Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Orange Park

"Within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve and next to the sandy hills of Fort Caroline, The Theodore Roosevelt Area offers a variety of peaceful hiking trails where you can truly get away from it all and experience Northeast Florida’s amazing biodiversity – as well as its highest elevation!. Three different trails meander through steep hills and beautiful wooded and grassland areas. Try the 1.2-mile Hammock Trail, it gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, and then immerse yourself in culture."

"Becoming one of the most popular wildlife trails in all of Jacksonville, it's no wonder this area was named after one of the country's most adventurous presidents. The Theodore Roosevelt Area is an excellent spot for those who want to see rare animals. They've got rare birds, foxes, turtles, and more."

"600 acres of hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation are on-hand at Theodore Roosevelt Area. A wonderful place to learn more about the local ecology, take advantage of the guided tour each Saturday afternoon. With four miles of trail, keep an eye out for animals and birds."

"The ecosystems on Cary State Forest are varied and include longleaf pine/wiregrass, mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, sandhills, basin swamps and cypress domes. Wildlife species found on the forest include: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, otter, alligator, great horned and barred owl, wild hog, pileated woodpecker, yellow-throated vireo, pinewood tree frog and various venomous and non-venomous snake species."

"Florida’s second established state forest, Cary State Forest is comprised of Flatwoods, marshland, and a sandhill. With hiking and horseback riding trails, primitive camping, and the chance to see wildlife, Cary State Forest is a true outdoorsman’s dream. Nearly 13,500 acres, heading to Cary State Forest means leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city; something everyone needs from time to time."

"Cradle Creek Preserve in Jax Beach is a hidden gem that locals are very familiar with. With long shaded boardwalks it’s a great spot to capture some family pictures. Cradle Creek is typically not crowded, so you won’t have to worry about avoiding other visitors while you’re there."

"Cradle Creek Preserve is a short and sweet trail located in Jax Beach, tucked in between Jacksonville Beach Golf Club and Baptist Beaches Medical Center. The trails are nice and wide and mostly stroller-friendly. Several points of the trail take you over boardwalks and bridges."

"Tideviews Preserve is located at the end of West 1st Street and Begonia Street, west of Mayport Road. Tideviews Preserve consists of 8 acres of passive parkland. Tideviews offers a scenic view of the Intracoastal Waterway, 2500 feet of trail and boardwalk, restroom facilities, canoe launch, scenic overlook, a fishing area and public parking."

"Take in this scenic view while strolling down the boardwalk pier for amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Located in Atlantic Beach, this preserve is open til dusk."

"Here at Guana Pine State Park and Wildlife Management Area, you're not sure which one you'd prefer doing. Go hiking or stroll by the beach?. If you do the former, you'd get nicely crafted paths and clean trails."

"The Cake Shop of San Jose consists of a team of trained pastry chefs, decorators and bakers who all focus on hand made custom wedding cakes, special occasion cakes, sculpted cakes, and more. They offer a selection of ready-to-go cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and desserts as well."

"Bakersville Bread Company is a family-owned and operated bakery located just west of downtown St. Augustine. They specialize in hand-crafted European and International Artisan Bread."

"32250 Website This newly opened (and super cute) donut shop is as delicious as it is unique. It makes the list of memorable things to do with kids in Jacksonville FL for sure!. The donuts are about a third of the size of traditional donuts, so you can sample more than one flavor, and with options like Samoa, Fruity Pebbles, and Pop Tart, you won’t want to pick just one!"

"Mini Bar Donuts is located at Jax Beach and we have yet to make a trip to the beach without stopping at this popular shop. They have another location as well off of Gate Parkway. Mini Bar has 19 signature donut flavors and some examples include fruity pebbles, samoa, pop tart, maple bacon, and coffee cake."

"The drinks are mini size and of course the donuts are mini size as well. Love their donut cute and deliciou..."

"River & Post comes with a dual setting, offering both a ground floor upscale casual restaurant and a lovely 9th floor rooftop lounge. Stylish and swanky in decoration, the rooftop offers fantastic views over St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville. Calm and sophisticated in atmosphere, the rooftop bar serves handcrafted and unique cocktails, as well as appetizers and charcuterie boards from the restaurant below."

"Address: 1000 Riverside Ave #100 Jacksonville, Florida 32204. Opened in 2017, River and Post offers dishes that will get your taste buds watering and even better, jaw-dropping views of the St. Johns River all the way to Dames Point Bridge. The bar offers handmade, unique cocktails and fiery sunset views that can’t be missed."

"Whitey’s is a rambling restaurant that features a half-dozen different options at which to pull up a chair and indulge in something from its enormous menu. The Fleming Island landmark has covered seating overlooking the water and a small marina. The place is almost no-shirt, no-shoes casual (almost but not quite), which is exactly what draws crowds and boats from across Jax."

"Or, if you’re on the other side of the river, you can drop anchor or set up housekeeping at Whitey’s Fish Camp on Swimming Pen Creek in Fleming Island. In addition to a full-service bait and tackle shop, complete with boat ramp, docks and boat rentals, Whitey’s owners—children of founders Whitey and Ann Ham—included a 44-site RV park."