Michelle Waterman, Park Manager
Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs love this island escape. Hiking the 4-mile Fairway Loop trail takes you back in time as it follows the retired golf course that was part of the island’s heyday in the 1920s.
Stand atop Mount Cornelia, one of the tallest sand dunes on the Eastern Seaboard, and imagine teeing off over the live oak trees. Hike on to explore Point Isabel and enjoy sweeping salt marsh views. Follow the trail connection west to visit the National Park Service’s Kingsley Plantation and immerse yourself in Florida history.
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour by picking up a CD or transcript at the Ribault Club. The grand club was built in 1928 and lovingly restored in the early 2000s. Inside, interactive exhibits tell the story of the island’s 5,000-year history, from the native Timucuan Indians to Spanish conquerors, early American colonists and vacationers of the jazz age. The shady green lawns around the clubhouse are the perfect spot for a picnic or impromptu game of bocce ball. Or bring your kayaks to launch behind the clubhouse and explore the wide shallow waters of the Ft. George River, stopping at sand bars to search for fiddler crabs or hermit crabs.
We hope that you and your family take advantage of the restorative nature that our park offers along the shoreline. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking, bicycling or picnicking, we are happy to see you here.
