A Nature Lover's Guide to Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is known for its sun-soaked shoreline, but just beyond the sand lies a side of the area most visitors never expect. Surrounded by protected preserves, coastal forests, and tidal marshes, this stretch of Northeast Florida is a haven for wildlife and outdoor exploration. From scenic hikes to hidden estuaries, the natural side of Jacksonville Beach is waiting to be discovered.
Cradle Creek Preserve
Just a few miles from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, , Cradle Creek Preserve welcomes visitors to explore scenic trails and raised boardwalks winding through marshes and maritime forests. It’s ideal for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and waterside picnics. Climb the observation platform for views of the Pablo Creek Estuary and watch for herons, egrets, and even bald eagles.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park packs 447 acres of coastal adventure into one destination. Explore over 20 miles of trails winding through mature coastal hammock, and cool off with a swim in the 60-acre freshwater lake. The park's 1.5 miles of Atlantic coastline draw shorebirds and native wildlife, making it a favorite for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike. Pavilions are also available for group events and gatherings.
GTM Research Reserve (Ponte Vedra Beach)
Discover Florida’s wild side at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Spanning 78,000 acres from Ponte Vedra to the Palm Coast, GTM protects coastal habitats filled with wildlife like roseate spoonbills, gopher tortoises, and dolphins. Explore five scenic trails, join free hikes on the first Saturday of the month, and discover hands-on interactive exhibits. The reserve is just a 30 minute drive south of Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, along A1A, and parking is only $3 per vehicle.
Big Talbot Island State Park
For a one-of-a-kind Florida beach experience, visit Big Talbot Island State Park.With skeletal trees and dark rock formations, Blackrock Beach’s dramatic shoreline is part of a protective barrier island and a stunning destination for photography. Less than an hour’sdrive from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, Big Talbot Island State Park and Blackrock Beach offer some of the most striking and unusual coastal landscapes in the state.
Little Talbot Island State Park
For wide-open spaces and untouched natural beauty, Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the most peaceful beaches in the region. About 45 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach, the park preserves over 5 miles of pristine dunes, coastal woodlands, and salt marshes, offering visitors a glimpse at Florida’s shoreline as it used to be.Huguenot Memorial Park
Located at the mouth of the St. Johns River, Huguenot Memorial Park offers a unique beach experience. Around 27 miles from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, this park is found where the river meets the sea. This meeting of waterways creates constantly-changing tides and sandbars teeming with life. From fishing and camping to kiteboarding and windsurfing, the wide-open shoreline and typically-breezy conditions make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Intracoastal Waterway
With multiple access points just minutes from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway is a calm-water contrast to the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Since this body of water stretches along the coast and winds through colorful marshes and tidal creeks, it’s the perfect place for kayakers, paddleboarders, and boaters to explore. Local outfitters and guided tours are also available. Slow down, sit back, and keep an eye out for the residential manatees.
Plan Your Escape
The perfect Northeast Florida getaway blends adventure and relaxation. When you stay at Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach, you’re within easy reach of Florida’s most breathtaking natural parks and coastal landscapes. Explore rooms and suites to plan your getaway.
