Nature Lover's Paradise: Explore the Splendor of Princess Place Preserve

Although Florida is widely known for Disneyworld and other theme parks, there are a lot of amazing destinations you can visit that are off the beaten path. If you're in the Palm Coast area and looking for some amazing road trips, we've some awesome destinations to add to your bucket list. more Siesta Key Beach While Florida is well known for its endless coastline, Siesta Key Beach is widely known for being one of the prettiest beaches in the world. First, the white quartz sand stays cool on a blazing hot day, and it complements the turquoise waters ever so perfectly. The coastline is immaculate. It's a road trip that people of all ages can enjoy and will leave you slightly more relaxed, and bronze. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park You've probably read about mermaids or seen them in movies, but have you ever seen one in real life? Well, now is your chance! This enormous waterpark features underwater mermaid shows that attract visitors from all over the country. It also provides visitors with an array of outdoor water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. If you're lucky, you might even see some manatees as you're out paddling on your kayak. Kennedy Space Center This incredibly important historical monument was the place that launched America's bravest astronauts into the great unknown. This mind-blowing complex offers an array of artifacts and interactive exhibits which include watching a real rocket launch. Visitors also have the opportunity to sit down with a NASA astronaut and ask questions about their experiences in a spaceship and outer space. Everglades National Park You can't talk about a road trip in Florida without mentioning the Everglades National Park. It's one of the state's most important untouched natural grasslands and is home to thousands of species of birds, fish, and reptiles. Airboat tours will take you through the tall grass and swampy waters, so be sure to keep your camera ready to snap pictures of alligators coming up to the surface. The friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will provide you with important information about this ecosystem. Ichetucknee We know this one may not be the easiest road trip destination to pronounce, but we promise the trip will be worth it! If you want to beat the heat, head to the spectacular crystal springs in Ichetucknee Springs State Park and paddle or tube-float along the six-mile canal. If you're in the mood for something a little more adventurous, an area of the park called Blue Hole Spring offers guided cave diving with professional divers. St. Augustine A day trip to the oldest city in America, St. Augustine, is the perfect place to take in some extraordinary views of ancient architecture and important historical landmarks. The town itself is stunning and original, featuring cobblestone roads, antique-style cafes, and its centerpiece, the Castillo de San Marcos (St. Marco's Castle). Visit Palm Coast Ford today for the best deals on new and pre-owned Ford vehicles.

The pristine Faver Dykes State Park borders Pellicer Creek that flows into the Matanzas River and provides nature lovers with 1,500 acres of tranquil beauty to explore. Between the towering pines, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an array of exciting activities. Here you can take a scenic hike along the banks, canoe down the creek, have a picnic in the shade, or camp under the trees. more 1. Hiking Four scenic nature trails wind through the hammocks, oaks, and longleaf pines along Pellicer Creek. Hikers and bikers are often treated to glimpses of bobcats, deer, river otters, and an abundance of birds along the trails. The Picnic Area Nature Trail Take a leisurely stroll for half a mile between longleaf pines and turkey oaks. The trail offers striking views of the salt marsh and the creek. The Campground Nature Trail This shady half-mile trail snakes through the hammock and offers spectacular views of Pellicer Creek. The Pine Loop Trail The trail connects to the longer Hiram Faver Trail and winds through the grassland, past wildflowers, saw palmettos, and blueberries. The Hiram Faver Trail Walk for 2,6 miles on this shady trail to the overlook at Pellicer Flats. There are benches scattered along the way for a breather and to appreciate the magnificent scenery. 2. Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking Explore the calm waters of Pellicer Creek, a mix of salt and freshwater, on the canoe and kayak trail, or paddle down to the Pellicer Flats and the Matanzas River. From the water, you can observe an abundance of bird and marine life. The park has a boat ramp for small boats, canoes, and kayaks and offers boat rentals. 3. Fishing Pellicer Creek salt marsh is one of the most pristine tidal wetlands on the east coast of Florida. It is a popular fishing spot for both saltwater and freshwater fish. Sheepshead, snook, spotted seatrout, and black and red drum can be hooked from the fishing dock. You can angle for beam and large-mouth bass closer to the creek headwaters. 4. Birding Birds are plentiful, and over 100 bird species can be seen during the spring and fall migrations. Here birdwatchers can spot birds on the nature trails or from a boat. Be on the lookout for wood-warblers, eagles, and falcons along the nature trails. If you are taking a boat, canoe, or kayak out, watch out for wading birds such as heron, ibis, egrets, and wood storks. 5. Picnicking Enjoy a peaceful picnic under a canopy of tall longleaf pines along the shores of Pellicer Creek. The picnic spot has tables, grills, and two covered pavilions close to the fishing dock. 6. Camping There are 30 campsites for RVs and tents tucked away between the greenery in the shade of the hardwood hammock. The sites all have water and electricity, picnic tables, grills, and fire circles. The campsite also has restrooms with hot showers. The primitive camping area has a fire circle and a pit toilet. The site offers enough space for 50 campers. Bring your family, your friends, and your dog too, and experience a wide range of exciting outdoor activities the park has to offer. Contact Palm Coast Ford today. We offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices.

About one hour away from Jacksonville lies Florida's newest city, Palm Coast. City life and nature go hand in hand here. Watch dolphins playing in the ocean and spot manatees in the waterways. We explore the top reasons to love living in Palm Coast, FL. more 1. Beaches With more than 19 miles of cinnamon-colored sand and unspoiled natural beauty in the area, locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Just minutes from town is Flagler Beach. With its relaxed vibe, it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the sun and water. At Flagler, the central pier is where you can watch the surfers catch some of the best waves on the east coast. Jump in the water and enjoy it yourself as there's plenty of surf shops and hire stores. Take a peaceful stroll underneath the canopy of picturesque oak trees as you explore Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. There are several short trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. Take a picnic and finish your trip on the beach with a spot of sunbathing and sandcastle building. 2. Nature Surrounded by 70 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals, located just minutes from the beach and coexisting in harmony with Floridian foliage and wildlife, Palm Coast is truly rooted in nature. With its typically warm climate, there is a wealth of opportunities for activities like hiking, biking, jogging, kayaking, swimming, fishing, wildlife spotting…the list is almost endless. Graham Swamp Preserve consists of more than 3,000 acres of protected wilderness, most of which is open to the public to enjoy. The park is popular with hikers, fishermen, naturalists, and all outdoor enthusiasts because of its wealth of local plants and animals that inhabit the park. There's also a seven-mile-long mountain biking trail. Other parks in the city include Long Creek Nature Preserve, Pellicer Creek, Betty Steflik Memorial Preserve, and just out of town lies the Tomoka State Park. 3. Golf For golf enthusiasts, Palm Coast offers a selection of outstanding courses. With year-round sunshine, captivating natural beauty, and miles of shoreline, golfers can enjoy a game whilst immersed in nature. A day of golf can be enjoyed by anybody, with a variety of courses designed to challenge both expert and novice golfers, The Conservatory Course at Hammock Beach Gold Resort and Spa is a Tom Watson Signature design. The resort also features the beautiful Ocean Course. Those who don't fancy playing a round can indulge and rejuvenate at the 10,000 square-foot spa. Surround yourself in the natural beauty at Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club. Offering 45 holes encased by moss-draped oak trees and a wealth of wildlife. With so many other things to do and see in this city, the list of reasons to love living here could go on and on. To see everything the city has to offer you'll need a trusty and reliable vehicle. Visit Palm Coast Ford today and let our experts show you our range of new and preowned cars. Together we'll find you the perfect car.