Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

When your First Coast getaway calls for a relaxing stroll through picturesque gardens and landscapes, add the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to your list.

Also known as JABG, it sits on 126 acres centered around a gleaming lake. Its natural trails, creeks, and 13 different ecosystems make it a popular landmark on a Jacksonville Beach vacation. But before it became an arboretum, it was a strip mine for the Humphries Gold Mining Company from 1944 to 1961.

In 2004, residents transformed the area into a destination for conservation and education. Their hard work paid off in 2008 when the gardens officially opened, showcasing North Florida's rich flora and ecological beauty. While the mining gravely impacted the soil and vegetation, they are bouncing back thanks to the efforts at the JABG.

Various walking trails meander through the acreage and provide visitors with a firsthand experience of the vibrant ecosystem. Hikers will see enchanting hardwood forests, picturesque streams, and hidden groves with informative signs to make a stroll educational.

Its proximity to other landmarks makes planning other activities around a visit to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens easy. Add Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park to your plans to make it a day visiting parks. And when your visit has you hungry, dine at any of the nearby eateries like Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store.  

With so much to see, explore, and experience, visiting JABG will be rewarding and give you a deeper appreciation of our natural world. 

Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One aspect of visiting the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the constantly added new areas. The most recent addition is the Fernery Garden, featuring 825 plants that thrive in the shade, such as Birds of Paradise, Rhododendrons, some palms, and beautiful ferns. You'll find this peaceful garden on the Lake Loop Trail.

JABG is also your go-to for special events like the Glowing Gardens offered around the Holiday season. The pathways reflect the colorful lights adorned on the trees and shrubs, making for a magical trek with family or friends. Art sculptures with lights and hanging stars resembling plants will amaze young and old.

The seven trails at JABG offer various lengths, habitats, and levels of difficulty to accommodate hikers of all abilities. For those seeking a leisurely hike, consider the Lake Loop Trail, which is ranked easy and is .3 miles long. The Aralia Trail is considered challenging due to the wetland terrain, but it offers the chance to explore a unique ecosystem.

As mentioned, JABG is convenient to many downtown attractions, making combining multiple attractions daily doable. Visit the conservatory for a stroll before heading to a concert at the Florida Theatre. It's these reasons that make JABG one of the top things to do on a First Coast getaway.

Whether seeking solitude, a stroll, or learning about environmental education, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens caters to all on a Florida vacation.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens from Jacksonville:

• Head northeast on FL-115 N/State Rd 115 N.
• Take the exit toward Merrill Rd.
• Merge onto Merrill Rd.
• Turn right onto Monument Rd.
• Turn left onto McCormick Rd.
• Turn right onto Millcoe Rd.
• Address: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens:

• General Admission: $3 per person.
• Children under 3: Free 
• Glowing Gardens Adult: $22
• Glowing Gardens Children: $19

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.