Jacksonville’s Top Parks
With the largest urban park system in the entire nation, visitors can experience the ultimate coastal eco-adventure in Jax!
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More InfoLocated just west of Mayport Road, visitors can capture views of unique wildlife at this park along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Dutton Island Preserve is included in the Timucuan Trail parks and is Atlantic Beach’s largest park. Located just west of Mayport Road, visitors can capture views of unique wildlife at this park along the Intracoastal Waterway. The tranquil park boasts 9,000 feet of nature trails, 3 miles of hiking trails, a fishing pier and viewing deck of the marsh, kayak launch, picnic areas, camping spots and restrooms. Is your fur friend in town with you? No problem! Dogs are welcomed at the park so long as they are on a leash.
Park Hours: 7:30 a.m. to dusk (times subject to change on sunrise/sunset)
A sunrise or sunset is a site to see from Dutton Island. This natural preserve will satisfy your need for peace and tranquility. After enjoying the sunrise, rumor has it that the best fishing is early in the morning. You can enjoy fishing from the pier or from a kayak.
Get lost in the city’s unique natural beauty – from birding to checking out the plants and wildflowers during a hike. There are also opportunities for camping. Call in advance to reserve a campsite or pavilion, or wheelchair reservations at 904-207-5828.
This picturesque park will be the delight of every nature lover. The tranquil park boasts 9,000 feet of nature trails, 3 miles of hiking trails, a fishing pier and viewing deck of the marsh, kayak launch, picnic areas, camping spots and restrooms. Is your fur friend in town with you? No problem! Dogs are welcomed at the park so long as they are on a leash. Let’s get started.
MORNING: Stop at one of our local markets or grocers to pack a picnic for your time at Dutton Island Preserve, located at 622 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 just west of Mayport Rd.
When you arrive, follow the rustic road and pick a spot to start your adventure or follow it down to the fishing dock where you will find a parking area. If you are a kayak owner this would be a great place to launch for kayak fishing or bird watching. You will see osprey, bald eagles, herons, wood storks, and other resident and migratory birds. You may also encounter dolphins and manatees. For the fisherman, it is reported that off the pier you have high chances of catching red drum, sand sea trout, black drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, and flounder. Be sure that you are properly licensed for saltwater fishing and mindful of the tides.
LUNCH: Have a nice picnic in one of the picnic areas. You could also have lunch outside the park on Mayport Road. Plenty of local options including Sugar Cane or Pho Viet Inc.
AFTERNOON: How about a hike through the 3 miles of trails. Along the trails you can view unspoiled salt marsh, pine flat woods, scrub and live oak hammocks.
EVENING: Dutton Island campsites are primitive camping with fire rings on site. There are 5 campsites available by permit only. There is no electricity at the sites. You must be 21 years or older for camping permit (ID required).
MORNING: The beauty and serenity to be experienced in Dutton Island Preserve is priceless. Spend the morning on a nature walk.
AFTERNOON: Paddleboard off the kayak dock, while the currents are very strong in the Intracoastal, there is an area adjacent to the dock where it is calm and allows for a relaxing paddle.
Address: 622 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
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