If you are yearning for a good dose of outdoor adventure along with your beach day, then Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park should be on the top of your to-do list. This oceanfront public park is jam-packed with hiking trails, 1.5 miles of soft golden sand, and plenty of local wildlife to catch a glimpse of.
Located just near the historic town of Mayport, this park hugs the Atlantic coast and is a fantastic spot to spend some time out in nature and escape the bustling metropolis that is Jacksonville.
The park is also a great spot to camp, with plenty of RV slips available throughout the year and even tent-only locations that offer some amazing views of the ocean. There is plenty to do here, so make sure you spare some time to enjoy all that this park has to offer.
Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, saltwater and freshwater fishing, hiking, bird watching, and much more.
The beach park contains almost 20 miles of hiking and biking trails so getting out to commune with this wild and wonderful natural landscape is incredibly easy. The trails are a mix of soft sand and man-made boardwalk, allowing for multiple experience levels to enjoy the trails.
This beach is also great for family fun. During the summer months, a waterpark is located on-site that is open for kids to play in.
Amenities
You’ll find showers, bathrooms, a playground, volleyball courts, pavilions, and even a rentable banquet hall.
The park is also home to a 60-acre freshwater lake. The water is open to any form of human-powered boat like kayaks or canoes. You can rent kayaks or schedule a guided tour through the park with a local outfitter: Adventure Kayak Florida.
Hanna Park is also pet friendly, but make sure you keep your dogs leashed at all times. Some events are hosted at the park throughout the year, like surf contests or mountain bike races.
Nearby Attractions
If you want to get in a round of golf on a beautiful course, make sure to check out the Windy Harbor Golf Club. This 18-hole courses and driving range offers a pro shop and restaurant on site.
Fun Facts
Surfing is an incredibly popular activity at this park. There is a location on the north end of the park called “the poles” that is considered some of the best surfing in all of Northern Florida.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park was once called Manhattan Beach and was the first African-American beach club on the state’s east coast.
The park gets its name from famous Florida historian Dr. Kathryn Abbey Hanna.
Details
Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Season: All-Year