The Best Hiking and Biking in Jacksonville
You’ll find oodles of outdoor activities in Jacksonville.
This oceanfront city park located between Atlantic Beach and the historic Mayport Village is a haven for outdoor lovers.
Hanna Park is formerly known as Manhattan Beach and was the first African American beach resort in Florida.
There are biking trails ranging in difficulty, camping grounds and cabins, hiking trails, lake and ocean kayaking, great surfing and 1.5 miles of white-sandy beaches. $5 gets your carload in the park to enjoy dozens of eco-adventures. Hanna Park is an exciting place for all ages to experience the outdoors!
A 60-acre lake is open for fishing, kayaks and canoes. Adventure Kayak Florida offers guided tours or rentals within the park. They also offer adaptive kayak launches for those with limited mobility. Adventure Kayak Florida has certified staff members ready to assist so everyone has the chance to experience a water adventure like no other.
Kayaking on the lake is peaceful, breezy and great for beginners, because the water is flat and easy to paddle through. There are shaded spots around the lake, close to the shoreline, where you can float and cool off.
The park also offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails that take you through a mix of boardwalk, soft sand and leaf-covered dirt. The different trails have varying levels of difficulty making some of them fit for the whole family.
Hanna Park offers almost 300 campsites, all of which are in the wooded area of the park and are all easily accessible by paved roads. Visitors are allowed to camp in tents, RV’s or even one of the parks six cabins! Amenities include electric and water hookups, coin laundry, on-site general store and restrooms!
Hanna Park has multiple options for event rentals on their expansive property. Whether you are wanting an ocean-front wedding, are planning a big family reunion or hosting a business meeting, Hanna Park's Dolphin Plaza could be the place for you to do just that. Make sure to book this well in advance.
There are also shelters with picnic tables and grills available for rent around the park.
AFTERNOON: Welcome to the park! Hanna is one of Jacksonville’s most beautiful parks with so much to see and do. From kayaking to fishing, surfing and paddleboarding, biking and hiking, you really can fill your itinerary up with dozens of outdoors adventures all in this one spot!
Your first stop will be at the front gate. The park is located off Mayport Road in Atlantic Beach. Here you will pay your admission, grab some maps and suggestions for the day. Your level of adventure will determine what direction you go once inside.
For camping there are three options: You can bring a tent, you can bring your RV or you can glamp and stay in a cabin.
EARLY MORNING: Sun salutations are best here! How about a yoga session at the beach while enjoying one of the most beautiful sunrises in the state of Florida. Afterwards, you can take a walk on the beach.
MORNING: After breakfast, hit the trails! You can bike or hike the more than 20 miles of trails Hanna has to offer.
AFTERNOON: Enjoy a relaxing time at the beach, you have earned it! Hanna has 1.5-miles of wide and white-sandy coast.
EVENING: Grill in the pavilion and picnic area while enjoying the ocean.
EARLY MORNING: If you are looking for a real adventure, stop by the General Store. Inside is Adventure Kayak Florida where you can rent or purchase all your water adventure needs. They have kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, and canoes you can use in the 60-acre lagoon inside the park. They also offer guided tours.
AFTERNOON: Hanna is one of Jacksonville’s top spots for surfing. Several area surf-shops offer lessons or rentals at Hanna. Contact Jax Surf and Paddle and enjoy a 90-minute surf class at the beach. You can’t come to Jax and not surf our gentle waves!
EVENING: Pack up and head out, but the adventure is not over. You can visit the Atlantic Beach Arts Market, just a few minutes South of the park on Mayport Road and then head to the Beaches Town Center for dinner before heading home.
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233