Beacon Lake just may have it all…literally! There’s no better and more beautiful place in Florida to stay home with the family and practice safe social distancing in the midst of coronavirus. Its majestic and serene landscape hosts a truly welcoming community coupled with a highly coveted lifestyle. Surrounded by a 43-acre, paddle-friendly lake and nestled within 358 acres of a nature preserve, families have plenty of open space to stroll in the fresh air, enjoy nature, and exercise in a safe manner.
With COVID-19 lasting longer than expected and states reopening surely, we want to remind families to remain safe and take extra precautions if they do decide to leave the Beacon Lake community. So, where are the most family-friendly, open-air spots to explore? After researching the Jacksonville area, here are the top family-friendly hidden gems for your summertime escape.
This hotspot measures a whopping 4,000 acres and has endless activities to enjoy during your visit. With its spacious grandeur, you will find it easier to keep a safe social distance from others no matter how many visitors are also enjoying the park’s natural beauty. With various events to partake in such as canoeing, rare bird watching, camping, hiking, and more, there’s plenty of fun to keep the whole family occupied for an entire weekend.
Location: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226
Nowadays, people stop by this park for everything under the sun – from fishing, to boating, to off-road bicycling, to hiking and more! The area offers a public boat launch and is host to the Ribault Club, which is an exclusive resort. However, this location’s history is an ode to the year 1736 because it was named after a fort that was built to defend the southern area of Georgia when it was first a colony.
Location: 11241 Fort George Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
For those who love the seaside, Hanna Park houses 1.5 miles of public beach for your enjoyment. It’s also known as one of the best surfing spots in the area. If your family isn’t interested in laying beachside, then opt to venture out upon twenty miles of scenic trails perfect for all your hiking and biking adventures! The park also offers camping options – bring your own tent or reserve a cabin.
Location: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
This park totals over 210 acres, with the perfect setting to spread out, play, and enjoy the company of friends and family. Every inch of this scenic area is adorned with winding trails that wrap around the entirety of the park, encouraging on-the-go exploration and adventure. It also has a multi-use field, soccer fields, two playgrounds, and a splash pad. With this park being conveniently located between Jacksonville’s beltway system, it’s an easy journey for hours of fun!
Location: 10931 Hood Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32257
This park is known as a great outlet for exercise. The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which is 14.5 miles of paved adventure, is a premier spot for the family to go biking, walking, or jogging. This scenic trail heads towards the Northeast part of Florida and doubles as a great marathon training ground.
Location: 2 Imeson Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220
Stay safe while exploring outside of the Beacon Lake community! There are many family-friendly, open-air adventures to be had in the Jacksonville area. So, grab your family, a bike, a soccer ball, your running shoes, or your camping equipment, and start making some summer memories of your own while maintaining your social distance!
Want to know more about Beacon Lake? Join our VIP list to stay up to date on our coastal-inspired homes, construction updates, and more! Contact us today!
