Jacksonville has some of the biggest parks in America and because of its sunny weather throughout the year, people enjoy spending most of their time outdoors. In this article, I will be listing some of the best parks in Jacksonville Florida which you can visit and enjoy many activities.
All the parks here are family-friendly. Whether you want to enjoy beautiful views, go on trials, surf, play or even explore, Jacksonville parks have them all.
BEST PARKS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
Below are some of the top parks in Jacksonville that you can visit during your trip.
A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park
Named after A. Philip Randolph who was an important person in the Civil Rights Movement, this is an amazing park that has many amenities including playscapes, amphitheater, picnic benches, drinking fountains, and more.
Even kids will enjoy this park a lot as the playground is filled with slides and swings which will keep them busy for hours. Before you leave the park don’t forget to see the life-sized bronze statue of Bob Hayes, an Olympic Gold medallist.
Address: 1096 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32206, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RcfY5n3ZKy9DSAmm6
Timings: Open 24 hours
Phone: +19042558008
Ed Austin Park
Spanning over 144 acres, Ed Austin Park is one of the largest in Jacksonville which offers a lot of amenities to its visitors. The park has a lot of soccer fields, baseball field, skateboard area, basketball courts, playground for kids, and more. This makes it perfect for someone who loves sports.
There is even a Frisbee golf course in the park which is apparently popular in the park. There is even a 1.75 mile shaded path for anyone who loves to walk, run, walk their dog or anything they like to do.
Address: 11751 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ES25vR9P12HUmVTA7
Timings: 6 am-10 pm
Phone: +19046302489
Fort Family Regional Park
Fort Family Regional Park is a popular family-friendly park in the neighborhood where friends and family love to come together and have a memorable time.
This outdoor recreational area has many amenities including grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, tennis courts, basketball fields, hiking trails, a fishing pier, and more. This park ideal for someone who wants to spend a lovely time with their family enjoying a picnic, fish, or play Frisbee.
Address: 8000 Baymeadows Rd E, Jacksonville, FL 32256, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Pjtm1o45UcuJ4uhM7
Timings: 8 am-8 pm
Phone: +19046302489
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
One of the highest-rated parks for camping and trail spots, it is located at 500 Wonderwood Drive in North Beach. The park is close to the beach with 1.5 miles of sandy stretch and multiple access points and is home to a premier surfing spot.
Other amenities include over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a 60-acre lake for fishing, kayaking, and boating. There is also Dolphin plaza which is an ideal location for weddings, parties, and events.
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JMmPxehd7b2CFysaA
Timings: 8 am-6 pm
Phone: +19042494700
Balis Park
This park was established by Mrs. Abla Balis in memory of her husband Sheffield Balis in 1988 who believed that the best way to honor her husband is by creating a public park for people to enjoy.
One can find the park in the middle of The Square at San Marco. Over the years the park has been renovated to include beautiful landscapes, sound systems, and more.
Address: 1999 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NGqVUnHj2yNeyScY9
Timings: Open 24 hours
Phone: +19042557919
South Beach Park
This park is located close to the beach and is home to some of the coolest playgrounds one can see in Jacksonville.
The highlight of this park is that there are two different areas for toddlers and young kids. The toddler area has smaller-sized swings, slides, etc while for the younger kids there are regular swings, slides, and other amenities.
There is also a splash park for the kids to play which is opened during summer. Other amenities include a volleyball court, basketball court, a giant field, and a ¼ mile paved loop. The park also holds Stroller strength classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9.30 am.
Address: 2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/82htkF6saszPBUpy6
Timings: 7 am-8 pm
Phone: +19042476100
Blue Cypress Park
Blue Cypress Park has something for visitors of all ages which is why it is the most favored park in Jacksonville.
This environmentally-sensitive area is home to many flora and fauna. Some of the amenities include a community center complete with soccer fields, a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and more.
There is also a boardwalk across St. John’s River which is enjoyed by everyone. This boardwalk is also accessible by the handicapped. There are also picnic shelters, fishing dock, and grills among other things.
Address: 4112 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32277, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vr8FWT4fk6f9kFNn6
Timings: 7 am-7 pm
Phone: +19047455466
Losco Park
Losco Park is located off Philips Highway in the middle of the busiest area of Jacksonville. This park offers a quiet atmosphere with scenic views so you will never realize how close you are to the main road.
This park was originally known as Southeast Regional Park North. Amenities include soccer fields, multi-purpose playgrounds, picnic shelters, a drinking fountain, and more. There is also a beautiful paved path that wraps around the park.
Address: 10931 Hood Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zhRv6GENr6vKzzd57
Timings: 5 am-10 pm
Phone: +19046302489
Little Talbot Island State Park
This park is located at 12157 Heckscher Drive. The park features some undeveloped beach areas that provide a unique experience. This park also has five miles of beach area, three miles of biking trials amidst untouched natural beauty.
There is a lot of diverse ecosystems to be explored in the park. Once can enjoy surfing, kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, hiking, and more in this park. Some of the amenities include campfire circles, mountain bike trails, playgrounds, water fountains, a shower station, canoe-kayak launch, RV, and more.
Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zKtCsadFtS5tBMTp9
Timings: 8:15 am-6 pm
Phone: +19042512320
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Little-Talbot-Island
Castaway Island Preserve
This park is located near San Pablo road and was purchased by the city of Jacksonville with Florida Communities Trust. The 300+ acre vast area is a fun spot for people of all ages. There are tons of amenities right from toddlers to the elderly.
Whether you want to spend your time hiking along the trails, explore the flora and fauna, bird watch and just enjoy nature, you will have a good time visiting this park. Other amenities include nature trails, waterway trails, picnic area, floating dock, non-motorized boar launch, and more.
Address: 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kwnXKfJgMxFxMWMCA
Timings: 7:30 am-8 pm
Phone: +19046302489
Website: https://www.timucuanparks.org/castaway-island-preserve/
Which is your favorite park in Jacksonville? Do you have any suggestions? Let me know in the comments below.