Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve

Considered one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast, Timucuan Ecological, and Historic Preserve has more than 6,000 years of human experience and history. The place offers hardwood hammocks, salt marshes, and coastal dunes. There is so much for everyone to see and discover, even for your dogs! 

The park was created in 1988 with the intent of protecting the salt marshes and estuaries north of Jacksonville. It is a unique National Park with more than a quarter of the land owned by the National Park Service. The state of Florida, the city of Jacksonville, and the NPS jointly run the park. 

More than half of the park is made up of grass-covered land surrounded by a maze of small waterways and creeks. Open all year round, and the preserve is also a welcoming place for pets. Dogs must always be on their leashes when at the preserve and must be cleaned up after immediately. 

There are no dog scooper bags available in the premises so pet parents must bring some for their use. Some of the outdoor activities which people can indulge in are hiking on the trails, canoeing, boating, fishing in the salt marshes, and wildlife viewing. There are also plenty of land-based activities in the surrounding state and city parks. 

If you need more information about the preserve, the staff at the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center, which is open every day except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, will be eager to help by guiding you in the right direction. A few people also research in the preserve, and there are annual science and history symposiums which are participated by students. 

There are plenty of exotic plants and animals to discover. Although visitors are removed from the hustle of the city, the preserve has access to a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Those who would like to bring their food can enjoy their meals at the picnic shelter close to the Visitor Center at Fort Caroline.