About The Park
We don’t know about you, but here at Lancelot’s Castles, we think there’s nothing quite like unplugging from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnecting with nature! There are lots of parks in Jacksonville, FL to do just that, and today, we’ll be talking about one of our favorites: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park!
With 447 acres of mature coastal hammock on the oceanfront between Atlantic Beach and historic Mayport Village, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park was once called Manhattan Beach and was actually the first African American beach resort in the state of Florida.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the place to be, whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon or a night of camping with friends and family. Here the opportunities are endless! You can go kayaking, fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, or take your pick from biking and hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. There’s also 1.5 miles of stunning white-sandy beach, one of Florida’s top surfing spots! What more could you ask for during your stay in a Jacksonville Beach rental home?
Read on to discover all the different activities you can get up to at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park!
Things To Do
There are tons of fun things to do in Jacksonville, and many of them can be found in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park! You can start your visit with a relaxing bike ride, cool off with a swim, and then take a scenic hike to look for local wildlife before you go.
Kayaking & Water Fun
If you’re looking for some fun on the water, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park features a stunning 60-acre lake that’s perfect for all sorts of aquatic adventures. On the lake, you can go fishing, kayaking, paddle-boating, or canoeing. Don’t worry if you’re not too experienced; the lake is calm and easy to navigate, with plenty of shaded spots to rest and relax.
If you’re looking to make a splash, head on over to the General Store in the park. They’ve got you covered with kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, and canoes to rent.
Wildlife Spotting
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a nature lover’s paradise and home to a wide range of wildlife, including an impressive variety of shorebirds, such as pelicans, seagulls, and sandpipers, as well as wading birds like egrets, herons, and ibises. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an alligator!
One of the most exciting wildlife experiences at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the sea turtle nesting, which takes place from May through October, where visitors can learn about the nesting process and the importance of protecting these gentle creatures in a fun and educational experience.
Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, as you never know what fascinating creatures you may encounter on your visit!
Camping
For you happy campers out there, Hanna Park has you covered with almost 300 camping sites nestled in its woodland! You can pitch a tent, park your RV, or even go all out by ‘glamping’ in one of the six cozy log cabins.
There’s no need to rough it here as all campsites come equipped with electricity and water hookups, and the on-site general store is great for any necessities you may need, even providing a coin laundry to keep your camping gear fresh!
Biking
At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, there are over 20 miles of scenic bike trails, allowing you to experience the park’s natural beauty while getting your heart rate up. From towering trees to sprawling beaches, there’s no shortage of sights to take in on your ride. There’s something for every level of rider, from the novice-friendly “Long Trail” and “Back 40” trails to the more challenging and aptly named “Grunt,” “Misery,” and “Tornado Alley” trails.
If you don’t have your own bike, no worries! You can rent one on-site. Get ready to pump up your adventure and take a ride on the wild side!
Plan Your Visit
Our Jacksonville Beach rentals are conveniently located near plenty of gorgeous parks and fun outdoor activities. Book your rental with Lancelot’s Castles to start your beach adventure today!
Hiking
When it comes to hiking in Jacksonville, FL, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a great option because you can hike on the beach, through the forest, or along the shores of the 60-acre freshwater lake — all in the same day! One of our favorite trails is the almost 3-mile loop trail designed by the Florida Trail Association, which includes the maximum variety of scenery to admire in the park.
Hiking is such a great way to improve your physical and mental health while connecting with beautiful natural surroundings. It has to be one of our favorite past-times in beautiful Jacksonville!
Surfing and Fun on the Beach
If you’re ready to catch some waves, then Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is the place for you because the Poles, located at the north end of the beach in the park, is the ultimate surfing destination in Northeast Florida! If you need to brush up on your surfing skills with some lessons, you can contact Jax Surf and Paddle for a 90-minute surf class on the beach.
After you hit the waves, how about some yoga on the beach, a refreshing swim, or a leisurely stroll on the 1.5-mile stretch of wide, white-sandy beach? Pure bliss!
Special Occasions
Imagine exchanging vows with the serene ocean as your backdrop or hosting a birthday party with a beautiful view of the beach! If you’re looking for a unique and special venue to celebrate that upcoming special occasion, consider renting Dolphin Plaza at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. This stunning event space features a beautiful waterfront view and can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or family reunion, Dolphin Plaza is the perfect spot for your next celebration. With affordable rental rates and plenty of amenities nearby, you and your guests are sure to have a memorable time!
Other Amenities
Aside from the visitor center, shuffleboard, and volleyball courts, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park also offers visitors a wide range of amenities. Children will enjoy the playground equipment and the fun waterpark.
The park is equipped with benches, grills, picnic shelters, and tables for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Visitors can also take advantage of the restrooms and trash barrels, conveniently located throughout the park.
What To Bring
Although the park is equipped with a range of amenities for visitors, there are a few things you should bring with you to ensure a fun and comfortable experience. If you’re planning to camp overnight, make sure to bring your tent or RV. If fishing is in your plans, you’ll need to have your fishing license handy. You won’t want to forget your swimsuit, as there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the park’s many swimming areas.
You’ll want to be sure to pack sunscreen, too, as Florida’s sun can get quite intense, particularly during the summer months. If you’re a fan of wildlife, you’ll want to bring your binoculars and camera!
Most importantly, don’t forget to bring a sense of adventure!
Book Your Jacksonville Beach Rentals with Lancelot’s Castles
We know you’ll be itching to visit Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park after reading about all the fun things there are to do here. The next step is finding somewhere to stay in Jacksonville, FL which is where, we, Lancelot’s Castles, come in! We offer the best Jacksonville Beach condos and rental homes in Jacksonville, FL.
Taking pride in our exceptional customer service, our aim is to make your stay with us unforgettable! Our spacious rentals boast breathtaking sea views, fully-stocked kitchens, washers and dryers, private patios, and even access to a fitness center, pool, and jacuzzi!
Whether you’re traveling with your family or friends or just want some time to yourself, our rentals in Jacksonville Beach have got you covered. Contact us today and explore our wide range of options for your perfect getaway in Jacksonville!
