Florida’s Most Underrated Destination For Nature Lovers

On the subject of top-tier ecotourism locations throughout the Sunshine State, locations just like the Everglades, Crystal River, and Sanibel Island are inclined to dominate the dialog—however they’re removed from the one locations value visiting throughout Florida. Within the northeast nook of the state, the town of Jacksonville is house to a largely-unsung nature scene, outfitted with pristine seashores and tangled mazes of forest all inside metropolis limits. Should you’re planning an ecotourism-focused Florida getaway within the close to future, don’t miss out on this sprawling metropolis.

Exploring Jacksonville’s Wild Coronary heart

Somewhat-known truth about Jacksonville is that it’s the biggest metropolis by space within the contiguous United States—and for these hoping to search out native wildlife mingling throughout the idyllic shoreline inside metropolis limits, it’s finest to go east.

There are greater than 80,000 acres of protected land to discover throughout the town, however for newcomers to Jacksonville, don’t miss out on the Talbot Islands. This pair of related preserves—Little Talbot Island State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park, to be exact—is house to a wealth of native Floridian fauna together with white-tailed deer, opossums, bobcats, and a big selection of shorebirds, and one among Jacksonville’s most spectacular sights may be discovered within the northern reaches of Large Talbot. Referred to as Boneyard Seashore, this large expanse of shoreline is roofed in tangled plenty of sun-bleached driftwood, making it a really important vacation spot for soaking within the ample great thing about the Jacksonville coast.

For these hoping to achieve some perception into the pure and cultural historical past of the area with an added dose of out of doors journey, be certain to enroll in an expedition with Kayak Amelia. Throughout a guided tour, friends will spend about three hours paddling alongside the idyllic coast of Fort George Island whereas their skilled information factors out key chicken, fish, and reptile species that decision the world’s native salt marsh house. Midway by the journey, the group will cease alongside a close-by sandbar for a welcome relaxation, permitting further alternative to seek for seabirds and scour the tidepools for tiny hermit crabs and different indigenous Floridian fauna.

Nature Meets Civilization at Jacksonville’s Seashores

Although Jacksonville’s large state parks are the highest vacation spot for wildlife and pure magnificence, that doesn’t imply the remainder of the coast is devoid of nature. Working example—Jacksonville’s neighboring beachside communities, outfitted with 22 miles of sandy shoreline to discover.

A paradise for shoreside rest, the Duval County coast is lined with top-tier lodging starting from the One Ocean Resort and Spa to the Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront—and for wildlife lovers visiting the world, there’s no have to enterprise far to search out a few of your favourite feathered mates wandering throughout the surf. Shorebirds abound round right here, with common appearances by royal terns, brown pelicans, sanderlings, and even black skimmers. For finest outcomes, be sure you head out at dawn for optimum chicken viewing, and possibly comply with up your early morning stroll with a session at MBody Yoga.

After a bit early morning rest, guests can hold the journey going with a lesson from Jax Surf & Paddle, one of many area’s foremost authorities on all issues ocean-related. Newcomers to the world of browsing are welcome to enroll in a newbie lesson, whereas extra skilled athletes can enroll themselves in an intermediate course, with public, personal, and group classes all accessible for reserving. Should you’re intimidated by the prospect of cruising alongside the Florida surf, there’s no want to fret—Jax Surf & Paddle additionally gives programs in standup paddleboarding, educating college students easy methods to take a leisurely cruise alongside the glassy waters of the close by Intracoastal Waterway.

Enjoyable Between Seashore Excursions

A protracted day filled with browsing, kayaking, and birding is for certain to work up an urge for food, and luckily, Jacksonville’s coast is house to a thriving food and drinks scene. For early risers, Southern Grounds and Homespun Kitchen are two can’t-miss spots for a hearty post-sunrise breakfast, whereas avid seafood followers can discover Abaco conch fritters, shrimp and grits, and a wealth of different hearty dishes at North Beach Fish Camp, a comfortable spot discovered within the coronary heart of Atlantic Seashore. Should you’re hoping to discover the coast’s beer scene, don’t miss out on Engine 15, a Jax Seashore venue that’s house to a plethora of top-notch brews starting from the refreshing J’ville Lemon Shandy to the caramel-loaded Nut Sack Double Brown Ale.

After a few days spent testing the coast, there’s much more nature to be discovered close to Jacksonville’s city core. Geared up with 120 acres of carefully-maintained vegetation, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens are a paradise for visiting nature lovers. There are seven distinct nature trails to select from right here, with tidal marsh, longleaf pine, and upland hardwood ecosystems all gracing the panorama. Should you’re trying to find Floridian fauna alongside iconic creatures from all throughout the globe, the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens are the right spot for a manatee, jaguar, and gorilla-filled day journey.