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Camping in Jacksonville, FL, provide campers with loads of outdoor activities in beautiful surroundings. Camp between the dunes on pristine white beaches or deep in the maritime forests and discover the Florida wilderness on miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through the diverse ecosystem. Paddle and fish in rivers, ponds, salt marshes, and the ocean, and observe an abundance of bird and animal life. more 4 Favorite Camping Destinations Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Little Talbot Island State Park Campground Pitch your tent between the dunes surrounded by Southern magnolias in the shade of a dense live oak and American holly maritime hammock on one of the very few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the state. The beautiful campground has 36 sites with water, 20 and 30 amp electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are two restrooms with hot showers, a laundry facility, and a dump station. You can experience the island's untouched beauty and the abundant birdlife hiking and biking down four miles of trails that wind through forests and salt marshes. Kayak, canoe, and fish in the tidal creeks on the edge of the campground. There is a dock, a bait cleaning station, and a boat launch. The campground also has a campfire circle, playground, and easy access to the scenic Nature Loop Trail. 2. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Campground The park runs for 450-acres along a pristine white beach where you can laze the day away in the hot Florida sun and cool off in the ocean. Wildlife such as alligators, foxes, shorebirds, and wading birds are plentiful and can be observed on over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is well known for its popular mountain biking trail suitable for both novice and experienced riders. There is a freshwater pond for fishing and paddling, and the little ones can enjoy the splash park and playground. The campground is set in a shady area in the woods with 300 tent and RV sites, or you can sleep in one of the rustic cabins. The campground has electric and water hookups, restrooms with hot showers, a dump station, and 24-hour security. There is also a camp store with everything you need to ensure a comfortable stay. 3. Huguenot Memorial Park Campground The scenic 295-acre park is on a peninsula surrounded by rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. The campground has 70 RV and tent sites with electricity. The lack of sewer and water facilities is well worth the sacrifice of sleeping on a pristine sandy beach. Pack your surfboard, kayak, and fishing gear, and if you enjoy birdwatching, the Great Florida Birding Trail cuts through the park. It's a wildlife area and is considered the prime birding destination in the county by the Duval Audubon Society. You can find out more about the conservation efforts, especially the nesting terns and shorebirds, at the Nature Center, where there are interactive displays, reference books, and knowledgeable naturalists. You are welcome to bring your pooch along to enjoy the beach with you, but your pet must be kept on a leash at all times. 4. Flamingo Lake RV Resort Camp out in your RV in the breathtaking Florida wilderness on the shores of Flamingo Lake with every modern amenity you could possibly dream of. The pet-friendly resort offers spacious back-in and pull-through RV lakefront and lake view sites. Each campsite has a gravel or paved pad, full hookups, a picnic table, and Wi-Fi. The luxury lakefront sites can accommodate big rigs with added double swing seats and raised cast iron bonfire pits. There is a laundry facility, camp store, and dump station. You can paddle, fish, and swim in the 17-acre Flamingo Lake, relax on the beach, take your four-legged friend to play at the pet area, and dine at the Flamingo Lake Sunrise Café. The resort also has a playground, clubhouse, fitness center, and swimming pool. Get ready for a camp experience of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. Visit Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville today. Our friendly and professional automotive experts will ensure that your vehicle runs at its best.

There's nothing better than a cup or cone full of cool ice cream on a hot day, and Jacksonville, FL is packed full of incredible spots to grab a frozen treat. Read on to discover our top three favorites that rise above the rest. more The Top 3 Ice Cream Places in Jacksonville, FL 1. Kilwins Kilwins is beloved by Jacksonville locals for its rich and creamy texture that spans a wide variety of flavors. They've been following the same classic recipe since 1985 that features the highest quality of ingredients, such as fresh dairy products supplied by local family farms. All of Kilwins scoops are guaranteed to be Kosher, and you can enjoy them in a freshly made waffle-cone or with hand-crafted caramel and hot fudge for an extra treat. Chocolate lovers should try either the Fudgie Brownie with chocolate flakes or the Sea-Salt Chocolate Caramel with candy swirled in; if you prefer a vanilla base, you're sure to love the All American Two Berry Pie with strawberry and blackberry. Coffee fans can savor the Cappuccino Chocolate Chip, while fruit lovers will enjoy the Traverse City Cherry with brandy sauce. Kids of all ages are sure to smile with the first bite of the multi-colored Superman. 2. Dreamette Dreamette provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic scoops, plentiful flavor choices, sundaes, floats, and more. Soft serve comes in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or a swirled combination, and we recommend enjoying it in a dipped cone for a tasty sugar rush. Banana splits are topped with strawberries, pineapples, walnuts, chocolate syrup, and a cherry. If you're extra hungry, treat yourself to a Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Bowl! Turn your single scoop into a sundae with the addition of blueberries, peaches, cherry, Snickers, Reeses, Heath, butterscotch, coconut, peanut butter, cheesecake, and more. If you're in the mood for a sweet drink, try a classic shake or malt. We highly recommend the Cake Batter, the Honeymoon, the Banana Pudding, the Thin Mint, and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 3. Mayday Mayday is the place to go for hand-crafted scoops, homemade sprinkles, freshly baked waffle cones, and pints of your favorite flavor to take on the road. Flavors rotate seasonally, so be sure to check back often to try as many as possible. In addition to their dairy-based classics, Mayday also serves up scoops in dairy-free Almond Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Mint Sorbet, Piña Colada, Sweet Lime, Toasted Coconut, and High Dive Melon made from coconut milk. Fans of fruit won't want to miss the Blueberry Toast Crunch with berry compote, the Straight Strawberry with fresh fruit, and the Ice Box Lemon with zest swirled throughout. If you're a caramel lover, the Queen Salted Caramel with pink Himalayan salt is the way to go. In addition, we'll recommend the Coffee + Donuts with bits of glazed donuts, the Cloud 9 with homemade marshmallow fluff, and the Key Lime Pie with a classic Florida flavor to just about anyone. No matter what flavor you ultimately decide on, we guarantee that one of these places is poised to become your new favorite. After savoring every last drop, swing by Tom Bush BMW for the best selection of vehicles in the state!

With so much to do in Jacksonville, FL, it's hard to narrow down which attractions you'd like to take in if you're just visiting for the weekend. With beaches, water sports, hiking trails, shopping, and nightlife, sometimes it's easy to forget about all the great golf courses in the area. The year-round excellent weather makes any time a good time to hit the links when in Jax. Here are some of the best courses in the area. more The Top 5 Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Eagle Harbor Golf Club This terrific little track is enjoyable for the entire family and all skill levels thanks to its affordable prices and forgiving fairways. The course is always in great shape and provides scenic views to take in as you make your way around the 18 holes. The greens are large and undulating which can make for a challenging day of putting but the course plays fair for the most part. The tee boxes are nicely manicured giving it that country club feel. 2. Hyde Park Golf Club This course offers a tremendous amount of bang for your buck with its super affordable green fees. It's not the longest course in the world at 6400 yards but it's plenty challenging and the greens are usually in pristine condition and play fairly fast. There's a driving range on site if you're looking to tune up your game before the round. If you prefer to walk the course, you also have that option at Hyde Park. 3. Blue Sky Golf Club This club has had some recent renovations and is in great shape. It's challenging enough for the average player but makes a great course for beginners because of the wide-open fairways. The staff is super friendly, and you won't find a pretentious vibe that some golf clubs unfortunately harbor. Be sure to head to the clubhouse for some delicious bites after the round. They have great burgers and wings to fill your belly. 4. Jacksonville Beach Golf Club This picturesque course makes for an excellent day out on the links with its well-manicured fairways and quick, elevated greens. Drink in the salty ocean breeze as you traverse the 18 holes of challenging yet fair golf. If you're a bit of a hacker be sure to bring your flippers because you'll need them to fish your ball out of the numerous water hazards. Keep an eye out for wayward alligators as they have been known to frequent the track. 5. Deerwood Country Club This course is always in fabulous condition and has the beauty to match. It's a private course so you'll need to play with a member if you go. There are multiple tee locations to suit your skill level and the fairways and greens are smooth and fast. Come early to take advantage of the great practice facility before you tee off. You'll need to hone your skills because there's a fair amount of water on the track. When the round is over, head down to Tom Bush BMW Jacksonville and check out our excellent selection of sharp new vehicles to get you to your next round in style.

Despite being one of the largest cities in the state, Jacksonville, FL will surprise you with its many miles of beautiful hiking trails. Whether you're taking a hike through one of Jacksonville's many green spaces or a stroll down near the beach, you're sure to appreciate this area of outstanding natural beauty. more 4 Favorite Local Hiking Trails Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens Jacksonville Arboretum and the surrounding gardens include many miles of trails to explore. most of them are fairly short, but walkers will love the variety of tree species and plants and the views of the man-made lake are stunning. If you prefer a more strenuous hike, then the Upper Ravine rail, located on the south side. The views from here are amazing too, especially during the winter when the lack of leaves on the trees allows you great views of the parks and cities. Another trail to attempt that will be of special interest to botanists is the Live Oak Trail which features several ancient oak trees of 100 years old or more. 2. Julington-Durbin Preserve This preserve is formed by the fork made by the confluence of two streams, Julington and Durbin Creeks. The preserve is full of lush green foliage and includes numerous diverse habitats, including low flatwoods, sandhills, and lush floodplain swamps. The preserve includes a moderately difficult trail that winds for over 20 miles through the Preserve and past a tranquil lake. While the trail is mostly flat underfoot, it does include some patches that are tricky to navigate underfoot. 3. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park The largest city-maintained park in Jacksonville, Tillie K Fowler Regional Park stretches for over 500 acres on the banks of the lower Ortega River. It is widely known as a great place for wildlife watching, with an observation tower and nature center where visitors can learn about the unique riverine wildlife here. One of the best hikes here is the Island Hiking Trail, a gorgeous trail that takes you through the peaceful forests of the park. 4. Talbot Islands State Parks Comprising of two neighboring state parks, Little and Big Talbot Islands, this area forms a stop-off point on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so you can be sure to see some incredible wildlife here. Terns are particularly common here, including the rarer Royal Tern, but you can also expect to see Wilson's Plovers, and if the lucky may even spot Bald Eagles fishing these waters during the winter and early spring. The Black Rock Trail is a great hiking trail to explore and takes you past some incredible sandy rock formations and incredible views of the river delta and the sea. These are just some of the beautiful trails to be found nearby, but whichever you decide to choose, you'll be rewarded with a chance to soak up the beautiful landscapes that Jacksonville has to offer. And, if you're looking for a new vehicle to take you on your next hike, look no further! Head down to Tom Bush BMW today, where our incredible team will be happy to help you find your new car.

Big Talbot Island State Park is one of Northeast Florida's beautiful sea islands and a natural preserve with unique eco-systems. Hiking and biking trails wind their way through breathtaking maritime forests and marshes to pristine golden beaches. Fish and paddle on the salt marsh, creeks, or in the ocean, and if you visit from November to March, you will spot the spray of Northern Atlantic Right Whales from the coast. more Top 6 Things to Do at Big Talbot Island State Park 1. Hiking Explore the beautiful island hiking and see white-tailed deer, raccoons, and gopher tortoises along the way. Hike on the Pine trail along the shoreline to the marsh. The Blackrock Trail winds through the maritime hammock and down to the beach, and the Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the coastal woodlands. The Shoreline Trail meanders to Nassau Sound and Boneyard Beach and winds through the skeletons of live oak and cedar trees near the shore. The park also offers ranger-led guided hikes on request. 2. Biking The park has miles of paved and unpaved trails for biking. Cycle down the 3.9-mile paved multi-purpose Timucuan Trail through the maritime forest and enjoy panoramic views of Spoonbill Pond and Nassau Sound. Find information on the natural wonders on the interpretive panels along the way. The Shoreline Trail, Black Rock Trail, Kings Highway, and Jones Cut provide miles of mountain biking trails through live oak forests and to the park's beaches. 3. Birdwatching The park is a haven for birdwatchers with covered birding pavillions along the elevated boardwalk at Spoonbill Pond. Here wading birds and foraging shorebirds are in abundance. You will see barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, painted buntings, and doves in the trees on the hiking trails that snake through the forest. On a stroll along the beach, birders spot brown pelicans, osprey, terns, piping plovers, and black skimmers. During the winter, bald eagles soar above the shoreline and sit in the pines at Spoonbill Pond. 4. Fishing The park is a prime destination for angling, with plenty of excellent fishing spots along the ocean shoreline, in the creeks, and the large saltwater marsh that surrounds the island. Here you can fish from the shores, boats, the floating dock, or the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier. Anglers hook whiting, redfish, speckled sea trout, and flounder all year round. The island is a popular fly-fishing area during the fall and spring flood tides when tailing reds are abundant. Off Simpson's Creek bridge, black drum is plentiful, and half-mile down the Blackrock Trail, fishermen reel in pompano and flounder at the point. 5. Boating and Paddling Boating enthusiasts have numerous options to enjoy the creeks, marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean on powerboats, canoes, or kayaks. From the southern end of the island, at Kayak Amelia, canoeists and kayakers can explore the salt marsh or float down Simpson's and Myrtle Creeks. Boaters can reach Nassau Sound and the Atlantic Ocean from the deep-water boat ramp at the north end of the island.  Kayak Amelia offers guided paddle tours and kayak and paddleboard rentals. This pristine island park's diverse habitats and abundance of wildlife is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Contact Tom Bush BMW today. Our qualified technicians are here to ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.

Jacksonville, FL, AKA Jax, has the largest city by landmass in the continental US, and it's the most populous urban center in Florida. Besides being home to numerous sandy beaches, parks, and museums, the sunshine city is also renowned for drool-worthy barbecues. Let's examine the best barbecue joints to gratify that yearning for a smoked, juicy, fall-off-the-bone rib. more Where to Get the Best Barbecue in Jacksonville, FL The Bearded Pig When you are famished in Jax, the generous food portions served in this Southern barbecue joint will deliver the hunger justice you deserve. The unique menu offers delicious briskets, smoked wings, racks of ribs, chicken, sausage, pork, and turkey. The yummy banana pudding and the Nutella brownie sundae are some of the most famous dessert options at the eatery. ABBQ Meat & Drink Locally owned and run, the ABBQ Meat & Drink restaurant embraces Jax's outdoor dining culture by providing a giant backyard for outdoor events, kids' play, or even a relaxing point as you devour smokehouse favorites. Try out pulled pork, smoked turkey breasts, cab prime brisket, and house sausage. The taste is heavenly, especially when combined with sides such as potato casserole. Berndt Ends BBQ Berndt Ends BBQ has evolved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar food outlet over the years. The restaurant's appetizing briskets have won numerous awards in the BBQ sector. For an unforgettable treat, try out unique delicacies such as the smoked collards, jalapeno poppers, smoked bacon, and the Crac Mac. Wash down the meal with sweetened Southern tea or their award-winning sauce prepared from scratch. There's always a flavorful recipe for everyone. Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar Considering that Mojo Kitchen is located on a beach, the restaurant boasts a wide variety of daily fresh seafood, delicious salads, grilled shrimps, blackened catfish, and flat-iron steak. The BBQ options include smoked chicken, dry-rub spareribs, beef brisket, and turkey breast. Order standout sides such as black-eyed peas, garlic cheddar grits, and smoked yellow corn to impress your friends or date. Gators BBQ Gator is a family-owned quick-service restaurant with an inviting atmosphere. The BBQ is a blend of sweet and savory sauces that are enough to jumpstart your appetite. Try out smoked BBQ favorites such as chicken tenders, turkey breast, pork, baby back ribs, and pork chop san. Banana pudding is Gator's most famous dessert, perhaps because of its sweet tang. Monroe's Smokehouse BBQ & Catering For a Southern hospitality family experience, Monroe's hearty feasts of smoked meat platters, traditional sides, and sandwiches are irresistible. From the Carolina pork to smoked Texas platters, you cannot miss something to gratify your cravings. The best part, order "Monroe's On The Go" for a full buffet catering service at your desired location. Jax's unlimited fun spots, varied eateries, warm beaches, and vibrant city life have many exciting experiences awaiting you. Stop by Tom Bush BMW to test-drive your dream luxury car. We offer irresistible lease and sales deals to clients looking forward to exploring our eclectic neighborhoods in a posh BMW.

Mexican food stands out as one of the most beloved cuisines in North America, and in the state of Florida. If you are in the Jacksonville area, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from when you are in the mood for some delicious Mexican food. We are here today to take a detailed look at 4 popular Mexican restaurants in Jacksonville, FL. more 4 Popular Mexican Restaurants in Jacksonville, FL 1. Tequila's Town Mexican Restaurant Tequila's Town Mexican Restaurant has been in operation for over 50 years, which certainly adds to the expertise of this restaurant's staff and the reliable consistency of each one of the dishes on its menu. At Tequila's Town, you can expect only the highest standards in terms of ingredients, preparation, and presentation. The dishes here reflect authentic Mexican cooking and give them a modern twist that is sure to impress even the most regular consumer of Mexican food. To start your meal, some of the appetizers here are memorable, such as the Platano Macho Con Queso Fresco. The Pura Vida Tex Mex Bowl is a great choice for those who are searching for an entree that represents modern Mexican cuisine, as are the Tacos De Rajas. Make sure you enjoy some of the tasty drink specials such as the Prickly Pear Margarita or the Jalapeno Margarita. Alcohol is intended for adults of legal drinking age only. 2. El Potro Mexican Restaurant El Potro has a menu full of classic dishes that are flavorful and bold. We suggest trying out some of the specials, which give you a glimpse into all varieties of Mexican food in the modern world. Tradition is respected here, as reflected in every dish on the menu. We can't conclude our talk of El Potro Mexican Restaurant without mentioning some of their special dishes, such as the Chilaquiles Verdes and Bistec a la Tampiquena. 3. La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant Those who are craving some authentic Mexican dishes will not need to look any further than La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant. At this local favorite, you can find all sorts of classic dishes such as Shrimp Cocktail, Bistec Jalisco, and Pollo Loco. The menu here is vast, so be sure to explore plenty of dishes and options before making a final choice. 4. Casa Maria Authentic Mexican Restaurant Casa Maria rounds our list with its memorable dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and unique take on authentic Mexican food. We have to suggest that you try out some of the special dishes here such as Camarones a la Diabta or the Bistec Ranchero. This restaurant is a staple in Jacksonville, and for good reason. Those who are craving some tasty Mexican food will not have to look far when they are in the Jacksonville area, as the list of restaurants above showcases. We hope that you and the rest of your group are able to locate your new favorite spot the next time you're in town. Contact Tom Bush BMW today for more information about all of the different vehicles and financing options that our dealership has to offer you and your loved ones.

Want to get out for some fun in the sun? There's no better place to enjoy the great outdoors in our area than at Jacksonville Beach. Whether you're just looking to set up your blanket and soak up some rays or you want to get a little adventurous on your day at the beach, this spot is perfect for anybody. Below we'll go over some advice that will help you get the most out of your day in the sun. more 5 Tips for Visiting Jacksonville Beach 1. See the First Coast Up Close So called because it was the first area early settlers came to, Florida's First Coast gives you some of the most stunning beach scenes our state has to offer. Thousands of visitors come from all over to see the golden sands and beautiful water this area has to offer. Our state's unique climate makes the perfect weather for a day out at the beach, whether you want to swim and wade or just soak up the shoreline. 2. Enjoy Some Fishing Those who enjoy a bit of fishing have got to come down to this beach to see the famous fishing pier. Whether you want to cast right from the pier or take a boat out onto the waves, this place is the perfect spot for your next fishing outing. All sorts of fish can be caught off of Florida's coasts, from gulf sturgeon to swordfish, making your next catch an adventure. 3. Play Beach Games If fishing isn't your speed, you'll find plenty of other activities to keep your day at the beach fun and exciting. You can play some beach volleyball out on the sand or get out on the waves for a bit of surfing. There's also a newly redesigned golf course along the shore that will let you play your holes while enjoying some stunning views of the nearby coastline. 4. See Local Wildlife You may have some guests on your day out on the beach in the form of all the local animals our area has to offer. You'll see all sorts of crabs and other beach critters living out their lives in the sands, along with seagulls swooping down to feed along the shoreline. But the real delight for visitors to the beach is the dolphins that can be seen swimming around just past the surf line. 5. Enjoy Local Eateries Once you work up an appetite playing on the beach, you can get a great meal at one of the local restaurants found nearby. This includes the high-end dining experience the Eleven South Bistro offers, with beach-perfect meals like baked oysters or seafood paella. You'll get a taste of local flavor and the perfect way to cap off your day at the beach. Ready to get out there on your beach adventure? We can help you get to the shore by making sure your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained. Come on in to Tom Bush BMW to keep your car running right!

Nothing beats a delicious breakfast at a top-quality restaurant when it comes to starting your day off  right, and both locals and visitors to Jacksonville, FL can enjoy a morning meal at one of the city's many diners, bakeries, and more. There are hundreds of restaurants that serve morning meals in the area, but we've narrowed it down to the three best breakfast places. Read on to find out what we picked. more 3 of the Best Breakfast Places in Jacksonville, FL 1. Maple Street Biscuit Company Maple Street Biscuit Company is locally owned and committed to serving comfort classics with a modern and flavorful twist. Biscuits are made fresh every morning, and you can choose between sausage gravy and shiitake mushroom gravy for a slightly spicy and tasty addition to any meal. All of the jam and jellies are also made from scratch, so be sure to sample your favorite flavors and experience the high-quality difference. Any of the biscuit meals is a guarantee to a winning breakfast, but we particularly enjoy the Sticky Maple with pecan wood-smoked bacon and Bissell Family Farm maple syrup, the Five and Dime with all-natural chicken breast and cheddar cheese, and the Firebird with tomatoes and house-made buffalo sauce. If you're not a biscuit fan, try the BAM vanilla waffle with bacon and asiago cheese baked in or the Sunshine in the Garden Bowl with feta cheese and basil. 2. Another Broken Egg Cafe Another Broken Egg Cafe sources the ingredients for its extensive menu from local farmers. Treat yourself to a S'mores Hot Chocolate paired with one of the Sweet Temptations such as the Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a rum butter sauce drizzle, the Blackberry Stuffed French Toast topped with mango, or the Lemon Blueberry Goat Cheese Pancakes made with fresh berries and finished with a combination of lemon zest and fresh whipped cream. Egg lovers should try an omelet such as the Mardi Gras Omelet with crawfish, red peppers, and gulf shrimp, while diners who prefer scrambles will enjoy the Southwest Scrambled with chorizo, guacamole, and green chilies. If you prefer your eggs sandwich-style, Another Broken Egg Cafe has a wide range of Benedict options including the Crab Cake Benedict with andouille-infused hollandaise and the Eggs Blackstone Benedict with grilled tomato slices. 3. Cool Moose Cafe Cool Moose Cafe is a family-owned restaurant with a passion for serving tasty handcrafted meals to the Jacksonville area. We're having a hard time choosing between the Cool Moose Favorites such as the Breakfast Portobello filled with sauteed veggies and shaved parmesan, the Irish Hash made from grilled potatoes and Kohlrabi, and the Desayuno Costa Rica that includes scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese in a corn tortilla and served with sweet plantains. Fans of egg sandwiches are sure to enjoy the Hemingway Benedict with smoked salmon, the Mexican Benedict with avocado or the Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich of All Breakfast Sammys made with four eggs, bacon, ham, and spicy ghost jack cheese served on a slice of Ciabatta. Stop by the griddle for treats like the Brioche French Toast with walnuts or the Spicy Chicken & Waffles with Vermont maple syrup. Head over to any of these breakfast places to lift your mood and brighten your morning. Once you've savored your meal, stop by Tom Bush BMW to browse Florida's finest collection of cars, trucks, and more!

You probably think you have to hop on a plane and travel across the globe to see exotic animals. Maybe you find yourself planning on taking a long drive to get just a whiff of fresh air. You may think it's impossible that both of these things can be found right in urban Jacksonville, but you would be wrong. All these experiences could be yours if you stop by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens off Route 17. more Here Is What the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Has to Offer Exotic Animals From the grasslands to the Sahara, the Jacksonville Zoo has it. Come on down and see the African Lion. This is a roughly six-foot long cat that weighs anywhere from 330 to 550 lbs. But, if you want to go bigger for an experience you'll be sure to remember, you'll have to travel further down the zoo's “Africa Loop.” That's where you'll find the African Elephant. This massive pachyderm can weigh up to 13,000 lbs. Have an Avian Adventure Bring the kids to see the bird known for bringing kids: the Abdim's Stork. This black beauty with lovely blue eyeshadow can be found in the zoo's River Valley Aviary. Another fine bird to see is the pearly white African Spoonbill, a red-faced bird that can be found across Africa and Madagascar. Also, be sure to check out the American Flamingo. Did you know their bright pink color comes from their diet? Eye-Popping Garden Atmosphere Once you have taken in the animal life, be sure to stop and smell the flowers at one of the many gardens on-premises. Most of the gardens are situated along the zoo's “River of Color,” where the first display is the Savannah Blooms, a lovely sea of purple complete with African water lilies and other water edge plants. Be sure to also check out a neotropical rainforest at the Range of the Jaguar and the Asian Bamboo Garden. Benefits for Members Are you tired of seeing all the pack animals and feeling left out? Well, now you can join the herd and enjoy all the benefits that the zoo offers. A zoo membership helps take care of the animal's food and medical needs. In addition to that, you will enjoy access to the zoo's 4D theater with unlimited train and carousel rides. Plus, members enjoy access to animal feedings. That could be you feeding a stingray, giraffe, or lorikeet. Learning Opportunities The zoo has plenty to offer children beyond the sights and the feedings. Kids have numerous opportunities to learn about the zoo's many conservation efforts. Who knows: maybe they will even be inspired at one of the zoo's career awareness days. If you feel inspired by the speed and power that some of these animals possess, then you will need to make another stop. The good news is you will not have to go far for that, either. If you need a powerful new ride, be sure to head on down to Tony Bush BMW and save some cash on a good deal.