The 7 Best Dog Parks in Jacksonville

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Published: May 27, 2022
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If you visit Jacksonville during a holiday with your dog, you should know that the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (one of Jacksonville’s main attractions) might not allow pets inside. This doesn’t mean your dog shouldn’t have its fair share of nature. Moreover, you’ll have to walk them at least a few times during your stay in Jacksonville.

This is precisely why we decided to create this article and this series as a whole – so that you can discover the best dog parks in a certain location. Today’s focal point is Jacksonville, Florida. After a long, hot day on the beach, here are the 7 best dog parks in Jacksonville where you can take your furry friend so they can relax as well.

1. Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville

Dog Park Series - Two Small Dogs

Dog Wood Park in Jacksonville is one of the largest fenced dog parks in the country.

©otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville
Location7407 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Hours10 AM – 4:30 PM (9 AM – 5 PM on weekends)
Price$11 a day/ $70 for a 2-month membership

Dog Wood Park in Jacksonville is one of the largest fenced dog parks in the country. It has a surface area of 42 acres, out of which 25 acres are fenced. Entry is based on the payment of a daily ticket or membership. Only dogs that have received their rabies shot are allowed. If you have a male dog companion over eight months old, he must be neutered to access the park.

When it comes to activities, your furry friend won’t have time to get bored! You can start with a visit to Lake Bow Wow, where dogs can swim freely, and then move to one of the many fields designed for frisbee and ball throwing. The main attraction of Dog Wood Park in Jacksonville is its wooded trail area. On it, the owner and their furry companion can run together and explore the surroundings.

2. John Gorrie Dog Park of Riverside Park

John Gorrie Dog Park of Riverside Park
Location631-745 College St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Hours6 AM – 8 PM
PriceFree

The John Gorrie Dog Park of Riverside Park will satisfy both owner and pet. Located in the historic neighborhood of Riverside, the park has a surface area of 11.4 acres. John Gorrie Dog Park can be found in its northeast corner. Like Riverside Park, it is open to the public and doesn’t require an entry fee.

Even though it’s integrated into a bigger park, John Gorrie Dog Park has all the facilities your furry friend needs. There are separate areas for both small and large breeds, much-needed clean-up stations, and water dispensers. Benches and spots under the shade are found throughout the park so you and your dog can rest.

3. Ed Austin Regional Dog Park

Dog Park - Pitt Bull Running

Austin Regional Dog Park is labeled a sports venue since it features a 4-acre leash-free area.

©elbud/Shutterstock.com

Ed Austin Regional Dog Park
Location3450 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
HoursOpen 24 hours
PriceFree

Ed Austin Regional Dog Park is a unique, one-of-a-kind park, as it’s an 18-hole golf course that has been refurbished into a canine exercise complex. The park is labeled a sports venue since it features a 4-acre leash-free area. This means you can play games such as frisbee and ball throw with your furry friend all day.

The golf trail is 1.75 miles long and is perfect for a long walk to tire your dog before bedtime. Plenty of trees provide shade throughout the park, as the aspect of the former golf course has been kept close to intact. This means plenty of tables, benches, and overall places to rest and enjoy nature.

4. BrewHound Dog Park

BrewHound Dog Park
Location1848 Kings Cir S, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
HoursTuesday – Thursday 8 AM – 10 PM, Friday 8 AM – 11 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 11 PM, Sunday 9 AM – 10 PM  (closed on Mondays)
Price$8 per dog per day (multiple membership plans available)

BrewHound Dog Park is more than just a simple park for your furry friends. It acts as a full-fledged canine resort that will make your companion as happy as they can be. Entry fees start at $8 per day and can go as high as $365 a year for the plan with the most benefits.

The park is a relaxing area for both dogs and their owners. While you enjoy a cup of coffee, your furry friend can roam free on the turfgrass and rest under the shade. Small and large breeds have separate areas, so you can easily keep an eye on your pet. One of the main advantages of BrewHound Dog Park is the Ruffarees – designated supervisors that tend to each play area. 

5. Kanine Social

Why do dogs drool

Kanine Social outdoor area is bigger at 10,000 square feet.

©GoDog Photo/Shutterstock.com

Kanine Social
Location580 College St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Hours3 PM – 9 PM (12 PM – 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; 11 AM – 8 PM on Sundays)
Price$10 per dog on weekdays/ $15 per dog on weekends; $40 per month

This is another high-end park for pups all around Jacksonville. The price of $10 a day is relatively small compared to the benefits Kanine Social comes with. There are two main play areas – one indoors and one outdoors.

The indoor play area is 5,000 square feet and features climate control. Your furry friend can play here freely, even if it’s snowing or raining cats and dogs outside. The outdoor area is bigger at 10,000 square feet. Of this, 8,000 square feet are decorated with K-9 grass. This makes for an artificial turf area where your companion will find new friends and have heaps of fun. Small breeds have multiple separate play areas available. Other amenities include several self-wash bathing stations that take care of any tired and scruffy dog.

6. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Location500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Hours8 AM – 8 PM
Price$1 per person; $3 per car 

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is mainly for humans, so to speak, but has quite a few designated pet areas. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet in length and must be attended to at all times. This park is ideal for travelers that want to rest and enjoy nature in a location where pets are allowed.

The park features a campground and trails that allow pets. If you want your furry friend to explore more, you can take them to the freshwater lake or anywhere throughout the 450-acre area of the park.

7. OceanWay Park

Corgi standing in grass with tongue out

Ocean Way Park is a pristine natural area that’s often used for fishing by locals.

©iStock.com/volofin

OceanWay Park
Location12201 – 12399 Sago Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Hours6 AM – 6 PM
PriceFree

Ocean Way Park is a pristine natural area that’s often used for fishing by locals. It features a dog park that comes with just the necessary things for a lovely playtime session in the afternoon.

There are multiple fenced off-leash areas for both small and large breeds. Waste baggies are at your disposal, while the park trails feature enough trash cans. If you walk with your companion through the park, ensure they’re leashed until you reach the designated fenced areas. Until then, you can use benches to rest and admire nature, while your pup can have a sip of fresh water from the pet water fountain in the park.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

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