Fort Caroline National Memorial - Jacksonville, Florida

Address:12713 Fort Caroline Rd.
Jacksonville, Florida
Tel: (904) 641-7155

Visit Fort Caroline, a French settlement spread over 130 acres along the St. Johns River, and learn about the nature of northeastern Florida as well as the area's local history!

France's first attempt to stake a permanent claim in North America was at La Caroline, a settlement near the mouth of the St. Johns River in Florida. Though the original site of La Caroline was washed away after the river channel was expanded in the 1880's, visitors today can enjoy the replica of the original fort and the small museum which accompanies it. Enjoy a picnic, or take the self-guided trail with signs describing natural and cultural history of the area. The Timucuan Preserve is also located at Fort Caroline and the visitor center hosts the exhibit "Where the Waters Meet," which teaches about the environment in northeast Florida and how humans have interacted with it for thousands of years—great for kids eager to learn about nature and history. Climb up St. Johns Bluff and visit the Ribault Monument. From there you'll see beautiful views of the St. John's river and on a clear day you'll enjoy fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mayport Naval Station, five miles east. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll see some wildlife along the active river and the marshes below.

The Memorial is located about 15 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. It's easy to get to Fort Caroline National Memorial! Just follow the Arlington Expressway to Atlantic Blvd. (Fl 10). Go north on either Monument Rd. or St. Johns Bluff Road and then proceed east on Fort Caroline Road. Up ahead you'll see the natural beauty of La Caroline. Bring your binoculars and have a great time!