Positioned on the east coast of Florida, Jacksonville is without doubt one of the extra underrated cities within the Sunshine State. Together with being the biggest within the U.S. by way of land space, town is residence to an limitless shoreline, sandy seashores, and virtually 300 days of sunshine per yr. When you’re new to dwelling in Jacksonville, you’ll be glad to know that there are many methods to benefit from the outside any time of the yr. So whether or not you simply purchased a home in Englewood otherwise you’re renting an residence in Seaside Haven, listed below are some out of doors actions in Jacksonville to introduce you to your new metropolis.
1. Go to one in every of many state parks in and round Jacksonville
The wonderful thing about dwelling in a metropolis like Jacksonville is that with seemingly limitless sunshine, there’s by no means a foul time to go to a state park. Fortunately, town is only a few miles away from quite a lot of them.
“Florida has top-of-the-line state park techniques within the nation,” says Samantha of Flashpacking America. “So don’t miss going to a state park close to Jacksonville. “There are a number of coastal state parks alongside the Atlantic Ocean which might be lower than an hour from Jacksonville.”
Little Talbot Island State Park, Amelia Island State Park, Pumpkin Hill Protect State Park, and so many extra are positioned simply east of town. For a day crammed with recent air, gorgeous views of nature, and out of doors actions within the Jacksonville space, make sure you pay one in every of these parks a go to.
2. Constitution a fishing boat
Residing close to water has loads of perks, and Jacksonville’s location makes it a chief spot for fishing lovers. From its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean to the St. John’s River flowing by means of the middle of town, there are many choices for fishing in Jacksonville. Whether or not you’re a seasoned professional or have by no means been fishing, you’ll be able to constitution a ship and fish off the coast or on the river. Newcomers can study the fundamentals from skilled captains and probably uncover a brand new favourite out of doors exercise in Jacksonville.
3. Take pleasure in a enjoyable night time of music and meals in Avondale
Jacksonville is stuffed with distinctive neighborhoods, with every providing its personal distinct taste. Elenis Camargo of Thirdstone Properties, an area property administration firm, recommends trying out the historic Avondale neighborhood in central Jacksonville alongside the west financial institution of the St. Johns River.
“Among the finest methods to spend a Friday night in Jacksonville is by strolling by means of the retailers on St Johns Avenue within the historic neighborhood of Avondale whereas listening to native musicians play alongside the avenue,” says Elenis. “Each final Friday of the month, Historic Avondale hosts Music in Avondale from 6 pm to 9 pm. The retailers and music are positioned on the cross streets of Talbot Avenue, Ingleside Avenue, and Dancy Avenue and have greater than sixty regionally owned and operated companies, together with bars, eating places, and bouquet retailers. We benefit from the out of doors seating at one of many many eating places on the avenue and seize some Whit’s Frozen Custard for dessert.”
4. Chill out on one in every of Jacksonville’s sandy seashores
Because the capital of the Sunshine State, it’s no shocker that Jacksonville is residence to a number of seashores, all inside a couple of minutes of downtown Jacksonville. Outside actions like browsing or paddle boarding are only a few methods to have enjoyable on the water. Whether or not you need to get pleasure from widespread water sports activities or simply sunbathe on the sand, there are many methods to benefit from the seashore. Among the many most notable are Jacksonville Seaside and Neptune Seaside within the northern a part of town and Mayport Seaside additional south.
5. Take your canine to an area Jacksonville canine park
An enormous a part of shifting to a brand new metropolis is discovering enjoyable locations to take your pets. Pets and house owners alike will love spending time outside at Brewhound Canine Park and Bar. A day right here is usually a nice out of doors exercise in Jacksonville for individuals and their furry companions.
“Brewhound Canine Park and Bar in Neptune Seaside, FL (Jacksonville Seaside) is a superb spot for canine and their people to mingle and blow off steam,” says Jacksonville native Oliver Langley of Accent Properties. “With a big number of drinks and canine actions, everybody, canine and people alike, is certain to search out one thing they like right here.”
6. Go to the Treaty Oak and extra close to the Riverwalk
Identified for its distinctive look and historic significance, the Treaty Oak is a 70-foot-tall oak tree positioned within the Southbank space of Jacksonville. It’s estimated to be about 250 years previous, predating town itself. The tree obtained its identify from an area reporter who began a false rumor that it was the location of a treaty between indigenous locals and settlers in an effort to put it aside from being chopped down.
“My advice for an exercise that’s all the time definitely worth the journey is visiting probably the most photogenic spots in Downtown Jacksonville, ” says Jacksonville-based photographer Teresa Reichert. “Treaty Oak is a fan favourite. The historical past round such a magnificence is simply as intriguing because the very branches that kiss the bottom. Additionally, make sure you go to the Riverwalk’s Mosaic Mirror Wall, which is only some paces away on the close by waterway. Friendship Fountain is alongside the Riverwalk as effectively, so get pleasure from each stunning piece of this attractive surroundings. And don’t overlook to look at the sunsetting skies over the water. It’s breathtaking.”
7. Try the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
If you consider Florida wildlife, alligators are seemingly the primary issues that come to thoughts. There are 24 crocodilian species, all of which could be discovered at Jacksonville’s St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. The ability additionally conducts analysis and assists in conservation efforts. Along with the reptiles, the park incorporates a zip line that runs all through the park. Additionally they host excursions and academic displays highlighting a various array of animals.
