Well, hello there fellow dog lovers! Are you looking for a great outdoor space to take your best friend for some exercise, playtime, and socialization? You’re in luck because I’ve rounded up the 9 best dog parks in and around Jacksonville, Florida! Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for a change of scenery, these parks have everything necessary for a tail-wagging good time. So grab your leash, some water, and let’s get started!
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Confederate Point Dog Park
Located in the heart of Westside, Jacksonville, Confederate Point Dog Park is a fenced park spread over an acre of land. It has separate areas for large and small breeds, shaded seating areas, waste bags, and water fountains, so your pooch can stay hydrated during those warm Florida days. The park is clean, and the ground is a mix of grass and mulch, making it perfect for playing fetch and running around!
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Ed Austin Regional Park
Ed Austin Regional Park is a 144-acre park with a fenced dog park in the Northside of Jacksonville. The dog park has separate areas for small and large breeds, waste bags and a water fountain, and lots of room for your dog to run around. What’s more, the park offers ample parking, walking trails, picnic areas, and a lake, so you and your furry friend can take a stroll and enjoy nature.
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Dog Wood Park
Dog Wood Park is a 42-acre private park that is open to the public and requires a membership fee for entry. This fantastic park has separate areas for small and large breeds, a lake for swimming, a dog wash station, and walking trails. What makes this park stand out is the variety of activities available, including agility courses, sandpits, and an enclosed dog run with a lure course. It’s the perfect place for your dog to get some exercise, playtime and even learn some new skills!
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Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a hidden gem located on the Eastside of Jacksonville. This vast park that spans over 450 acres with five miles of beach, nature trails, and an off-leash dog park. The off-leash area is approximately three acres, and it has separate areas for small and large breeds, poo bags, several water sources strategically placed and a washing station. You and your dog will enjoy walking the trails, swimming at the beach, or even camping overnight!
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Paw Park Dog Park at Jacksonville Beach
Paw Park Dog Park is the first off-leash dog park in Jacksonville Beach, located close to the ocean. It has separate areas for small and large dogs, plenty of waste bags, a washing station, seating areas, and water fountains. Your dog can enjoy a game of fetch in the sand or swim in any beachy water, making it a pawfect destination for dogs that love the beach!
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Ronnie Van Zant Park Dog Park
Ronnie Van Zant Park is a 27-acre park located in Clay County that has a separate fenced dog park for small and large dogs. The park has several shaded seating areas, waste bags, and water fountains. You and your furry friend can take a walk and explore the hiking and nature trails or have a picnic in the picnic areas. Plus, pet parent will surely appreciate that the park is environmentally conscious producing solar-powered energy!
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Sailor’s Seafood Shack
Sailor’s Seafood Shack is a waterfront restaurant located in the west of Jacksonville. Although it’s not a park, it deserves a mention due to being extremely dog-friendly and having one of the best waterfront views in the city. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio where you can enjoy some fresh seafood, oysters, and drinks, and even you dog can have a full entree or just a tasty treat!
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University of North Florida Dogwood Pavilion
The University of North Florida has a dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. It has several benches for humans to sit on and waste bags, watering stations, but the real perk is the shady pavilion, making it a great spot during hot Florida days. Although it’s not a park that is open to the public, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area as long as you follow their policies for visiting.
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Winston Family YMCA Dog Park
Winston Family YMCA Dog Park is a laid back dog park located in Riverside, Jacksonville. The park is fenced with separate areas for small and large breeds. This park has plenty of seating options, dog waste bags, and water fountains for the dogs to hydrate. If you have young ones, they will love the playground, and you can also work on your fitness while your dog plays. However, keep in mind that the park requires YMCA membership to enter.
Confederate Point Dog Park is a fantastic place to socialize and exercise your dog!
A spacious park with a variety of amenities that both pets and pet parents will enjoy!
Dog Wood Park is a must-visit for dog owners that want an enjoyable place for their dogs to socialize and exercise!
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a nature lover’s dream and a great place to take your furry friend for an enjoyable day outdoors!
Paw Park Dog Park at Jacksonville Beach is a great spot for dogs that love the sand and ocean breezes!
Ronnie Van Zant Park Dog Park is an environmentally friendly and perfect place for you and your best friend to enjoy nature together!
Sailor’s Seafood Shack is the perfect spot to stop after visiting one of the many Jacksonville parks!
University of North Florida Dogwood Pavilion is a great spot for dog owners in the area!
Winston Family YMCA Dog Park offers fun for the whole family and your furry best friend!
There they are, the 9 best dog parks in and around Jacksonville, Florida! Remember that it’s important to always follow the park’s rules, keep your furry friend’s vaccines up to date, and have a blast with your pet. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your car and visit one of these fantastic parks for a day full of fresh air and four-legged fun!