Explore Jacksonville’s Expansive Park System
You won’t need to travel to mountains or deserts to discover North America’s largest urban park system. The Jacksonville park system stretches over 80,000 acres, encompassing beaches, forests, and rivers across the gateway to Florida. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, paddleboarding, or surfing, there’s something for everyone in Jax. Read on as we break down the outdoor culture of this city, including parks you need to add to your must-visit list, whether you’re a born-and-raised Jaxson or just passing through!
How Many Parks Are in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville, FL, has 405 public and recreational parks, including two national parks and seven state parks. Additionally, the city hosts several beautiful gardens and an arboretum. The River City has the most urban parks on the continent and is the largest city by land in the contiguous United States, covering 747 square miles. In addition to its metropolitan area, the city includes a variety of ecosystems, providing residents with downtown living, natural wonders, and everything in between.
Best Jacksonville Parks
It’s difficult to pinpoint the few of Jacksonville’s many parks that stand above the rest, as they have much to offer. Whether you’re an adventurer looking to ride the waves or just need a spot to read, Jacksonville’s parks can make for a gorgeous weekend getaway, spanning every Florida ecosystem from beaches to marshes. We’ve broken down Jacksonville’s urban parks by type, giving suggestions of where to visit, what activities to do, and tips to boost your experience.
Local Parks in Jacksonville
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
With 450 acres, Hanna Park is one of the largest city parks in the region. Explore its 20 miles of picturesque trails on foot or via bike, including off-road, single-track mountain bike trails suited for everyone from beginners to daredevils. You may not be able to get to everything in one day, so renting a cabin, bringing along an RV, or setting up camp is a great way to spend a long weekend enjoying everything Hanna has to offer, from fishing to canoeing. And if you come from May through October, you may be lucky to observe nesting sea turtles!
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
If you want to visit peaceful trails hidden away amid towering trees, the Jacksonville Arboretum offers a scenic, educational experience for the whole family. Beyond their many hiking trails, which accommodate all levels of expertise, Jaxsons can visit for yoga classes, school field trips, and more. This non-profit-owned park, created entirely by community volunteers, invites leashed dogs, kids of all ages, and visitors from all over to enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer.
State Parks in Jacksonville
Talbot Islands State Parks
From historic dunes to stunning beaches, these twin parks are known for bird-watching, hikes through maritime forests, and long walks on the white sands. While the Big Talbot Island State Park is loved for its photo opportunities with bleached trees and at Blackrock Beach, Little Talbot Island State Park is the place to go for seashells and strolls along the endless shoreline. We advise taking the Mayport Ferry to Fort George Island when visiting the parks, so plan on making a fun-filled day out of your trip to these islands!
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
For history buffs looking for an enthralling educational experience, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park acts as a time machine into America’s past. This preserved Civil War encampment was occupied by Confederate and Union troops in its prime. Though small, it makes for a great picnicking spot where you can admire replica cannons, a stone monument, and the contours of the earthwork fort. Enjoy a pleasant weekend stroll through pivotal Jacksonville history.
National Parks in Jacksonville
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Welcome to the area’s largest park! With over 46,000 acres of unspoiled wetlands, salt marshes, historic sites, coastal dunes, and more, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve has a bit of everything. Turn back the clock to the French occupation of Florida at the Fort Caroline National Memorial, hike through hardwood forests and scrub vegetation in the Theodore Roosevelt Area, and head out to some of the best fishing spots in the region at Cedar Point.
Comprising over 6,000 years of human history and named for the indigenous Timucua who inhabited much of Florida before the arrival of the Spanish, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Kingsley Plantation
Found on the sprawling acres of the Timucuan Preserve, the Kingsley Plantation is one of the few remaining plantation homes in Florida. Visitors can gain a window into life in the antebellum South, exploring the slave quarters, planter’s house, barn, and more. Admission is free, and park rangers offer guided and audio tours of the plantation so you can make your trip through the Jacksonville park system educational.
Enjoy Outdoor Spaces by Making Space in Your Home at Atlantic Self Storage
With so many opportunities for camping, hiking, paddleboarding, and more, taking advantage of Jacksonville’s incredible parks means you’ll need a little extra room for outdoor gear.
Atlantic Self Storage offers climate-controlled storage units in Jacksonville that are perfect for all your seasonal storage needs. Find the additional space you’ve sought for belongings in personal storage, business storage inventory and equipment, and even any vehicles needing a secure place to park. Give yourself some room to breathe with Atlantic Self Storage.
Contact us today to discover your ideal Jacksonville self storage solution, and check us out at a facility near you!