April 22nd is Earth Day! Jacksonville has plenty of spots to get out to explore. Whether you are a history lover, animal lover, or looking for some family fun, we got you covered! There are spots to bike, roller-skate, walk, and run! North Florida has beautiful parks that are waiting for you to visit!
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Guana Preserve
Where: 2690 S Ponte Vedra Blvd
Guana Tolomato Matanzas is dedicated to the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural resources. It is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the country and provides a lovely place to explore. People are an important part of the future of this landscape. Come explore!
Tilly Fowler Regional Park
Where: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd.
Tilly Fowler Regional Park is Jacksonville’s largest city-maintained park, It stretches over 500 acres and has an education center, walking and biking trails, and a wildlife watch tower. It even has a dog park!
Fort Clinch State Park
Where: 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach FL 32034
Fort Clinch State Park has you covered whether you’re a history buff or nature lover. You can view a row of cannons pointing across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia. They are a silent testimony to the impact of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. You can even explore the fort! The first weekend of every month features soldier garrison firing cannons and other battlefield skills. This historic fort is 1,400 acres and features plenty of activities for all.
Egans Creek Greenway
Where: 2500 Atlantic Ave
Egans creek is a protected area of over 300 acres. Their grass-covered roads serve as a network of trails that are perfect for walking and biking. You could see local wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and bobcats(from a safe distance of course).
Bird Island Park
Where: 101 Library Blvd.
Bird Island Park is the perfect place to bring the family out for a picnic, bird watching, strolling, and more! The park features an entrance gazebo which leads you to trails around the park.The park illustrates the ecosystems of northeast Florida and highlights native flora and fauna. The landscape includes dune and wetland areas, with educational signage, and interactive art sculptures.
Big Talbot/Little Talbot
Where: State Road A1A North
Big Talbot is located on one of Northeast Florida’s unique sea islands. It is known to be a preserve that provides a premier location for bird watching and photographers. Boneyard Beach is what this park is known for, but there is so much more to see! The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore. They have trails for walking, biking, and roller skating! Enjoy the 3.9-mile off-road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A with breathtaking overlooks of Spoonbill Pond at the northern boardwalk section.
Jax Baldwin Rail Trail
Where: 850 N. Center Street
The city of Jacksonville acquired the abandoned railroad corridor(later known as the Jax Baldwin Rail Trail) in 1992. The “Rails to Trails” program is designed to turn abandoned railroad lines into linear parks. The trail is 14.5 miles long and a 12’ wide paved trail currently exists for hikers, bikers and roller-bladers to enjoy. An equestrian trail parallels the paved trail.
Dutton Island
Where: 793 Dutton Island Road W
Dutton Island is the city’s largest park. The preserve has 9,000 feet of nature trails, a fishing and viewing pier, a canoe/kayak launch, picnic areas, pavilions, camping areas, and parking. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed!
Hanna Park
Where: 500 Wonderwood Drive
You will want to check out this 450-acre park that has lots of activities. Plan a relaxing day at the beach or go fishing. A small splash park is available in the summer. Hanna Park has over 20 miles of trails, perfect for biking or walking. They have specific trails for mountain bikers with varying levels of difficulty. Camping is available and sea turtle nesting is May- October.
