5 Best Parks in Jax
/When it comes to living in Jacksonville, Florida it is fair to say that we have hit the jackpot with an abundance of national, state and regional parks right at our fingertips. Whether you like exploring new trails, fishing, kayaking, biking or getting lost on a beach filled with driftwood, Jacksonville offers a multitude of parks that are ready for us to explore!
Big Talbot + Little Talbot Island State Parks
First up, Big Talbot and Little Talbot Island State Parks. Though two separate places, these two parks both offer a tranquil opportunity to get off the beaten path. Big Talbot Island State Park is great for those who like to bike and observe nature with miles of paved and unpaved bike trails, scenic lookouts, boat launch, and plenty of driftwood to explore within its boneyard beach. Little Talbot Island State Park offers 5 miles of beautiful beaches, showers, picnic areas, camping, campfire circles, paddling launch and more!
Big Talbot Island State Park - driftwood
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-talbot-island-state-park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Next on the list. Hanna Park. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to put this park on your list. Offering a multitude of activities, this park can keep you busy for days. Offering multiple hiking and bike paths of varying degrees of difficulty, Hanna Park can be enjoyed at your own pace. Bike and paddling rentals are offered on site along with RV, cabin and tent camping. Enjoy your day out on the lake kayaking or on the beach enjoying the beautiful beach areas that Hannah Park has to offer. Don’t forget to stop by the new splash pad inside Hannah park; a great way to cool off with your kids during the summer!
Hiking path in hanna park
Hanna Park Scenic views
Timucuan Preserve
If you have lived in Jacksonville for a minute than you more than likely have heard of Timucuan Preserve. If you are a history buff you will want to put this national park on your list of places to visit as both Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation are filled with the deep and sometimes messy history of the city we call home. If that is not enough for your historic appetite be sure to stop by the Theodore Roosevelt Area, Cedar Point, American Beach and Ribault Club. Each of these places are located within Timucuan Preserve and are filled with cultural history + opportunities to explore!
Fort Caroline
Fort Caroline
Kingsley Plantation
https://www.nps.gov/timu/index.htm
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Hidden on the west side of town, this next gem may be one of my favorite parks. Located near Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park offers scenic hiking along with bike paths that are perfect for a quick hike on a Saturday morning. With a lookout at the end of the blue trail along with an old red brick road that runs through the park, this park is perfect for the person who likes to take the scenic route. If you have children or just love nature, make sure to stop by the nature center & playground inside Tillie Park.
Follow the Red brick road
Tillie Park Look out
The view from up Top
Walter Jones Historical Park
Last on the list, Walter Jones Historical Park. Tucked away on the St. Johns River in Mandarin, this charming park offers enough historic monuments + amenities to keep you busy for an hour or so. Enjoy exploring a piece of Mandarin’s history while also soaking in the parks nature trail and riverfront boardwalk view. Though quant in size, this park is charming at heart and worth the visit. Public restrooms are available.
https://www.mandarinmuseum.net/visit/walter-jones-historical-park
