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With its privileged location along the Atlantic Ocean and within driving distance from numerous lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the city of Jacksonville, FL offers endless possibilities for water lovers. If you are planning a vacation to the Sunshine State in your brand-new 2023 Mazda CX-30 and are searching for the best swimming spots near the city, here are three destinations you should check out. Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Swimming Spots Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Little Talbot Island State Park Established in the early 1950s, Little Talbot Island State Park is a sprawling nature reserve located on Little Talbot Island and about 17 miles northeast of the Jacksonville city center. Covering an area of about 2,500 acres, this public recreation area is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and can be reached in about half an hour via Heckscher Drive. A popular destination for outdoor lovers throughout the entire year, Little Talbot Island State Park is the perfect spot to go for a swim in the ocean. Some of the amenities you can find in this state park include a large campground, beachside picnic pavilions, a bathhouse, several nature trails, and a kayak and canoe rental shop. more 2. Fort Clinch State Park Welcoming nearly 170,000 visitors every year, Fort Clinch State Park encompasses an area of about 1,100 acres and features beautiful beaches where you can swim in the ocean, have a picnic with your friends, or simply enjoy a sunny day away from the city frenzy. Located in the northern section of Amelia Island, this nature reserve can be reached in about 45 minutes by car from the Jacksonville city center via route I-05 and State Road 200. Open every day of the year between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, Fort Clinch State Park charges an admission fee of $4 per single-occupant vehicle and $6 per vehicle carrying between two and eight people. Some of the features you can find in this state park include the remains of Fort Clinch, a fishing pier, several nature trails, and a visitor center. 3. Jacksonville Beach If you are searching for the nearest spot to swim in the ocean without driving too far from the city center, Jacksonville Beach is the place to be. Located less than 20 miles east of the downtown area, this pristine public beach spans several miles and is one of the go-to summertime spots among Jacksonville locals and visitors alike. If you are searching for the best local car dealership with nearly five decades of experience and a friendly team of sales agents, you've come to the right spot! Visit us today at Mazda City of Orange Park, take a tour of our showroom, and explore the features of the different models we have available for you.

Winter in Jacksonville, FL is a great time to explore the outdoors and take part in a range of fun activities. If you're looking for something fun to do this winter that won't involve a long drive, there are plenty of great activities nearby. From skiing and snow tubing to ice skating, snowshoeing, and more, here are the top three winter activities you can drive to near Jacksonville. 3 Great Winter Activities You Can Drive to Near Jacksonville, FL Skiing and Snow Tubing at Ski Turtle Ski Turtle is a locally owned and operated ski and snow tubing facility. The center is located in the Hunter's Creek area, about a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville. It's open Friday through Sunday during the winter months. Ski Turtle offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and sledding for both kids and adults. more The ski area has a total of 10 slopes, including a beginner hill, four intermediate runs, and five advanced slopes. The slopes are set at various levels of difficulty, and there are instructors available on the slopes to help anyone learn to ski. There is also a tubing hill with six lanes. It's a great family-friendly place to spend a few hours enjoying wintertime activities. Ice Skating at Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex is a large indoor ice skating facility with both an ice skating rink and a roller skating rink. The sportsplex is located near the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and Jacksonville Landing, making it easy to combine a few activities while visiting. Open year-round, the ice skating rink is a great place to go skating with friends and family, and the facility offers both public skating and skating lessons. You can also try other fun activities, including curling, broomball, and indoor soccer. The sportsplex is open Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Snowshoeing at Camp Chowenwaw Park If you love being outdoors, snowshoeing is a great option for a winter activity near Jacksonville. Just a short drive from the city, Camp Chowenwaw Park is the perfect place to snowshoe. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and snowshoeing is permitted on the trails. You can also try snow tubing at the indoor Snow Tubing Park at the park or enjoy ice skating and ice fishing at Lakewood Park, a recreation area located on the shore of Lake Forest. Snowshoers should wear high boots with good traction and bring a snowshoe trail map, food, water, and a first aid kit in case of emergency. There are a few trips that are actually great during the winter, giving you an escape that you won't soon forget. With the safety features of the new MAZDA3 Preferred, like the ABS And driveline traction control, you will no doubt feel safe traveling. Be sure to stop by Mazda City of Orange Park so one of our staff members can help you find a car that fits your needs.