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Top 4 Dog Friendly Beaches in Jacksonville
With so many parks, green is Jacksonville’s color! Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the nation with more than 80,000 acres of parks, including 2 National park sites, 7 state parks and more than 400 city parks, plus dozens of unique gardens and an arboretum.
History and Nature combine perfectly inside Jacksonville's National Parks. Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial for a look back into the region's history. This park featured a historic rebuilding of the fort settled by French colonists in 1564. Signs inside tell the story of the settlers versus the Timucuan Native Americans and the Spanish. Also managed by the National Park System, are the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and Kingsley Plantation.
Hike through 46,000 acres of coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and hardwood forests within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve. Nearly 46,000 acres of wetlands, waterways and wildlife, this national park has historical sites like the Fort Caroline National Memorial and the Kingsley Plantation, offering guided group tours and nature outings. Tour Groups can explore the grounds at Kingsley Plantation, which include the slave quarters, barn, waterfront, plantation house, kitchen house, and interpretive garden. The visitor contact station/bookstore is located in a 1920s building adjacent to the plantation buildings. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours touring this attraction. Visit nearby Fort George Island Cultural State Park for a taste of history and boating through the tidal waters. Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island offer some of the most unique ecosystems, beaches and outdoor recreational activities in the area. Explore Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park and go hiking at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. If fishing is in your itinerary, then head to George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park in Jacksonville's Northside.
There are more than 400 City Parks in Jacksonville! Some are oceanfront, others right on the St. Johns River and some are located in busy suburban hubs bringing an oasis of relaxation and fun to the area. In the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, James Weldon Johnson Park's fountain and shade trees provide a cool retreat. Visit nearby Klutho Park in Springfield to stroll through their sculpture walk or play a round of disc golf at Springfield Disc Golf Course. Book a sunset tour on the water taxi and ride across the St. Johns River to Friendship Fountain on the Southbank. Treaty Oak at Jesse Ball duPont Park is just a five-minute walk from the fountain and home to a 250+year-old southern live oak that’s more than 70 feet tall, with a 25 foot wide trunk! In Riverside Avondale, Mandarin and the Southside, parks include fun playgrounds, historical sites and tons of family fun,
Pack a picnic and head to Jarboe Park near Neptune Beach. This green space includes a playground for the kids and features a weekly farmers market. Located by the Mayport beaches, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a beautiful beachside location for camping, picnics, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking and swimming. This park features cabin rentals, a freshwater lake, a splash ground and playground for children, access to beaches, and 20 miles of mixed use trails, which are great for mountain biking. Watch for manatee, egrets, ospreys, and an occasional dolphin sighting! Huguenot Park, on the Northside of Jacksonville, is the only beach in the area where you can drive your car on the sand.
Looking to host a gathering or event at one of Jacksonville's many parks? Follow this link to connect with the City of Jacksonville's Parks and Recreation Department and their online booking system. You can also reach out to them directly at (904) 255 - 6767.
Hanna Park
This oceanfront city park located between Atlantic Beach and the historic Mayport Village is a haven for outdoor lovers.
Talbot Islands
The Talbot Islands State Parks are an intriguing mixture of beach setting and coastal woodland. An area filled with endless natural beauty and some of the most unique eco-systems in the world!
7 Creeks Recreation Area
Not far off I-295, on Jacksonville’s Northside, exists a natural utopia perfect for the outdoors lover.
Dutton Island Preserve
Located just west of Mayport Road, visitors can capture views of unique wildlife at this park along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Ed Austin Regional Park
Found in the midst of East Arlington, this park offers a variety of things to do. Spend the day at this family friendly and dog friendly park. The kiddos and pups have…
Exchange Club Island
This is a perfect getaway for an afternoon adventure, you won’t believe you are still in the city. Bring your furry friends along for the day!
James Weldon Johnson Park
Downtown Jacksonville’s central park is cultivating growth—of the arts, culture, and downtown.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a beautiful, riverfront park found in the 5 Points area of Riverside. The park has a rich history, it was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm who are…
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Venture out to Jacksonville’s Northside, where some of the city’s most impressive State Parks can be found and explore the more than 4,000 acres that make up Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve.
Taye Brown Park
Escape from the world through the miles and miles of trails that connect the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and the Cecil Recreation Complex.
Tillie Fowler Regional Park
Drive down the busy Roosevelt Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Westside neighborhood...
Walter Jones Park
Pack a picnic and a blanket, put on your walking shoes and grab your camera, and carve out some time to visit Walter Jones Park.