Outdoors & Fitness
Tighten Up Tuesday Presents: JETSET Modern Pilates
Tue, Oct 27 · 5:30–6:30 PM
The Block Jax · Southside & Town Center
Free
Getting outdoors around Jacksonville
Ocean beach, salt marsh and sixteenth-century history are all within a short drive of Downtown. Most of these places close early in winter, so check the hours before you set out.
Last updated October 25, 2026
The details below come from the city, National Park Service and reserve sites, checked on October 25, 2026. Hours change with daylight saving time. Tell us if something needs correcting.
Outdoor events in the next two weeks
From Sun, Oct 25 through Sat, Nov 7, these listings cover different dates and venues. We pick them automatically from published events with descriptions; they are not personal recommendations.
Outdoors & Fitness · Every Wed
Yoga at RiversEdge Lawn
Wed, Oct 28 · 6–7 PM
RIVERSEDGE PARK · San Marco & Southbank
Free
Outdoors & Fitness
Ev’rybody Yoga at LEVS Park
Thu, Oct 29 · 6–7:30 PM
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park · Riverside, Avondale & Five Points
Free
Outdoors & Fitness · Every Fri
Mindful Yoga
Fri, Oct 30 · 10–11 AM
Fleming Island Library · Orange Park & Fleming Island
Browse all upcoming outdoor events to choose a different date.
Beach and bike trails: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Hanna Park, a city park at 500 Wonderwood Drive near Mayport, has about a mile and a half of ocean beach, more than 20 miles of trails popular with mountain bikers, and a lake for fishing and paddling (but not swimming). Kayaks and bikes can be rented, and there is a seasonal splash park and a campground. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. in daylight saving time and 6 p.m. in standard time, with last entry 30 minutes before. Entry is charged per car, with a lower rate for walk-ins and bikes and a discount for military and veterans. Dogs are allowed only in designated areas on short leashes, and alcohol and glass are not allowed.Source: City of Jacksonville, Hanna Park.
History in the marsh: Timucuan Preserve
The National Park Service's Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve covers salt marsh and history sites on both sides of the St. Johns River. At Fort Caroline, on Fort Caroline Road in Arlington, a visitor center and a one-third-scale model of the 1564 French fort sit beside a mile-long trail through the hammock. Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island has self-guided grounds and a free audio tour. Both are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the park sites are free. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors, kids can pick up Junior Ranger books, and picnics are fine, but no food is sold, so bring your own. Check the park's alerts before visiting Kingsley, where some buildings have been closed for repairs.Source: NPS plan your visit and hours.
Marsh to ocean in Ponte Vedra: Guana
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve's visitor center is at 505 Guana River Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its trails and beach lots open at 8 a.m. and close at sunset, and parking is charged per vehicle. The reserve runs free programs every Saturday: a guided hike on the first, family seining on the second, beach exploration on the third and a beach cleanup on the fourth; its calendar has times. Kayaks, paddleboards and bikes can be rented near the dam.Source: GTM Research Reserve visitor page.
A shady walk close to town: the Arboretum
For something shorter, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Arlington has a paved lake loop and more than three miles of woodland trails, and leashed dogs are welcome. Its winter hours start in early November, when it closes at 5 p.m. The family guide has the details.Source: Arboretum visitor page.
Before you head out
Bring water and bug spray, and plan around afternoon storms in the warm months. Guided walks, races and group rides are in the outdoors and fitness listings, each linked to the organizer for registration and meeting points.