Everyone knows that one of the best parts of living in Florida is the warm weather, beautiful beaches and native wildlife located around every corner. That’s why here at MasterCraft, we believe that one of the main components of buying a home is all about the surrounding community, not just where you live but the benefits that come along with it. That’s why we build homes throughout St. Johns County, Florida so that homebuyers can enjoy the many perks of the state’s natural splendor. These ten parks throughout St. Johns County are just one of the many reasons we love where we live.
Alpine Groves Park
Nestled between the St. Johns River and William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway, Alpine Groves Park offers over 54 acres of natural splendor for visitors to explore. Featuring a kayak launch, handicap-accessible hiking trail and Florida wildlife, guests can see everything from manatees and gators to tortoises and even butterfly gardens when they visit this St. Johns County park.
Anastasia State Park
Get in touch with your wild side when you visit Anastasia State Park. Located on Anastasia Island, this state park encompasses over 1,600 acres of beaches, marsh and Florida wildlife. With an array of activities to explore, you may have to do them all! Hike the ancient dunes, kayak along Salt Run, comb the beach for shells and even spend the night at a campground. With so much to see and do, this Florida state park is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Deep Creek State Forest
Located just north of St. Augustine, Deep Creek State Forest boasts a footprint of over 350 acres along the Intracoastal. Perfect for a day out on the water, guests are invited to access the park through the waterway as they take in the wildlife and surrounding ecosystems.
Faver-Dykes State Park
Located on the outskirts of downtown St. Augustine, Faver-Dkyes State Park invites you to step back in time as you explore the Old Florida landscape. Visitors can hike through the nature trail underneath longleaf pines, fish from the creek or meander down the waterway in a canoe or kayak and enjoy the fresh air and over 100 species of the surrounding wildlife.
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fort Mose State Park is a historic waterfront park located on 40 acres of natural preserve. Boasting amenities such as observation decks, bird-viewing boardwalks, kayak launch and more. The park’s two boardwalks are ideal for wildlife viewing for species, including the great blue heron, bald eagle and white ibis. At the same time, the land is also home to the Fort Mose historical museum for those interested in learning about the history of the land.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located just north of St. Augustine in Vilano Beach, Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Reserve is full of family-friendly activities and land to explore. As one of only 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country, GTM offers a vast range of habitats to explore, from the ocean to the forests. In addition, the park is also home to a vast array of recreational activities, including horseback riding, paddling, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. This amazingly diverse park in St. Johns County has something for everyone.
Matanzas State Forest
Located off of A1A just south of St. Augustine, Matanzas State Forest is home to 16,000 acres of conservation land. This state park is full of life and home to a wide array of wildlife, including songbirds, marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otter, turkey, hogs and gopher tortoises. Visitors are encouraged to hike the park’s many trails, explore the dunes and walk the rocky beach as they enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, camping and more. For those interested in learning more about the land, the 1740 historical Spanish fort known as Fort Matanzas is located just south of the river and is open for visitors daily.
Nocatee Preserve
Located just south of Davis Park, Nocatee Preserve invites visitors to explore over three miles of unpaved trails equipped for walking, jogging, mountain biking, bird watching, horseback riding and more. Pack a picnic and spend the day hiking the preserve trail while you connect with wildlife and take in the view.
Riverfront Park
Located along the St. Johns River, Riverfront Park offers walking trails, fishing piers and kayak launches, as well as natural hiking terrain, shaded lawn and more. Take in the sights as you explore the Florida ecosystem and view the marine life that lives within the waterway. Riverfront Park is also pet-friendly, so you and your furry friend can enjoy a day of exploration.
Washington Oaks Garden State Park
Just south of St. Augustine, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is home to 425 acres of coastal terrain, preserving the original habitat of the barrier island. Offering both a beachfront park and gardens for visitors to explore, Washington Oaks is the ideal space to bask in the beauty of nature. The park is also famous for its unique shoreline of coquina rock formations, helping to create space for recreational activities, including beachcombing, tidal pool exploring and wildlife photography.
Explore the Community
If you’re ready to join the community and explore all that St. Johns County has to offer, then build your next home with MasterCraft Builder Group. We are currently offering homes in four master-planned communities throughout St. Johns County, so you can find a home that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started.
