Are you looking for the best gardens in Jacksonville, Florida?
One of the biggest draws to Jacksonville, Florida is the insanely beautiful weather we are so lucky to enjoy!
The city gets an average of 221 sunny days per year, and even in the winter, it rarely dips below 52 degrees.
What better way to enjoy the Sunshine State’s fabulous weather than in the great outdoors!?
That’s why Jacksonville is home to some of the most beautiful and unique gardens in the state!
Not to mention, it’s scientifically proven that time spent outdoors in nature can improve your mental health in multiple ways.
So whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to unwind or a tourist looking for a fun and educational experience, these five gardens are a must-see.
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Best Gardens in Jacksonville at a Glance:
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Not only do you get to see zoo animals but you can also see gardens that mimic how the animals’ natural habitat should look
- Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens: A 126-acre urban forest in the heart of the city home to more than 13 different ecosystems
- Tree Hill Nature Center: Known for its Florida Natural History Museum, and butterfly and hummingbird garden the unlikely star of the show is the goats
Keep reading to find out why I love these Jacksonville gardens.
1. Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a 126-acre urban forest in the heart of the city.
It’s home to more than 13 different ecosystems, including sand ridges, marshlands, and freshwater ravines.
The Arboretum offers a variety of hiking trails, boardwalks, and picnic areas. It’s also home to many species of birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching, photography, and nature observation.
The gardens also host educational programs and events throughout the year.
Some examples of upcoming events include Wake Up With the Arboretum: Birds & Breakfast where you head out on a guided bird walk at sunrise followed by a yummy breakfast.
One of their newest is Spring Uncorked of wine and cheese pairings, lawn games, live music, vendors, and even a guided painting session set amongst the nature of this gorgeous garden in Jacksonville.
They also have more regularly scheduled programs such as nature walks and yoga.
Why We Love This Garden in Jacksonville
The trails are definitely the best part of the Arboretum!
There are seven trails that you can enjoy with your friends, family, and even your dog!
Each path goes through an entirely different natural environment, like a ravine, around a lake, or along a river.
The Arboretum even won the Jax Best Awards for Best Hiking in 2020 and for Best Local Scenic Trail in 2019.
What to Know Before You Go
- Address: 1445 Millcoe Road
- Hours of Operation: 8 AM to 5 PM Monday – Sunday
- Price: $3 for non-members and Free for members
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2. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
When visiting the Jacksonville Zoo, you get to see not only hundreds of animals from around the world but also a wide variety of unique plants.
The zoo’s botanical gardens feature hundreds of species of plants, including many native to Florida.
What makes the gardens at Jacksonville Zoo unique compared to other zoos across the country is that the botanic gardens are actually integrated into the animal exhibits!
Each garden mimics how the animals’ natural habitat should look!
Why We Love This Garden in Jacksonville
On top of the fact you’re getting to see the zoo animals while you enjoy these gardens, you also get six unique gardens!
There is the Savanna Bloom, the Garden at Trout River Plaza, Riverview Gardens, the Gardens at Range of the Jaguar, the Asian Bamboo Garden, and the Rivers of Color Garden.
Be sure to get your tickets online before you go they scan them off your phone when you get there. Also remember that this Jacksonville garden requires you to use credit and debit cards for all the purchases that you make as they dont accept cash onsite.
They offer general admission tickets to the zoo but the best savings is if you go for the Total Experience Tickets which includes admission, 4D Theater, Unlimited Train and Carousel Rides, Nature Agents adventure and limited Animal Feedings.
What to Know Before You Go
- Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy
- Hours of Operation: 9 AM to 5 PM Monday – Sunday
- Price: $29.95 – $34.95 (Adult), $24.95 – $29.95 (Child), $27.95 – $32.95 (Senior
3. Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens
This museum is a cultural destination with a stunning art collection and an equally beautiful garden.
One of the museum’s gardens is designed in the Italian Renaissance style and features a variety of:
- Bright blooming flower
- Lush trees
- Shimmering reflection pools
- Marble sculptures
Cummer Museum also features the Olmsted Garden, English Garden, and Sculpture Garden.
Why We Love This Garden in Jacksonville
While you may come for the gardens and the art, you will be blown away by the view of St. Johns River and the downtown skyline!
After you spend the day perusing the museum and wandering the gardens, you can soak up the views at the little cafe they have here.
The first Saturday of every month comes with a treat sponsored by Citi with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cafe also hosts Friday Night Picnics in the gardens, live music with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra String Quartet, storyteller mornings and much more.
What to Know Before You Go
- Address: 829 Riverside Ave
- Hours of Operation: Closed Monday, 11 AM – 9 PM Tuesday / Friday, 11 AM – 4 PM Wednesday – Thursday / Saturday, 10 PM – 4 PM Sunday 12 PM – 4 PM
- Price: Free (Children 5 and under), $20 (Adults), $15 (Seniors/Students/Military) Free Tue – Fri $15 Sat & Sun (College Students)
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4. Castaway Island Preserve
This nature preserve is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring Florida’s natural beauty.
The Castaway Island Preserve protects the estuary along the Intracoastal Waterway and is home to various habitats, including:
- Pine flatwoods
- Salt marshes
- Mangrove swamps
Here you’re likely to spot gopher tortoises, wood storks, and other local wildlife that will excite kids and adults alike.
If you are in search of a beautiful place to go get some fresh air, with gorgeous views and a sense of calm here in Jacksonville then this is the place to go. The observation platform is fabulous for bird watching and capturing amazing panoramic shots.
The wooden boardwalk makes it feel as if you are far out into nature and is a fun way to escape into a little slice of natures paradise right here in Jacksonville.
Visitors can spend the day bird watching, fishing, hiking, or enjoying a number of paddle sports.
Why We Love This Garden in Jacksonville
This is the best garden in Jacksonville to get up close and personal with wildlife while cruising around the marsh in a kayak or canoe!
The park has a small boat launch and pier access for you to start your water adventure.
Plus, there is a kid-friendly interpretive nature trail that will educate and entertain all at once.
What to Know Before You Go
- Address: 2885 San Pablo Rd S
- Hours of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset Monday – Sunday
- Price: Free
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5. Tree Hill Jacksonville Nature Center
At Tree Hill Nature Center, you get a real education while exploring these unique gardens and trails!
This nature center offers environment programs, field study classes, teacher workshops, and adult training so that everyone has a chance to learn more about the forest ecology of the area.
Tree Hill is also known for its Florida Natural History Museum and butterfly and hummingbird garden.
This is the perfect family outing in Jacksonville with both indoor and outdoor exhibits to have a blast. The natural history musuem is hands on which all ages will enjoy.
The trails range from easy to intermediate including a short one that is wheelchair accessible while the others bring a mix of swamp habitats, spring fed stream habitats and varied elevation for lots of variation.
From raised boardwalks to paved and good old dirt nature trails this is one of the Jacksonville gardens that has something for everyone here.
Why We Love This Garden in Jacksonville
The unlikely star of the show at these Jacksonville gardens is the goats!
These friendly hoofed creatures have captured the hearts of nearly everyone who’s come to visit them.
They even have their own skyway called the Hoofin’ it Highway! There are also owls, chickens, alligators, snakes, and gopher tortoises around the gardens.
What to Know Before You Go
- Address: 7152 Lone Star Rd
- Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Saturday
- Price: Free (Kids under 2 and Members), $5 (Adults), $4 (Seniors, Students, Military, Teachers), $3 (Children 3 – 17)
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, is the perfect city for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and horticulturists.
These five gardens are a must-see for anyone who likes to stop and smell the roses.
Each garden offers a unique experience, from exploring the urban forest at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens to watching the hummingbirds at Tree Hill Nature Center.
So, pack a lunch, get out there, and explore these beautiful gardens.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: March 6, 2023/Updated by Editor on April 5, 2024)