City: Jacksonville, FL

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (904) 251-3335

Address: 10980 Heckscher Dr.

Description: The geography out here is exciting because the park is basically just a spit of land bordering the St. Johns River that then curves around into the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, much of this city park’s 295 acres is prime riverfront and beachfront. Fort George Inlet sits on the inside of this horseshoe and attracts outdoor enthusiasts who love to camp, swim, and fish from primitive riverfront campsites. Campers also appreciate the bathhouse and the park’s 24-hour security. This is also the only park in Duval County that has a section where you can still drive your car on the beach. Consequently, on sunny weekends the beach and inlet areas are packed with cars and guests setting up grills for picnics. But all this beauty comes with words of caution: the inlet is subject to swift tidal changes, and there have been numerous drownings here. Please be careful.