Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
Designation: Ecological & Historic Preserve
Location: Florida
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The tabby cabins at Kingsley Plantation were the homes of many enslaved people.
Credit: NPS Photo/Darryl Herring
The sand dune at American Beach is a protected part of the Timucuan Preserve.
Credit: NPS Photo/Charles Stankiewicz
The fort exhibit at Fort Caroline teaches visitors of the failed French colony in Florida.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Theodore Roosevelt Area trails provide a getaway from the urban hustle within the city of Jacksonville.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Timucuan Preserve hosts wondrous biodiversity.
Credit: NPS Photo/Tracy Pellicer
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Feb 12
Sunny
High: 61°F | Low: 52.3°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.2
Sunrise: 07:09 AM
Sunset: 06:11 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (28%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Feb 13
Sunny
High: 66.2°F | Low: 45.3°F
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 12.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 07:08 AM
Sunset: 06:12 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (19%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 52.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Feb 14
Partly Cloudy
High: 63.5°F | Low: 55.9°F
Humidity: 90%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 07:07 AM
Sunset: 06:13 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (12%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 56.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger Talk at Fort Caroline National Memorial
Join a ranger at the Fort Caroline National Memorial for a 20 minute talk related to the preserve. Topics vary by ranger and are appropriate for all ages. Locations will vary so please call 904-641-7155 or ask at the visitor center desk.
Ranger talks are subject to to weather and staffing changes.
Location: Meet at the Fort Caroline National Memorial Visitor Center
Date: Nov 29, 2025 12:00am to Nov 29, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Talk at Kingsley Plantation
Join a park ranger for 20 minute talk related to the history of Kingsley Plantation. Talks are 20 minutes long, appropriate for all ages and free. Topics vary by ranger. Location will vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask at the visitor center desk.
Ranger talks are subject to to weather and staffing changes.
Location: Meet at the Kingsley Plantation Visitor Center
Date: Nov 29, 2025 12:00am to Nov 29, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Open House at Kingsley Plantation
The Planter's House at Kingsley Planatation will be open 10:30-11:30am and 2:30-3:30pm Friday, Saturday. and Sunday staff and weather permitting. Open house are self-guided walkthroughs, however a ranger or volunteer will be available at the house to answer questions. Access to the Planter's House is through the south porch entrance.
Date: Nov 29, 2025 12:00am to Dec 31, 2030 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Kingsley Plantation
Join us at Kingsley Plantation for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Dec 11, 2025 12:00am to Dec 11, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Fort Caroline National Memorial
Join us at Fort Caroline National Memorial for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-641-7155 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Kingsley Plantation
Join us at Kingsley Plantation for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Spanish Pond Hike
Join us for a hike into the beautiful Theodore Roosevelt Area starting at the Spanish Pond trail. Be prepared with water, proper footwear, and dress for the weather and bug season. The hike meets at the trailhead across the street from the Fort Caroline Visitor Center.
Hike may be cancelled due to weather or staff illness.
Date: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Kingsley Plantation
Join us at Kingsley Plantation for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Dec 28, 2025 12:00am to Dec 28, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Kingsley Plantation
Join us at Kingsley Plantation for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger Guided Tour of Kingsley Plantation
Join us at Kingsley Plantation for a ranger guided tour of the park! Tours are free and require no reservation. Tour start locations vary so please call 904-251-3537 or ask a ranger in the visitor center for exact meeting locations. Tours are subject to weather and staffing changes.
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
🏤 Mailing Address:
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
📞 Voice Phone: 904-641-7155
✉️ Email: timu_information@nps.gov