Nature and Outdoors

Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the U.S.—and that represents just one facet of the many outdoor opportunities in the metro area. There are over 100 miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails. The St. Johns River and the inland waterways are ideal for fishing, boating and kayaking and there are marshes galore in which you can find wildlife in its natural habitat.  

A short drive from Jacksonville, Amelia Island State Park is over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. In addition to its beautiful beaches, salt marshes, and coastal maritime forests, it is the only state park in Florida to offer horseback riding on the beach. 

Located on one of Northeast Florida’s unique sea islands, Big Talbot Island State Park is a favorite location for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. Centuries of wind and water have eroded the exposed shoreline coast, creating a 20-foot bluff along the shore. The park’s famous boneyard beach is covered with the skeletons of oak and cedar trees that once grew near the ocean.

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.