Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida: a gateway to unspoiled waterways.
Have you ever imagined gliding across glistening waters while basking in the sunshine?
The best places to paddle board in Jacksonville are calling your name.
Let’s dive in and discover Jacksonville’s enchanting aquatic landscapes. Are you in?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Jacksonville
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 St. Johns River
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Bishop Kenny High School (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle current, mild wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, ospreys, egrets
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Downtown skyline, Memorial Park
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
St. Johns River in Jacksonville provides excellent paddleboarding opportunities along the city’s waterfront. The tranquil river offers amazing views of the downtown skyline and stretches of undeveloped shoreline to explore.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and the occasional manatee as you enjoy a scenic paddle on the St. Johns River.
#2 Jacksonville Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Seagate Avenue (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Ocean waves, tide, and wind-dependent
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Jacksonville Beach Pier, Atlantic coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Exercise caution in surf zone, be prepared for varied conditions
Jacksonville Beach is a popular oceanfront location for paddleboarding enthusiasts. It offers a mix of calm bayside paddling on the Intracoastal Waterway and more adventurous surf-zone paddling on the ocean side.
The picturesque beach setting is perfect for a leisurely paddle while admiring the beautiful coastline.
#3 Hanna Park
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Hanna Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, minimal wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, egrets, turtles
- ️🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Lakefront park setting, surrounding forest
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, be mindful of shallow areas
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park boasts a 60-acre freshwater lake perfect for paddleboarding. The calm waters surrounded by lush greenery create a serene environment to enjoy a peaceful paddle.
Wildlife abounds in this scenic park setting, ensuring a tranquil and natural experience.
#4 Guana River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Guana River Wildlife Management Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Smooth water, light winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, alligators
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Marshlands, estuary ecosystem, Intracoastal Waterway
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, observe caution in remote areas
Guana River, just a short drive north of Jacksonville, offers a pristine estuary environment, perfect for paddleboarding.
Lined with beautiful marshlands and home to a variety of bird species, the river offers amazing views and an opportunity to explore its rich ecosystem.
#5 Dutton Island Preserve
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Dutton Island Preserve (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, light winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Herons, pelicans, fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Maritime forest, bay views
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay in designated areas, respect wildlife
Dutton Island Preserve is a hidden gem in Jacksonville, offering calm inlets and bays perfect for paddleboarding.
Navigate the mangrove-lined waterways and enjoy the picturesque bay views. This serene paddleboard spot ensures a peaceful and secluded experience in a natural setting.
#6 Mayport Poles
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Mayport Poles Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds
- ️🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Mayport Poles jetties, Atlantic coastline
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of sharks, respect fishing boundaries
Located near the mouth of the St. Johns River, Mayport Poles offers a more adventurous paddleboarding experience for those looking to tackle ocean waves.
The jetties provide excellent wave breaks, making it a popular spot for surfers as well. Venture out to catch waves or stay close to the shore and enjoy the ocean scenery.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Jacksonville?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Jacksonville include the Intracoastal Waterway, Little Talbot Island, and Guana River State Park.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Jacksonville?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Jacksonville.
When is the best time to paddle board in Jacksonville?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Jacksonville is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
