With so many bodies of water in and around it, Northeast Florida is a boat enthusiast’s paradise! Residents of Jacksonville, FL are ideally located within the region, especially since it boasts a longer coastline than any other city in the state. So, take advantage of your Mazda CX-9’s 3,500-pound towing capacity and take the boat out to any of these fine boating spots!
Take the Car and Check Out These 4 Great Boating Destinations Near Jacksonville FL
1. St. Johns River Along Downtown Jacksonville
What better way to take in the sights and sounds of downtown Jacksonville than by taking a cruise in your own boat on the St. Johns River? First, you’ll want to head over to the Southbank area’s St. Johns Marina, which serves as the perfect spot to launch your boat. Once you hit the river, look to the north to get an amazing view of the Central Core’s beautiful waterfront. Head east and you’ll be able to see Metropolitan Park and the Hart Bridge.
2. Jacksonville Beach
If you’re into water sports and ocean fishing, then Jacksonville Beach will surely become one of your favorite places to take your boat. Don’t forget to bring along your fishing gear since there are great opportunities to catch grouper, bluefish, sea trout, flounder, and much more! After launching your boat, try heading to the Mayport Jetties near the mouth of the St. Johns River, which is considered one of the best areas to catch fish.
While you’re exploring the coast, you might even get the chance to meet a few members of the local dolphin population!
3. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
This gorgeous 46,00-acre preserve is the perfect place for smaller boats to explore and features some of the First Coast’s most interesting landmarks. The preserve consists of a diverse system of waterways and wetlands where visitors can view a wide variety of wildlife. Boaters can also make a stop close to the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which is the site of an attempted French settlement that was attacked by the Spanish in 1565.
Enter the Fort George River within the preserve and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Kingsley Plantation, the state’s oldest standing plantation.
4. Bird Island
The aptly named Bird Island is located in Nassau Sound between the southern tip of Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island, which has been classified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Numerous bird species have come to inhabit Bird Island, including the American oystercatcher, black skimmer, brown pelican, and laughing gull. There are also various species of tern in the area.
Boaters who count themselves as avid birders won’t want to miss out on visiting this location!
While the area surrounding Jacksonville is filled with destinations for boaters, these places definitely offer some of the most unique experiences. Do you also love driving cars? Head on over to Tom Bush Mazda today and test drive one of our exciting new models!
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
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