Elegance, show, and class — that's what the Jacksonville Metropolitan Park projects at first glance. The riverside complex sports a large white facade with polished glass windows and yields to expansive interiors where some of the world's greatest names in the music and entertainment industries wow fans from all over the world. The venue is also a prime spot for political assemblies, rallies, festivals and religious gatherings. The park is fully accessible and has facilities to make it an ideal spot for a fun-filled family day out.

This beautiful, 50-acre (20.23 hectare) nature preserve, Tree Hill Nature Center, provides outdoor fun for families and explorers. Located in the middle of the Arlington suburb in Jacksonville, the Center is serious about educating the community on native Florida habitats and wildlife. Numerous nature trails, gardens and exhibits focus on conservation and awareness. There is even a specially designed butterfly garden full of lush flora and colorful butterflies. Special events are held year-round at the Tree Hill Nature Center.

Visit white rhinos, crocodiles, lions and more as you survey the African exhibits among others at the Jacksonville Zoo. A boardwalk allows visitors to observe elephants and giraffes. Native Florida wildlife can also be seen, including jaguars, endangered Florida panthers and the American alligator. There is so much to see here that you should allow yourself an entire day to absorb it all. Refreshments are available throughout the park.

This monument is on the north side of the city and is located on a high bluff overlooking the St. Johns River. A wheelchair accessible terrace offers visitors a scenic view of the river and wetlands. Ribault and his crew landed on the First Coast in 1562 and erected the original stone monument to commemorate the first ever landing of Protestants on this foreign soil. Admission to the monument is free.

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing home to endangered species of large cats. Beside this, Catty Shack's aim is to educate the public about the difficulties these majestic creatures face, both in their natural habitats and in captivity. Once the cats are rescued, they become permanent residents at the sanctuary for the rest of their days. Public and school tours are offered, giving the public a great chance to learn more about these endangered felines, as well as a chance to feed them.

With over 35 years fishing the local Jacksonville waters, U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain Jeff Wansor brings his experience and expertise to Beaches Fishing Charters. Whether you're an experienced fisherman or you're going out for your first time, Captain Jeff provides fishing charters for a fun and safe fishing experience. Perfect for kids, this great outdoor adventure is a relaxed outing the whole family will enjoy. Captain Jeff provides all the essentials like bait, rods, reels and even bottled water, so no need to worry about what is needed. For a great time out, Call Captain Jeff today!

Captain Dave Sipler will take you on the fishing trip of your life in one of the the many well-equipped charter boats. Both inland and offshore fishing trips are offered here which is bound to be fun for the entire family. All the charter boats here are fully-licensed and equipped with all the safety equipment. Expect to catch some big fishes on your trip with Captain Dave Sipler.

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a 14.5-mile (23.33 kilometers) multi-use paved trail on Jacksonville's west side. It goes through the northern corner of Baldwin and is used by cyclists, skaters, walkers, runners and equestrians. Distances are marked in half-mile increments, beginning at the Jacksonville end, and there are rest spots throughout with picnic tables at 5.5 miles (8.85 kilometers) and 12.5 miles (20.11 kilometers). The eastern end of the trail is on Imeson Road, a short way north of Commonwealth Avenue, west of the intersection of Commonwealth and I-295. There is no entrance fee for the trail. Overall, it is a must visit place for fitness and nature enthusiasts for walking this long trail is no easy feat.

Take in the fresh air at the oceanfront Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, which features a 1.5-mile (2.41 kilometers) beach, beautiful nature trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing lakes. The lakeside swimming area has fountains and squirt guns. Boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, and camping facilities are also available, while lakeside tables and grills provide the perfect spots to relax, enjoy, and have a leisurely picnic with your loved ones. Also featuring an exciting kids' splash park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is an ideal place to enjoy with the little ones.

Named in honor of the Huguenot French settlers who colonized the area for a short while in the 16th century, Huguenot Memorial Park is another one of Jacksonville's many jewels. Aficionados of our fine-feathered friends will enjoy the avian observatory tower, and nature trails, perfect for bird watching. Adventurous types can rent canoes and use the boat launch to access the waterways, while sports-lovers can rent volleyball equipment, and bicycles for an afternoon of fun.

This park features a breathtaking coastal habitat covered with oak, holly, and magnolia, along with sea-oat covered dunes overlooking the ocean. Hiking is a favorite activity along the scenic nature trails, while fishing, canoeing or swimming on the Nassau Sound shoreline is tough to beat. The picturesque surroundings of the park attract a multitude of visitors who congregate on the expansive land for picnics, while engaging in activities like roller-blading and bird-watching. Guided tours of the stunning park are also available.

Inhabiting the southernmost tip of Amelia Island, its leading state park is a stunning assemblage of more than 200-acres (80.93 hectare) of untouched meadows that features immaculate beaches, salt marshes and coastal woodlands set on the southern tip of the First Coast. A hub for outdoor activities, the park offers modern amenities for fishing, hiking, boating, sunbathing and wildlife watching.