Tag: UNITED STATES

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Fernandina Florida Florida State Parks State Parks United States

Historic Fort Clinch State Park with Kids

Fort Clinch
Fort Clinch

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.

There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.

What is the history behind Fort Clinch?

Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape.  They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha).  After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.

After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?

Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.

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The kids at Fort Clinch, 2020
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2024

What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?

  • Visiting the fort
  • Shark tooth hunting
  • Shelling
  • Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Where is the park located?

The physical address is:

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park

We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!

Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.

The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.

Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!  

 

Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).

We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!

Our Park Essentials

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

What is there to do nearby?

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Updated: 3/5/2024

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Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier United States

Sailing Through the Endicott Arm to the Dawes Glacier

After spending a couple of days in Seattle, Washington, we boarded our cruise ship and sailed northwards to Alaska. We were scheduled to sail through Tracy Arm Fjord but due to the high density of ice, we ended up going through Endicott Arm instead. I have to tell you, I was not at all disappointed by the change in our itinerary!

Dawes Glacier

What is the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier?

Both the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are fjords in Alaska, about 45 miles outside of Juneau. The arms are the heart of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Both fjords are over 30 miles long, with 1/5 of this area covered in ice.

How is this area accessed?

Both fjords are typically accessed via the Stephens Passage and entering Holkham Bay. Float planes from Juneau and Petersburg also frequent the area.

Both fjords are commonly visited by cruise ships.

Our Experience

Endicott Arm & the Dawes Glacier were awe-inspiring. The combination of the gorgeous azure water, stunning jagged rocks, the Alaskan sub-alpine vegetation, countless waterfalls, the vibrant blue ice drifting by, and, of course, the wildlife, was more than I ever dreamed of!

What animals did we spot in the Endicott Arm?

  • Humpbacks
  • Dall’s porpoises
  • Seals
  • Eagles

We spotted our second humpback while entering the fjord. The opening was full of humpbacks feeding! Our friends were staying in a cabin at the stern (very back of the boat) that featuring an enormous wrap-around cabin. We were able to see countless whales playing in the ship’s wake as we made our way closer to the glacier!

Iceberg in Endicott Arm

The closer and closer we got to Dawes Glacier, the more vibrant blue the water became. We passed countless icebergs like this one. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Dozens of waterfalls flanked both sides of the passage cascading from high up in the mountains and splashing into the crystal clear blue water. Aren’t they incredible?

Although I was initially disappointed we weren’t able to go into Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm Fjord exceeded every one of my expectations. It was a fantastic introduction to Alaska!Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

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Updated: 11/14/21

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Seattle United States Washington

Gas Works Park- Seattle’s Ultra Funky Green Space

Seattle is full of some pretty incredible green spaces, but one of them stands out amongst all of the others. Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park located on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company. The park still has a super industrial vibe to it, which makes this park incredibly unique.

What are the highlights of Gas Works Park?

  • Large play barn
  • Gorgeous view of Lake Union and downtown Seattle
  • Picnicking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle Boarding

Where is Gas Works Park?

The physical address is:

2101 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103

When is the park open?

The park is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

What are our thoughts on Gas Works Park?

We enjoyed our time at the park. It was a great place to spend the afternoon. There were a ton of people (tourists and locals, alike) who hung out at the park. Many kayaked, paddle boarded, flew kites or simply relaxed on the hill with friends and family.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and simply take in the views of the stunning Seattle skyline.

We loved the park so much that we added it to our list of 6 Things We Love About Seattle.

What is there to do nearby?

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Fremont Troll. We also suggest going to Kerry Park in the Queen Anne District. The Space Needle is also less than 4 miles away.

 

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Seattle United States Washington

6 Things We Absolutely Love About Seattle, Washington

Like many Alaskan tales, our trip to Alaska began in Seattle, Washington: The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest… or at least that is how it was advertised at the start of the Gold Rush in 1896. You see, one of the founding fathers of Washington was a total schmuck. He “mined the miners” and swindled the gold-hungry pioneers out of their money before they trekked more than 1,500 miles to The Yukon where gold was discovered.

Unfortunately, a majority of the Gold Rushers were ill-prepared for the harsh terrains of British Columbia, Alaska, and The Yukon. Eventually, the Canadian Mounties moseyed into town and said, “Listen, eh, we are tired of digging graves for all of you Americans. We are going to instate a new law, eh, that mandates you gold-rushers must have 2 tons of supplies in tow so you have a better chance of surviving, eh.“

Seattle has grown from being a town full of swindlers into being a bustling metropolis.

Some of the highlights from our stay in Seattle were:

Pike Place Market on the Seattle Waterfront

First, what once started as a Farmer’s Market has now grown into a vibrant neighborhood populated by farmers, artists, crafters, small businesses, and even residents. The market first opened in 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the United States. We wandered through six floors of shops featuring things like antiques, crafts, jewelry, comic books, flowers, baked goods, and, of course, seafood. The market has some really neat hidden gems, you’ll never know what kinds of things you’ll stumble upon!

Coffee

Ashley and I are huge coffee drinkers. Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and Seattle’s Best. Depending on who you ask, there are 2 “original” Starbucks locations, both in the Pike Place neighborhood. First, the store has maintained the classic (and historic) look and has been opened since 1971. However, the 1st and Pike location is also referred to as the first Starbucks location. We visited both, for good measure 🙂

Another place that we visited for coffee was Biscuit Bitch. We had the best biscuits and gravy I’ve had outside of the south (it even crushed a lot of our local places!) and the prettiest coffee I’ve ever had. You will want to get there early, people tend to line up down the street to get in on all of this deliciousness!

The Greenspace

Seattle has some of the most amazing parks! Many of them offer absolutely breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Our favorite parks were:

Meredith Grey’s House (from Grey’s Anatomy fame)

You may or may not know that we are huge Grey’s Anatomy fans. Although the show, itself, is filmed in LA the exterior of the title character’s house is an actual home in the Queen Anne district. It’s not far from Kerry Park, or Parsons Garden so it was easy for us to fit into our tight schedule.

Art

We did a ton of walking in Seattle. Let me just say that those hills are freakin’ insane. I’m pretty sure that folks that live or work in Downtown Seattle have the best calves in America. You can quote me on that.

We saw some pretty great examples of art scattered all around the city. One example is the Tlingit Indian Totem Pole from Pioneer Square. More modern examples include the infamous Fremont Troll, and “Changing Form” in Kerry Park.

Mt. Rainier

Lastly, you can’t visit Seattle without hitting up Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is part of Seattle’s iconic landscape. The mountain, which is an active volcano, is 14,410 feet above sea level. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US.

We dedicated almost a full day to Mt. Rainier National Park and it was well worth it. The trails and our hike were a great way to kick off our vacation on the left coast. When you consider that we live in a city that is around 10 feet above sea level, it’s pretty astonishing to be somewhere that is so far above sea level. I mean, we barely even have hills in Jacksonville.

In short, Seattle quickly became one of our favorite places to visit. The city is full of a rich, fun, vibrant culture. There is plenty to do to keep you and your family entertained.

While You’re in Seattle

 

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Updated: 10/27/21

Categories
North Carolina United States

DuPont State Forest: An Epic North Carolina Hiking Spot

DuPont State Forest, frequently called DuPont Forest is a 10,000+ acre state forest located in Henderson and Transylvania counties in western North Carolina. Dupont State Recreational Forest is a perfect place to take a daytrip from Asheville or Hendersonville. The park’s picturesque trails and waterfalls are some of the best in the region.

The forest is a popular spot for hikers, kayakers, and swimmers (which is only permitted in designated areas).

The forest, and surrounding areas, are absolutely stunning. You may recognize portions of the park from movies such as The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans.

What are the highlights of DuPont State Forest?

DuPont State Forest has nearly 83 miles of multi-use trails and roads that can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails range from easy to moderate and are well-beaten and easy to navigate. When we visit we tend to stick to Triple Falls Trail, Hooker Falls Trail, and Bridal Veil Falls Trail, but there are plenty of more options!

Triple Falls Trail- 2.9 miles (easy)

This is the most popular trail at the forest, and one of the ones we hike every time we visit DuPont. It’s absolutely stunning and easy to do with little ones. In fact, I first started hiking this trail as a child! The hike crosses the Little River and then follows it upstream to up-close views of Trip Falls.

Hooker Falls Trail– 0.7 miles (easy)

This is the shortest hike in the forest making it super kid-friendly. Hooker Falls is well worth the short hike! This spot is also a popular swimming hole during the summer months.

Bridal Veil Falls Trail– 4.6 miles (easy)

This is one of my favorite hikes at DuPont. The 4.6-mile hike will lead you to the forest’s most beautiful waterfalls, the sheer cascades of Bridal Veil Falls.

The forest is probably most known for its waterfalls (which are way better than Florida’s waterfalls!). The waterfalls include:

  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • High Falls
  • Hooker Falls
  • Triple Falls
  • Grassy Creek Falls
  • Wintergreen Falls

Where is the DuPont State Forest located?

If you plug the following address into your GPS it will lead you to the High Falls Access Area:

1300 Staton Road
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

 

What is there to do nearby?

Another one of our favorite outdoor hangouts is the nearby Pisgah National Forest. We also love spending time at Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, which is located about 30 miles away. Of course, you can’t go wrong with paying a visit to Asheville or Hendersonville, either.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Don’t forget to save one of our DuPont State Forest pins to help you start planning your trip!  While you’re in the area, check out Chimney Rock.  If you’re traveling with kids, consider booking a cabin or campsite at Yogi Bear’s Camp Jellystone: Golden Valley.

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

 

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience**
Updated: 2/3/24

 

Categories
Disney Florida Orlando United States

Take a Virtual Trip to Disney World

Although the world around us is slowly opening up, our little family is still self-isolating The twins, Scoop and Stinky, both have weak immune systems and respiratory problems, so we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and healthy. Since our entertainment options are limited, we’ve been taking virtual field trips. One of the kid’s favorites has been a virtual trip to Disney.

This January, we made our first trek down to Disney with the kids. Naturally, they fell in love with the fairytale wonderland. Our plans were to take them back to Magic Kingdom once the adoption was finalized however, 2020 had other plans.

Instead, we broke out our Mickey Mouse shirts and hats and plopped down on the couch. I pulled up YouTube and we took a virtual trip to Disney. Honest to God this was the quietest they have been since the beginning of March. The kids had such a blast “riding” the rides and were absolutely mesmerized by all of the colors.

How does this work, you might ask? Tons of YouTubers have shared videos of “ride thrus” of some of Disney’s most popular attractions. Rides like “Frozen Ever After” and “Space Mountain” come available with just a click!

Grab your Fast Pass and join us on some of our favorite rides!

The Little Mermaid

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Frozen Ever After

Space Mountain

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Peter Pan’s Flight

Slinky Dog Dash

Pirates of the Caribbean

It’s a Small World

We hope you enjoy this virtual trip to Disney as much as we do! Although a virtual trip isn’t nearly as exciting as a real trip to Disney, it will have to do for now. And let’s face it, you can’t beat the wait times!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Online Adventure!

Be sure to pin this information for your trip! Give me a like on Facebook or follow me on Twitter for more great cruising and travel information. See you next time!

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
Lake Lure/Chimney Rock North Carolina North Carolina State Parks State Parks United States

Breathtaking Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina

Chimney Rock State Park is one of the most popular parks to visit in North Carolina. Each year more than a quarter of a million visitors come to climb 499 steps (or take the super convenient elevator) to the top of the outcropping for absolutely breathtaking views.  From its top, you’ll discover 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

 

What is Chimney Rock?

The rock is a 35 million-year-old, 315 feet high chunk of granite situated above the summit of the Village of Chimney Rock. It is the highlight of Chimney Rock State Park! Once you’re at the top, you have an amazing vista of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains that will knock your socks off!

How do I get to the top?

You’ll begin your journey by weaving up the mountain until you reach a parking lot. From there, you’ll be shuttled up to the top of the mountain in a minibus. Once you reach the visitors center you have two options: climb 499 steps up to the lookout or ride the elevator.

The park is pet friendly however, dogs are not permitted to ride the elevator so if you bring your pooch, you’ll have to take the trails.

The Outcroppings Trail is a series of stairs cases that lead to several vantage points. Admittedly, it is A LOT of steps but if you’re young and active, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a hell of a cardio and leg workout and there are plenty of opportunities to catch your breath.

On our most recent trip, we took the elevator since we had the kiddos. The elevator takes you right through the center of the rock and allows for easy access to the Chimney. If you’re trying to fit other things in your day (Lake Lure, Biltmore Estate, etc.), this is the way to go!

The elevator drops you off at the gift shop/snack bar. A grand American flag signals your arrival to North Carolina’s most iconic rock formation.   You’ll still have to tackle a few stairs to get to the top of the Chimney, but the views from the top (on a clear day) are absolutely worth it! Be sure to take a moment to soak in the view- after all, you worked pretty hard to get there!

Chimney Rock Park Trails

Chimney Rock has six unique hiking trails that meander around the park.  The Four Seasons Trail leads from the first parking lot to the base of Chimney Rock.  The trail is only .7 miles but climbs almost 400 feet through a dense forest.  The trail meets up with the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.

The Outcroppings Trail has nearly 400 steps that lead all the way up to the chimney.  Once you’re at the chimney level, the Exclamation Point Trail winds its way up to Exclamation Point, which has an elevation of 2,480 and absolutely insane views of the gorge.

From Exclamation Point,you’ll find yet another trail.  The Skyline Trail is a little over a mile long, and is atop of the ridge of the chimney.  The trail leads to Peregrine’s Point which is the chimney’s highest accessible viewpoint.  The path is wide but it is uphill and rather strenuous.  If you’re able to make the hike, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the headwaters of Hickory Nut Falls.  Hickory Nut Falls is the tallest waterfall in a North Carolina state park and one of the tallest east of the Mississippi River.  The falls were featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit?

The cost for a single day ticket is $17 per adult and $8 per youth (ages 5-15). Children under 5 are free.

The price includes parking, access to all of the trails and the elevator (when in operation).

The Village of Chimney Rock

In 1902, a physician named Lucius Morse traveled to the area in search of clean, mountain air to help combat his recent tuberculosis diagnosis. He fell in love with the mountains, chimneys, and cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge.  Morse returned home to share his discovery with his older twin brothers.  Together, the three of them purchased the land with the lofty goal of damming the Rocky Broad River and making the area a tourist destination.

Today, their vision is known as the Village of Chimney Rock.  The area of known for its hiking trails, water sports (kayaking, canoeing, water rafting), and its stunning views.

After your hike, be sure to pop into the village located at the entrance of the park. The village is small, with pretty much everything off of the main street. We stayed at a charming Air B&B during our visit. There are a ton of options available in the area! Some places we visited while we were in town include Broad River Coffee (yum!), and Riverwatch Bar & Grill. 

Our Thoughts on Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is an excellent place to visit if you have a couple of extra hours in the area. It’s well worth the trip from Asheville or Hendersonville, especially if you combine it with time at Lake Lure. We’ve visited in the winter, spring, and summer. The warmer months definitely offer views of the surrounding area.

Where is Chimney Rock Located?

Getting there is a breeze. It is located in the adorable, quaint Village of Chimney Rock, which is easily accessible by I-40. The drive from Asheville is roughly 40 minutes. It is located near Lake Lure, one of our favorite places to visit during the summertime.

Dirty Dancing Festival

If you’re looking to have the time of your life (see what I did there?), you should consider visiting Chimney Rock during the month of September.  Chimney Rock is home to the annual Dirty Dancing Festival.  

The two day festival is centered around the movie Dirty Dancing which was filmed on Lake Lure.  The festival features entertainment and activities based on the movie.  Dress up as your favorite character, dust, off your Keds, and break out your best dance moves!

Other North Carolina Scenic Attractions

DuPont State Forest– This will forever be one of my favorite parks.  It offers incredible hiking trails and the park features several iconic waterfalls.

Blue Ridge Parkway-  One of the classic American drives is the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You could easily spend an entire day navigating the switchbacks and stopping at the scenic overlooks.

Grandfather Mountain– Grandfather Mountain is the most popular natural attraction in all of North Carolina.  There are several different hiking trails, but the most popular is MacRae’s Peak.  The challenging trail  a handful of wooden ladders as well as a few rope pulleys to assist in the steep climb. Fun fact:  My family, the MacRae’s, have strong ancestral ties to this mountain. 

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Updated: 11/7/21

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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