3 Favorite Spots for Birdwatching Near Jacksonville, FL

With its privileged location in the northeastern corner of the state, the city of Jacksonville, FL is not only a great destination by itself, but also an excellent base to explore nearby nature reserves, state parks, and national forests. If you like birdwatching or other outdoor activities and are looking for places to visit, these are some beautiful spots you can reach in less than two hours from the Jacksonville downtown area.

3 Favorite Spots for Birdwatching Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1937, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the region, spanning over 400,000 acres of territory across the states of Georgia and Florida. Welcoming almost half a million visitors each year, this wildlife refuge offers plenty of opportunities for birding, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. This nature reserve is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can be visited year-round between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The visitor center and the main entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are located about 60 miles northwest of downtown Jacksonville, a distance that can be covered in a little over an hour by car along routes GA-121 and GA-23. Known for its abundance of animal and plant species, this beautiful refuge is home to large populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers, egrets, herons, wood storks, brown creepers, and European starlings.

2. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Covering over 46,000 acres of wetlands along the northeastern coast of Florida, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve receives a little under one and a half million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular nature reserves in the entire state. This beautiful spot is home to a vast array of different bird species, including ospreys, bald eagles, northern harriers, reddish egrets, gray kingbirds, ovenbirds, blue-headed vireos, and worm-eating warblers.

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is located just 13 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in as little as 20 minutes by car under regular traffic conditions. Besides birding and wildlife watching, this expansive nature reserve is an excellent spot for other activities including kayaking, boating, hiking, and picnicking. This place can be visited free of charge and is open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

3. Osceola National Forest

Established in the early 1930s and covering an area of about 200,000 acres, Osceola National Forest is another popular spot for birding and wildlife watching in the Jacksonville Area. Home to large populations of sandhill cranes, red-cockaded woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers, and snowy egrets, this national forest is a great day trip destination for solo travelers, families, and groups of friends. Getting here from downtown Jacksonville takes about 50 minutes by car, driving west along route I-10.

If you are looking for a new vehicle to visit the best nature reserves in the area, stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen. Check out our different models of new and used cars, learn more about our attractive financing plans, and find the vehicle that best suits your needs.

Posted in Jacksonville Amenities, Jacksonville Entertainment, Jacksonville Parks, Things To Do In Jacksonville, Tom Bush Volkswagen | No Comments »