It's not North Florida, but . . .

I love St Simons Island. And it's worth a look, if you ever find yourself in North Florida.

 

 

 

 

St. Simon Island, GA is home to fabulous beaches, golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, and a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment for everyone. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons and its distinctively charming beach lifestyle that is unhurried and under-developed are what make it so special.

 

Visit St Simon Guide for more information

 

 

 

 

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre urban woodland full of trails for you to explore and enjoy.

From the trailhead next to the parking lot, a stabilized walkway encircles a beautiful two-acre lake. This trail gently descends about 25 feet from to the foot of the lake and then returns up a gentle slope on the opposite side to the trailhead. Interpretive signs and over 100 labeled plants enhance the loop.

 

In addition, over two miles of rustic hiking trails wind quietly through a series of distinct ecological habitats.

Along the trails, benches invite you either to pause and enjoy the view or to get in a good stretch during a vigorous walk.

The Arboretum is developed and managed by the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Inc., a non-profit entity that leases the land from the City. Except for special events, there is no admission fee.

 

Visit the official web site for more information

 

 

Ravine Gardens State Park . . .

A must see North Florida experience . . .

A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River.

 In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. 

 A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs.

The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. The Roy E. Campbell Civic Center complex features a large covered pavilion, auditorium, and meeting rooms that are available for rent. Located in Palatka at 1600 Twigg Street.

Learn more . . . 

Castaway Island Preserve . . .

Protecting more than 300 acres of coastal habitats along the meandering, estuarine San Pablo River, Castaway Island Preserve is a breezy spot to get away from the city neighborhoods and enjoy a breath of fresh air outdoors.

 A peninsula on the edge of suburbia, it’s its own world once you pass through the gates. Ibis and wood storks comb through the shallow marsh edges. Gopher tortoises lumber through the protected pine flatwoods of the island, which is surrounded by the estuary.

This is a gentle mile-long walk for all ages, well-interpreted and fun to follow – especially for kids – with plenty of benches and overlooks along the way.

 

 

For more information, visit Florida Hikes

Jacksonville Florida Beach Activities . . .

 

Immerse yourself in Jacksonville’s 21 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches. Visitors will find plenty to do, with diverse activities, family fun, restaurants and nightlife, souvenir shops and oceanfront hotels blending into the scene without crowding views of the shoreline.

Start your exploration of the beaches with a refreshing walk along the wide, paved boardwalk or take to the sea on foot. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier launches out nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean and offers great views of the coastline. Admission is only $1 for pedestrians, fishermen are $4.

Explore the beach’s colorful history with a stop at the Beaches Museum & History Center in Jacksonville Beach. With its replica boardwalk filled with photos and displays, visitors will be whisked back in time to an era when Jacksonville's beaches were the playground of politicians, celebrities, gangsters and socialites. The museum is also home to one of four Visit Jacksonville Visitor Centers.

If you prefer water immersion to dry land, take a surf lesson from a local surf shop like Aqua East or search the ocean for dolphins and sand bars that come and go with the tide. Kayak Amelia offers family-friendly guided excursions, including the Shell Hunter and Island Hopper tour where paddlers discover what the tide leaves behind on sand bars – sharks’ teeth, shells, crabs and more. Or head out to sea on the Dutton Island Dolphin Adventure. You'll not only catch glimpses of dolphin, but also Florida’s birds and manatees.

 Learn more about our beach activities