Bird Island Park

We are calling all nature and bird lovers! Bird Island Park offers waterfront trails, mazes, and benches, making it one of the more popular vacation attractions.

The nature sanctuary was the brainchild of residents who longed for a park. Working with St. Johns County, they settled on a piece of land between the library and the fire station. The County donated $400,000 toward the project while the citizens formed a non-profit to raise the additional funds. 

It opened in 2010 and was designed by Bobby Weed, a nationally recognized and awarded golf course designer. Weed's courses and parks are unique because he relies on the area's features and contours for inspiration. He is often described as an artist, and when you visit the park near Ponte Vedra Beach, you'll understand why. 

The park's 20 acres include a small lake with a tiny island in the middle. While Bird Island Park is surrounded by neighborhoods, the library, and a fire station, you'll feel like you're miles from civilization when visiting. 

The brilliance of Bobby Weed's park is that it is a microcosm of Northeast Florida's ecosystems with dunes and wetlands. Also included are educational signs explaining the flora and fauna, and interactive art sculptures.

Its central location makes combining multiple attractions possible in a day. For instance, you could catch a stunning sunrise at Jacksonville Beach Pier and then head to nearby Bird Island Park to enjoy nature. 

With these features and no admission cost, adding this landmark to your vacation itinerary is a no-brainer.

Bird Island Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features 

Bird Island Park is jam-packed with features and things to do, which will appeal to everyone. Its proximity to other outdoor activities like the North Beaches Art Walk makes planning multiple attractions doable. 

When visiting, the entrance path leads to the observation deck overlooking the pond. It is the perfect spot to see herons, egrets, and other shorebirds in their natural habitat. Photographers use this picturesque backdrop to capture nature at its finest.

The trails are another outstanding feature that will appeal to nature lovers and families. The paths weave throughout the park and provide an immersive experience of the local ecosystem. Exploring the trails will inspire curiosity and foster appreciation for the environment.

The turtle maze with manicured hedges will appeal to all ages. The puzzle gets its name because it resembles a sea turtle when viewed from overhead. While the course is not challenging, visitors may rest at any of the four park benches in the maze's center. 

The tables, benches, and shaded areas make picnics enjoyable. Pack some snacks or grab a meal from a nearby eatery like Culhane's Irish Pub and enjoy dining in nature. 

If you're vacationing with children, storytime at the small stage will entertain them for hours. Adults will appreciate the events and exhibits that use the same area, proving there's something for everyone at Bird Island Park. 

Another marvelous feature is the birdhouses dotting the trail and shoreline. Whether a nature lover, photographer, or birdwatcher, you will delight in watching birds dart, swoop, chirp, and perch. 

Visiting Bird Island Park will create lasting memories on your First Coast vacation with its beauty, natural wonders, and family-friendly amenities. Explore and discover why it is a Jacksonville Beach hot spot!

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Bird Island Park from Jacksonville: 

• Head south on I-95 S. 
• Take exit 352B toward FL-228 W. 
• Merge onto FL-228 W and continue for approximately 4 miles. 
• Take the exit toward US-17 N and merge onto US-17 N. 
• Continue on US-17 N for about 2 miles. 
• Turn right onto Bird Island Park Road. 
• Follow the road until you reach the entrance. 
• Address: 123 Bird Island Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226 

Cost 

Visiting Bird Island Park is free!