10 Best Gardens and Parks in Jacksonville

Situated in the heart of the city, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is undoubtedly one of the best gardens or parks in Jacksonville. Within its 120 acres, you’ll find wetlands, pine groves, butterfly gardens, and so much more.

For the best Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens experience, go for a stroll on part of the 3 miles of greenery-filled trails. And when you’re ready for a break, take a seat on one of the benches dotted throughout the gardens for a picture-perfect picnic.

If you want to learn more about the plants and ecosystems in the Jacksonville area, the Tree Hill Nature Centre is a fantastic spot. This non-profit seamlessly blends together education and outdoor recreation.

During your visit, you can hike one of the many trails, say hello to some feathered friends in the hummingbird garden, and pop into the hands-on kids’ museum. And since the Tree Hill Nature Center’s main mission is education, don’t forget to stop into one of the educational programmes to learn some fun facts about local animals and plants.

If you’re looking to have some fun out in the sun, odds are you’ll be able to do the activity of your choice at Metropolitan Park. Let your little ones loose on the playground, sink a hole-in-one at the golf course, reel in the catch of a lifetime at the fishing pier, or simply go on a walk on one of the many hiking trails.

As if that weren’t enough, Metropolitan Park is also a popular entertainment venue. From jazz concerts to firework-filled Fourth of July festivals, there’s always something happening at this Jacksonville park.

Step back in time at Fort Caroline National Memorial. In the 16th century, this plot of land was a short-lived French colony. About a year into its establishment, this settlement was overtaken by Spanish troops. Today, it’s a memorial managed by the National Park Service.

While at Fort Caroline National Memorial, you can take a guided tour of the fort and learn all about the area’s storied past. And don’t forget to pause a moment and take in the stunning views of St. Johns River! In other words, it’s a great spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

History and nature intersect once again at Yellow Bluff Fort Historical State Park. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops occupied this area. Despite its name though, Yellow Bluff Fort Historical State Park isn’t actually home to a fort! Rather, it was once home to a fortified, gun-filled camp of sorts.

Today, you can take a peek at the scattered cannon statues, go for a lovely walk through the trees, and take in the stunning views of the St. Johns River. Talk about a fun nature outing!

Huguenot Memorial Park is one of the most beloved parks in Jacksonville. While there are greenery-filled areas that are great for picnicking and wildlife watching, it’s the beach section that really sets this park apart.

Located on the banks of St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean, Huguenot Memorial Park is a fantastic place for a beach day. Go for a refreshing swim, reel in a few pompanos, keep an eye out for all sorts of birds, or simply soak up the sun!

Though simply named, Native Parks 1 & 2 are a couple of the best parks in Jacksonville. This pair of parks is home to some of the coolest native Floridian plants. Stroll through 20-foot-tall saw palmetto, snap a few pictures of bright red firecracker plants, and rest in the shade of the huge, winged elm trees.

As you can imagine, all the thriving plants make for an amazing wildlife habitat. So be sure to keep your eyes open for hummingbirds, butterflies, and so much more.

Mandarin Park will be fun for every member of the family. The kids will have a blast as they run around the playground, the adventurers of the group will love a thrilling kayaking excursion, and the fishers of the family will be thrilled to catch everything from bluegill to bass.

When everyone is ready to refuel their energy, join back together for a picnic lunch or dinner at the park. Between the delicious food, the warm sunshine, and the captivating stories, you couldn’t ask for better family bonding time.

Balis Park is right on Jacksonville’s bustling San Marco Boulevard. This little slice of urban greenery is surrounded by eye-catching shops, trendy art galleries, and mouthwatering restaurants. In other words, Balis Park is a lovely spot to take a quick break in the middle of your shopping day.

Although this Jacksonville park is small, it has quite a few features packed into its borders. A couple of burbling fountains, a pair of bronze lions, and the eye-catching seasonal Christmas tree are just the beginning.

If you consider yourself to be an athlete, Garden City Park may be the Jacksonville park for you. This particular green space is home to basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, football fields, and even an outdoor gym! In other words, it’s a fantastic place to toss around a ball.

Even if you’re not all that into sports, Garden City Park is still worth a visit. Go for a stroll on one of the walking trails, let your little ones run wild on the playground, or settle down for a lovely picnic.