Moving to and living in St Johns Florida – Your guide to St Johns County.     Emergency Information

Parks In St Johns FL

parks in st johns fl

Ultimate Guide to Parks in St. Johns, FL: Best Spots for Families, Couples, and Nature Lovers

Growing up in St. Johns, you learn early on that our parks are more than just green spaces—they’re an essential part of the community. Whether you’re into sports, picnicking with family, hiking, or just walking your dog, there’s a park in St. Johns County that’s perfect for you. From quiet nature reserves to action-packed recreational areas, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the best parks in the area.

Table of Contents

RiverTown Fields: Best for Sports and Outdoor Enthusiasts

RiverTown Fields is located within the RiverTown community and offers a variety of amenities perfect for sports and outdoor activities.

Courts and Amenities

  • Several multi-use sports fields, including soccer and football fields.
  • Playgrounds for kids and open green spaces for families.

Bathrooms

Public restrooms are available near the fields for convenience during sports events or casual outings.

Dog Parks

While RiverTown Fields doesn’t have a specific dog park, dogs are allowed on leashes.

Directions

From I-95, take the CR-210 exit and follow the signs toward RiverTown. The fields are located within the community and are easily accessible.

Best For

RiverTown Fields is ideal for families, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for open outdoor spaces to enjoy organized sports or casual play. Looking for more family fun? Check out our St Johns Parents Guide.

Bird Island Park: Best for Families and Nature Lovers

Bird Island Park is a hidden gem located in Ponte Vedra Beach. Known for its whimsical atmosphere, it offers a serene place for both children and adults to enjoy nature and art.

Courts and Amenities

  • This park doesn’t focus on sports but instead features winding paths, beautiful landscaping, and educational art displays.
  • It includes a hedge maze and a small amphitheater for outdoor performances.

Bathrooms

Yes, there are clean restrooms near the entrance of the park.

Dog Parks

Leashed dogs are welcome in Bird Island Park, making it a great spot for a peaceful walk with your pet.

Directions

Bird Island Park is located behind the Ponte Vedra Library on A1A. Look for signs leading to the library, and you’ll find the park just behind it.

Best For

Families with small children will love the unique features like the maze and amphitheater. Nature lovers and couples seeking a quiet walk through scenic trails will also appreciate Bird Island Park.

Veterans Park: Best for Families and Sports Enthusiasts

Courts and Amenities

Veterans Park is a sports lover’s dream with basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a large skate park. The well-maintained fields make it popular for organized youth sports, so if your family loves playing or watching sports, this is the place to go.

Bathrooms

There are clean public restrooms available next to the sports fields.

Dog Parks

Yes, Veterans Park has a dog park! It features shaded areas and ample space for dogs to play, making it popular among locals with pets.

Directions

Veterans Park is located off Racetrack Road. Take the I-95 exit to Racetrack Road, and you’ll find the park about 10 minutes down the road.

Best For

Families, sports enthusiasts, and dog owners will love Veterans Park. It’s great for local sports games, and the skate park adds a fun option for teens. If you have an active dog, the dog park will be a favorite stop. This is one of the best parks in St Johns FL – popular soccer clubs in St Johns run their practices here so expect weeknights from 4pm-8pm to be very busy with soccer players.

St. Johns County Pier Park: Best for Couples and Surfers

Courts and Amenities

The St. Johns County Pier Park isn’t just about the beach and surfing—it also has volleyball courts and picnic pavilions. It’s a scenic spot for couples to relax by the water or get competitive with a beach volleyball match.

Bathrooms

Public restrooms are located near the pier and are kept in good condition.

Dog Parks

While the park itself doesn’t have a designated dog park, leashed dogs are welcome on the beach areas nearby.

Directions

From downtown St. Augustine, take A1A South, and follow the signs for the pier.

Best For

Couples will appreciate the romantic beach vibes, while surfers love the nearby waves. It’s also great for teens or anyone wanting to enjoy some beach volleyball or take in the iconic St. Johns County Pier views. Learn more about St Johns FL beaches.

Alpine Groves Park: Best for Nature Lovers and Families

Courts and Amenities

Alpine Groves Park is more about connecting with nature than sports, but it does offer walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the St. Johns River. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, or taking long walks in shaded forests.

Bathrooms

There are clean public restrooms near the picnic pavilions and parking area.

Dog Parks

While not a dog park, dogs are allowed in the park as long as they’re leashed. The natural setting is ideal for walking your dog while enjoying the fresh air.

Directions

Located off William Bartram Scenic Highway (SR-13), Alpine Groves Park is just a short drive from Fruit Cove or Julington Creek.

Best For

Nature lovers and families looking for a quiet, scenic day out will love Alpine Groves Park. It’s less about sports and more about relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of St. Johns. It’s perfect for couples and families wanting to picnic, hike, or kayak. A beloved St Johns FL Park, you can find some grills in the back that are right on the side of the river. Many people take senior photos, at the back end.

Treaty Park: Best for Families and Active Locals

Courts and Amenities

Treaty Park has it all: tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and a skate park. The park is a hub for local sports activities, and you’ll often see soccer, baseball, and tennis games being played. It’s also popular for family outings with playgrounds and picnic areas.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are available near the main parking lot and sports fields.

Dog Parks

Yes, Treaty Park has a spacious dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. It’s a hit among locals who enjoy letting their dogs socialize off-leash.

Directions

Treaty Park is located on Wildwood Drive, just off US-1. It’s easily accessible for residents of southern St. Augustine.

Best For

Families, active locals, and dog owners will enjoy Treaty Park. It’s an all-in-one destination for sports and recreation, and the dog park makes it an excellent spot for those with pets. Teens will love the skate park and sports courts.

Canopy Shores Park: Best for Hikers and Birdwatchers

Courts and Amenities

While Canopy Shores Park doesn’t have sports courts, it offers peaceful walking trails under a canopy of oak trees. The park’s serene setting makes it ideal for leisurely strolls or birdwatching. The trails also connect to nearby neighborhoods, making it a great spot for locals to get some fresh air.

Bathrooms

There are clean restrooms near the main parking area.

Dog Parks

There’s no designated dog park, but leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

Directions

From US-1, take a left on Shores Blvd and follow the signs for Canopy Shores Park. It’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown St. Augustine.

Best For

Canopy Shores Park is best for hikers, walkers, and birdwatchers. It’s also a great place for couples or individuals seeking a quiet retreat from the busier parks. Locals who love a peaceful, shady trail will find it a hidden gem.

Ron Parker Park: Best for Families and Kids

Courts and Amenities

Ron Parker Park is a favorite for families with young children, thanks to its multiple playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and open fields for running around. It also has basketball courts and tennis courts for those looking to get active.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are conveniently located near the playground and courts.

Dog Parks

While there’s no official dog park, leashed dogs are allowed in the park.

Directions

Located in the St. Augustine Beach area, take A1A and turn onto Pope Road, and you’ll find Ron Parker Park easily accessible for both locals and visitors.

Best For

This park is perfect for families with kids who want to play on the swings and slides or have a picnic. The basketball and tennis courts make it a good spot for families with older children too.

Palencia Park: Best for Sports Enthusiasts and Families

Courts and Amenities

Palencia Park offers baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts, making it a go-to spot for sports lovers. The park also features a playground for younger kids and shaded picnic areas.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are clean and available near the playground and fields.

Dog Parks

There’s no designated dog park, but leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

Directions

Palencia Park is located within the Palencia community, just off US-1. It’s convenient for residents of northern St. Johns County.

Best For

Palencia Park is perfect for families and sports enthusiasts. The combination of sports fields and playgrounds makes it a versatile spot for a day out with the family.

Davis Park: Best for Organized Sports and Active Families

Courts and Amenities

Davis Park is known for its wide range of sports fields, including soccer, football, baseball, and lacrosse. It’s also home to several fishing ponds, making it a fun spot for families who want to combine sports with a bit of outdoor adventure.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are available near the sports fields.

Dog Parks

Yes, Davis Park has a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.

Directions

Located off CR-210, Davis Park is easily accessible from I-95, making it a convenient spot for families in the northern part of St. Johns County.

Best For

Davis Park is best for families with kids involved in organized sports or those who enjoy fishing. It’s also a favorite for dog owners thanks to the well-maintained dog park.

Nocatee Splash Water Park: Residents Only Park

Courts and Amenities

Nocatee Splash Water Park is more than just a park—it’s an entire adventure. It has tennis courts, basketball courts, and pickleball courts, making it a versatile space for active families and teenagers. The highlight is, of course, the waterpark with its lazy river, waterslides, and splash zones for kids.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are clean, easily accessible, and located throughout the park.

Dog Parks

Nocatee has a designated dog park, Nocatee Dog Park, where your furry friends can roam free. There are separate areas for small and large dogs.

Directions

From I-95, take the Nocatee Parkway exit, and follow signs to the Splash Water Park area.

Best For

Nocatee Splash Water Park is ideal for families and teens who want a fun-filled day. Between the water activities and courts, it’s perfect for active groups looking to make the most of a sunny Florida day. This St Johns FL park is for residents only but there is a splash pad at UF Health that has some really nice trails and playgrounds nearby.

St Johns is home to many great parks. There are parks in St Johns FL in almost every subdivision that are usually for residents of that subdivision but still accessible and usable by the public. For example, Durbin Crossing has some popular tennis courts and basketball courts at the “north amenity center” and the “south amenity center.” These neighborhood specific parks will be listed in each of our St Johns neighborhood pages.