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 Pristine beaches and woodlands |
11435 Fort George Road East Jacksonville, FL 32034 United States +1 904 251 2320 |
Offering more than 200 acres of natural, untouched land with beaches, salt marshes, and coastal woodlands set on the southern tip of the First Coast, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, boating, sunbathing and wildlife watching. Amelia Island is northeast of Jacksonville, seven miles north of Little Talbot Island State Park on State Road A1A and eight miles south of historic Fernandina Beach. Bring the beach towels and grab the binoculars for a great day outdoors! Admission is USD1 per car. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Oceanfront park |
1340A A1A South Jacksonville, FL 32080 United States +1 904 461 2033 |
Located off A1A, 1.5 miles from historic downtown St Augustine, this recreation area is one of Florida's oldest state parks.It offers visitors natural beauty, ancient sand dunes, an abundance of wildlife and birds, plants and activities that include swimming at a beautiful beach, fishing, hiking on self-guided nature trails and picnicking. There are many picnic pavilions, restrooms and vending machines. Admission: USD5 per vehicle; USD1 if entering by foot or bike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fishing the day away |
10790 Key Haven Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32208 United States +1 904 764 5531 |
Restore yourself and head back to nature at this serene 50-acre park, which offers a variety of activities and amenities for individuals and groups in a picturesque natural setting. Groups should check out one of their fully equipped cabins or central lodge rooms; there are accommodations for 216. You will find plenty of picnic areas, as well as a boardwalk and nature trail. There is also a large lake stocked for fishing and the facility is handicapped accessible. Bethesda Park is located a few miles northwest of downtown Jacksonville. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Supernatural beauty |
12157 Heckscher Dr (20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville) Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 251 2320 |
This park features a breathtaking coastal habitat covered with oak, holly and magnolia, along with sea-oat covered dunes overlooking the ocean. Hiking is a favorite activity on the scenic nature trails and fishing, canoeing or swimming on the Nassau Sound shoreline is tough to beat. Rumor has it that the island is haunted, particularly in the spooky Houston cemetery and Tamaqua Burial Grounds just outside the entrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joan Soles |
 Photo: C. A. Bridges |
 Photo: Amanda |
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History of art collection |
829 Riverside Ave Jacksonville, FL 32204 United States +1 904 356 6857 |
Opened in 1961, this museum and art education center has handsome gardens with fragrant blooms, and peaceful, winding walkways. The permanent collection focuses on the history of art with exhibits spanning the eras from ancient times to the 20th century. Temporary exhibits are also presented throughout the year. It is located off I-95, approximately five minutes from downtown. There is free admission Tuesday nights from 4pm-9pm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: candisfl30 |
 Photo: Cyndi Blache' |
 Photo: Jesse Copeland |
 Photo: Kristen Morgan |
 Photo: Jerry Ray |
 Photo: Hugh Williamson |
 Photo: Ana Maria, aka Renmeleon |
 Photo: Robin Ballard |
 Photo: Hilary Verheggen |
 Photo: Karen Gladys Henry |
 Photo: vwfziwl |
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City's pride and joy |
1025 Gulf Life Drive Southbank Riverwalk Jacksonville, FL 32204 United States +1 904 630 3570 |
One of the world's tallest fountains, this spectacular piece of architecture is an impressive 200 feet in diameter and shoots water more than 120 feet into the air. At night, the colorful lighting turns the splashing waters into an animated, playful work of art. A lovely greenspace surrounds the fountain and comes complete with picnic tables and seating for relaxing and admiring the views of the St Johns River and city skyline. You will find the fountain next to the Museum of Science and History, on Museum Circle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erion C |
 Photo: Michelle C. Lyles |
 Photo: Tara Camilli |
 Photo: FavorMade |
 Photo: PhoJOGraphy |
 Photo: Matthew Potochick |
 Photo: gregorymana1234 |
 Photo: thatautguy  |
 Photo: Cathy Hall (Georgia) |
 Photo: Matt |
 Photo: degas1900 |
 Photo: heyashley |
 Photo: Rick Proctor |
 Photo: Jerry Thomas |
 Photo: Juan R Escar |
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State Park has it all |
6239 State Rd 21 Jacksonville, FL 32656 United States +1 352 473 4701 |
This 2,000-acre park features camping facilities, nature trails, swimming, picnicking, fishing and canoeing; bring your own or rent one at the park. There are also paved bike trails and a playground. The park is six miles north of Keystone Heights on SR 21, halfway between Jacksonville and Gainesville. Admission: $4 for up to eight people; campsites are $16 per night plus an additional $2 for electricity; canoe rentals are $4 an hour, $10 for a half day or $20 for the whole day (8 hours). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane Dominguez |
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Drive on the beach! |
10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 251 3335 |
Named in honor of the Huguenot French settlers who colonized the area for a short while in the 16th century, Huguenot Memorial Park is another Jacksonville jewel. Aficionados of our fine-feathered friends will enjoy the avian observatory tower, and nature trails, perfect for bird watching. Adventurous types can rent canoes and use the boat launch to access the waterways, while sports-lovers can rent volleyball equipment, horseshoes and bicycles for an afternoon of fun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Robyn M. Wilson |
 Photo: Chris Bidwell |
 Photo: j.papadatos |
 Photo: Eric Carr |
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Cultural entertainment and more |
1410 Gator Bowl Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32202 United States +1 904 353 3309 / +1 904 630 3900 (Box Office) |
Elegance, show, and class—that's what the Jacksonville Metro park projects at first glance. The riverside complex sports a large, white facade, with polished glass windows, and yields to expansive interiors where some of the world's greatest names in the music and entertainment industries vow fans from all over the world. The venue is also a prime spot for political assemblies, rallies, festivals and religious gatherings. The park is fully accessible and has facilities to make it an ideal spot for a fun-filled family day out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beach and lake recreation |
500 Wonderwood Dr Jacksonville, FL 32233 United States +1 904 249 4700 |
Soak in the fresh air at this oceanfront park, which features a 1.5-mile beach, nature trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, stocked fishing lakes and serene beaches. Lifeguards keep a watchful eye on swimmers and refreshments can be purchased at concession stands. The lakeside swimming area has fountains and squirt guns. Boating, canoeing, hiking and biking are available, while lakeside tables and grills provide the perfect spots to relax. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Miles of sand |
12157 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 251 2320 |
Nature lovers will undoubtedly fall in love with the peaceful seascapes at this state park; pristine beaches and unspoiled marshlands allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the abundant wildlife up close. Sportsmen can fish either in the ocean surf or in tidal inlets, and beachgoers can spend the day surfing, sunbathing and swimming. The park also features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Susannah Wright |
 Photo: Jeniah D. Jones |
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Green, woodsy heaven |
14780 Mandarin Rd Jacksonville, FL 32233 United States +1 904 573 2498 |
Mandarin Park has acres of space and plenty of activities for the whole family. There are tennis courts, nature and bike trails, picnic shelters, three playgrounds, and open spots to throw down a blanket and soak up some rays. Try your hand at fishing off the small pier, or stop by the Visitors Center to browse interesting natural history exhibits. The park is easy to access from I-295 off San Jose Boulevard and Westburry Road in Mandarin. There is no entrance fee for the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jesse Copeland |
 Photo: Becky Whiteley |
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Concerts on the river |
1410 Gator Bowl Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32202 United States +1 904 630 0837 |
It is difficult to imagine the skyline of Jacksonville without the much-loved Metropolitan Park, the riverfront park that has it all. It is home to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival each Fall, Independence Day fireworks every summer and a number of other musical events throughout the year. There is a playground for the kids, numerous picnic areas, manicured gardens and a sidewalk along the river for a scenic walk. Water taxis ferry folks from the opposite side of the river and private-boaters can pull right up to the dock. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christina Maldonado |
 Photo: Christina Maldonado |
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Horse-Drawn Buggy Rides |
115 Beech Street Jacksonville, FL 32034 United States +1 904 277 1555 |
Take a ride aboard a traditional carriage while enjoying the sights and sounds of Fernandina Beach's tranquil downtown. This town is renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and landscaping, and there is no better way to experience the charming neighborhoods than by buggy. The carriages are pulled by gentle Belgian Draft horses, and led by experienced guides who describe the detailed history of the area to visitors. Each carriage can accommodate up to six people, allowing for a more intimate and custom-tailored tour. It is a fun adventure for kids and adults alike, and a unique way to step back in time to explore this charming town. Prices and hours vary, so call or check the website for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Railroad and aviation history |
413 Beach Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32250 United States +1 904 246 0093 |
Children and adults alike enjoy this quaint park and museum, located in a restored railroad section, foreman's house, and post office from 1903. Guided tours of these historic buildings and the Beaches' railway are available. A highlight is the lovingly restored Locomotive #7, a 28-ton steam engine built in 1911 and housed in a small glass-enclosed building; visitors can view it from the outside or close up from the inside. A gift shop is located inside the Old Railroad Depot. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Huge play area for kids |
5198 118th St Jacksonville, FL 32244 United States +1 904 779 1519 |
This nature preserve is soon to be renamed Ortega Preserve. It offers more than 500 acres of natural land on the banks of the beautiful Ortega River, close to Orange Park and the Jacksonville Naval Air Station. Bike and nature trails wind through the park, which offers scenic picnic areas and spots to enjoy the surrounding wildlife. There is a huge themed play area for children, which includes pirate ships, sandboxes and jungle swings. There are also a few tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Admission to the park is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ziming Rao |
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Riverside music park |
3076 US 129 Jacksonville, FL 32060 United States +1 904 364 1683 |
Festivals and live entertainment events take place year round at this park, showcasing some of the major names in the music industry. It is home to the very popular annual "Suwannee River Jam". In addition to great concerts and a music pavilion, there are picnic pavilions throughout the park as well as swimming, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, biking, skating and hiking. Located 80-minutes from Jacksonville, east on I-10 to the Live Oak exit. Event and festival days vary; call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spring-fed pool |
Magnolia Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32043 United States +1 904 529 2200 |
This city park, located behind City Hall and less than a half-hour drive south of Jacksonville on the St Johns River, features a spring-fed pool, for which the town is named. There is plenty for children to do here, including a playground, picnic areas, and the pool itself, which remains a cozy 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You can fish off the city pier, or just enjoy a romantic stroll by the gazebo with views of the river. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jaeme Haviland |
 Photo: Paul Clark |
 Photo: Barby Belcher |
 Photo: Kristen Feldman |
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Incredible hiking trails |
13165 Mount Pleasant Road Jacksonville, FL 32226 United States +1 904 641 7155 |
Wildlife surrounds more than four miles of these scenic hiking trails, including rare birds, raccoons, foxes, and turtles. Guided tours take place each Saturday afternoon to help visitors learn more about the ecological zones in the park and to point out some of the area's hard-to-spot animals. Additional outdoor activities include bicycling, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The preserve is accessible from the Arlington Expressway and Atlantic Boulevard on the east side of the city. There is no entrance fee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ryan griffis |
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Nature preserve |
7152 Lone Star Road Jacksonville, FL 32211 United States +1 904 724 4646 |
This beautiful, 50-acre nature preserve provides outdoor fun for families and recreation-seekers. Located in the middle of the Arlington suburb in Jacksonville, the Center is serious about educating the community on native Florida habitats and wildlife. Numerous nature trails, gardens and exhibits focus on conservation and awareness. There is even a specially designed Butterfly Garden full of plants and flowers known to attract the colorful creatures. Special events are held year-round. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nature's education center |
7000 Roosevelt Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32212 United States +1 904 573 2498 |
Welcome to Jacksonville's largest city-maintained park, which stretches across more than 500 acres, featuring a nature education center, walking and biking trails and a wildlife watchtower. There is a year-round nature program for children, and adults can join in the outdoor classroom's educational and entertaining pastimes. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, with pavilions, grills, archery range and kiddy playground. The entrance is located on Roosevelt Boulevard, across from the main entrance to Jacksonville Naval Air Station southwest of downtown. There is no charge for use of the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |