Contributed by Jennifer Dew, 9 to 5 Pets
One of the best things about living in Northeast Florida is that anytime of the year is a beautiful time to get out and about with your dog. If your pup’s got energy to burn and is looking for new scenery, new smells, new friends to socialize with, and wide-open spaces to run free and be a dog, then an adventure to your local dog park is the perfect solution! To help, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite off leash dog parks around town. Check them out and let us know if you’ve got a favorite one we’ve missed that should be added to our list. And if you ever need a helping hand getting your dog out for a weekday adventure, you can always book one of our Off Leash Pack Adventures and simply enjoy coming home to a happy and tired pup on us!
BrewHound Dog Park + Bar | Neptune Beach, FL
Sunny days in Florida are meant to be relished outdoors. Located off Atlantic Boulevard and Florida Boulevard on an acre of professionally developed parklike grounds, Brewhound is a unique gathering place for dogs and their owners to play and mingle outside, enjoy delicious cold (or hot) beverages, and relax in the beautiful sunshine.
Atlantic Beach Dog Park | Atlantic Beach, FL
The Atlantic Beach Dog Park is located off Atlantic Boulevard near Mayport Road and offers a nice pond for your pup to cool off and play in as well as a walking path so you can stretch your legs out at the same time. The park has a separate small dog area, or you can mix and mingle with the larger breeds in the main park area. They also have a nice hose station so you can rinse your pup down before heading home.
Dog Wood Park | Jacksonville, FL
Dog Wood Park is Jacksonville’s largest dog park located off J Turner Butler Boulevard and 1-95. It sits on 42 Acres and the entire park is fenced so there’s plenty of room to safely play off leash and explore. They have a large lake for swimming, 10 acres of hiking trails, and a special area set aside just for the little dogs. There are picnic tables and chairs for lounging around the lake. And on those hot summer days, they offer a lighted area from 7-10pm if you’re seeking a cooler evening visit. Dog Wood Park has an area that fits every dog and personality. It’s a great place to spend quality time together with your dog; and you’ll find it’s as good for the humans as it is for the pups!
Abess Dog Park | Jacksonville, FL
Abess Dog Park is one of Jacksonville’s newest dog parks. It’s located off Atlantic Boulevard and Girvin Road and features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. The large dog section includes a loop trail through a woodland area and an open grassy field for free play. And small dogs have a shaded grassy field to play in too. There’s potable water hoses in both sections and the park also offers benches and drinking fountains so you can settle in and stay hydrated while your pup plays.
Trails for Tails | Nocatee, FL
Trails for Tails offers plenty of space and fun for you and your four-legged friend. Conveniently located inside the Community Park, the dog park boasts a huge pond and a concrete walking path so your pup can swim, socialize, and play while you work in your daily steps. They have benches if you need a break and a hose to wash your pup down before loading them back up.
Central Bark | Nocatee, FL
Central Bark, located in Twenty Mile Post in between The Crossing at Twenty Mile and The Outlook at Twenty Mile neighborhoods, features separate entrances for small and large dogs. And their agility courses will challenge your pup both mentally and physically- allowing for maximum fun and play!
Veterans Park Dog Park | St. Johns, FL
Veterans Park Dog Park is located in the heart of St. Johns near the Julington Creek Plantation and is a popular place to socialize your dog and meet new people. They offer 3 acres of space and have a separate small dog and large dog section, a shaded area where you can sit while your pup plays, and a hose/drinking area where you can refresh your dog after playing.
Veterans Park is a 50 acre complex and offers something to do for everyone in your family between their dog park, skate park, basketball courts, play ground, trails, and soccer fields. And while you’re there, take a moment to reflect on our history and Veterans who have bravely served at the memorial in the middle of the park where each branch of the Armed Forces is honored with an individual monument and flag.
Julington Creek Animal Walk Dog Park | Mandarin, FL
Julington Creek Animal Walk Dog Park is a 9-acre, off-leash pet campus featuring a splash park, pools, nature trails, fields, and wash stations. Designed to protect your pet’s safety and to provide a comfortable environment, all park entrances are double-gated and latched to keep your pup secure and perimeter fences are reinforced to deter digging. They also have a fully staffed veterinary hospital on-site. This is THE place to mix and mingle with fellow dog lovers in Mandarin!
