Fort Caroline National Memorial

Things To Do Near Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline National Memorial sits on a spectacular stretch of well-preserved Florida wilderness. The recreated historic sites are the main attractions, but you'll also find plenty of outdoor fun. Hike the trails through the memorial and the adjacent Timucuan Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Area. The backwaters near the memorial are calm and easy to paddle, so you may want to rent a canoe or kayak and launch from the various boat ramps in the park.

Hiking Trails

• Spanish Pond Trail

  Hike through the lush Florida foliage on the Spanish Pond Trail. This popular trail starts out as a boardwalk that travels through the forest, eventually transitioning into a dirt trail. The heavy vegetation creates plenty of shade, and the terrain is flat and easy to navigate. As you hike, imagine what it was like for the Spanish soldiers to fight through the undergrowth in the 1500s. When you get to Spanish Pond, climb the overlook tower for an exceptional view.

  Location

  Fort Caroline Road and Fort Caroline Memorial Entrance Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225

  Length

  2 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Hammock Trail

  If you want to stretch your legs after a visit to the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center, take the Hammock Trail through the forest. This family-friendly loop runs through the trees, passing right next to the historic recreation of Fort Caroline. The path is well-shaded and breezy, but make sure to take insect repellent. Bring your camera too because the tropical foliage and hanging moss make for a beautiful backdrop.

  Location

  Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center

  Length

  1.4 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Willie Browne Trail

  The Willie Browne Trail is located in the Theodore Roosevelt Area; the trailhead is just down the road from the Timucuan Preserve. This dirt path takes you into the wetlands and marshes from the south. It's popular with local runners and residents walking their dogs. If you're looking for a longer hike, the trail connects to the other routes in the Theodore Roosevelt Area. Hop on the Spanish Pond Trail to get to the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center and Fort Caroline.

  Location

  13303 Mt Pleasant Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

  Length

  1.9 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center

  The Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Fort Caroline National Memorial; it's located near the fort itself. This must-stop destination features a fantastic exhibit that explains the unique ecological and historical significance of the region as it's been a key point for trade, transportation and defense throughout the centuries.

  Location

  12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

• Timucuan Village Exhibit

  After you see the visitor center, head outside to check out the Timucuan Village Exhibit. This unique display shows you how the Timucua Native Americans lived in the 1500s and earlier. The entire culture disappeared by the year 1800; today, you can explore a thatched shelter, an ethnobotanical garden and a shell heap. Check out the canoe-making station, which shows how the Timucuan traveled throughout the local waterways.

  Location

  12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

• Fort Caroline

  Fort Caroline, or "Fort de la Caroline" as French colonists would say, is a bit of a mystery. Archaeologists don't know exactly where the original stood. Their best guess is the location of the Fort Caroline Memorial's top attraction, a recreation of a 1500s-era French fort. Leave your car at the visitor center and walk over to the recreated fort, which is perched on the banks of the St. Johns River. 

  Location

  12713 Fort Caroline Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

Museums

• Alexander Brest Museum

  Located in Jacksonville University, the Alexander Brest Museum is popular with local art lovers. The rotating collections include works from students and local artists.

  Location

  2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211

• Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum

  Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum lives up to its name, offering a slew of interactive exhibits for little ones. Let your kids free to slide down a mini fire pole, play in the mock radio station, climb a pirate ship and more.

  Location

  8580 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Aly Cat

  Find everything from jewelry to salt lamps at Aly Cat. The owners also stock a selection of wine, local art, clothing and home decor.

  Location

  9501 Arlington Expy Suite 435, Jacksonville, FL 32225

• Sea Shells & Coral

  If you're heading to the beach during your visit to Florida, check out Sea Shells & Coral. With its array of sea-themed gifts, art and souvenirs, it's the perfect place to do all of your vacation shopping.

  Location

  239 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

• White Shell Bait & Tackle

  If you're thinking about fishing in the waterways near the Fort Caroline Memorial, White Shell Bait & Tackle has all of the supplies you need. Make sure to chat with the knowledgeable staff to learn about the best bait and local fishing holes.

  Location

  7736 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226

• Sashimi Fusion

  If you love sushi, enjoy a filling meal at Sashimi Fusion. With its colorful LED lighting, it's a wild place to enjoy sushi rolls, sashimi and tempura. Make sure to check out the lunch specials.

  Location

  2771 Monument Rd #5, Jacksonville, FL 32225

• Friends Diner

  When you're craving a big breakfast or a classic sandwich-and-fries basket, Friends Diner is the perfect spot. Start the day with a plate of chicken and waffles, or fill up on one of the specialty hot dog options at lunch.

  Location

  2771-32 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

• Chowder Ted's

  Dig into a bowl of seafood chowder or an oyster po' boy at Chowder Ted's. Located north of the Fort Caroline Memorial on the St. Johns River, this restaurant offers a beautiful view and fantastic, fresh seafood.

  Location

  5215 Heckscher Dr #3051, Jacksonville, FL 32226

How To Get To Fort Caroline National Memorial

The fastest way to reach Fort Caroline National Memorial is on I-295, which forms a ring around the Jacksonville metro area. Get off on FL-116 south of the St. Johns River and head east. Turn left onto Fort Caroline Road and drive about three miles until you see the entrance on the left side of the road.

Address

12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Fee: Entry fee $0

Packed with historic sites, Fort Caroline National Memorial is a great spot to learn about Florida's remarkable past. Make the most of your time in the region's spectacular foliage and forests by visiting in an RV. Excellent local campgrounds provide access to the memorial as well as local beaches, hiking trails and waterways.