Jacksonville Beach Florida

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Fort Clinch
Located in historic Fernandina Beach off A1A, Fort Clinch is a restored Civil War fort. The fort was built in 1847, and the tour guides pretend they are still living in that time. The first weekend of each month a platoon of "Civil War" soldiers sets up camp at the fort and gives demonstrations. On many weekend evenings there are candlelight tours available by reservation. In addition to the fort itself, Fort Clinch has campgrounds, oceanfront facilities for swimming and changing, nature trails, picnic areas and an ocean fishing pier. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown all year.

Admission is $3.25 per vehicle (up to 8 people) and an additional $1 per person if you want to tour the fort. Camping is available for $17 per site per night with an additional $2 charge for electricity. Prices quoted are for the last time I was there. For additional information or current admission charges, call 904-277-7274.

Fort Matanzas
Fort Matanzas is between St. Augustine and Marineland on AIA and was the scene of a bloody clash between the French and Spanish in 1565. The park is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors can take a free boat ride to the restored fort on Rattlesnake Island. For information call (904) 471-0116

Guana Tolomoto Mantazas Reserve
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses nearly 55,000 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland habitat and offshore seas in Northeast Florida. The coastal waters of the GTM Reserve are important calving grounds for the endangered Right Whale. Manatees, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons find refuge in the reserve. The Guana River portion, previously known as Guana River State Park, is located on Highway A1A just south of Ponte Vedra Beach. This scenic and versatile 2,200 acre reserve offers hiking, bicycling, salt water and fresh water fishing, bird watching, beach access and parking. The park is located on a barrier island that is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Intra-Coastal Waterway. The park contains a variety of habitats that are home to a diversity of wildlife. Over 240 species of birds have been identified, including bald eagle and osprey.

The Guana River area in the preserve is a popular fishing spot offering opportunity to catch red fish, black drum, flounder and trout as well as shrimp and blue crab. The park also offers 40 miles of trails for, biking and hiking in a hardwood hammock and pine flatwoods. Entrance to the park is $2 per car and contains a variety of habitats. Boat launching is available in Guana River or Guana Lake with a 10 horsepower restriction. The park is open seven days a week. Formerly a state park, now part of a national reserve, this scenic and versatile 2,200 acre park offers hiking, bicycling, salt water and fresh water fishing, birdwatching, beach access and parking. The park is home to over 240 species of birds, including bald eagle and osprey. For more information, call (904) 823-4500. http://nerrs.noaa.gov/GTM/Highlights2.html

Kingsley Plantation
The oldest plantation still in existence in Florida is located on Heckscher Drive just north of the Mayport ferry. Now a National Park Service historic site, the location includes the plantation house, which has ranger guided programs and extensive grounds, including the ruins of the slave quarters. Kingsley Plantation is at the northern tip of Ft. George Island at the Ft. George inlet east of Jacksonville off Florida A1A. Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 11676 Palmetto Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, 32226.
(904) 251-3537
http://www.jacksonvilleflorida.com/Parks/kingsleyplantation.asp

Mayport Ferry
The crossing of the St. Johns River by AIA may be made aboard an auto ferry run by the St. Johns River Ferry Service a division of the Florida Department of Transportation. Everyone gets out of their vehicle to watch the sea birds and an occasional group of porpoises in the river. The fare is $3.50 each way for automobiles and $1.00 for pedestrians. www.stjohnsriverferry.com

Saint Augustine
St. Augustine is a short ride south on A I A from the Beaches and is a great day trip. It is even close enough to drive down for dinner or a brunch. The city’s wide variety of restaurants appeal to many tastes.

The nation's oldest permanent settlement is a popular destination. While local folk sometimes stop to visit one of the many attractions there, the shopping, restaurants and cultural activities are also high on the lists of return visitors. The restored area contains a number of small shops and is a favorite browsing area for shoppers. During the year various skits, musical presentations and events are held in the restored area with a current listing, available at the Visitors Information Center. The restored Spanish Quarter is also located here.

Among the attractions in St. Augustine are the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the Fountain of Youth, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, the Oldest House. The St. Augustine Sightseeing Train and horse-drawn carriage guides offer tours of the city while several boats offer sight-seeing trips around the harbor.

The Visitors Information Center has a film about the city, brochures maps. Nearby is St. George Street, the restored area of St. Augustine, where streets are closed to traffic. To find the center, just stay on AIA South and you'll see it across the street from Ripley's. Info: (904) 825-1000.

While visiting St. Augustine, visit Whetstone Chocolate - Northeast Florida's largest chocolate factory, Whetstone, offers free tours to the public. The tours are self-guided and a complimentary sample is given as part of the tour. The factory is located on Coke Road just off State Road 312 in St. Augustine. Tour hours are 10 am to 5:30 P.M., Monday through Saturday. Recommended times are between 10 am and 2:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Guided tours are available by reservation for groups. Call (904) 825-1700 for more information.

www.visitoldcity.com

St. Augustine Lighthouse
Climb the tower to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and explore the exhibits offered at the Lighthouse Museum. Spectacular 360 degree views of the ocean and St. Johns River. The facility is open seven days a week from 9 AM until 6 PM. Last tickets to climb are sold 15 minutes prior to closing time. The lighthouse is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 11 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32080  -  (904) 829-0745. www.staugustinelighthouse.com