12 Parks to Explore in Duval County

Boone Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. It features a number of spectacular views perfect for bird-watching and nature appreciation. The park's trails give visitors opportunities to explore the natural beauty of North Florida, providing peaceful moments throughout their journey. Boone Park also has an outdoor pavilion offering plenty of space for groups to have picnics or gather around the firebowl for an evening under the stars.

It was founded in 1961 after the death of Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her gardens and personal art collection to the new museum. The permanent collection of the museum currently includes over 5,000 works of art dating from 2100 BCE to the twenty-first century. The museum's collection is especially strong in European and American paintings and also includes substantial holdings of Meissen porcelain.

Henry J. Klutho Park is a public park situated on 5 acres of land with walking trails, playground equipment, and an environmental education station. There are plenty of benches to relax on while enjoying the natural beauty of the park or listening to the sounds of nature echoing through the trees. The park was established in 2003 and is named after Jacksonville's renowned early 20th century architect, Henry John Klutho.

Huguenot Memorial Park offers visitors a wide range of activities for the whole family. Located next to the St. Johns River, this park is perfect for swimming, fishing and exploring nature trails with plenty of wildlife around. It has beaches, picnicking areas and playgrounds as well as kayak and canoe launches where people can enjoy the views of the river. The park also features an Information Center that houses a variety of gatherings such as outdoor educational programs and exhibits.

James Weldon Johnson Park is a beautiful spot to explore. Full of flowers, trees and various other verdant foliage, this 16 acre park offers respite from the hustle and bustle of life and the perfect place to take a morning jog or enjoy an afternoon picnic. With benches scattered throughout the area, visitors can take time to relax and admire nature before they head out on one of several marked trails through the scenery. Plus, there's even a basketball court and playground for kids.

Jessie Ball DuPont Park, is a stunning 42-acre sheltered nature park nestled beneath the canopy of live oak trees. It is home to hundreds of species and features a wealth of pathways that provide visitors with peaceful opportunities to take in the sights. From art to bird watching, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The park also offers special programs such as guided walks or kayak tours, where visitors can learn more about Duval County's diverse ecology and rich history.

5.85-acre (23,700 m2) public park, located on the St. Johns River in Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Metropolitan Park is a nature lover's paradise. Whether you want to explore the rocky coastline along the St. Johns River, search for some of the region's native animal species, or take part in a variety of outdoor activities. A 0.8-mile trail wraps around the park's wetlands and offers opportunities to observe a variety of waterfowl and passerine birds. The park also provides visitors with a selection of educational programming that features art and nature classes.

Riverside Park is one of the city's most treasured public spaces. With a picturesque view of the St. John's River, the park offers visitors many recreational possibilities such as fishing, picnicking, leisurely strolls and bike rides. The park has recently been renovated to include new playground equipment for children, a 45 foot zip line and four swingset. Nature enthusiasts also have twenty-three acres of wetlands and woods to explore with over 200 species of birds visiting each year.

Springfield Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities and relaxation. Situated along the shores of the St. Johns River, this family-friendly park provides a beautiful backdrop for picnics or just taking in the sights of nature. You'll find an array of outdoor recreating options here such as biking, portable boat rentals and kayaking. There are also plenty of shaded trails perfect for a quiet stroll or jog to admire the river or riverside wetland regions and native wildlife habitats.

Stockton Park is an excellent destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stockton offers more than 370 acres of sprawling green moss-draped oaks, scenic trails, open meadows and marsh. It is the perfect place to explore nature by participating in activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. Additionally, the park offers kayaking, picnic areas with grills, a boathouse to launch your own boat or canoe and even opportunities for fishing or bird watching.

An octopus-like Southern live oak estimated to be 250 years old and may be the single oldest living thing in Jacksonville, predating the founding of the city by Isaiah Hart during the 1820s.