

Fort Caroline National Memorial
Lady Belle enjoying her visit to Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline is one of the places that I have been visiting since my childhood. In fact, it’s only about 10 minutes from the house I grew up in. Fort Caroline is known as the Atlantis of Florida because nobody knows where its actual location truly was. Perhaps, it was actually hidden in the woods in my backyard the whole time!

Firing Cannons at Fort Caroline National Memorial

When most people think about forts in northeast Florida, they picture the Spanish fortress Castillo de San Marcos or the Civil War era Fort Clinch. It is often forgotten that the French had a short tenure in the area before they were almost completely wiped out by the Spanish.

The French in Florida

In 1562, the French landed on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day northeast Florida. The encampment was to be a safe haven for Huguenots who were being persecuted in France because they were Protestants, rather than Catholics.

The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

The French came into conflict with the Spanish who established St. Augustine in 1565. Fort Caroline was ambushed by the Spanish, led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles on September 20th. The Spanish killed everyone but 50 women and 26 escapees. The French settlement in Florida came to a bloody end and the Spanish occupied the site as San Mateo until 1569.

What is Fort Caroline National Memorial?

The exact location of the fort is unknown. In 1953 the National Park Service established the Fort Caroline National Memorial along the southern bank of the St. John’s River near a point that commemorates René Goulaine de Laudonnière’s first landing. This structure is a replica of the fort, based on sketches of the 16th-century structure and believed to be a one-third scale model of the original. It is surrounded by hiking trails and other noteworthy historical sites on the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The preserve includes; the Theodore Roosevelt Area, with five different Florida ecosystems visible in one hike; the Fort George Island Visitor Center, which describes the natural and cultural history of the preserve’s island home; and Kingsley Plantation, which includes the oldest standing plantation house in Florida as well as several original slave quarters. One of our favorite local beaches, Blackrock, is also part of this preserve.

Visiting the Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline is easily accessible, although it does require a short walk down a well-beaten path through the woods to access to fort.

Along the way, visitors will pass recently renovated replicas of Timucua structures including two huts and a canoe made out of a hulled-out tree. The Timucua were indigenous people that live in Northeast and North Central Florida and Southeast Georgia. The Huguenots befriended the Timucua and these structures serve as a symbol of their relationship.

The triangular wooden open-air structure is located on the banks of the St. Johns River. Throughout the fort, you’ll find signage explaining the history of the French Huguenots and their short stint in Florida.

Our kids had a blast climbing the steps, pretending to fire the cannons, and running up and down the embankments.

Fort Caroline is pet-friendly. In fact, our pups love hanging out at the fort and spending time on the trails nearby. If you bring your pooch, please make sure they are on a 6-foot leash, and be sure to clean up after then.

There’s an easy-to-moderate 1.3 mile hiking trail that loops from the parking lot, past the Timucua structures, by the fort, through the woods, and back to the parking lot. The trail is easy to navigate and is quite enjoyable

Visitors Information

Physical Address:

12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Phone:

904-641-7155

Learn more about Florida’s National Parks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Fort Caroline

The Best Time to Visit Fort Caroline National Monument

The best time to visit is in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler and the bugs aren’t nearly as bad.

Entrance Fees

There is no fee to enjoy this park.

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

Parking for Fort Caroline is plentiful. It can be found directly in front of the Visitor’s Center.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed on all trails and outside areas however, they are not permitted indoors.

Distance from Major Cities

  • Orlando, FL – 145 miles
  • Tampa, FL – 225 miles
  • Miami, FL – 355 miles
  • Atlanta, GA – 360 miles
  • Charlotte, NC – 390 miles
  • Birmingham, AL – 505 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Post Updated: 3/20/2024

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Huguenot Park- The Locals Favorite Summer Hangout

When people think of Floridians they think of a bunch of rednecks that hang out at the beach all day, am I right? Believe it or not, until we adopted the kids we actually didn’t spend a ton of time at the beach. At one point we lived 5 blocks from the ocean and rarely ever hit the sand. Now that we have kids, however, we’re at the beach every weekend. It’s the perfect way to wear them out. Huguenot Park is the beach that we visit most frequently. The fact that you can drive on the beach makes it super convenient when you have little ones.

What is the Huguenot Park?

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

The park was named after the French Huguenots that arrived in this area in 1562. The Huguenots were led by explorer Jean Ribault who reportedly landed less than 1 mile from Huguenot Memorial Park. Ribault and his men established the settlements of Charlesfort and Fort Caroline (both named in honor of his king, King Charles).

On his second voyage to the Americas in 1565, Ribault and his men were shipwreck near St. Augustine. The crew encountered the Spanish Governor, Pedro Menendez, at the Matanzas Inlet. The Governor feared that the French were encroaching on his territory and killed Ribault and his men.

There is a memorial plaque honoring these men at the entrance to Huguenot Park. The park is formally named Huguenot Memorial Park in their remembrance.

Things to Know…

  • Bicycle entry is $3, vehicle entry is $5 per car for up to 6 people, $1 for each additional person.
  • The beach is open from 6 AM until 7 PM (6 PM after we fall back)
  • The entrance gate closes 1 hour prior to closing time.
  • The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water; St. Johns River, Fort George Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The sand is extremely soft when accessing the Atlantic Ocean side of the beach. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended.
  • Family Beach is accessible by 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
  • Pay close attention to the tide signs at the front of the park. The high tides can get super high- you DO NOT want to get your car stuck in the high tide.

Where is Huguenot Park located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive near Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island.

The physical address is: 10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226

Huguenot Park Highlights

  • Paddle boarding and kayaking at Family Beach
  • Fishing (everywhere)
  • The “hidden beach” on the opposite side of the jetties
  • Camping
  • Birding
  • Surfing and body surfing on the Atlantic side
  • Being able to drive directly on the beach
  • Scoping out the naval ships across the river at Mayport Naval Base

East Coast Greenway

The Timucuan Trail runs right back Huguenot Park.  This trail is a small portion of a large trail network known as the East Coast Greenway.

The Greenway is part of a large network of trails connecting 15 states, 450 cities and towns and running from Maine to Florida.  It runs from the Canadian border all the way down to the Florida Keys!

Our Experience

Considering we spend nearly every summer weekend at Huguenot Park, I think it’s safe to say we love this place. We bought an annual pass for $100 and it has been well worth the money! There are some weeks where we visit twice.

The park is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. When we visit we tend to gravitate to two different areas: the jetties (the Atlantic Ocean side) or Family Beach (the Fort George Inlet side).

The ocean side is great for fishing, searching for crabs, surfing, and boogie boarding. Growing up, we LOVED climbing the jetties. There’s a “hidden beach” on the opposite side (the St. Johns River) which is an excellent place to go to get away from people. Since the jetties are an easy landmark, it’s a popular place to meet up with others. Since accessing this part of the beach requires navigating through soft sand, 4WD is strongly recommended.

Our favorite place to go, however, is Family Beach. The water is super calm and there is a sandbar that you can walk to/paddleboard out to depending on the tides. This is a popular place for paddle boarding and kayaking. It is also closer to the campsites so many of the campers fish in this area.

Our Huguenot Beach Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Inflatable Paddleboard
Electric Air Pump with 12V adaptor
Boogie Boards

What is there to do nearby?

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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Updated 12/20/2021

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Getting in Touch with Nature at Tree Hill Nature Center

Tucked away in the middle of the Arlington suburb of Jacksonville, Florida is a quaint 50-acre nature center that is working to preserve environmentally sensitive flora and fauna. The Tree Hill Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, a nature center, a learning laboratory, gardens, nature trails, and animal enclosures. It is the perfect place to take the kids for a few hours outdoors.

What is the history behind Tree Hill Nature Center?

Since 1971 Tree Hill Nature Center has worked to educate the public about the importance of taking care of our environment. The center encompasses 50 acres of hilltop forest, wetland areas, swamp, and a fresh water stream.

Tree Hill Nature center has partnered with Duval County Schools to educate the youth about the local flora and fauna.

What are the highlights of Tree Hill Nature Center?

  • Interactive Exhibits
  • Learning Laboratory
  • Indoor Nature Center
  • Hiking Trails
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Goat and Chicken Coops (Goat food is available or $1/cup)

The park consists of 7 easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods.

Sabal Palm Trail: 488 ft and wheelchair accessible
Red Bay Branch Trail: 1670 ft
Longleaf Pine: 2620 ft intermediate trail
Howland Creek Trail: 2160 ft intermediate trail
Boardwalk Trail: 721 ft boardwalk
Happy Trail: 1263 ft easy/intermediate trail
Stable Loop: 1690 ft paved trail

Where is the nature center located?

Located just a few miles from Downtown Jacksonville in the Arlington suburb.

Physical address: 7152 Lone Star Road Jacksonville, FL 32211

Our Thoughts on Tree Hill Nature Center

We arrived at Tree Hill Nature Center just after 9 AM so we could beat the early-September Florida heat and hopefully avoid the mosquitos. First, we checked in at the indoor Nature Center and began exploring the interactive exhibits. The exhibits consisted of both live animals and stuffed animals that are local to our area. At the top of the ramp, there is a Learning Laboratory where you can view tanks full of snakes and turtles. The kids loved being able to touch the turtles and watch them swim about.

Next, we made our way over to the goat enclosure. The goats have TONS of things to climb on and even a cool “goat walk” that soars over your head and crosses over the trail. The goats were extremely friendly and super excited about being fed a little snack. Several chickens strutted over greet us.

Afterwards, we hit the trails. We took the Sabal Palm Loop to the Boardwalk Trail to check out the maze and community garden. The maze was a bit overgrown so we skipped it and followed the Stable Loop to the Happy Trail. The Happy Trail was easy to navigate for our family of 5 (including the twins who are 2.5 years old).

On our way out, we said goodbye to the goats and chickens and made our way through the gorgeous butterfly garden.

All in all, we had a wonderful time at the Tree Hill Nature Center. The kids enjoyed being able to run around on the trails and absolutely loved the goats. I mean, who doesn’t love goats? We strongly recommend being bug spray and some bottles of water along with you. Mosquitos are out in full force for much of the year here in the Sunshine State.

Our Tree Hill Essentials

OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

What is there to do nearby?

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

A Recap of our August Adventures

August in Florida is hot. Dreadfully hot. We’re talking about sweat pouring, swamp ass, triple-digit hot. It is absolutely beyond miserable so we didn’t spend nearly as much time outdoors as we did in July.

August also brought a huge change our way- we went back to school and work for the first time since March. Re-entering civilization has cut into our adventures but we still managed to cram quite a bit into the 31 days of August.

We kicked off the month with a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Our zoo has an AMAZING little splash park that is a godsend in the summer months. That same day, we also hiked through the woods to one of our favorite isolated beaches, Blackrock. I know what you’re thinking- hiking in August? We must be crazy! The trail leading out to Blackrock is covered in a canopy, which helps keep it a little more cool. Plus, since it dumped out at the beach- we were able to take a dip in the cool salt water.

  • Largo Well Park
  • Lillian S. Davin Park
  • Landon Park

Smiley and I also checked out a super-hip, totally modern playground called Landon Park. Smiley loved playing on all of the innovative structures and enjoyed strolling through the butterfly garden. While we were in the San Marco area we also checked out three other small parks, Lillian S. Davin Park, Largo Well Park, and Riverfront Park.

  • Southbank Riverwalk
  • MOSH
  • MOSH

Later that week, we went downtown to check MOSH (Museum of Science and History) and the Southbank Riverwalk. The museum focuses on local history and animals. I had the opportunity to teach Smiley all about our cities history. She was fascinated by the Timacqua people! While we were there, we were able to check out their annual dinosaur exhibit. It was really neat to see the robotic dinosaurs.

Catty Shack is a wildlife sanctuary that cares for lions, tigers, and other big cats that have been rescued. Since it is just a hop, skip, and a jump from our house, we popped in one afternoon to check out the felines. It was so hot that most of them were dozing away in the shade.

  • Sheffield Park
  • Huguenot Beach

We spent every weekend at our favorite beach, Huguenot Memorial Park. The beach sits right across the river from Mayport Naval Base. The naval ships, and passing cargo ships, serve as a really cool backdrop for this family-friendly beach. This is one of the few beaches that you can drive on in our area so it makes it easy to take the kiddos. We park in an area that is perfect for paddleboarding. Our goal this summer was to get the kids used to water and I think it’s safe to see that we were successful! All three kiddos love paddleboarding, kayaking, and playing in the saltwater.

While researching things to do in Jacksonville, I learned that I have unknowingly lived near a set of waterfalls for nearly 30 years! Waterfalls are a rarity in Florida since we’re such a flat state. Bulls Bay Preserve has 2 sets of waterfalls! While both of them under 5 feet, it’s still a pretty cool sight to see.

We ended our month with a visit to a local ice cream shop. It is the only indoor place the boys have visited since March (with the exception of Disney Springs). The ice cream shop, Mayday Ice Cream, has such a hip outdoor space they didn’t mind the fact that we ate al fresco.

 The best way to follow our daily life and adventures is on Instagram. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Bulls Bay Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Y’all, I have lived in Jacksonville for 29 years and I had no idea that I lived within 20 miles of waterfalls until just a few weeks ago. Yes, actual waterfalls in this flat ass state of ours! In 2019 the city of Jacksonville opened one of their newest parks- the Bulls Bay Preserve. The Preserve was established to protect the swamp-land and the tributaries leading to some of the major local rivers.

What is the history behind Bulls Bay Preserve?

Although it wasn’t until 2019 that the preserve was easily accessible to visitors, the area is full of historical significance for locals. Once known by the misnomer Paradise Plantation from the 1820s until the Civil War. This plantation belonged to one of Jacksonville’s founding fathers, Isaiah D. Hart.

Hart was a plantation owner, slaver and founder of Jacksonville. After moving to the area from Georgia, he began platting the town in 1822. He established his own plantation just a few miles away from what is now known as downtown Jacksonville. Hart went on to serve as a postmaster, judge, and a member of the Florida Territorial Senate.

Historians believe that one of the waterfalls on the property may have once been used for a gristmill where grains were ground into flour.

 Isaiah’s son Ossian Hart, later Governor of Florida, wrote of the natural beauty of the place:

“In the open pine woods, I loved to wander all day long, and while driving the cows home, admiring the tall towering Pines that rose boldly from their footstool earth, and reached high up into the air-amongst which no intruding undergrowth obstructed the view of their noble trunks upon whose smooth flakes of bark, as smooth to the touch as the velvets of the north, you might write your name; or a complementary to your Lady Love.”

The land for the Bulls Bay Preserve was set aside in 1999. The Preserve consists of 1200 acres of the Bulls Bay Swamp that serves as the headwaters of two different tributaries to the St. Johns River, the Cedar River, and Sixmile Creek. One of the tributaries features a small, picturesque waterfall.

What are the highlights of Bulls Bay Preserve?

  • Waterfalls
  • Hiking/Biking Trails
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • It’s pet friendly!

The park consists of 5 short and easy to navigate trails each offering a pleasant walk through the woods. The Waterfall Loop features something you don’t see often in Florida; a waterfall. Although it’s only about 4 feet tall, it’s still a pretty cool sight for our low, flat state.

Where is the preserve located?

Located just eight miles from Downtown Jacksonville and less than a mile from I-10 and I-295, it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls in Florida.

Physical address: 8017 Old Plank Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

Our Thoughts on Bulls Bay Preserve

Bulls Bay Preserve has a lot of potential. The park offers restroom facilities, picnic tables, and grills.

There are 5 short, easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for hiking and even better for biking! The narrow trails could use a little more signage, especially at the waterfall. Parts of the trail were uneven or steep, which was a challenge for our toddlers to navigate but they handled it like champs. Older visitors shouldn’t have trouble navigating through the woods. I think as time passes and this park becomes more and more popular, the trails will be beaten down more and will become easier to navigate for all.

Unfortunately, the creeks are filled with trash which takes away from the natural beauty of the area. I’m sure most of it was carried down the creek, however, there is plenty of evidence of people coming to the preserve to “party” (if you know what I mean). We recommend bringing some bug spray and maybe a trash bag to help keep this park clean.

I have a feeling we’ll be checking this park out again, in the future to see how it evolves. I think with proper care and maintenance, this place has the potential to be one of the better preserves in Jacksonville.

What is there to do nearby?

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Castaway Island Preserve as kid-friendly destinations.

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Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

There are so many fun things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you enjoy museums, the beach, or spending time at the park, the Bold City has it all!  In fact, our city has the largest urban park system in the county! With more than 80,000 acres of parks, beaches, preserves, and green space there are endless opportunities for fun!

Fun Things to do in Jacksonville

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens. The kids love being able to feed the giraffes, stingrays, and goats. The zoo also has one of the best tiger and primate exhibits in the country. Even better? The zoo has a super-fun splash park where your kids can splash around.

Blackrock Beach

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

One of the best ways to enjoy Jacksonville is by hitting the beach. Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation! We are home to 22 miles of beaches and 40 miles of Intracoastal Waterway. Many of our beaches, such as Jax Beach, are free to the public. Some of our favorite beaches are Huguenot Beach, Blackrock Beach, and Little and Talbot Island State Parks.

Castaway Island Preserve

Hit the Parks!

Jacksonville is home to the largest park system in the country! Our parks offer everything from hiking trails to splash pads, kayak launches, totally rad playgrounds, and stunning gardens. Some of our favorite parks include the Jacksonville Arboretum and Garden, Castaway Island Preserve, Landon Park, Riverside Park, and Memorial Park.

Catty Shack Ranch

Visit the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the COOLEST places in town is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. The ranch is a non-profit organization that offers a safe home for rescued exotic animals. Their goal is to educate the public about the dangers of owning exotic animals; you know- lions, tigers, and cougars…typical “house pets”.

MOSH Mural

Spend Some Time at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

MOSH, one of the top museums in the city, offers many hands-on exhibits geared towards older kiddos. Smiley loved the Atlantic Tails exhibit which highlights many of the marine animals that live off of our coast. She also enjoyed learning about the Timucua people and the history of our hometown. This stop can easily be paired with the Riverwalk (see below).

Check Out the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer is one of the largest fine arts museum in the region. Smiley is really into art so she enjoyed checking out their sizeable collection. The museum also boasts incredible gardens that are perfect for enjoying a picnic on the river.

Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island

Spend the Day at the Timucuan Preserve

  • Our home is situated right on the border of the Timucuan Preserve. The preserve is a 46,000 acre National Park site that is home to countless parks, trails, and historical buildings such as Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. Some of our favorite parts of the preserve include Fort Caroline, Kingsley Plantation, Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, Cedar Point, and Pumpkin Hill.

Hit the Water with Kayak Amelia

If you want to enjoy the Timucuan Preserve from the water, Kayak Amelia is the way to go! They are the official outfitters for the Talbot Islands State Parks. They offer kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours.

Explore Downtown with Go Tuk’n

Want to check out all of the amazing public art in our town? Join a Go Tuk’n tour for a unique way to explore the sites! There are several tours available including the Art Tour which takes you through historic neighborhoods such as Riverside and Avondale.

"Mirrored River: Where Do You See Yourself?" Mosaic on the Southbank

Enjoy the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk can easily be paired with a visit to MOSH. The Riverwalk is a three-mile stretch of land along the St. Johns River. From here you can check out Friendship Fountain, hop on a water taxi, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river.

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Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 11/2/21

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Blackrock Beach in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Blackrock Beach

We’ve been going a little stir crazy this month so we’ve spent a lot of time checking out parks like Castaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list this month when we hit up a stunning and remote beach frequently known as Blackrock Beach. You may sometimes hear it referred to as Boneyard Beach.

What is Blackrock Beach?

Blackrock beach is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets. This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after the rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Things to Know…

  • Parking cost is $3 per vehicle.
  • The beach is open from 9 AM until 5 PM.
  • To access the beach, park at the Blackrock Trailhead and walk 1/2 mile through the woods.
  • Pack plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. This is Florida, after all.
  • Make sure you pay attention to the tides, the entire beach can disappear during high tide.

Where is Blackrock Beach Located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive in Big Talbot Island State Park. To access the beach, park in the Blackrock Trail parking lot and walk 1/2 mile down a trail through the woods.

Our Experience

I’ve been visiting Blackrock for years. In fact, I used to come here with my friends when I was in high school. We’d pack a cooler and a small grill and post up for the day. Man, those were the days!

Of course, nearly twenty years later, things are totally different. Experiencing Blackrock with kids is a whole new experience. The 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot to the beach feels a lot longer these days! You’ll definitely want to have bug spray and a beach wagon to tote all of your stuff. The mosquitos and yellow flies in Florida are no joke!

The trail opens up to magnificent views of Blackrock Beach. You instantly feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet. Sun-soaked white-washed trees are scattered all over the beach haphazardly. Just down the beach are the Mars-like black “rocks” that gave the beach its name. This place is out of this world!

Smiley loves being able to climb on the fallen trees and jump in the tidal pools. She has a blast chasing after crabs and frolicking in the water. The trek out to the beach can be difficult for littles, but luckily the twins can hike with the best of them. Our beach wagon works well on trails and on the beach so it would definitely come in handy when hitting the beach.

 

 

Our Blackrock Beach Essentials

Beach Wagon– great for navigating in the sand
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

What is there to do nearby?

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

 

Updated: 7/25/2021

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring Jacksonville’s Stunning Castaway Island Preserve with Kids

Castaway Island Preserve

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day to day life? Castaway Island Preserve is one of our favorite parks in northeast Florida. In fact, when pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become at one with nature.  This is hands-down one of our favorite parks in Jacksonville.

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to pack plenty of water!  Even though the trail is short and extremely easy, it’s important to stay hydrated.

We strongly suggest visiting the park early in the morning or on a cool day.  The trail is lightly shaded, in parts, but it is easy to get overheated in the hot Florida sun.  Full disclosure:  the park is miserable in the heat… as are most places in Florida.

What is the history behind Castaway Island Preserve?

The land for the Castaway Island Preserve was set aside in 1999. The city of Jacksonville designed the space to help manage growth, protect the environmentally sensitive salt marshlands, and improve water quality in the area. Today the preserve covers over 200 acres.

For some of the best views of the Intracoastal and marsh, check out the observation outlooks.  Head down the Island Trail and veer right to the boardwalk.  The boardwalk takes you straight out to the marsh.

There’s an additional boardwalk that leads to a floating dock that serves as a launch site for kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.  To access this boardwalk, follow the main entrance road to the very back of the park.  The launch site is right at the edge of the parking lot, making it easy to put in your water vessel of choice.  

What are the highlights of Castaway Island Preserve?

  • Kid-friendly interpretive natural trail
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Education Center
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Scoping out the salt marsh wildlife
  • It’s pet friendly!

Where is the park located?

The preserve is located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, Florida. It is located off of San Pablo Road between Atlantic Blvd. and Beach Blvd.

What are the park’s hours?

The park is open during daylight hours. There is also an Education Center that offers special programs. Check the park’s Facebook Page for events.

 

Our Thoughts on the Castaway Island

Castaway Island Preserve is truly a hidden gem. It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The Island Trail is the perfect place for little ones to explore and learn about the wildlife that inhabits the area. The trail has paintings of animal paw prints that will keep the kids guessing what animals they will learn about next.

The Island Trail is  comprised of boardwalks and paved sidewalks making it easy to navigate for everyone.  The trail is approximately one mile long and is a loop trail.  We really enjoy taking the boardwalk out to the marsh to look for creatures.  The kids love looking out for osprey, fiddler crabs, and woodpeckers.

This is a fantastic park for pups, as well. We’ve taken Lady Belle and Parker here to explore new sights and scents.  We always run into family’s with their dogs when we visit.

What is there to do Nearby?

  • Adventure Landing
  • Cradle Creek Preserve
  • Jacksonville Beach Pier
  • Fort Caroline

Our family also recommends the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as kid-friendly destinations.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 10/23/21

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

Exploring the Extraordinary Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens with Kids

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens.

What are the highlights of the Jacksonville Zoo?

Our zoo has a ton of great features! Some of our favorite include:

Range of the Jaguar

Since Jax is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s only fitting that we have an awesome jaguar exhibit! Our city’s favorite cats can usually be found sunning along the edge of the Lost Temple.  

Land of the Tiger

This is one of the zoo’s newest upgrades. We love watching the Malayan and Sumatran tigers strut their stuff in their awesome exhibit! We especially love seeing them prowl in the tunnels overhead. This exhibit is at the back of the park so we suggest taking the train if you want to get there quickly for one of the feedings.

 

 

Stingray Bay

This is one of the few spots at the zoo where you can get up close and personal with an animal.  Once upon a time, you used to have to pay to visit Stingray Bay, but now it is FREE!  Visitors are asked to wash their hands and arms (up to their elbows) before approaching the water habitat.  

Once you’ve washed up, you’re free to reach in and touch the stingrays.

The Giraffe Overlook

Our favorite thing about this exhibit is being able to come face to face with these beautiful spotted creatures! There is often a line to feed the giraffes, but if you have little ones it is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of their day! 

African Forest

The African Forest is home to some of our favorite animals- the primates! In 2018 the Zoo unveiled a brand new upgraded habitat that gives the gorillas, bonobos, and monkeys plenty of space to roam. The habitats have lots of enrichment opportunities and tunnels for the animals to explore.

 

 

Where is the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens located?

The zoo is located just north of the downtown area near the airport and cruise terminal. It is easily accessible from both 95 and 295.

The physical address is:

 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Our Thoughts on the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite places to visit. During the summer, we are here at least once a week. We like to visit the zoo when it first opens so that it is not as hot or crowded. If you visit a little later in the day, the zoo has a splash park that offers a reprieve from the hot Florida sun.

You can easily see the entire zoo in a few hours. We often will skip Wild Florida, Australia, and indoor exhibits so that we can be in and out of the zoo in under 3 hours.

The zoo has a train that loops around the park. It has two stops, one near the entrance and one close to the back of the park near the Asian part of the zoo. We sometimes like to take the train to the back of the park and work our way to the front to avoid having to double back.

What is there to do nearby?

If you head east on Zoo Parkway, it turns into Heckscher Drive, home to several beaches. This area is known as the North Florida Keys. We suggest visiting Huguenot Memorial Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, Big Talbot Island State Park, and Fort Clinch State Park. One of our favorite parks, The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is also just 11 miles away. Another one of our favorite parks, Castaway Island Preserve, is less than 20 miles away.

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Updated: 2/19/2021

Categories
Florida Jacksonville United States

The Beautiful Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

The kids and LB at the Jacksonville Arboretum.

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is Jacksonville’s best-kept secret! Seven easy to navigate trails surround a beautiful lake and wind through this 120-acre urban park.  Believe it or not, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is located in Arlington near the Regency Square Mall.  It’s hard to imagine this tranquil space is located so close to the bustling Atlantic Boulevard and the surrounding shopping malls!

We have been visiting the Jacksonville Arboretum for years now. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to spend time with our dogs, Lady Belle and Parker. Now that we have adopted our three little ones, we are excited to be able to share this park with them as well!  It’s a great place to get in touch with nature and to take a quiet stroll.

On the lookout for turtles and alligators

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens features three miles worth of trails that surround a beautiful lake filled with turtles and alligators. There are hundreds of signs along the trails that identify many of the plants that make up this gorgeous park.

What is an arboretum?

An arboretum is a specialized botanical garden that features trees and other woody plants but may also include other kinds of plants. They are a place where many varieties of trees are grown for research, educational, and ornamental purposes.

 

What is there to do at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens?

This is the perfect place to hang out with your pups! They are sure to love all of the gorgeous trails! Aside from taking a stroll, this is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Many local artists also flock here to paint the stunning landscape.  You may even be able to spot some of their works of art (sculptures and even paintings) along some of the trails.

Hiking Trails at the Jacksonville Arboretum

The Jacksonville Arboretum has 7 main trails.  Admittedly, the trails aren’t very well marked and it is easy to jump from one trail to another without realizing it (especially in the Aralia Trail, Upper Ravine Trail, Lower Ravine Trail  area of the park. Fortunately, the trails aren’t very lengthy so it’s easy to make your way out of the woods and back to the Lake Loop.

Lake Loop Trail- This is the easiest tail in the park.  It is 0.3 miles long and encircles Lake Ray.  The paved Lake Loop connects to several other trailheads.  

Sand Ride Trail- This one-mile winding dirt trail crosses over several different habitats including a rosemary/oak scrub, and marshland.  The trail connects to the Live Oak Trail via a boardwalk that traverses a small stream.

Aralia Trail- Theis trail offers a view of the tranquil Jones Creek and several large Aralia spinosa (Devil’s Walking Stick) trees.  There are some grade changes that makes this trail a little more difficult than some of the others.  The trail lies just south of the Upper Ravines Trail and the trailhead is located near the Mormon Bridge.  The Cascade Loop and Sugarberry Trail also branch off the Aralia Trail.

Live Oak Trail- This moderate trail is 0.5-miles long and his home to the National Champion Loblolly Bay (a white flowering tree) and several live oaks that are more than a hundred years old.  This trail is exceptionally beautiful in the spring when the azaleas are in bloom and the blueberries are abundant.  

Jones Creek Trail- This is one of our most favorite trails at the Jacksonville Arboretum.  It has many grade changes and follows Jones Creek.  The water in Jones Creek is a freshwater creek that flows north into the St. Johns River.  We do not swim in the creek, but we can’t seem to keep our dogs out of it when we visit! This trail is not stroller friendly due to the sand.

Upper and Lower Ravine Trails- The Lower Ravine Trail winds alongside the outside edge of a man-made island at the bottom of the ravine.  The trail is only 800 feet and is prone to poison ivy.   The Upper Ravine Trail branches off the Jones Creek Trail and connects to the Aralia Trail, and Lake Loop Trail.

When is the arboretum open?

Monday-Thursday 8 AM to 7 PM
Friday – Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM

The entry gates are locked promptly at closing so plan your visit so that you exit the Jacksonville Arboretum prior to closing. Trust me, you do not want to be at the park when it’s closing. We went there one evening and the ranger laid on the horn of his car until we exited the trails.

Our Thoughts on the Jacksonville Aroboretum

We absolutely love visiting the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. It is a great little place to escape the craziness of our day to day lives. We love taking the dogs and the kids to the park to enjoy the trails year-round.

The Jacksonville Arboretum is a popular spot for hiding painted rocks. If you plan on hiding a rock, make sure you do it on the Lake Loop Trails only. The park’s trails are short and easy to navigate. Our favorites are the Lake Loop Trail, the Jones Creek Trail, and the Upper and Lower Ravine Trails.

The park has plenty of picnic spots tucked away in the shade if you’d like to enjoy a picnic there. The volunteers who work at the park have done an amazing job transforming it into an incredible greenspace.

Our Jacksonville Arboretum Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Dazzling Nights

In 2021, the Jacksonville Arboretum launched a brand new fundraiser event called Dazzling Nights.  During the holiday season, the park turns into a Winter Wonderland complete with dazzling light displays, an impressive laser display (in the forest, no less!), Christmas jingles, an awesome interactive path, and SNOW!  

When the cost of tickets was released, there were several remarks about how costly the event is.  It’s important to note that this event serves as the arboretum’s annual fundraiser.  The money raised from the event will go towards keeping the Jacksonville Arboretum beautiful all year long.

We are excited to see what this event evolves into and we can’t wait to check it out again next year!

Click to learn more about Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum.

Where is the Jacksonville Arboretum Located?

The Jacksonville Arboretum is centrally located in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida wedged in between downtown and the beaches. It is easily accessible from the 295 beltway via the Monument Rd exit. The physical address is 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32225.

Nearby

If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Garden is very close to Ft. Caroline and the Ribault Monument. The Fort Caroline National Memorial is a replica of the structure that was once inhabited by the French Huguenots during the 16th century. The Ribault Monument commemorates the landing of Jean Ribault in 1562.

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is also only 11 miles away.  

The kids and LB at the Jacksonville Arboretum.

We also suggest spending some time at the nearby Castaway Island Preserve or Tree Hill Nature Center.  Both spots have kid-friendly hiking trails with beautiful views.  The Ed Austin Region Park, offers sports fields, a paved loop trail, playgrounds, and a dog park.

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Updated: 12/18/21

Dazzling Nights

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