Location: Jacksonville
Top Things to do in Jacksonville
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The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Jacksonville, Florida (FL)
Although much of Jacksonville is urban, this sprawling northeastern Florida city also has nature and wildlife preserves, historic residential neighborhoods and lots of golf courses. Attractions in Jax, as the locals call it, range from art, science and history museums to a brewery tour, from the Jacksonville Landing entertainment complex, along the St. John's River, to Bronson Motor Speedway. The city's beaches offer soft sand and warm water perfect for swimming, surfing and kayaking.
Restaurants in Jacksonville
1. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,546 reviews
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity. We do not breed, sell, or trade any of our animals. Our current residents include tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, servals, bobcats, foxes, and coatimundis. Check our website for the most accurate information; generally, we are open every day in the afternoon with admittance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You can also watch our Facebook Live tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 PM, and watch our Facebook Live night feeding fundraisers on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM.
Reviewed By NJ2SC
This was the second time that my husband and I came for the evening feeding, and we were just as impressed as the first time we visited! We were shown a short video, then given a tour prior to the feeding, introducing us to each animal and telling us the story of how each animal came to their facility. This is an amazing place with amazing volunteers taking care of them. Catty Shack is big cat sanctuary (they have non-feline residence as well) where they will live for the rest of their lives. They are all well cared for, getting proper medical attention and as we observed, getting plenty of food supplemented with vitamins stuck into their food. We saw the owner in the cages, and in one case, petting a big cat’s head as he was feeding. Wow! This is truly a testament to the relationship he has with these wild beasts. The aggressive growls and roars around dinner time were impressive. Catty Shack was, once again, the highlight of our Jacksonville trip!
2. Guana Pine State Park and Wildlife Management Area
3. University of North Florida National Recreational Trails
4. Theodore Roosevelt Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Wildlife surrounds more than four miles of scenic hiking trails, including rare birds, raccoons, foxes, and turtles. Guided tours take place each Saturday afternoon to help visitors learn more about the ecological zones in the park and to point out some of the area's hard-to-spot animals.
Reviewed By DrBillT2434JY - Orange Park, United States
President Roosevelt was the father of natural parks that were preserved for us to enjoy today. Beautiful trees and waterways.
5. Castaway Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By RandiFayeC - Longwood, United States
Easy walk with lots of nature. Enjoyed the information designed for kids. Nice views of of the water. Great place for all ages.
6. Thomas Creek Conservation Area
7. Tree Hill Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Tree Hill Nature Center is a nonprofit wildlife preserve conveniently located in the midst of a Jacksonville, Florida suburb. Tree Hill is an urban wilderness of unspoiled, undeveloped land right in the heart of the city.
Reviewed By Daydream71985
Very nice visit. Walking the nature trails were nice and calming. Cost was $5. Enjoyed the goat and turtles.
8. Seaton Creek Historic Preserve
9. Reddie Point Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By justnoely - Jacksonville, United States
Tucked back in a neighborhood is this seemingly secret park. There is a long, fenced pier that is ideal for walking, fishing, or taking pictures. Local birds are abundant. There are a walking trail and access to the rocky beach.
10. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
