20 Attractions to Explore Near Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, located in Louisiana and several other states, are a collection of museums dedicated to preserving and showcasing historic documents and manuscripts. The museums were founded by David Karpeles, a businessman and philanthropist, with the goal of making rare and valuable manuscripts accessible to the public.

Ship models, military vehicles, uniforms, weapons, equipment, and flags are on display at the Military Museum of North Florida. The museum was built in 2007 on Bunker Avenue.

On the western bank of the St. Johns River lies Green Cove Springs Park. While the St. Johns River's cool breeze sweeps through the Park, Spanish moss draping the majestic oaks comes to life as the cool breeze of the river blows.

Spring Park is an enjoyable destination for both visitors and Clay County locals alike. A short drive east of Green Cove Springs, the park provides a variety of recreational activities from kayaking and fishing to hiking on 5 miles of nature trails. The beautiful lakefront setting creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in all its glory. There are also plenty of picnicking spots around the lake, perfect for family gatherings.

Jacksonville Beach is a wonderful destination for beachgoers. With its miles of white sand, gentle surf, and exciting amenities, Jacksonville Beach has something to offer every type of visitor. Among the popular activities you can find along the coast are parasailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Families can enjoy long days at the beach building sandcastles and playing games or take a break at one of the numerous restaurants located close to the shoreline.

This Pier is one of the most iconic spots in the area. Stretching 750 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the best ocean fishing and sightseeing opportunities around. Anglers can find a wide variety of species here throughout the year such as tarpon, cobia, flounder, kingfish, Spanish mackerel and much more. This pier has a bait shop and tackle store so that you can remain fully equipped while fishing. In addition to this, you have access to stunning views.

St Johns Town Center is a prime shopping destination in the heart of Jacksonville, it's an outdoor mall with dozens of stores and countless amenities. This bustling new center has much to offer, from bistro-style dining to high end clothing stores. It's well connected too, being only a short drive from downtown Jacksonville. St Johns Town Center provides easy access to all sorts of activities like the latest movie releases at Regal Cinemas and relaxation at nearby beaches.

Alhambra Dinner Theatre is a unique entertainment experience that blends the traditional components of live theater with the trappings of a classic dinner. Visitors to the theater are treated to a night out of fine dining and professional plays, skits and musicals. It offers a variety of hit plays throughout its season, ranging from Broadway-style revivals to beloved classics. Their renovated auditorium provides top-level acoustics and lighting system to enhance every aspect of the production.

Doctors Lake is a beautiful spot for those who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors. With its crystal clear waters and mesmerizing landscape, there's no shortage of activities at this picturesque lake. Boating and fishing are popular activities, with a wide variety of species available to catch. You can find largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, spotted seatrout and many other aquatic creatures that make their home in these waters.

The area known as Black Creek in Clay County, Florida offers a unique mix of rural and natural beauty. The area has been settled by some Native American tribes since the early 1800s, but is best known for gorgeous panoramic views featuring a winding river, lush vegetation, and picturesque lakes. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, and kayaking in these pristine habitats or head to nearby hiking trails if they're looking for more of an adventure.

Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park honors the late Ronnie Van Zant, a legendary musician and singer-songwriter who was a member of the iconic rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. Situated in Clay County, Florida just outside of Jacksonville, the park spotlights not only Ronnie's legacy but also offers its visitors plenty to enjoy. Stroll along winding walking trails that snake past springs and beautiful natural ponds, or kayak out onto the marshy waterway flanked by sawgrass mountain rainforests.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is an outdoor recreation area like no other. Spanning over 500 acres, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, immaculate beaches, freshwater lakes and marshes, and lush natural areas. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or an area to explore outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking, this park is ideal. Boasting nearby swimming pools and plenty of designated picnic spots perfect for a family outing, few places rival the sense of adventure.

Belmore State Forest consists of two separate tracts totalling 12,262 acres. On the northern side is the Satsuma Tract, which borders Camp Blanding, while on the southern side is a tract of 8,737 acres.

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a stunning 125-acre preserve bursting with Florida’s native flora and fauna. The arboretum offers visitors five trails which weave throughout seven distinct landscapes. From mossy forests to picturesque ponds, each trail showcases the essence of Northern Florida’s unique ecology. The preserve also includes a Native Plant Demonstration Garden, an 80-foot observation tower, butterfly garden, educational kiosks and programs, as well as public events

Tree Hill Nature Center is a tranquil escape from our busy everyday lives. Nestled amongst the trees of native Florida woodland and wetlands, the center provides visitors with opportunities to view wildlife up close. The center features a one-mile loop of nature trails that wind through the surrounding forest, scenic boardwalks over the wetlands, and a butterfly garden where visitors can truly engage with their surroundings and observe hummingbirds, butterflies and various species of plants.

The Theodore Roosevelt Area is an area rich in history and culture. It was once the home of many native tribes such as the Timucua and Mocama that have since vanished. Visitors to the area can explore the forests and wetlands, guided by an interpretive habitat trail highlighting the unique habitats and their inhabitants. In addition to these natural features, visitors will also find historical markers commemorating important sites including Fort Caroline and Kingsley plantation.

The Hart Bridge is a monumental structure providing an easy route across the St. Johns River. Built in the late 1980s and stretching just over 1.5 miles, it is a vital link connecting Jacksonville to bustling downtown Atlantic beach communities. Over 20 million vehicles crossed through on the bridge in 2018, making it one of the most typically utilized bridges in the state of Florida. It stands tall as a distinct piece of the infrastructure network found in and around Jacksonville.

Stockton Park is an excellent destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stockton offers more than 370 acres of sprawling green moss-draped oaks, scenic trails, open meadows and marsh. It is the perfect place to explore nature by participating in activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. Additionally, the park offers kayaking, picnic areas with grills, a boathouse to launch your own boat or canoe and even opportunities for fishing or bird watching.

Friendship Fountain is an iconic, historical landmark that continues to captivate locals and tourists alike. Built in 1965 for the Palma Ceia Centennial Celebration, it remains one of Jacksonville's most recognizable symbols today. On a beautiful evening, visitors can take a peaceful stroll around the fountain and enjoy the colorful light displays and the sound of cascading waterfalls. The decorative tiled backdrop changes throughout the year with vibrant floral patterns.

Mathews Bridge is an iconic and beloved structure, which was built to connect the city of Jacksonville to Mandarin and San Jose Island, crossing the St. Johns River. This incredible bridge is supported by three steel arches and totals a length of 2,500 feet. Mathews Bridge was opened to traffic in 1953, making it one of the oldest and longest bridges in Florida. Not only does It serve as a significant transportation route for the city, but it is also popular among tourists for its majestic views