Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve is a ecological & historic preserve run by the National Park Service in Florida.

In the park service’s words

Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Photography in Timucuan: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a stunning location for photography enthusiasts. With its winding drives canopied by majestic oaks, rich wildlife, and historical significance, there’s no shortage of incredible scenes to capture. Here’s why it’s a fantastic spot for photographers and what you need to kn
• Become a Senior Ranger (15 to 40 Minutes): Enjoy the learning and excitement of the Junior Ranger program but aimed toward an older audience.
• Read the Names on the Fort Caroline Memorial (10 to 35 Minutes): Read the known names of the French colonists of Fort Caroline, the failed French attempt to establish a colony in Florida. This first conflict between European powers in North America would lead to more bloodshed, for Native Americans, French, Spanish, English, and many more. The impact of colonization, the fight for f
• Hike the 7 Creeks Trail (200 to 440 Minutes): Hike the seven mile, Seven Creeks partnership trail crossing through habitats and national, state, and city parks.
• Kayak with the Dolphins (1 to 4 Hours): Kayak through the creeks and rivers of Timucuan Preserve in the hope of seeing dolphins in the wild.
• Learn from a Ranger (2 to 60 Minutes): There are a few things park rangers love, pointing at things, getting distracted by cool birds, and sharing our knowledge with the public. Find out how you can learn with Park Rangers at Timucuan Preserve.
• Boating in the Backwaters (1 to 24 Hours): Sailboat, fishing boat, kayak, or canoe, choose your own boating adventure in Timucuan Preserve.
• Drive the Saturiwa Trail (20 to 60 Minutes): Take a drive through 6,000 years of history on Fort George Island.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The grounds for Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation are open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The preserve headquarters is open 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays. Cedar Point and the Theodore Roosevelt Area are open sunrise - sunset.

Getting there

The beautiful expanse of the Timucuan Preserve is located within the city limits of Jacksonville, Florida. The Preserve can be accessed from major roads and highways in and around Jacksonville. Directions to individual park sites such as Kingsley Plantation, American Beach and the Ribault Column can be found on our website. Our main visitor center is located at Fort Caroline, about 14 miles northeast of downtown.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center at Fort Caroline: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:30PM. The visitor center is open from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday. All National Park Service areas of the Timucuan Preserve are closed on Thanksgiving, December 25th, and January 1.
• Kingsley Plantation Visitor Contact Station: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:30PM. Kingsley Plantation is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Admission is free.

Weather

We have mild winters and hot summers. In the winter average highs are in the 60's, lows in the 40's. The summer temperatures reach up into the 90's.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Congaree, about 232 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.