Top Rated Parks to Visit in Orange Park

"A true hidden gem in the Arlington neighborhood of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a perfect respite from the city. Immerse yourself in the walkway that circumnavigates a two-acre lake, or learn from the 100-labeled signs that identify local plants. Head to the arboretum to reflect, or work up a sweat."

"The Jacksonville Arboretum is an award-winning botanical garden located in the city of Jacksonville. Spanning twelve acres, the stunning gardens offer seven unique trails with many different types of wildlife and fauna. The natural beauty of this location makes it a great place to find some peace and quiet."

"The Jacksonville Arboretum is a 120-acre urban woodland for the family to enjoy with over 3 miles of trails. This beautiful park is maintained by volunteers and continues to improve each year. Benches are located along the trails for a little pause or to use to stretch your legs during a vigorous walk."

"A 60-acre freshwater lake (fishing, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes). Kids splash park (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Camping facilities (RV and tent camping, and rustic cabin rentals. Scenic trails designed for both biking and hiking."

"Another of the best things to do in St Augustine is to explore Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. This archaeological site in the city claims to be the landing site of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer who came to the Americas in search of the fabled Fountain of Youth in the early 16th century. It’s evolved into a rather unusual tourist attraction within the city, and while there’s little factual basis behind the park and its supposed archaeological finds, it’s still a unique place to visit."

"This is the site of the ancient Indian village of Seloy, but popular legend says Ponce de Leon arrived here in 1513 in search of magical waters that could keep him young and vigorous. While the story may be a myth, it's still fun to drink from the fountain at this garden-like park hoping for a miracle. Beyond the fountain, you can walk around the pretty grounds and learn about the first Indian inhabitants and see colonial re-enactors build camps and fire muskets."

"Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Augustine|Courtesy of St. Augustine VCB. The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park marks the spot where the Spanish explorers Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Ponce de León came ashore. Archaeological digs are on-going, and discoveries at the site include a springhouse, landmark cross, saltcellar and artifacts remaining from an ancient Native American village."

"The 5.5-mile trail at Julington-Durbin Preserve is a wonderful spot for a half-day hike. While there aren’t many sweeping views here, the trail does provide lots of shade, as it runs largely though forests. It’s a nice, subtle change from some of the more tropical trails on our list."

"This 5.5-mile loop trail is the perfect place for a leisurely walk. If you are on your lunch break and want to take a relaxing walk, don’t hesitate to visit this place. Open all year round, this trail is known for being one of the best off-road courses in Jacksonville."

"Boone Park is a popular tourist destination that provides wonderful views of downtown Jacksonville. It was the world’s largest and talent fountain when it opened back in 1965. The fountain’s three pumps push up to 17,000 US gallons of water per minute up to 100 feet in height."

"With delicious house-made tofu and 100 percent organic ingredients, there are a range of options to choose from at the House of Leaf and Bean, including vegan sushi, dumplings, smoothies and so much more. The best feature is the drive-thru, making healthy eating quick and easy!. Yes, a vegan drive-thru exists in Jacksonville, go check it out on Beach Boulevard!"

"House of Leaf & Bean, An Organic Restaurant & Cafe offers quality food varieties in a quiet local area space. They attempt to give a remarkable culture and culinary experience that instructs the brain and lifts the soul. Their all-natural menu gives exemplary dishes present day turns and new manifestations that mix fixings and flavors from around the world."

"Green Erth Bistro (nope, not a typo!) is a Persian restaurant, which makes it ideal for vegan food. While it also offers meat dishes, all those grains, vegetables, and legumes mean that almost any dish can be made vegan with just a tweak, if it isn’t already. Just a glance at their delicious menu will make you feel right at home – plenty of chickpeas and pita here, and they do a super-affordable vegan chili, which you can order by the cup or bowl."

"Green Erth Bistro is a little area café where they know your name, welcome you heartily, and serve you satisfying feel-great food varieties and Persian claims to fame you can appreciate each day. For those considering unadulterated food extravagance, come nearby and satiate your longings with their steadily changing globally and occasionally motivated little plates. They venerate food, loads of various food, very much like you."

"Green Erth Bistro is a little locality restaurant where they know your name, welcome you warmly, and serve you pleasing feel-good foods and Persian specialties you can enjoy every day. For those with pure food indulgence in mind, come next door and sate your desires with their ever-changing internationally and seasonally inspired small plates. They adore food, lots of different food, just like you."

"The Beaches have a story of their own, which you can uncover at this museum a couple of blocks from the ocean in Jacksonville Beach. This elegant clapboard building with a veranda is rented out for events, and has a non-denominational chapel for weddings. As for exhibits detailing Jax’s coastal settlements, there’s a recreated boardwalk and post office, and a 28-ton steam locomotive."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Museum tours are a must when visiting a new place, especially if you don’t know much about it. If you and a loved one are visiting this part of Florida for the first time, consider adding Beaches Museum to your itinerary."

"The Jacksonville beach area has a rich history, throw it back with events, exhibits, archives, and more. It’s easy to learn about Jacksonville’s Indigenous history and view local artists' work."