Duval: Nature, History and Beaches
Accommodation in Duval
Duval combines vast natural landscapes, waterscapes, historic sites and Jacksonville’s beaches to create a diverse destination. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Duval can choose the focus of their stay: nature lovers can discover protected habitats and hiking trails, culture enthusiasts can follow the traces of the past, and the waterfront offers opportunities for relaxing or active days.
Nature among coastal uplands, rivers and beaches
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park protects one of the largest remaining contiguous coastal upland areas in Duval County. There is also a launch site for canoes and kayaks on Pumpkin Hill Creek. This makes it possible to plan a stay centred on the landscape without having to consider nature and water separately. Another option is the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, a 120-acre urban woodland with hiking trails.
Duval also offers a variety of options for longer days outdoors. The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail stretches for approximately 14.5 miles from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the town of Baldwin. The route is therefore a practical choice for anyone who wants to combine their holiday with an extended tour on foot or by bicycle. Huguenot Memorial Park has waterfront campsites. Jacksonville also boasts 22 miles of white-sand beaches, while local water tours explore the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway and Jacksonville’s beaches.
History and culture as another side of the trip
Duval is not only a destination for landscape experiences. The Ribault Club and Cummer Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Italian Garden at Cummer Gardens was designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman in 1931. Memorial Park commemorates more than 1,700 people from Florida who died in service during the First World War.
The history is particularly vivid at Fort Caroline National Memorial. It commemorates the short-lived French colonial presence in 16th-century Florida. The memorial includes historical tours and hiking trails through protected natural habitats. This allows you to combine historical themes with time outdoors. Riverside Avondale, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adds another cultural highlight.
Experiences for different types of holiday days
For a varied day out, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers interactive and educational exhibits featuring more than 2,000 exotic animals and 1,000 plants. At Giraffe Overlook, visitors can feed giraffes by hand. Anyone who enjoys a local atmosphere and regular events can make a note of the Riverside Arts Market: it takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., whatever the weather, under the Fuller-Warren Bridge.
When choosing your accommodation, it is worth first deciding on the preferred mix of beaches, water, nature, history and events. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Duval can then suit a travel plan that puts these interests at the centre, without requiring you to commit to just one type of holiday.
Further places for planning your trip
For further orientation, you can also explore Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. This allows you to combine your search for a suitable holiday apartment with the personal focus of your trip.
For the overview of higher-level destinations: Florida.
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