Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline are located in the Timucuan Preserve NPS outside of Jacksonville, Florida. I will start out by saying that we love this area and prefer staying nearby when visiting friends in Jacksonville. Recently we camped at Little Talbot Island State Park about 15 minutes away from the park and loved it. At Timucuan Preserve, you can learn about the culture of the Timucua people, life and enslavement on a plantation and so much more. Also embrace the nature and scenery that surrounds the over 46,000 acres.
Kingsley Plantation
Here you can view the plantation house, slave quarters and planters house. The slave quarters is made of tabby, which if you have never seen is pretty neat. Sea island cotton and indigo were two of the crops grown at Kingsley and are grown each year for demonstration. We love to walk along the water and watch boats or see what the locals are catching on the dock.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
The visitor center is located at Fort Caroline (for those looking for the NPS stamp) and offers exhibits and a bookstore. While here, make sure to watch for dolphins in the St. Johns River
Cost: Free
Pets are allowed in outdoor areas.
Hammock Trail at Fort Caroline:
This trail is a 1.4 miles loop and has amazing scenery. The trail is beautiful and is very easy to walk. The trail takes you through forest and the fort which is pretty interesting. The fort has a gorgeous view of the St. Johns River that you will most certainly enjoy. You can find the trail here on the AllTrails App.
Check out the Jekyll Island Bike Trail in Jekyll Island, GA.
