Nature - Outdoors Itinerary

With 111,669 acres of parks, Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the country, taking pride in protecting the natural beauty of the area for all visitors to enjoy.

Explore the natural wonders of Northeast Florida with an itinerary filled with fun and new adventures. Start your day with a virtual ranger tour of Saturiwa Trail at Little Talbot Island. The trail winds through the island featuring natural and cultural points of interest. Stop by the ranger station to borrow a CD recording of the tour and get ready to learn about "Old Florida." While at the park ranger station, be sure and pick up the latest schedule of interpretive park ranger programs - with topics ranging from shark tooth fossil identification to learning about the area's sea turtles. Whether it's searching the five miles of sandy beaches for shells or biking one of the many trails, this undeveloped barrier island is perfect for a fun-filled day.

Next, take a guided kayaking tour through the salt marshes of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve with Kayak Amelia, the area's source for kayak rentals and tours. The Kingsley Plantation kayak tour navigates through the Fort George River recreating the atmosphere and view that natives experienced on their arrival to what is now the state's oldest standing plantation house. The tour takes a break at the plantation, to walk the grounds and learn the history of the fascinating Kingsley family. While you're there, be sure to talk to park rangers to learn some great trivia about the surrounding area.

If dry land is more your style, get a unique perspective of Northeast Florida on a guided Segway eco-history tour with EcoMotion Tours. Experience wildlife and history in a setting like no other, traveling through off-road paths in the heart of Fort George Island. All tours are guided, with riders equipped with a wireless headset to learn from guides of native plants, animals and history of the trails. Segways are remarkably easy to master, however riders must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds, and be able to perform such tasks as going up and down stairs without assistance, and without using a handrail. Never been on a Segway? Don't worry - a comprehensive training and practice session is required prior to each tour.

Afterwards, travel across the St. Johns River on the historic Mayport Ferry. This legendary, unique transportation connects Highway A1A to the beaches area in addition to being in close proximity to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Visitors will relish the opportunity to hike, bike, swim, and run along the miles of nature trails and pristine white-sand beaches. A 450-acre nature lovers' paradise, Hanna Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the city's park system. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the park features hiking and biking trails, gorgeous beaches, campgrounds and a water play area for children. Spend the night in a tent or one of the many "cozy cabins" or sleep under the stars in your own tent. Campsites, nearly 300 of them, nestled in the woods along winding, paved roads, appeal to individuals with a real desire to get back to nature. Interested in camping overnight at the park? Make reservations early as the prime spots overlooking the ocean get scooped up quickly!