Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces In and Around Jacksonville

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Embark on Outdoor Adventures in Northeast Florida

Beautiful landscapes, breathtaking coastal views, vibrant communities, rich history  — what more could you ask for? Northeast Florida has an array of fun-tastic outdoor spaces for people of all ages to enjoy. Dive into the best Jacksonville parks and more below!

What Is There To Do In Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts who want to connect with nature and wildlife. You can kayak the marshes and wetlands, bike miles of nature trails, paddleboard in freshwater lagoons, surf epic waves or fish year-round. 

Want to go on a walking safari? Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to over 2,000 rare, exotic animals and features immersive exhibits. Looking for the perfect family outing? The 120-acre Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens has three miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems — and it’s free! Searching for a unique wildlife experience? Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit that takes care of tigers, leopards and cougars while educating visitors about these impressive creatures.

With the largest urban park system in the United States, Jacksonville has over 450 parks! Hanna Park provides versatile fun with 1.5 miles of beachfront, 20 miles of trails, a 60-acre lake and cozy cabins. Huguenot Memorial Park is the area’s only drive-on beach and is perfect for birdwatching, kite surfing and camping. Alpine Groves Park offers a turn-of-the-century homestead and citrus grove, along with trails and a fishing dock. Ed Austin Regional Park stands out for its 1.75-mile paved trail and an 18-hole disc golf course. Talbot Islands State Parks provide a mix of beach environment and coastal woodlands and offer rental gear for hiking, kayaking and photography. 

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Amelia Island is Florida’s Coastal Gem

Amelia Island — the “Isle of Eight Flags” — is a timeless destination known for its pristine beaches, rich history and natural beauty. With so many parks and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone — a family vacation, a trip with friends or a romantic getaway. 

The island’s uncrowded beaches are perfect for horseback riding, with expansive stretches of sand and breathtaking views. The northern beaches on the island are a shark tooth hunter’s paradise. For example, Fort Clinch State Park is a great place for beachcombers and bird watchers alike, featuring several trails and picnic areas.

Amelia Island is home to impressive state parks. Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park is Florida’s smallest state park with almost 0.8 acres. Small but mighty, it provides a fascinating tapestry of Amelia Island history, along with scenic views. Amelia Island State Park is a 200-acre park with beaches, hiking trails, biking and fishing! This magical park features the Amelia Island Trail, which is part of the East Coast Greenway — a 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Key West. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a 6.2-mile journey through the captivating landscapes of Florida’s northeastern coast. 

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Nocatee’s Active and Vibrant Lifestyle

Nocatee radiates high-quality living and a warm sense of community, making it a wonderful option for your next trip. With gorgeous weather and stunning scenery, Nocatee is equipped with several tranquil greenspaces, pools, dog parks and more. 

Nocatee Community Park is the pinnacle of Florida living, with 75 acres of beautiful lakes, foliage, hiking trails, jogging paths, soccer fields and tennis courts. Cypress Park features a family pool, playground and event lawn for some fun in the sun. Davis Park is the go-to spot for sports enthusiasts, with several fields for soccer, lacrosse, football, softball and baseball. For non-sports fans, this park offers a lovely nature setting, stocked fishing ponds, dog parks and multiple playgrounds. 

Splash Water Park, one of Nocatee's most popular recreational attractions, is a resort-style water playground built for adventure. With something for everyone, the water park has multiple pools, thrilling water slides, a lazy river and even a zip line. At the Nocatee Preserve, you can experience 2,400 acres of Florida’s flora and fauna, with access to a 3.5-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway known as the Tolomato River.

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Ponte Vedra Beach is a Premier Golf Destination

Ponte Vedra Beach offers a picturesque seaside atmosphere that attracts families, nature enthusiasts and professional golfers alike. Ponte Vedra is considered a world-class golf destination, with its PGA tour courses, where players can experience the lush surroundings and waterfront views of northeast Florida.

With miles of shoreline, Ponte Vedra’s beaches are top tier. Plus, leashed dogs are welcome, so you can enjoy them with your four-legged friends. On or off the water, there are countless ways to spend time outside in Ponte Vedra. You can hike or bike the Guana Trails, paddle the waterways, grab your binoculars to spot birds and go fishing in natural areas. 

Bird Island Park in Ponte Vedra Beach captivates visitors with its serene trails, a hedged maze and native wildlife. This peaceful waterfront park is full of birds, foliage, trails and Instagram-worthy sculptures.

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Atlantic Beach Prioritizes Outdoor Recreation

Atlantic Beach, known for its close-knit atmosphere and natural beauty, is a charming town just east of Jacksonville. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the tranquility of coastal living with access to dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for nature trails, family-friendly playgrounds or scenic coastal views, Atlantic Beach has it all. 

One of Atlantic Beach's most defining features is its array of well-maintained parks, showcasing the area’s commitment to its environment and community. Dutton Island Preserve is the largest natural park in Atlantic Beach, with nature trails that wind through maritime forests and salt marshes, a kayak launch for water lovers and picnic tables and pavilions to enjoy being surrounded by nature. 

Located in the heart of Atlantic Beach, Donner Park is a community favorite with over five acres of shady parkland, featuring a basketball court, baseball field, tennis court, pickleball courts, covered picnic areas and a playground. Jack Russell Park, named after the famous terrier breed, is a lively park with various sports facilities, including tennis courts, a softball field, a skate park and a playground for younger visitors. It’s a popular spot for community events, such as outdoor movie nights and seasonal celebrations.

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Visit Timoti’s Seafood Shak for a Picnic

Stop by Timoti’s Seafood Shak to grab a delicious meal before or after your outdoor adventures.