Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Ribault Monument is a tribute to French explorer Jean Ribault. Built in 1927 and designed by Jules Robert Roemers, it is a memorial to the 1562 French settlers that Ribault had brought to Florida 400 years ago. The Monument measures 24 feet tall and is composed of limestone blocks with a bronze tablet at its base inscribed with the explorer's name and the dates of his explorations. It was placed on the National Register Historic Places in 2012.

Fort Caroline National Memorial serves as a monument to the brief presence of French colonists along the St. Johns River in 1564 - 1565. Visitors to the Fort can explore a recreated 16th century French fort, witness Native American shell mounds, pay tribute to those that died at this colonial battleground including Spanish soldiers who replaced the French at the fort, and even spot some variety of threatened species in their natural environment such as gopher tortoises or bald eagles.

An attempted French colonial settlement. It was established under the leadership of René Goulaine de Laudonnière on June 22, 1564, as a new territorial claim in French Florida and a safe haven for Huguenots. The French colony came into conflict with the Spanish, who established St. Augustine in September 1565, and Fort Caroline was sacked by Spanish troops under Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 20. The Spanish continued to occupy the site as San Mateo until 1569.

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

A cable-stayed bridge over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Construction began in 1985 and was completed in 1989. The main span is 1,300 feet (396.2 m), and is 175 feet (53.3 m) high.

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.