Jacksonville’s Top Parks

National Parks

1. Fort Caroline National Park

A historic replica of the fort settled by French colonists in 1564, complete with cannons, flags and breathtaking views of the St. Johns River. Step back in time and learn about the French and Spanish rivalry in the area during the 16th century at the museum inside of the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center located in the park. Hike the Theodore Roosevelt loop which is a 1.3-mile nature loop trail shaded by live oaks. While you're at Fort Caroline stop by the Ribault Monument that represents France claiming Florida in 1562.
Location: 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225

2. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

At 46,000 acres this is Jacksonville’s biggest park! Wetlands, marshes, unique wildlife, beautiful beaches, historic sites, and pristine sea islands make this area one of Jacksonville’s must-see spots. You can hike, bike, swim, surf, fish and discover old Florida inside the Timucuan Preserve.
Location: Jacksonville’s Northside

3. Kingsley Plantation

First built in 1798, this is one of the last remaining plantation homes in the state of Florida, providing a vital link to the region's colonial heritage. Park Rangers provide daily guided tours and audio tours of the plantation grounds. Learn about the history of the plantation and the people who lived there in the late 1700’s and 1800’s. This “Lion’s Story Teller” audio tour lasts about 1 hour and is at no cost to you.
Location: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226

State Parks

4. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park

At 4,000 acres, this Northside park is filled to the brim with activities. Canoeing, kayaking, rare bird watching, camping, hiking, biking and even equestrian trail riding. There are 3 miles of hiking trails and almost 13-miles of multi-use trails. You can connect to both Cedar Point Preserve and Betz Tiger Point from this park.
Location: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226

5. Talbot Islands State Parks

Little Talbot Island and Big Talbot Island offer a unique mix of beach environment and coastal woodlands unique to Northeast Florida. Must-see spots include Blackrock Beach and Boneyard. The parks offer camping grounds, hiking trails, biking paths, kayaking tours, fishing lagoons and plenty of opportunities for local wildlife sightings.
Location: State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226

6. Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park

Built in 1862, this was an important military camp during the Civil War, occupied by both Confederate and Union troops. Its location near the mouth of the St. Johns River allowed for easy access to the inland areas of Florida's east coast. Today, the park is an ideal place for a picnic with an encampment reproduction staged. Entrance to the park is free.
Location: New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226

7. Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Named after a 1736 fort built in the area to defend the southern flank of Georgia when it was a colony. Today, visitors come for boating, fishing, off-road bicycling, and hiking. A key attraction is the restored Ribault Club, once an exclusive resort. This park offers a public boat launch.
Location: 11241 Fort George Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226

8. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park

This one-mile long, pedestrian-only bridge is one of Jacksonville’s best fishing spots. Anglers can catch a variety of fish here, including whiting, jack, drum and tarpon. The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Location: State Road A1A South, Jacksonville, FL, FL 32226

City Parks

9. Hanna Park

This beaches park is a haven for outdoor lovers. It has 1.5 miles of public beach with one of the best surfing spots in the city. Hanna also has over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails with different levels of difficulty, camping grounds and cabins, and a 60-acre lake for paddleboarding and fishing.
Location: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233

10. Huguenot Memorial Park

This seaside park offers 70 campground sites, a playground, picnic areas & great shore fishing. It is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail with 237 species spotted here. This park is also home to the only beach in Jacksonville where you can drive your car into the sand.
Location: 10980 Heckscher Dr, Downtown, FL 32226

11. Castaway Island Preserve

Along the Intracoastal Waterway, in Jacksonville’s Southside, you’ll find the salt marshes and tidal creeks of this preserve. Castaway has a mile-long interactive boardwalk trail perfect for exploring the local wildlife. There is a public canoe/kayak launch.
Location: 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225

12. Dutton Island Preserve

This Atlantic Beach park has almost 2 miles of nature trails, a fishing and viewing pier, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic areas, pavilions and primitive camping areas. The preserve is a great spot for paddleboarding in the Intracoastal Waterway and great sunset photos.
Location: 622 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

13. Jacksonville Arboretum

Located in the historic Arlington neighborhood, the Arboretum is by far one of the best hidden outdoors spots in Jacksonville. It offers great hiking trails, different ecosystems, local wildlife, natural streams, and a beautiful pond covered in lilies. The arboretum is pet friendly and ideal for a family hike.
Location: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

14. Fort Family Regional Park at Baymeadows

With 52-acres of family fun, this Southside park offers soccer field, tennis courts, covered picnic areas, walking trails, a children’s playground, and a lake with a paved trail ideal for relaxation and fishing.
Location: 8000 Baymeadows Rd E, Jacksonville, FL 32256

15. Losco Regional Park

Conveniently located at the crossroads of Jacksonville’s bustling beltway system, this 210-acre park has scenic paved trails that wraps around the park, one multi-use field, soccer fields, two playgrounds, and a splash pad.
Location: 10931 Hood Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32257

16. James Weldon Johnson Park

First established in 1857, this is Jacksonville’s first park. It has plenty of history and it’s a significant site for the Civil Rights movement. Nowadays, there’s always a cool family-friendly event taking place including ArtWalk, music festivals, and lunchtime food trucks at Charlie’s Café and activities at their kids zone.
Location: 135 W Monroe St, Downtown, FL 32202

17. Memorial Park

This is the perfect park for a riverfront picnic in the heart of historic Riverside. This 6-acre World War I memorial features sweeping views of the St. Johns River, a great lawn ideal for relaxation, sunbathers, soccer players and energetic dogs. The half-mile shaded loop around the park is great for running and biking.
Location: 1620 Riverside Ave, Downtown, FL 32204

18. Riverside Park

In the heart of the Five Points area, this 11-acre park has a beautiful fountain, a playground to keep the little ones occupied and a dog park for your furry friends. Special events are held at the park every month.
Location: 753 Park St, Downtown, FL 32204

19. Stockton Park

Located in the beautiful riverfront Ortega neighborhood, this park is ideal for a picnic, an easy walk along the St. Johns River, and fishing. There’s also a beautiful gazebo that offers shade while you gaze out onto the river.
Location: 4021 Ortega Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210

20. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park

This regional park offers several miles of hiking and biking trails easily accessible and marked. There is plenty of free parking, playgrounds, restroom facilities, an amphitheater, and a beautifully manicured picnic area with grills and walking trails. This park even has its own dog park for furry friends of all sizes.
Location: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244

21. Baldwin Park

This park is home to the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail. The 14.5-mile paved trail is great for getting familiar with your bike if you’re new to it. Bikes and people of all sizes and ages can enjoy this shady, easy trail through a quiet section of Northeast Florida.
Location: 2 Imeson Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220

22. Mandarin Park

Enjoy tennis courts, playgrounds, a boat ramp and short, easy trails. The park also offers good fishing on the pier, nestled alongside Julington Creek.
Location: 14780 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223

23. Walter Jones Park

This 10-acre park is Jacksonville’s first historical park. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking picturesque landscape, with Oak trees and remnants of Orange groves draped with Spanish moss. The area is rich in Civil War and African American history. The Mandarin Museum & Historic Society is housed on the park grounds, self-guided tours of the historic buildings are available on Saturdays.
Location: 12471 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223