Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the city's great escape, a large oceanfront park in Atlantic Beach where hundreds of acres of maritime forest meet a long, uncrowded stretch of Atlantic sand. It is the place locals go when Jacksonville Beach feels too busy. The park offers a wide beach with consistent surf, a freshwater lake for swimming and paddling, shaded picnic areas, a campground, and a network of trails that has earned a reputation as one of the region's best mountain biking venues. Wildlife is abundant, from shorebirds and sea turtles in nesting season to deer, raccoons and the occasional alligator in the lake. Entry is by vehicle fee, which makes it one of the best-value days out in the area, and there are showers, restrooms and a seasonal concession stand. Whether you come for a morning bike ride, a family picnic, a sunset walk on the sand or a night in a tent, the park delivers a taste of natural Florida within minutes of the city.

The beach is the main event. It runs for well over a mile, backed by dunes and grasses and lacking the high-rise hotels and traffic of other beaches. Lifeguards are present in season, and the surf draws bodyboarders and surfers who appreciate the less crowded lineups.

At low tide, the sand is wide and firm, ideal for walking, jogging and kite flying. Shell hunters do well after storms, and photographers find golden light at sunrise and dramatic skies at sunset. The park's dune protection rules are strict, so stay on marked paths and leave nesting areas undisturbed.

Inland, the maritime forest gives shade and cooler temperatures in summer. Hiking and biking trails thread through the oak and palm forest, with routes ranging from gentle loops to technical mountain biking trails that attract riders from across the Southeast. The lake offers swimming and paddling, with kayak and paddleboard rentals sometimes available seasonally. Campers can choose from tent sites and, in some areas, cabins, offering a rare chance to wake up in an oceanfront forest within a major city. Book campsites far in advance for weekends and holidays.

A short drive north brings you to the ferry across the St. Johns River, and a short drive south reaches Jacksonville Beach. Pair a morning at Hanna Park with seafood in Mayport and a pier sunset for a perfect coastal day, and remember that sunscreen and a hat matter in every season.

If you plan to cycle, bring your own bike or ask about local rentals, and wear a helmet on the technical trails. The park rewards early starts: in the first hours of the day, the beach is almost empty, birds are active and the forest feels peaceful. Pack a picnic, a beach umbrella and a small first aid kit, and plan to stay for sunset, when the whole coastline glows.