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Huguenot Memorial Park - Ft. George, Florida |
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((click on the pictures for a higher resolution version)) |
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North St. Johns River Jetty |
Ft. George River just north of the bridge |
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Extensive sand flats |
Ft. George Inlet bridge |
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Located about seventeen miles from downtown Jacksonville, Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe shaped peninsula, surrounded by three bodies of water - Ft. George Inlet (north), St. Johns River (south), and the Atlantic Ocean (east). The park is also referred to as the Big Jetties or North Jetties. These names come from the fact that the park offers access to the north St. Johns River Jetty rocks. There is a fee to enter the park. Discussion: This is the only beach within Duval County where driving on the beach is permitted. Despite its advertised 450 acre area, because of the constant shifting of the Ft. George River Channel, its actual size may vary from year to year. This is a very popular area with wind surfers and jet ski enthusiasts and the entire park can become extremely crowded during the summer months - especially weekends. Shelling: Despite its seductive appearance on a map and variety of shelling habitats available (backwater, beach, jetty, flats), the whole area is usually not as productive as one might expect. However, the northeasters and hurricanes of 2004 created extensive sand flats extending seaward south of the Ft. George River Channel, which during a visit on 12/9/2004, proved quite productive for a variety of species. Like Little Talbot Island just across the Ft. George Inlet, the best shelling is 2-3 days after a "northeaster" or other similar rough seas. There are no restrictions on the collection of live shells. |
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Looking Southwest From Huguenot Park |
Looking South Towards Mayport Naval Station |
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