Explore all 840 Square Miles of a different side of Florida. Stretches of stunning beaches and waterways, the largest urban park system in the country, extraordinary cultural and historical spots, and experiences that engross the mind, body, and inner adventurer.
Get to know Jacksonville. Relax on stretches of stunning beaches; paddle through our nature-filled waterways; hike, bike and explore our national, state and city parks; dine in our top rated restaurants; or just relax in a place that makes it all possible. There's plenty to do for families, couples, nature-lovers, foodies, golfers, cultural and historical travelers and more.
Sunbathe on our 22 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches.
Gorgeous white sand beaches await you just minutes from downtown Jacksonville. With plenty of beachfront and walking-distance accommodations, the beaches are a quick and easy escape from the everyday.
Jacksonville boasts three beach areas: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, plus the historic fishing village of Mayport to the north. Locals say the best spot to hit the waves are "The Poles" located just inside Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park .
Along the 22-miles paradise, Jacksonville offers a range of activities including water sports, relaxation, nightlife, and family fun. During the Summer months jump aboard Jax Beach's convenient Beaches Trolley to explore all the beach neighborhoods and attractions for just $1.50 fare.
Hours of Operation (Open seven days a week): 6AM - 8PM M - F, 7AM - 8PM weekends [April - October] Early bird and annual passes required for entry from 6AM - 8AM, prior purchase required 6AM - 6PM M - F, 7AM - 6PM weekends [November - March] Early bird and annual passes required for entry from 6AM - 8AM, prior purchase required Last entry allowed 30 minutes prior to park closing time
Fees: Park entry - Ticket required for early bird entry 6AM - 8AM (early bird tickets may be purchased in sets of $50) $3 per pedestrian and bicyclist 8AM to close $5 per car (up to six people) 8AM to close Bus entry fee - $50 Annual pass fee - $99 including tax NOTE: All entry fees are cash only
Camping Tent camping = $20.34 including tax RV camping = 33.90 including tax Cozy cabins = 33.90 per day, including tax (two day minimum stay) NOTE: All payments for camping reservations are final and non-refundable
The Beach - 1.5 miles of sandy beach with multiple access points and home to the premier surfing spot in Northeast Florida, The Poles.
Dolphin Plaza - An ideal oceanfront location for a family reunion, wedding reception or corporate outing.
Biking and Hiking Trails - Hanna Park has over 20 miles of trails for the hardcore mountain bikers and the entire family to enjoy.
Fresh Water - A 60-acre lake and open to fishing, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes! Good News, Memorial Day Weekend, 2016, the Hanna Park Campground Store and Concession re-opened under the management of Adventure Kayak Florida . You can obtain needed supplies such as firewood, ice, etc. as well as snacks at the Campground Store. Also, there are kayak's and mountain bikes available for rental.
Kids Splash Park - Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it's the perfect place for kids under four feet tall to cool off in the summer.
Extras! - Picnic areas, facilities for cookouts, reunions, retreats, and other group activities. Please note that reservations are required.
Park Guidelines
Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the nation, with over 80,000 acres of green spaces to practice dozens of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running, jogging, power walking, yoga in the park, swimming, kayaking, and many other exciting exercises.
With five bridges in the Downtown area , the impressive structures have become a workout hot-spot for locals and visitors alike. Both the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge have pedestrian and bike lanes that connect the Northbank and Southbank of Downtown and make for challenging yet achievable training routes just steps from your hotel room. Looking for a running partner, join in on a local group run .
Annually, Jacksonville hosts 90 races including some of the nation's most popular runs, The 26.2 with Donna -the only marathon in the world that runs on the beach-, The Gate River Run -the largest 15K in the nation- and the Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon.
Jacksonville is also home to more than 50 golf courses for every level of game. And when it comes to alternative ways of staying active, Jacksonville boast a wide variety of yoga studios, piltaes studios, Pure Barre studios, 24-hour gyms, CrossFit gyms, running groups, dance studios, boot camps, and even a trampoline-based exercise gym.
The only thing you won't find in Jacksonville is an excuse to not be active!
#OnlyinJax Active Fact : Jacksonville is home to more than 40 miles of hiking trails . Some trails lead to the ocean, some to the river, and some lead you right into the heart of Downtown Jacksonville. View our local expert's
Skydiving is on the bucket list item for many people. For some, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but for others, it becomes a hobby and a challenging sport.
The River City's beautiful weather lends itself to bringing the inside outside. Cafés, galleries and concerts are expected.
Bring the running shoes, the yoga pants, and the workout gear, no matter what your level of fitness is or your sport of choice, you can enjoy a great active time in the “River City by the Sea.”
Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the nation with more than 80,000 acres of parks, including 10 state and national parks, a national preserve, dozens of city parks and gardens, and an arboretum. Explore our unspoiled wetlands, marshes, and woods to experience the natural beauty of Florida's first coast.
Jacksonville sits at the Northeast Gateway to The Great Florida Birding Trail and is a natural choice for a birding excursion. Dozens of state and national parks and nature preserves offer birders a dizzying array of species and habitats.
Jacksonville's hiking trails wind through shaded and beachside areas and offer scenic views of waterways and marshes. Hikers frequently spot local birds and wildlife.
From strenuous mountain biking trails to family-friendly paved paths, Jacksonville offers a variety of options for cycling enthusiasts. Take advantage of rentals and guided tours to see Jacksonville's natural side by bike.
