Back to School is approaching quickly for students and educators throughout the St. Johns River watershed! Our team has pulled together some of their favorite places to explore along the river and her tributaries this time of year to help give you ideas to fill your last days of summer, or first weekends after you’re back to the grind.
Sanford Riverwalk (Sanford, FL) – Meredith Jespersen, Development Director
I love going to our Middle Basin and visiting the Sanford Riverwalk along Lake Monroe. Whether you want to paddle, walk or drive there is a wonderful view of the water for everyone. I think this is one of the most accessible areas in the watershed for everybody to truly enjoy. It is a wonderful day trip from Jacksonville, or anywhere else within the watershed. Nearby are a variety of restaurants to grab lunch and even Deviant Wolfe Brewery, where we’ve hosted many SJRK events.
Riverside Arts Market (Jacksonville, FL) – Rebecca Vecera, Communications Specialist
My family loves to visit the Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville on Saturday mornings to kick off the weekend! There are lots of vendors with anything from fresh produce, to art or boutique items, and food trucks with breakfast and lunch options (and most importantly, coffee). My toddler likes to run around in the grassy areas after we walk through the market and share a croissant, and we always take a jaunt along the Northbank Riverwalk, which is just a few steps away, to try to spot some dolphins. The Cummer Museum of Art is also walking distance away, if you want to make a day of it! The Fuller Warren Bridge provides shade, and the St. Johns typically provides a nice breeze, which makes this a great summer activity.
Learn More About the Riverside Arts Market
Alpine Groves Park (Fruit Cove, FL) – Jamie De Nisco, Education Director
My family loves Alpine Groves Park. Nestled in Fruit Cove, you will find the most peaceful, family-friendly Riverfront park complete with trails and a fishing pier. Not only are there many opportunities to view wildlife, but there is also plenty of history as the park is situated on restored grounds of a 19th century homestead and citrus grove. This is a perfect place to picnic, watch the sunset, and bring your pups!
Learn More About Alpine Groves Park
Blue Spring State Park (Orange City, FL) – Cassie Underwood, Education Specialist
Growing up in the Middle Basin, one of my favorite spots on the St Johns River to explore has always been Blue Spring State Park. Best known as the winter home to the Florida Manatee (the park record is 729 manatees!!) Blue Spring has so much to offer. Nothing is more relaxing than a morning hike through the park looking for wildlife, such as the growing population of the endangered Florida scrub-jay. While in-water activities at the spring are closed right now as they work to stabilize the shoreline, you can still book a boat tour from the park or paddle the St Johns River. One of my favorite childhood memories is my mom packing us a picnic and making a whole day out of exploring and connecting to Florida’s rich nature and history. (And for my fellow dog moms – the park is dog friendly!)
Learn More About Blue Spring State Park
Bulls Bay Preserve (Jacksonville) – Steph Morse, Outreach and Engagement Specialist
The Westside of Jacksonville’s best kept secret! Over 1,000 acres of wetlands and miles of trails, you can forget you’re not in the middle of nowhere. You can walk, bike, or just relax. There’s even a waterfall! This is one of my favorite places to send visitors to Jacksonville, and really showcases the variety of ecosystems you can find right in our backyard. Sometimes you don’t have to look further away for beauty – just a little closer!
Learn More About Bulls Bay Preserve
Find more places to explore along the St. Johns River watershed by visiting ExploreTheStJohns.com! You’ll find places to stay, dine, hike, bike, paddle, boat and more, from Indian River County to Duval.