The St. Johns County Park Guide You'll Actually Use
Best Parks and Playgrounds in St. Johns County, FL (2026 Complete Guide)
If there's one thing St. Johns County does well, it's outdoor space — and the park system is a big part of why this area is so good for families. From waterfront nature parks along SR-13 to massive sports complexes in Nocatee and the best skate park in the region tucked into St. Augustine, there's far more here than most families have discovered. We mapped it all out by area so whether you're brand new to the 904 or just looking to explore beyond your neighborhood, you'll always know what's close and what's worth the drive.
Northwest St. Johns County
(RiverTown / Fruit Cove / Julington Creek Area)
Veterans Park — Best All-Around Park in Northwest SJC
A 50-acre complex serving the Durbin Crossing, Aberdeen, and surrounding communities. One of the most complete parks in St. Johns County with something for every age and activity level.
Multipurpose soccer and sports fields (20+ fields)
Basketball courts
Playground / playscape
Skate park — well-maintained with features for multiple skill levels. Helmets required. (One of two skate parks in the county.)
Dog park — separate areas for large and small dogs
Walking loops with nature views
Free parking, open dawn to dusk
📍 1332 Veterans Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259
Aberdeen Park — Field of Dreams & Family Sports
A 21-acre park right in the Aberdeen community, home to the touching Field of Dreams Baseball League — a free program that gives children with special needs the opportunity to play organized baseball. Also features an all-inclusive ADA-certified playground expansion.
2 multipurpose fields
4 youth softball fields
All-inclusive ADA playground
Field of Dreams Baseball League (free for special needs children)
📍 1401 Shetland Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259
Durbin Crossing Park — Baseball & Recreation
Located on the east side of the Durbin Crossing community, this park was designed, constructed, and donated to St. Johns County by the community developers.
4 youth baseball fields
2 multipurpose fields
Leisure and passive recreation space
📍 345 Islesbrook Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259
Julington Creek Plantation Park
Active sports park with artificial turf — one of the few turf fields in the county, making it a popular spot for organized sports year-round regardless of weather.
Football field
Multipurpose field
Artificial turf field
📍 3060 Racetrack Road, St. Johns, FL 32259
Mills Field — Softball & Baseball Hub
Located at the corner of Race Track Road and SR 13. Popular for organized leagues.
2 softball fields
6 baseball fields
4 lighted tennis courts
📍 1805 Racetrack Road, St. Johns, FL 32259
Rivertown Park — Baseball & Riverfront
The county park serving the RiverTown community. Four baseball fields plus passive areas. The adjacent Rivertown community also has its own resident amenities including a riverfront boardwalk, fishing pier, kayak launch, amphitheater, pools, and trails along the St. Johns River.
📍 200 Swamp Oak Trail, St. Johns, FL 32259
Alpine Groves Park — Best Nature Park in Northwest SJC
A beautiful, passive 54.5-acre riverfront park along SR 13. Nature trails, a picnic pavilion with river views, and a charming historic farmhouse. Popular for senior photos, kayaking, and quiet family picnics. Stunning at sunrise and sunset.
📍 2060 SR 13, St. Johns, FL 32259
Switzerland Point Park
Two baseball fields in the Switzerland/Greenbriar area of western SJC.
📍 777 Greenbriar Road, St. Johns, FL 32259
Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach Area
Davis Park — Best Overall Family Park in SJC
The crown jewel of St. Johns County parks for active families. One of the largest and most used parks in the entire county.
6 baseball fields, 4 softball fields
3 football fields, 4 soccer fields, turf field
Playground / playscape
Two dog parks (separate large and small dog areas)
Fishing ponds
Restrooms, free parking
📍 210 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081
Nocatee Community Park — Best Public Park in Nocatee
A 33-acre park open to the public in Nocatee Town Center. One of the most accessible parks in the Nocatee/Ponte Vedra area for non-residents.
Playground / playscape
2 tennis courts
2 multipurpose fields
Pavilion (first-come, first-served)
Dog park
Dawn to dusk, free
📍 707 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Nocatee Preserve — Best Nature Trail in SJC
2,400 acres of protected conservation land with 3+ miles of unpaved trails. One of the only public equestrian trails in the county. Gorgeous, underused, and free.
Hiking, jogging, mountain biking
Bird watching
Horseback riding (one of few public equestrian trails in SJC)
4.1-mile mountain biking trail
Parking and restroom facilities
📍 501 Davis Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32081
Nocatee Paddle Launch — Kayak & Paddleboard Access
Public access to the Tolomato River for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. A hidden gem for outdoor-loving families.
Bird Island Park — Most Unique Park in Ponte Vedra Beach
Tucked behind the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, Bird Island Park is unlike any other park in the county. Winding paths, interactive art sculptures, a storytelling amphitheater, and a bird-shaped pond. No sports fields — just a whimsical, beautiful space that kids and adults both love.
📍 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Cornerstone Park — Northern Ponte Vedra Sports Park
A 19-acre sports complex in northern Ponte Vedra Beach.
4 baseball fields
Multipurpose field
2 tennis courts
Basketball court
Restrooms
📍 1046 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
DeLeon Shores Park — Ponte Vedra Skate & Sports
A neighborhood park in Ponte Vedra Beach with one of the two skate areas in SJC.
Skate area
Tennis court
2 basketball courts
Pavilion
Multipurpose field
Dog park
📍 9 Dolphin Blvd E., Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
South Ponte Vedra Park / Mickler's Landing — Best Beach Access
Beach access, BBQ grills, pavilions, parking, restrooms, and showers at Mickler's Landing. Lifeguards on duty in peak season. One of the best public beach access points in SJC.
📍 Ponte Vedra Blvd South, Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Palencia Park — Northern St. Augustine Sports Park
Located next to Palencia Elementary School, this 10-acre park serves the northern St. Augustine and Palencia community.
3 baseball fields
Multipurpose field
Basketball court
Playground / playscape
Picnic pavilion
📍 405 Palencia Village Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32092
North Beach Park — Vilano Beach
Beach access with BBQ grills, parking, pavilion, playground, restrooms, and showers.
📍 3721 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach, FL 32084
St. Augustine Area
Treaty Park — Best All-Around Park in St. Augustine
The most feature-complete park in all of St. Johns County. A 47-acre complex serving as the hub for St. Augustine families, athletes, and skaters. Worth driving from anywhere in SJC.
Robert-Laryn Skate Park — 28,000 sq ft of concrete with ½ pipes, rails, ledges, banks, and a 9.5-foot kidney-shaped pool. Also a "Little Dudes" beginner area for skaters under 12. Open sunrise to 10pm. Concession/pro shop on site. (The best skate park in SJC.)
Paws Dog Park — ¾ acre leash-free area with drinking fountains and open space
4 lighted softball fields
2 multipurpose fields
6 lighted tennis courts, 8 paddle tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, 4 racquetball courts, 2 bocce courts, 2 basketball courts
Handicap-accessible playground
Horseshoe courts
3-acre lake with fishing (catch-and-release), canoe trail, and nature trails
7/8-mile bike path and jogging/walking trail
Picnic pavilions, charcoal grills
📍 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Canopy Shores Park — Best Walking Trail Park in St. Augustine
33 acres nestled in a stately oak hammock. One-mile paved loop trail for walking, biking, birdwatching. Playground designed to look like a tree house. Covered picnic pavilion perfect for parties. Connects to the Riverview Club via foot path.
📍 St. Augustine, FL 32092
Vaill Point Park — Best Waterfront Park in St. Augustine
A 23-acre park along Moultrie Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway. One of the best spots in SJC for birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and nature walks.
Nature trails and walking paths
Picnic shelters and playground
Dock for fishing and kayaking
Restroom facilities
Seasonal bird identification workshops with the Audubon Society
📍 630 Vaill Point Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32086
Joe Pomar Park — St. Augustine Sports & Dog Park
Centrally located in St. Augustine with a boardwalk and sports amenities.
Boardwalk
Picnic pavilion
Multipurpose fields
Dog park
Baseball field
📍 1600 Masters Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084
Lighthouse Park — Family Recreation
A community-oriented park near the St. Augustine Lighthouse suitable for all ages. Playground, pavilion, and open space.
📍 Near the St. Augustine Lighthouse area
Windswept Acres / Joel A. "Bubba" Williams Park — St. Augustine Beach Area
Parking, pavilion, playscape, and restrooms in a relaxed community setting.
📍 210 Mickler Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Ron Parker Park — St. Augustine Beach
A popular spot at St. Augustine Beach with dog park, recreational amenities, and beach proximity.
📍 St. Augustine Beach, FL
Royal Road Park — St. Augustine South Neighborhood
Basketball court and community recreation space in the St. Augustine South area.
📍 709 Royal Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32086
Frank Butler Beachfront Park East — South Beaches Access
Public beach access with parking, restrooms, and amenities. One of the authorized beach horseback riding access points. Beach entrance by Mary Street Ramp.
📍 5860 A1A S., St. Augustine, FL
Nease Beachfront Park — Quiet Beach Access
Parking, bathroom, shower, picnic tables, bocce ball court, trail, boardwalk, and butterfly garden.
📍 633171 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Skate Parks in St. Johns County
SJC has three designated skate areas:
Robert-Laryn Skate Park @ Treaty Park (St. Augustine — Best in County)
28,000 sq ft of concrete with ½ pipes, rails, ledges, banks, and a 9.5-foot kidney pool. "Little Dudes" beginner area. Open sunrise to 10pm. Concession/pro shop on site.
📍 1595 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine
Veterans Park Skate Area (St. Johns — Northwest SJC)
Skate features for multiple skill levels. Helmets required.
📍 1332 Veterans Parkway, St. Johns
DeLeon Shores Park Skate Area (Ponte Vedra Beach — Northeast SJC)
Neighborhood-scale skate area in Ponte Vedra Beach.
📍 9 Dolphin Blvd E., Ponte Vedra
Dog Parks in St. Johns County
SJC has six designated off-leash dog parks:
Treaty Park (Paws Dog Park) — St. Augustine, ¾ acre leash-free area
Davis Park — Ponte Vedra, two areas (large and small dogs)
Veterans Park — St. Johns, large and small dog areas
Ron Parker Park — St. Augustine Beach
DeLeon Shores Park — Ponte Vedra Beach
Nocatee Community Park — Nocatee Town Center
Upcoming New Parks — Worth Knowing About
St. Johns County approved a $123 million regional park investment with five new parks and community centers expected to be completed by end of 2026. One incoming park will include a splash pad, two playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts, and library services. Follow sjcfl.us for opening announcements.
Tips for SJC Park Days
Reserve pavilions early for birthday parties and group picnics at sjcfl.us — they go fast on spring and fall weekends
Download the SJC Beaches app for beach access points, lifeguard schedules, and parking
Dawn to dusk is standard hours for most county parks
Helmets are required at all three SJC skate areas
Most subdivision parks (RiverTown, Shearwater, Palencia, etc.) are accessible to the public even if community-maintained
Frequently Asked Questions: Parks in St. Johns County
Where is the skate park in St. Johns County?
There are three skate areas in SJC. The largest and best is the Robert-Laryn Skate Park at Treaty Park in St. Augustine (1595 Wildwood Drive) — 28,000 sq ft with a beginner "Little Dudes" area and a 9.5-foot expert pool. Veterans Park in St. Johns (1332 Veterans Parkway) and DeLeon Shores Park in Ponte Vedra Beach also have skate areas.
What is the best park in Nocatee for families?
Davis Park is the top pick for active families and sports. Nocatee Community Park is the most convenient for a quick outing near the town center. For nature, the Nocatee Preserve is exceptional and underused.
Are there dog parks in St. Johns County?
Yes — six designated off-leash dog parks: Treaty Park (St. Augustine), Davis Park (Ponte Vedra), Veterans Park (St. Johns), Ron Parker Park (St. Augustine Beach), DeLeon Shores Park (Ponte Vedra Beach), and Nocatee Community Park.
What is the best park for kids in St. Augustine?
Treaty Park (1595 Wildwood Drive) is the most complete park in St. Augustine for families — playground, skate park, dog park, courts, trails, fishing lake, and sports fields all in one 47-acre complex.
Is there a splash pad in St. Johns County?
The Nocatee Splash Water Park is a full resort-style water park for Nocatee residents. The UF Health area near Nocatee has a public splash pad. A new county splash pad is coming as part of the $123 million park investment expected to complete by end of 2026.
What parks are near RiverTown in St. Johns County?
Veterans Park, Aberdeen Park, Durbin Crossing Park, and Julington Creek Plantation Park are all close to the RiverTown/Fruit Cove/Durbin Crossing area. Alpine Groves Park along SR-13 is also nearby for nature lovers.
Found a park we missed or have a hidden gem to share? Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram @stjohnsmoms — local intel is always welcome