JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX is highlighting Duval County’s beaches for this month’s 4 Your Neighborhood special.
But beyond the shoreline, there are some hidden gems at the beaches that you don’t want to miss.
Cradle Creek Preserve
For almost 24 years, hidden along the Intracoastal Waterway of Jacksonville Beach, Cradle Creek Preserve has been home to birds, reptiles, mammals, and humans who want to explore the serene beauty of both swamp and forest life.
While parking is limited, the more than 43 acres of nature trails and elevated boardwalks overlooking the Pablo Creek Estuary offer an adventurer’s paradise.
The preserve includes a landing pier for launching canoes and kayaks, as well as plenty of spots for birdwatching and possible sightings of raccoons and manatees.
Visitors can access the Preserve via the Fairway Lane entrance.
They can also enter by canoe or kayak from the Intracoastal Waterway via Cradle Creek, a natural creek that runs along the Preserve’s southern boundary and connects with the Intracoastal Waterway at several points near Marker 37.
Dutton Island Preserve
Biking, hiking, fishing, and floating are what draw locals and visitors to Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach.
With 9,000 feet of nature trails, a fishing and viewing pier, a canoe and kayak launch, picnic areas, pavilions, camping spaces, and parking, this preserve is a paradise for all outdoor lovers right here in our backyard.
They even offer wheelchairs that you can reserve at no cost.
According to locals, the Island is a great hidden gem in Mayport, from fishing off the pier to walking the trails along the southern part of the Island.
From the fresh breeze that blows off the Intracoastal to the abundance of wildlife, the preserve is a great place to go and get away from the world for a few hours.
Dutton Island Preserve can be accessed from Mayport Road and is open from sunrise to sunset daily.