Touring the city of Jacksonville comes with a lot of perks considering the appealing nature that you will encounter while on tour. The city has excellent spots scattered around, and you must be sure to identify the best areas where you can relax and take in the elements of nature. There are many spots full of nature that include parks, reserves, gardens, and waterside areas where you can watch birds and go fishing. The following are popular spots where you can enjoy nature with family for a fulfilling trip experience in the city.

Kingsley Plantation

The Kingsley Plantation inside the Timucuan Ecological and Historical preserve is a place to visit when in Jacksonville during a vacation. The plantation is one of the attractions within the preserve, which is on Palmetto Avenue in Jacksonville. Located on the inner bank of the St. John River, the plantation boasts indigenous tree covers that underscore its signature attraction. The trees offer a good shade for family picnics while enjoying the birds and the view of the river at sunset. The plantation is also a fishing destination where you can go boating and sport fishing on the St. John River with the people accompanying you on tour.

A tour of the plantation will expose you to the history of the period when enslavers bought enslaved people to work on the plantation. The slave quarters still stand, evidence of the nightmare enslaved people endured. However, the quarters add to the beauty of the plantation by introducing an element of mystery.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Located on Fort George Road, the Fort George Island Cultural State Park is one such place in the preserve to visit. The park has different aspects available to view during your tour. The natural forest cover at the fort presents a bird-watching spot where you can relax outdoors with family during the day.

The beautiful trails are conducive to hiking activities such as biking and nature walks through the serene landscapes. Other activities include camping, where you get into the forest and pick camping positions to spend the night after hiking in the daytime. The fort also borders the sea, meaning that you can spend time at the beach basking in the daytime sunlight while enjoying the open water breeze.

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

The city also provides nature spots you can visit when you want to enjoy the surroundings while watching wild animals. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a place you visit when you want to see the exotic cats in a secure space where they interact with other ecosystems and animals. Located in North East Jacksonville, the ranch has a wildlife sanctuary that attracts tourists who look for a serene place to spend time.

The sanctuary has exotic cats, including lions, tigers, pumas, and leopards, in enclosed spaces but enough space to allow them roaming freedom. Nature is conducive for family picnics if you have food and beverages.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The other nature spot is Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, where you are sure to witness the best that nature has to offer in the city. The place boasts natural landscapes that will satisfy your eyes with the natural cover and animal presence in the vicinity. The place has beautifully-tended gardens that add to its appeal, making it a conducive area for picnicking with your loved ones.

The natural tree cover forms an ecosystem where you will witness lifeforms such as anacondas and other types of snakes within safe enclosures. The land of tigers is an area within the zoo where you will witness the tigers move from one section to another over the raised trails created inside the zoo. The Range of the Jaguars is where you will see other cats kept at the zoo. The rainforest has several different animal species, including monkeys and frogs. The zoo, gardens, and animals from an ecosystem ensure a memorable time in Jacksonville.

Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens is another destination to visit when touring Jacksonville to experience appealing natural settings. The gardens are a significant attraction you will encounter first when you get to the site. The beautifully trimmed trees and flowers give the gardens a touch that takes their natural attractiveness to a higher level. This place offers good picnic sites for the family when you want to relax outdoors before or after visiting the museum.

The closeness of the gardens to the St. John River makes the trees and green cover around the area have a satisfying deep green color. The gardens contain several water fountains and pools that contribute to the coolness you will experience while walking around the place to witness its beauty.

Big Talbot Island State Park

Bordering the Boneyard Beach, the Big Talbot Island State Park is a place to visit and experience nature where the sea meets the land. The beachside park has forest cover with many old trees fallen along the beach, evidence of their long existence from many years ago. The forest cover along the park provides natural trails where you can go for a stroll and birdwatch or ride a bike.

Conclusion

The natural features in Jacksonville offer a unique feeling for first-timers who are in the city for a short period. Jacksonville boasts the country’s most parks and nature-based attractions, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts. The lake and the seaside beaches created by the internal water pathways contribute to the beautiful green nature around the mentioned sites. Preparing the necessary items for picnics and other outdoor activities will allow you maximum enjoyment in the spaces.