City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, located in northeast Florida near the Georgia border, is one of the largest cities in the Sunshine State. It’s home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, the Gator Bowl and a wide variety of beaches, attractions, dock and dine restarants, and outdoor recreation along the Atlantic Ocean, ICW, and St. John’s River.
Boat slips and private docks for rent on canals along the Trout River and Ribault River are perfect anchorages to discover all the city has to offer. Keep reading for some ideas on what to do the next time you’re in town.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Courtesy: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Facebook
370 Zoo Pkwy. / Jacksonville, Florida 32218
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens makes a great day trip from local marinas and private boat lift rentals. Animal habitats include South America, Asia, Africa, and Wild Florida and feature animals such as African lions, Sumatran tigers, West African pygmy goats, lemurs and flamingos. There are also blue and yellow macaws, manatees, penguins and a wide array of snakes and amphibians.
Stroll through tropical, Asian and other themed botanical gardens as well as sculpture exhibits and art installations. The kids will be thrilled with the Dinosauris exhibit where they can learn about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. There’s a 4-D theater and a train and carousel. Head over to the Splash Ground water play park to cool off.
Little Talbot Island State Park
Courtesy: Little Talbot Island Facebook
12157 Heckscher Drive / Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Little Talbot Island State Park offers a secluded and undeveloped beach setting with dunes and powder white sand. The barrier island has five miles of beaches and three miles of hiking and biking trails surrounded by cedar and palm trees. Go fishing, hiking, birdwatching, camping, or kayaking along Simpson Creek.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Courtesy: Jacksonville Arboretum Facebook
1445 Millcoe Road / Jacksonville, Florida 32225
Along with beautiful gardens and trails, the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens focuses on conservation, teaching, research and recreation. There are lots of pathways and open areas for hiking, picnicking, nature viewing and birdwatching along trails filled with prickly pear, citrus, saw palmetto and oak trees. Special events include nature talks, painting events and food and beverage festivals.
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Courtesy: Catty Shack Ranch Facebook
1860 Staratt Road / Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Run by a team of volunteers, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary makes a fun and educational day trip from a private boat dock rental or slip along the ICW or an inland canal. The wildlife sanctuary rescues and provides a home and medical care for exotic animals and endangered big cats from bad situations. Its mission is to educate the public about the plight of these animals in the wild and in captivity. You can visit its resident lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and bobcats. There are even rescued horses and foxes.
Jacksonville Riverwalk
Courtesy: Wikimedia
1001 Museum Circle / Jacksonville, Florida 32207
If you’re looking for a great place to walk, run or just take in the riverfront view, head on over to the Jacksonville Riverwalk. The 1.2-mile walkway stretches along the north and south banks of the St. John’s River, making it within easy access to a boat lift or private boat slip for rent along the river. Visit Jacksonville Landing and the Riverside Arts Market or take a ride on the water taxi.
The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
Courtesy: Museum of Science and History (Facebook)
1025 Museum Cir. / Jacksonville, Florida 32207
The Museum of Science and History offers exhibits on health, coastal environments and marine animals, energy, space science, Jacksonville neighborhoods and northeast Florida history. The kids will even stay interested with fun and interactive exhibits. Check out the planetarium or peruse collections on natural science, wildlife, history and literature.
The next time you’re in Jacksonville and looking for something to do from your private boat dock rental, be sure to check out some of these sites. Let us know your favorites.
