Wildlife viewing areas in Jay, Florida

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is a must-visit destination located at 1987 Scrub Jay Way in Titusville, Florida, United States. This park and tourist attraction offers a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities for nature lovers. To access certain areas such as the Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio Lab Road, a Refuge Pass is required, which can be purchased at the Visitor Center or online. The fees collected help in providing safe and meaningful experiences for visitors. Established in 1963 for the protection of migratory birds, the refuge spans over 140,000 acres and boasts diverse habitats such as coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. It is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, including 15 federally listed species. Visitors can engage in activities like bird watching, nature study, fishing, and seasonal hunting.

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park is a peaceful 845-acre park located at 630 Daffodil Street in Lake Placid, Florida. This park serves as a sanctuary for the endangered sand scrub ecosystem and is home to some of Florida's rarest plant and animal species, such as the Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. Visitors to the park can enjoy bird-watching, nature study, hiking along white sand fire lanes, and fishing from the lakeshore. The park also offers a half-mile nature trail, a picnic area with shelter, and the opportunity to launch canoes or kayaks onto the lake.

Hickey Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 17980 Palm Beach Boulevard in Alva, Florida, United States. The institution is managed by the Lee County Department of Parks & Recreation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It features a variety of habitats such as palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and seasonal wetlands, with scenic views of Hickey Creek. The park supports the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay and gopher tortoises. The park was established as a mitigation effort to offset the impacts of development on native plant communities and wildlife. It was opened to the public in 2002 and encompasses 952.61 acres of land, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, cypress swamps, and oak-palm forests. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, Florida Scrub-Jays, Florida panthers, bobcats, and various bird species.

The Lake Monroe Conservation Area in Osteen, Florida is a beautiful park and zoo that encompasses a large portion of the floodplain of Lake Monroe. With wetlands making up 94 percent of the property, this area provides essential water quality and flood protection. The natural communities within the conservation area include floodplain marsh/wet prairie and floodplain swamp/forest. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of open floodplain marsh, primitive camping in a shady oak hammock, and the chance to spot Florida scrub-Jays in the high sandy scrub area. The property also offers two parking areas for convenience. Explore the rich history of the area, where Native Americans once hunted and fished, and learn about Minnie Beck Kratzert, whose family owned the property until it was sold to the district in 1987. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, wood storks, bald eagles, deer, and alligators. Please remember to respect Florida's wildlife and use caution while visiting the conservation area.

McDavid Park is a charming park located at 6218 Oil Plant Road in Jay, Florida, United States. This peaceful and picturesque park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With lush greenery, winding walking paths, and a tranquil atmosphere, McDavid Park is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to have a picnic, take a leisurely stroll, or simply enjoy the fresh air, McDavid Park is a wonderful destination for visitors of all ages. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of McDavid Park today.

Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve is a 1,181-acre park located at 12181 East Bay Road in Gibsonton, Florida, United States. This nature preserve features a variety of unique habitats, including endemic scrub habitats, pine flatwoods, wet prairie, hardwood swamp, and freshwater marsh. Visitors can explore a 3-mile loop hiking trail, which offers scenic views of the diverse landscape. Rare species such as the Florida goldenaster and Florida Scrub Jay can be found within the preserve. Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve was acquired by Hillsborough County through the ELAPP program in 1995, making it a valuable conservation area for the community to enjoy and explore.

Duette Preserve, located at 2649 Rawls Road in Duette, Florida, is the largest Preserve in Manatee County, covering over 21,000 acres. This beautiful park in the northeastern part of the county is home to a diverse range of game and non-game animals, including several species of special concern and endangered/threatened species such as the Florida scrub jay, Florida panther, and Eastern indigo snake. Visitors to Duette Preserve can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated trails, with parking available at three different locations. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian traffic, except on certain weekends when it is closed for the Hunt Program.

Welcome to Club Wildwood, your serene oasis in Hudson, Florida. Nestled just a mile from the stunning Gulf of Mexico beaches and only an hour from the vibrant Tampa Bay area, our 55 manufactured home community offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement. Located at 7700 Parkway Boulevard, Club Wildwood is a premier destination for those seeking a resort-like lifestyle with exceptional amenities and recreational opportunities. Our community is designed with you in mind, featuring a heated swimming pool, a newly renovated clubhouse, a dog run area, and a catch-and-release fishing lake. Whether you want to relax, play, or simply enjoy the company of friendly neighbors, Club Wildwood has something for everyone. Engage in a variety of activities, from billiards, bingo, and pickleball to tennis, shuffleboard, and exercise classes. Join one of our many clubs, or enjoy social gatherings that make our neighborhood the heart of the community.

Welcome to Starkey Park Bike Trail Head, your gateway to the natural beauty of New Port Richey, Florida. Nestled at 11115 Wilderness Park Boulevard, our park offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As a premier destination for biking, Starkey Park features an extensive network of well-maintained trails that wind through lush landscapes and picturesque scenery, perfect for both casual riders and seasoned cyclists. Our park provides a variety of amenities to enhance your visit, including ample parking, rest areas, and informative trail maps to guide your adventure. Whether you're looking to embark on a leisurely ride or challenge yourself with a more rigorous route, Starkey Park Bike Trail Head promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by Florida’s rich wildlife and tranquil environment.

Welcome to Starkey Park Shelter 5, a serene and picturesque destination nestled within the breathtaking Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey, Florida. Located at 11115 Wilderness Park Boulevard, our shelter offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for gatherings, picnics, and outdoor celebrations. Surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil ambiance of the wilderness, Starkey Park Shelter 5 provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a birthday party, or a casual get-together with friends, our spacious and well-maintained shelter is equipped to accommodate your needs.

Welcome to the Observation Tower at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Located in the heart of Sanibel, Florida, the Observation Tower at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers a breathtaking vantage point to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of this remarkable area. As a prominent landmark, the tower provides panoramic views of the refuge's lush landscapes, tranquil waters, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.