Are you a resident of Jacksonville, FL and looking for ways to keep everybody entertained this summer while sticking to a budget? If you want to get out and about without breaking the bank, there are plenty of free things to do that are right on your doorstep. Here are some suggestions.
Make the Drive: 3 Free Things To Do Near Jacksonville, FL
Baldwin Rail Trail
Drive your whole family in style to the Baldwin Rail Trail while enjoying the ride in your spacious and extravagant, three-row 2024 Mazda CX-90. The accessible-to-all Rail Trail begins at 2 Imeson Road and is a 15-mile-long paved pathway that hosts walking, running, skating, biking, and even a gentle trot on horseback. There are very popular bird-watching stations along the route where it’s possible to see a diverse range of our feathered friends.
Take in the pretty flowers and trees that line the path as you wind your way along, taking welcome pit stops at one of the many picnic tables provided. You can even take your dog along, although they should remain on a leash because there is always lots of wildlife out and about, including snakes, birds, land turtles, chickens, deer, and turkeys.
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve
Located at 12713 Fort Caroline Road, this preserve is a stunning, untouched protected area that consists of coastal wetlands and winding waterways. It offers historic cultural sites, salt marshes, wildlife, and a trail that weaves its way through shaded areas and stunning beaches. There’s no need to splash out on lunch as you can enjoy a relaxed picnic on one of the tables provided at Cedar Point, the Kingsley Plantation, and the Theodore Roosevelt Area.
Throughout the summer, free 1 to 2-hour events are planned for every Saturday and Sunday. Events include an open house at the Kingsley Plantation, a pop-up ranger talk, a group hike into the charming Theodore Roosevelt area, and a guided tour of the Fort Caroline grounds.
Little Talbot Island State Park
This secluded natural beauty spot is situated at 12157 Heckscher Drive. Its unspoiled beaches stretch for over 5 miles, while its bike trails are an impressive 3 miles long. Here, you can experience the unique blend of beautiful aqua waves with faded fallen trunks from ancient cedar and palm trees. Its unusual landscape creates a breathtaking and unique paradise.
Here, you can kayak along Myrtle Creek, enjoy an invigorating swim in the ocean, or take a relaxed stroll along the cool, shaded walking trail. Then you can top up your tan while sunbathing on the golden beach or cool off by paddling in the shallow waves, with the sea breeze in your hair and sand in between your toes. A wonderful time is sure to be had by all!
This mix of fantastic days out just goes to shoe that you don’t always have to spend money to have a good time. Enjoy the wildlife that inhabits the Baldwin rail trail, attend an event at the Timacuan Reserve, or spend a fun-filled day at Little Talbot Island State Park. Whichever you choose, be sure to visit Jacksonville’s Tom Bush Mazda to see our wonderful range of new and used cars.
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