3 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Jacksonville, FL

There’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful weather of Jacksonville, FL than by visiting one of the city’s many amazing outdoor attractions. From plants and parks to animals and arboretum, this city has got it all. Keep reading to discover our favorite outdoor activities located in and around Jacksonville.

3 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Jacksonville Zoo

Jacksonville Zoo is the perfect place to travel the globe and see creatures from all around the world without ever leaving Florida. The zoo grounds span over 93 acres and are home to more than two thousand animals along with one thousand species of exotic plants. If you prefer to admire animals that are both exciting and close to home, be sure to check out the Wild Florida exhibit that houses turtles, black bears, alligators, and other native animals.

When planning your trip around the zoo, it can be helpful to remember that animals are separated by continent, and the main dining area is located in Africa. We suggest heading over to Asia first to view Komodo dragons and tigers before walking along the main pathway to Australia, where you can spot kangaroos. South America hosts jaguars, the African forest exhibit is home to giraffes, and the African plains area is the place to go for rhinos and elephants.

2. Jacksonville Arboretum

Jacksonville Arboretum is open daily for tours, special events, and the opportunity for visitors to view a wide variety of flora along a multitude of trails. Specialty plants are abundant at the arboretum, and our personal favorites range from avocado trees with enormous evergreen leaves to shrubs that produce miracle fruits that make sour foods taste sweet. Try to find your favorite plants on your walk, or simply wander around and find something new.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of exercise and nature, you can find it at the Jacksonville Arboretum. For a short and easy walk, we suggest either the lake loop trail that travels 0.3 miles around Lake Ray or the live oak trail that passes through an ancient forest. If you’re in search of a more strenuous walk, get your steps in while enjoying the beauty of the sand ridge trail through a marsh environment.

3. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit haven for endangered cats such as lions, pumas, leopards, tigers, and lynxes that are in need of a protective home. Everything is run by volunteers, and they’ve been saving the lives of abandoned and mistreated big cats for dozens of years. Before your visit, check out the resident section of their website to meet some of the animals you may see on your tour.

Daytime tours of the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary take place in the afternoon and guide visitors through the habitats of the animals. If you’re up for a little bit more, book a night feeding tour to learn from an expert and witness the big cats consume more than six hundred pounds of meat. Alternatively, younger children are sure to enjoy an enrichment tour, which allows visitors the opportunity to observe the animals engaging in a rotating array of activities.

No matter which of these amazing outdoor attractions you decide to visit first, we know that you’ll love every minute. After you’ve enjoyed your visit, swing by Tom Bush BMW to find a reliable and quality vehicle!

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