Jacksonville is surrounded by outstanding parks and preserves, including a mix of state parks with excellent facilities and plenty of outdoors to explore.
Many of the parks are coastal gems with easy access to the ocean, and others are historically important sites or inland preserves rich in wildlife.
Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or just want to relax on a beach and feel the breeze, there is definitely a park here for you.
Check out what Jacksonville has to offer!
Related: 10 Best Recreational Lakes near Jacksonville, FL
State Parks near Jacksonville:
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Big Talbot Island State Park
- Amelia Island State Park
- Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
- Fort George Island Cultural State Park
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
- Anastasia State Park
- Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
- Big Shoals State Park
1. Little Talbot Island State Park
- Website: Little Talbot Island State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 26 miles (35 min)
- Activities: Beachcombing, Surfing, Paddling, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking, Birdwatching, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching, Camping, Picnicking, Running, and Bicycling
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Visitor Center, Campgrounds, RV Amenities, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Shower, Water Fountain
Little Talbot Island State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique undeveloped beach experience like no other in Florida.
The park consists of a few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the Northeast Florida area, with more than five miles of pristine beaches.
The park is perfect for hiking and biking, with three miles of bike trails winding through diverse ecosystems.
The many activities available at Little Talbot Island State Park ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy, including pets.
Do not miss the opportunity to get closer to nature and explore the islands and nature trails at this popular state park.
Related: 10 Best Recreational Lakes near Jacksonville, FL
2. Big Talbot Island State Park
- Website: Big Talbot Island State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 30 miles (40 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Shelling
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Boat Ramp, Canoe-Kayak Launch, Historical Site, Nature Trail, Pet-Friendly Areas, Picnic Pavilion
A unique set of sea islands in Northeast Florida serve as a nature preserve, perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring.
Big Talbot Island State Park is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, birds, vegetation, and undisturbed marshlands.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities here. And the boat launch on the island’s north end is the perfect place to launch. Kayaks are also available for exploring the salt marsh.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking out to the bluffs, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Big Talbot Island State Park is sure to be a hit with outdoor adventurers of all ages.
3. Amelia Island State Park
- Website: Amelia Island State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 33 miles (40 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Picnicking, Shelling, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Equestrian Trail, Parking, and Shower Station
Amelia Island State Park offers more than 200 acres of wilderness that lies undisturbed on the southern portion of Amelia Island.
Surround yourself with beautiful beaches, coastal maritime forests, and salt marshes, providing a unique glimpse into Florida’s natural world.
The best thing about Amelia Island State Park is that it is the only state park in Florida offering horseback riding on the beaches. It has been a favorite pastime for visitors and locals in the area for many years.
Pack up the car and head out to Amelia Island State Park for a day of outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and relaxing in one of the state’s most pristine state parks.
4. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
- Website: Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 22 miles (30 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Picnicking, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Canoe-Kayak Launch, Equestrian Trail, Interpretive Exhibit, Hiking Trails, Pet-Friendly Areas
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park offers an immersive adventure into nature surrounded by Flatwoods and a diverse collection of wildlife and birds.
This park has more than 30 miles of natural surface trails, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
Pumpkin Hill Creek is accessible from the park via the canoe-kayak launch. Popular fishing spots are from two of the creek overlook trails.
This park is the perfect place for someone looking to escape the city and spend the day in a quiet park.
But, don’t let the fact that this park is not overly busy fool you. It is worth the time to explore.
Related: 10 Best Recreational Lakes near Jacksonville, FL
5. Fort George Island Cultural State Park
- Website: Fort George Island Cultural State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 24 miles (35 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Boating, Fishing, Geo-Seeking, Hiking, Paddling, Running
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Boat Ramp, Historic Site, Pet-Friendly Areas, Picnic Pavilion, Visitor Center
Fort George Island Cultural Park has been a site for human occupation for more than 5,000 years and was named after the 1736 fort built to defend Georgia’s southern flank.
Since the 1920s, this state park has been a popular destination for travelers looking for boating, fishing, hiking, and off-road bicycling opportunities.
The main attraction at Fort George Island Cultural Park is the restored 1920s clubhouse, which was once part of an exclusive resort.
Small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched into tidal waters from behind the clubhouse for a relaxing trip on the water, where you can see various wildlife and natural ecosystems.
6. Fort Clinch State Park
- Website: Fort Clinch State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 37 miles (50 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paddling, Shelling, Surfing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing, and Picnicking
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Campgrounds, Museum, Pet-Friendly Areas, Playground, RV Amenities, Showers
Fort Clinch State Park is where history meets nature and is perfect for history buffs, and nature loves to explore.
The pristine park has a row of cannons pointing across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia, demonstrating the importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War.
In addition, the fort at the park has many places to explore and learn what it was like to be a Union soldier through various living history programs.
On the first weekend of every month, a soldier garrison fires the cannons and shows off their battlefield skills.
The maritime hammocks with arching live oaks are home to much wildlife, including gopher tortoises and painted buntings.
7. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
- Website: Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 47 miles (50 min)
- Activities: Geo-Seeking, Hiking, and Picnicking
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Interpretive Exhibits, Historic Site, Pet-Friendly Areas
The Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park commemorates Florida’s most significant Civil War Battle on February 20, 1864.
During this battle, more than 10,000 troops fought in a five-hour battle in the pine forest set near Olustee, forcing Union Troops to retreat to Jacksonville. The park hosts a reenactment every February.
The park has a mile-long trail with interpretive signs describing the battle events scattered along the pathway.
Popular activities at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park include hiking, picnicking, and learning more about the history of the area and its connection to the Civil War.
Related: 10 Best Recreational Lakes near Jacksonville, FL
8. Anastasia State Park
- Website: Anastasia State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 43 miles (55 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Picnicking, Shelling, Surfing, and Swimming
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Beach, Campgrounds, RV Amenities, Restaurant, Historic Site, Nature Trail, Picnic Pavilion, Playground
Anastasia State Park has more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, maritime hammocks, tidal marshes, and ancient dunes.
This state park is an oasis for outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts wanting to experience an immersive experience in nature.
Animals that call this park home include roseate spoonbills, osprey, eagles, painted buntings, warblers, and many more who hide in the hammock forests.
Birds and wildlife can be spotted while canoeing, kayaking, or resting on the beach. And the ocean offers plenty of activities like surfcasting, boogie boarding, and snorkeling.
9. Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Website: Fort Mose Historic State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 39 miles (45 min)
- Activities: Birdwatching, Geo-Seeking, Paddling, Guided Tours, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Boardwalk, Canoe-Kayak Launch, Museum, Pet-Friendly Areas, Picnic Pavilion, and Visitor Center
Fort Mose Historic State Park is a 40-acre waterfront park offering outdoor enthusiasts many opportunities to explore, enjoy picnics, observe wildlife, watch birds, enjoy the water, and much more.
If you love history, the park has multiple interactive displays and a museum that shares the story of the first legally sanctioned African settlement in the soon-to-be United States.
If you love nature, there is no shortage of things to see and do where you are surrounded by natural vegetation, wildlife, and migrating birds.
10. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
- Website: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 51 miles (55 min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Picnicking, Star Gazing, Wildlife Viewing, and Swimming
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Cabins, Campgrounds, Canoe-Kayak Launch, Equestrian Trail, Picnic Pavilion, Playgrounds, RV Amenities, and Showers
One of Florida’s first state parks is the 600-acre Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
This park is located in the rolling sand hills in the north-central region of Florida, which is one of the few remaining examples of pristine wildlife with marshes, lakes, and scrub, which house a diverse collection of nature.
Visitors can enjoy everything from hiking to wildlife viewing and swimming to fishing when spending the day at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.
11. Big Shoals State Park
- Website: Big Shoals State Park
- Miles from Jacksonville: 72 miles (1h 10min)
- Activities: Bicycling, Birdwatching, Fishing, Geo-Seeking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Paddling, Picnicking, and Wildlife Viewing
- Amenities: Accessible Amenities, Canoe-Kayak Launch, Equestrian Trail, Mountain Bike Trail, Pet-Friendly Areas, Picnic Pavilion
Big Shoals State Park is home to the largest whitewater rapids in Florida, offering many unique and outstanding things to do.
The Suwannee River is surrounded by towering limestone bluffs that rise 80 feet above the river banks, providing some of the best views in the state.
However, with the river’s strength, only experienced kayakers should attempt the shoals, and kayaking in this area is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers.
In addition to the fantastic whitewater rapids, Big Shoals State Park is home to more than 28 miles of wooded trails perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
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