5 Favorite Local Parks Near Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL is home to the largest urban park system in the nation. Included in its 80,000 acres of designated land area are three national and seven state parks and more than 400 city locales. Urbanites seeking an oasis in the bustling city need not go far for playgrounds, trails, or beaches. Check out this list of some of our favorite spots to unwind.

5 Favorite Local Parks Near Jacksonville, FL

1. Palencia Pirate Ship Park

Ahoy, matey! Kids will enjoy “swabbing the deck” and “walking the plank” at this pirate-ship-shaped playground. The nearby athletic park facilities include basketball courts, soccer, and softball fields, as well as a covered pavilion for community events or picnicking. This hidden treasure is located at the entrance to the Palencia neighborhood but is open to the public.

2. Blue Cypress Park

If you want to hit the links, Blue Cypress, in Arlington, is a great spot for a quick game. The 9-hole public golf course is part of the park, which sits along the St. Johns River. Originally an 18-hole course, the city reduced the number of holes in the course to protect the environmentally sensitive area. Take an evening stroll along the nature boardwalk trail and soak in the beautiful sunset along the river.

3. Stockton Park

The romantic setting of Stockton Park is the perfect spot to bring a date for a leisurely picnic or promenade (note that there are no public restrooms). Located in the charming Ortega neighborhood in Jacksonville’s Westside, the park sits beside St. Johns River and the grandiose mansions of Ortega Boulevard. Spend the morning fishing from the park’s waterfront edge, then grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant like Chomp Chomp, a local sandwich joint.

4. Willowbranch Park

This lovely, unassuming park stretches from the Willow Branch Library on one end to baseball and soccer fields on the other end. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash. This pocket of heaven is filled with gorgeous old trees and a trickling creek. Lovely and safe, Willowbranch is the perfect spot to get lost in a good book in the shade.

5. Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

A Florida park list would not be complete without a beachfront locale. This park is home to the premier surfing spot in Northeast Florida as well as over 20 miles of trails for mountain bikers and casual hikers alike. With 1.5 miles of sandy beach and a kids’ splash park that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this place is the perfect spot to beat the heat. Note that there is a small entry fee to enjoy the park.

Explore Northeast Florida’s best system of recreation areas. Whether you’re flying solo or on a family day out, any of the locales on this list have something for everyone. While you’re soaking in the beauty of the Sunshine State, stop in at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park to see some of our beautiful luxury vehicles.

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