Treaty Oak Park
A 250-year-old Southern live oak, Jacksonville's ancient living legend, offering shade, history, and a picturesque escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Treaty Oak Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 250-year-old Southern live oak, Jacksonville's ancient living legend, offering shade, history, and a picturesque escape.
"A beautiful expansive oak tree that only provides shade but also rich with history. Definitely great photo opportunity place."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking is limited; consider the nearby paid garage. :parking:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for elopements, proms, and family photos. Capture its grandeur! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Treaty Oak
Jessie Ball duPont Park
A 250-year-old Southern live oak with a massive, octopus-like canopy. It's a living legend and a symbol of Jacksonville's history.
Jessie Ball duPont Park
Southbank, Jacksonville
A serene urban green space surrounding the Treaty Oak, perfect for picnics, quiet contemplation, and enjoying nature.
Historical Significance
This ancient tree predates Jacksonville's founding, holding centuries of stories and a unique place in local lore.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking is limited; consider the nearby paid garage. :parking:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for elopements, proms, and family photos. Capture its grandeur! :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxing picnic under the shade. :sandwich:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Stroll
Enjoy a quiet walk around the park and admire the tree's massive limbs. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking is limited; consider the nearby paid garage. :parking:
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for elopements, proms, and family photos. Capture its grandeur! :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxing picnic under the shade. :sandwich:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Stroll
Enjoy a quiet walk around the park and admire the tree's massive limbs. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Respect the Nature
Help keep the park clean by using trash receptacles. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Treaty Oak for its immense size, historical significance, and the peaceful atmosphere of Jessie Ball duPont Park. It's highlighted as a great spot for photos and picnics. Some find parking to be a challenge, and a few mention littering concerns.
"A beautiful expansive oak tree that only provides shade but also rich with history. Definitely great photo opportunity place. The park is nice to walk around. Parking can be challenging. There is a paid parking building in the back. But the street parking is tough."
Wind Napol
"This is a beautiful place in the heart of the city! We went with a group to take photos for their Spring Formal dance and got lucky enough to get there when there were only a few people there! It's a big space and lots of spots to get a great photo. The parking is rather limited, however, only a few spaces out front. If you live in Jacksonville you should definitely visit this historical place and snap a photo or two! A treasure and a treat to see."
Emily Ivey
"Had the opportunity to check out this incredible tree. Glad to see it is maintained and looking very healthy. Long life."
Rusty Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Treaty Oak Park is located in Jessie Ball duPont Park on the Southbank of Jacksonville, at 1123 Prudential Drive. Many visitors suggest taking the Skyway for a free and scenic route to the downtown area, with a short walk to the park.
Parking directly at the park is quite limited. Reviews often mention that street parking can be tough, and recommend using the paid parking building located in the back of the park.
Yes, the Jacksonville Skyway is a free public transportation option that can get you close to the park. From the Skyway station, it's a manageable walk to Jessie Ball duPont Park.
The park features paved paths, making it generally accessible for most visitors, including those with strollers or mobility aids. The main attraction, the Treaty Oak, is easily viewed from the pathways.
Many visitors combine a trip to Treaty Oak Park with other Jacksonville attractions like the Riverwalk, Friendship Fountain, or exploring the San Marco area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Treaty Oak Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. You can visit and enjoy the magnificent tree and its surroundings without any admission fee.
As a public park, Treaty Oak Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. It's advisable to check with the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation department for any specific seasonal hours or event closures.
Yes, Treaty Oak Park is a popular spot for intimate weddings and elopements. While the park itself is free to visit, you may need to inquire about permits or specific arrangements for larger events or ceremonies. +1
General park rules apply, such as respecting the natural environment and not littering. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the historical significance and the tree's preservation.
While specific pet policies can vary, most city parks allow leashed pets. It's always a good idea to check local regulations or look for signage at the park entrance regarding pet access.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The Treaty Oak is a massive Southern live oak, estimated to be around 250 years old. Its branches spread out like an octopus, creating a vast canopy that offers ample shade. It's considered one of the oldest living things in Jacksonville.
You can enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic under the tree, take stunning photographs, or simply relax and admire the ancient oak. It's also a popular spot for elopements and small gatherings. 
Absolutely! The Treaty Oak provides a dramatic and historic backdrop for photos. Its unique shape and size make it a favorite for photographers, especially during the golden hours.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the park and admiring the Treaty Oak. If you plan to have a picnic or take many photos, you might extend your visit.
The Treaty Oak is estimated to be around 250 years old, predating the founding of Jacksonville. It was once known as the 'Giant Oak' and was saved in the 1930s through a fabricated story by a journalist.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Treaty Oak Park itself does not have on-site dining facilities. However, it's located in a vibrant area of Jacksonville with many restaurants and cafes nearby, especially along the Southbank and in the downtown area.
You can find a variety of dining options near Treaty Oak Park. Consider places like Jax Beach Brunch Haus for brunch or Taverna for lunch, as suggested by local guides.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. It's a popular spot for enjoying a meal or snacks amidst the natural beauty.
The area directly around the Treaty Oak offers ample shade and space for picnics. You can spread out a blanket and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Jacksonville offers a diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood to Southern comfort food. Exploring the nearby San Marco or downtown areas will provide many options to suit your taste.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: early morning and late afternoon. The soft, warm light beautifully highlights the tree's texture and sprawling branches.
The sheer size and unique, octopus-like shape of the 250-year-old Treaty Oak create a dramatic and awe-inspiring subject. Its historical significance adds another layer of appeal for photographers.
Experiment with different angles to capture the full span of the tree. Getting low to the ground can emphasize its massive trunk and sprawling limbs. The boardwalk around the tree also offers great perspectives.
Yes, Treaty Oak Park is a popular venue for professional photoshoots, including elopements and prom photos. While the park is free to enter, it's wise to check if any permits are required for organized events.
Nature photography, historical site photography, portrait photography (especially for events like proms and elopements), and general scenic shots are very popular here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural wonder of the ancient tree and the open green space provide plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. It's a chance to connect with nature and learn a bit about local history in a relaxed setting. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site.
📸 Couples and Photographers
Photographers will find the Treaty Oak to be an incredibly photogenic subject. Its massive scale and intricate branch structure offer endless creative possibilities. The golden hour light here is particularly stunning, enhancing the tree's texture and creating a magical ambiance for any shoot.
🌳 Nature Enthusiasts and History Buffs
Learning about its history, including how it was saved from development, adds a fascinating layer to the visit. The park offers a quiet space to contemplate the passage of time and the resilience of nature. It's a chance to connect with a piece of Jacksonville's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Living History of the Treaty Oak
+1Its survival is also a testament to community spirit. In the 1930s, the tree, then known as the 'Giant Oak,' was threatened by development. A clever story fabricated by Jacksonville Times-Union journalist Pat Moran is credited with rallying public support and ultimately saving the tree. This act of preservation highlights the deep connection locals have with this ancient landmark.
Today, the Treaty Oak stands proudly in Jessie Ball duPont Park on the Southbank, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It continues to be a source of awe and inspiration, reminding visitors of the enduring power of nature and the importance of preserving historical treasures.
Experiencing Treaty Oak Park: Beyond the Tree
The park is a popular spot for picnics. Visitors often bring blankets and snacks to enjoy under the sprawling canopy of the Treaty Oak, making it an ideal destination for a casual lunch or a relaxing afternoon. The shade provided by the ancient tree is a significant draw, especially during warmer months.
Furthermore, the park's scenic beauty and historical significance make it a sought-after location for photography. From elopements and prom photoshoots to simply capturing the grandeur of the oak, the park offers a picturesque backdrop. The boardwalk surrounding the tree provides excellent vantage points for capturing its impressive scale.
+1
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