Huguenot Memorial Park

Huguenot Memorial Park

The Huguenot Memorial Park is one of many Preservation Parks owned by the City of Jacksonville. It sits with the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and Fort George Inlet along the interior portion. A drive to the park's location at 10980 Hecksher Drive is one of the most scenic in Jacksonville and a gateway to many outdoor activities.

My husband and I like to see what is in our own "backyard", and this park seemed like a good place for a Sunday outing close to home. We happened to visit on a rainy day, so the weather was not perfect. Also, access to the Atlantic Ocean side of the park was closed because of high tide. We still managed to get in a decent walk and make note of things we would want to see on a future visit. For us, it is always about the adventure.

There are entry fees for the park of $1 per person from 8-10 AM, $3 per car up to 6 people 10 AM to Close w/$1 for each additional person. The park is open 7 days a week. It is recommended that you call the Resident Park Manager at (904) 251-3335 for specifics related to beach closures, camping reservations, etc. The park is very busy on the weekends during the summer, so it is wise to get there early for choice parking and access to picnic areas. I have seen cars backed up to Hecksher Drive waiting to get through the gate. 

                                                                            



Distance:

• 2.65 miles (modified out & back).  Included a short side trip to the bird observation area.

Terrain:

• Sandy beach, paved roadway & boardwalk trail.

 Amenities:

• Easily walkable area with beach access, parking, picnic facilities, restrooms, food concession kiosk, suitable for water sports & fishing, camping & showers, birding opportunities.

 Pets:

• Must be leashed and not a nuisance. Bag waste.

 Wheelchairs:

• Definitely suitable for paved areas, but accessing the beach would be dependent on the type of wheels.

Modifications:

• Easy to modify distances in order to increase or decrease the length of the walk.

 The Walk

Our walk originated from the parking lot that is at a point on the park map south of the two arrows designating the picnic shelters. Everything at the park is out in the open, so it can't be missed. There are other parking options as you enter the park, but the one we chose is centrally located.

We walked to the Atlantic Ocean where we were at least able to view the water (beach was closed due to high tide) and stopped for photographs. A view from a camera helps give me a different perspective about what I see when visiting the outdoors. The simple things often seem more beautiful.



Atlantic Ocean Seafoam



Florida or the South Pacific?

The ocean water was very turbulent and the wind strong, so we opted for quickly moving to the Fort George Inlet side of the peninsula and headed north. At low tide, we would have been able to loop all the way around the peninsula including the Atlantic Ocean beach and return to our starting point. High tide conditions made it necessary to walk out & back along the more protected side. This was fine for a short afternoon visit, but I would definitely want to return again at low tide for a more scenic walk.

Protected Sand Dunes

Sand dunes play an important role in the ecosystem. The accumulation of wind-blown sand held in place by native plants helps to minimize erosion from wind, waves, tides & storms. The sand dunes are essential for preserving the Florida coastline and provide a habitat for nesting sea turtles and protection for waterfowl. We saw signage prohibiting access to sand dune areas.

Sand Dunes with Native Vegetation



Fort George Inlet


When we returned to the van we decided to stop at the parking lot that would be on the left BEFORE the gate when coming into the park and walked the short distance to a boardwalk that leads to an observation deck overlooking a salt marsh estuary along Fort George Inlet.

Huguenot Memorial Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and provides a nesting area for terns & shorebirds. The overlook is a peaceful spot for bird watching or a moment of reflection.



Estuary Overlook

There is beauty to be found in the park no matter what the weather is like.  I would like to visit on a bright sunny day and might return to be there in a winter storm.  No lightening please!!!

Happy Walking!