The following article was originally published on travelwhistles.com on 4/12/18.
If you love white sandy beaches and sea air, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors in Jacksonville, Florida. The city is located along the Atlantic Ocean and offers miles of beachfront space. Don’t miss these best outdoor attractions in Jacksonville.
Run or Walk on 22 Miles of Beaches
Enjoy a walk or run along Jacksonville’s beaches. The city boasts three beaches that are relatively uncrowded compared to other Florida tourist spots. You can book a hotel room near the beach to enjoy the sunset every night. Jacksonville Beach offers the most shops and restaurants to break up your time on the sand.
Surfers can ride the waves at Neptune Beach. Arrive early to get a spot on the street since parking is limited. If you prefer to stroll through parks and nature preserves, why not spend a day at Atlantic Beach?
Visit Wildlife at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
It’s easy to get in your 10,000 daily steps when you visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Billed as a “walking safari,” the zoo offers acres of paths and hundreds of exotic animals. See popular attractions including the Giraffe Overlook and Range of the Jaguar. Book a room near the zoo and take time to enjoy all of the exhibits and shows.
Kids can cool off in at the Play Park and Splash Ground. Children can navigate mazes to find the Splash Ground. During the walk, the whole family can enjoy exhibits featuring squirrel monkeys, penguins, and pygmy goats. After a day in the sun, relax and enjoy dinner at nearby Junior’s Seafood Restaurant and Grill.
A quick ride from the zoo is the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Jacksonville. Stay nearby and head to the brewery visitor’s center to sign up for the Budweiser Brewery Experience. Enjoy the self-guided tour as you see all the steps that go into making the perfect beer. Adults can enjoy a sample of fresh beer at the end of the tour.
Play a Few Rounds of Golf
Golfers can try a variety of golf courses outside the city. Choose a hotel near the University of North Florida for convenient access to a few top-rated golf courses. Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, Windsor Parke Golf Club, and Jacksonville Beach Golf Club are just a few miles from the campus. Play 18 roles, take a break in your hotel room and then head to the beach to watch the gorgeous sunset.
Kayak at Little Talbot Island State Park
Take a quick 30-minute ride outside the city to enjoy the nature preserves at Little Talbot Island State Park. Take a guided kayak tour through the salt marshes. Experience the beauty and wildlife of undeveloped land. If you’re up for a challenge, try stand-up paddleboard yoga, or tai-chi paddleboarding. The park also offers camping, hiking trails, and swimming.
Jacksonville offers families a variety of options to enjoy the outdoors. Miles of beaches, a zoo, parks, and golf courses offer something for everyone to enjoy. You can experience warm weather and outdoor recreation all year long in Jacksonville.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
