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With prices high and supply low, can Florida expect help from Harris, Trump housing plans?

TALLAHASSEE – With Florida still in the throes of an affordable housing crisis, the next occupant of the White House could play a major role in determining how long the Sunshine State struggles with prices too high and a supply too small.

Florida single-family home construction is in the middle of a projected four-year downturn , the first real slump since 2009.

It’s made apartments harder to find and costlier. And it fuels median home sale prices, which hit a record high $429,900 in April, state economists said.

But Florida’s woes are like those in many states. In a pocketbook appeal to voters in this drum-tight contest, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump have both rolled out significant – but vastly different – housing proposals.

“If there’s one state that would be a prime beneficiary of major legislation to address housing supply, it’s Florida,” said Ned Murray, a housing expert at Florida International University. “We could be the biggest because of the need and the disconnect in the state’s housing market in terms of demand and what’s actually being built on the ground.”

Shortages, despite all that construction

Still, it seems like Florida is always under construction.

A drive down Florida’s Turnpike or Interstate 75 sends motorists past billboard after billboard promoting retirement communities, In coastal cities, high-rise developments climb skyward in a bid to reach coveted water views.

But these niche markets don’t meet all the needs of Florida’s rising population.

Working families seeking to put down roots in the state can face long odds, with only 25 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Almost 600,000 Florida households fall into the category, having either an annual income of $31,240 for a family of four, or only 30% of their region’s median income, whichever is greater, according to the coalition.

Housing shortages also ripple upward through higher income categories.

“A lot of people that are struggling to find housing may be single or just a couple,” said Anne Ray, manager of the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse at the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.

“If there are only large houses out there, that’s what people are forced to consider renting or buying even if they could live with something smaller,” she added. “So having a variety of housing would be a better approach toward attacking these shortages.”

The problem – supply

FIU’s Murray said it comes down to one thing.

“We just don’t have the supply,” he said. “What’s being built is addressing an external investor market for the most part, like retirees and out-of-state or foreign buyers.

“But what we need is something almost like what the nation did in promoting veterans housing after World War 2, four to five million houses being built. Only the federal government can make that happen,” he added.

Problem has been with us a while Sizzling housing market in Florida hurts many, but help slow to come from legislature

A history of diverting housing cash Florida’s affordable housing fund is a frequent target for Republican lawmakers

Harris, in her plan unveiled last month, is trying to unleash some of that federal power.

What Harris would do

Proposing tax cuts to spur construction, Harris wants three million new starter homes and rentals built nationwide in four years, on top of what homebuilders already plan. Developers finished only 1.5 million homes last year.

A $40 billion federal fund Harris wants would support local innovations for more affordable housing.

Harris also would provide $25,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, an approach similar to Florida’s Hometown Heroes program, launched in 2022 but which has struggled to keep up with demand.

To reduce red tape and housing costs, Harris also would streamline permitting and add incentives for development close to transit and for converting outdated homes. She would even make some federal lands eligible for repurposing to affordable housing.

What Trump would do

Trump, who made his fortune in real estate, also promises to reduce regulations and open swaths of federal land for large-scale housing construction, in what his campaign said would be “ultra-low-tax and low-regulation zones.”

Trump’s campaign said, “Millions of Americans will take part in settling these safe and beautiful communities.”

Housing takes up one of the eight pillars – others include cutting taxes, increasing efficiency and expanding energy production—as part of Trump’s push to “Make America Affordable Again.”

But a lot of his housing ideas are light on specifics and heavy on aspirational goals.

“As inflation is tamed, interest rates will fall dramatically – reducing mortgage rates back down to 3% and saving the average homebuyer thousands of dollars per year,” the campaign said of Trump’s plan, included as part of a fiscal agenda he laid out recently to the New York Economic Club.

But Trump’s housing vision could be undermined by another of his central campaign pledges – the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Trump allies say housing would be freed-up by these deportations. But the move also would likely reduce the construction work force, potentially limiting the new housing supply.

Florida may provide a glimpse into what deportations could do. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing of a 2023 state law cracking down on undocumented immigrants drove many out-of-state, spawning labor shortages the state’s farming, construction and tourism industries are still grappling with.

Housing answers will take time

Whoever wins the White House in November will likely confront a public expecting immediate change across a wide spectrum of issues.

Housing, though, won’t be turned around quickly, experts say.

“This housing problem didn’t happen overnight,” said UF’s Ray. “And there’s a big, big gulf now between housing needs and what’s available. This is gong to take some time to correct.”

John Kennedy  is a reporter in the USA TODAY Network’s Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at  [email protected] , or on X at @JKennedyReport .

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• Monday 09 September 2024

Faye Webster

Florida Theatre , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Tuesday 10 September 2024

Laura Jane Grace Catbite and Taylor Hollingsworth

The Wooly , Gainesville, FL, US

• Wednesday 11 September 2024

Underbelly , Jacksonville, FL, US

Meso Xenotype, Stupid Thick, and Wook Doctor

Jacksonville, FL, US

• Thursday 12 September 2024

Myth Nightclub , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Friday 13 September 2024

Loosey's , Gainesville, FL, US

Heartwood Soundstage , Gainesville, FL, US

• Friday 13 September 2024 – Saturday 14 September 2024

Florida Fin Fest 2024 St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Easy Honey, and Vincent Antone

SeaWalk Pavilion , Jacksonville Beach, FL, US

• Saturday 14 September 2024

Whiskey Faithful

Fionn MacCool's Irish Pub & Restaurant , Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, US

JVK, Dancing With Ghosts, Empty Register, and Eudaimonia

Riverside Arts Market , Jacksonville, FL, US

Daryl Hance

Cypress & Grove Brewing Company , Gainesville, FL, US

• Sunday 15 September 2024

Mudville Grille , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Monday 16 September 2024

My Morning Jacket Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Daily's Place , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Tuesday 17 September 2024

Augustana verygently

Jack Rabbits , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Wednesday 18 September 2024

Apex Amusia

Loosey's Downtown Gainesville , Gainesville, FL, US

• Thursday 19 September 2024

Trampled by Turtles

St. Augustine Amphitheatre , Saint Augustine, FL, US

The Buttertones SWMRS

Amigo the Devil TK & The Holy Know-Nothings and Dan Spencer

Intuition Ale Works , Jacksonville, FL, US

Gatecreeper

Frozen Soul

Tyler Braden

• Friday 20 September 2024

6arelyhuman

Adam Doleac

High Dive , Gainesville, FL, US

Bay Faction

Signal , Gainesville, FL, US

Pete Davidson

Mike Baggetta and Peter Distefano

The Atlantic , Gainesville, FL, US

Pitch-A-Fit Roots Brigade and Radio Poets

BEDLAM , Atlantic Beach, FL, US

Tina & Her Pony

4th Ave Food Park , Gainesville, FL, US

• Saturday 21 September 2024

Alanis Morissette

Ritz Theatre , Jacksonville, FL, US

Warren Haynes

Forrest Isn't Dead The Alleged (FL)

Treehouse , Gainesville, FL, US

• Saturday 21 September 2024 – Sunday 22 September 2024

Sing Out Loud Festival 2024 Norah Jones, Noah Kahan, Eric Church, The Breeders, Kevin Morby, Ryan Bingham, JJ Grey & Mofro, and Marcus King

Francis Field , Saint Augustine, FL, US

• Sunday 22 September 2024

Ramada By Wyndham , Jacksonville, FL, US

• Monday 23 September 2024

Lamont Landers

• Tuesday 24 September 2024

Creed, Tonic, and Finger Eleven

• Wednesday 25 September 2024
• Thursday 26 September 2024

The Sisters Of Mercy and Blaqk Audio

Mason Ramsey

• Friday 27 September 2024

Jewel and Melissa Etheridge

Hootie & the Blowfish, Collective Soul, and Edwin McCain

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena , Jacksonville, FL, US

Darius Rucker

Hootie & the Blowfish Edwin McCain and Collective Soul

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Comedy Shows in Jacksonville

Explore the latest lineup of renowned and emerging comedians gracing the stages across Jacksonville, FL. Discover an array of comedy shows that Jacksonville has to offer this season with a bustling schedule of stand-up performances, improv acts, and comedic tours. Jacksonville is a hotspot for comedy enthusiasts. Secure your opportunity to experience the most sought-after stand-up comedians and improvisational talents. Some popular venues in the city include The Comedy Zone , Ponte Vedra Concert Hall , St. Augustine Amphitheatre , Florida Theatre Jacksonville , and more. Choose prime seating and purchase your comedy show tickets at unbeatable prices. Don’t let the chance to witness the brilliance of comedy in Jacksonville slip away.

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25 Best Things To Do in Jacksonville, Florida in 2024

Written By: Sara Oprasic

United States

Updated On: August 16, 2024

Jacksonville is a vibrant city on the northeast coast of Florida. It’s an excellent place to visit because it offers a blend of natural attractions, urban landmarks, and standard touristy things to do. So, it doesn’t matter as much why you’re in the city because you’ll have a good time no matter what it is you like to do in your spare time. 

The attractions in Jacksonville range from art tours of the city center to camping in the wilderness. State parks and nature preserves are just outside the city, and they call to all visitors who love exploring the great outdoors. 

On the other hand, Downtown Jacksonville is the perfect destination for a city break with its museums, public parks, statues, and historic landmarks. Take one day to tour the city’s oldest buildings and best museums, then venture out into the wilderness the next day to explore the natural beauty of Florida. 

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the beaches! Jacksonville has around 22 miles of sandy beaches, so it’s a top destination, even for easy-going vacations. The city truly has something to offer everyone, which is why I know you’ll enjoy staying there! 

Did you know that Jacksonville has the largest system of urban parks in the entire United States? Or that some of its buildings have been around for more than a century? I bet there’s a lot more you don’t know, and I can’t wait to tell you all about its attractions and landmarks in this detailed guide to the best things to do in Jacksonville, Florida! 

Best of Jacksonville Quick guide

• Must See: Southbank Riverwalk, Downtown Jacksonville , Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville Arboretum, Hanna Park, Florida Theater 
• Where To Stay: Hampton Inn Jacksonville , Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront , The Ritz-Carlton
• Fun To Do: Airboat River Cruise , Food Truck Tour, Riverside Arts Market, Tree Hill Nature Center , St. Johns Town Center
• Day Trips: Amelia Island, Talbot Island State Park , Neptune Beach 
• Must-Try Foods: Garlic crabs, Datil peppers, Minorcan chowder, Camel Rider sandwich  

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do In Jacksonville, Florida 

There are plenty of ways to stay busy in Jacksonville. Food tours, art tours, and history tours are some of the best ways to discover the city, but each of those only covers one small piece of the puzzle. 

Also, don’t miss out on all the wonderful gems that sit just outside the city limits. Some of the best natural parks, hiking trails, and even beaches in Florida are less than an hour from Downtown Jacksonville and should be included in your itinerary for the most immersive experience. 

1. Downtown Jacksonville Tour

If it’s your first time in Jacksonville, a tour of the downtown is a must. This is the oldest part of Jacksonville, known for architecture and art, and there are plenty of different ways to explore it. 

Walking tours of the Downtown are popular, but not quite as much as Tuk Tuk tours . Consider the latter if you’re short on time in Jacksonville since it will allow you to cover a lot of the city’s attractions in a short period. 

Some of the best tours of Jacksonville focus on public artworks. Stroll down the city streets, looking for murals, statues, and extravagant sculptures. Tuk-Tuk art tours are also available, and I think they’re great for first-times in the city because they’ll allow you to discover several neighborhoods in addition to Downtown Jacksonville. 

Practical Information: Guided tours of central Jacksonville usually take 2-3 hours. 

2. Gardens at Tree Hill Nature Center

Tree Hill Nature Center is a nature preserve just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Jacksonville. Featuring hiking trails, gardens, and plenty of wildlife, the preserve is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to discover the fabulous nature of Florida. 

There’s even a natural history museum at this center, which is great for learning a little bit about the area. The walking trails in the park are mostly easy and suitable for inexperienced hikers. Also, the nature preserve is home to quite a few domestic and wild animals, and visitors can see them roaming around the park. 

Practical Information: Tree Hill Nature Center is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM every day except Sunday. Admission fee is $5 for adults. 

3. Shopping at Riverside Arts Market

The Riverside Arts Market is a farmer’s market under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The market is held every Saturday, and it’s an excellent place for souvenir shopping in Jacksonville. 

Here you’ll find everything from street food to artisan soap. Many of the vendors sell fresh produce, pastries, and even cooked meals, so it’s one of the best places in Jacksonville for eating cheap. 

In addition to the vendors who sell groceries, you’ll find lots of stalls with homemade items. Local artists sell handicrafts at the Riverside Arts Market, including jewelry, glassware, paintings, and much more. Come here to support the local artists, eat cheap street food, and find the best unique souvenirs from Jacksonville. 

Practical Information: The Riverside Arts Market is held every Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.  

4. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

If you want to escape the busy streets of Jacksonville and spend an afternoon roaming around nature, come to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Jacksonville, although I must mention that traveling by public transport will take you more than an hour. 

The arboretum features many walking trails that can keep you busy for hours. Traverse the paths through the park, admiring the contemporary sculptures among the trees, bushes, and ponds of the botanical garden. 

Practical Information: The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $3 for adults.

5. Spot the Gators on an Airboat River Cruise

Take a day trip to Trout Creek Memorial Park and Marina in St. Augustine for an epic experience. It’s only about a 40-minute drive from Jacksonville, so you can easily do this adventure even if you’re in Jacksonville for a short time. 

Board an airboat and glide over the waters of St. Johns River while you look around and admire the wildlife. You’ll see birds, manatees, and snakes, all in their natural habitat. And you’ll come across alligators, which is the highlight of the ride for most people. 

If you really want to see alligators but aren’t in the mood for a river cruise, then just go to the Jacksonville Zoo. The Wild Florida Exhibit houses all the animals native to Florida, including the gators.  

Practical Information: Airboat River Cruises are available year-round and usually last for up to 90 minutes. The standard price for a cruise is $80 per participant. 

6. Visit Fort George Island

Fort George Island is a state park northeast of Downtown Jacksonville. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from the city center, and well worth the trip. Come here to see the historic buildings scattered around the park, explore the hiking trails, and enjoy a boat ride or two. 

The Kingsley Plantation is the park’s most popular landmark. It’s a reminder of an uglier side of US history, and a tour of the plantation is incredibly educational. Tours take place on the weekends when visitors can see the former slave quarters and the barn. 

Practical Information: Fort George Island State Park is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Admission fee is $1-10 per vehicle. 

7. Jacksonville Food Trucks Tour

Jacksonville is known for its countless food trucks, which are very popular for grabbing food on the go. If you walk around the city for even just 15-20 minutes, you’ll notice several food trucks during the tour.

The Main Street Food Park is a great place to discover Jacksonville’s food truck scene. It’s essentially a parking lot that’s been converted into an outdoor seating space. Come here to mingle with the locals and experience the way of life in Jax, even for a few hours. 

Some of the best food trucks in Jacksonville (as rated by locals) are The Happy Grilled Cheese, Fusion Food Truck, and 904 Saffron. 

Practical Information: The food trucks in Jacksonville are usually open from late afternoon until evening. 

8. Admire the Art at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is one of Jacksonville’s best museums. Its collection includes more than 5,000 artworks from all eras, making the place a must for any serious art lovers in the city.

The museum is worth checking out even if you’re not very interested in art for its exquisite waterfront gardens. See the pristine landscaping and the statues of flamingoes adorned with flowers while enjoying the views of St. Johns River and Southbank. 

Practical Information:  The Cummer Museum is open every day except Monday. Opening times vary and the admission is $20 for adults. 

9. Cycling at Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail Park

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a linear park that follows an old railway line. It’s one of the more interesting nature escapes in Jacksonville, and it is popular for cycling and walking. 

Is it a great destination for hikers in Jacksonville? I wouldn’t say so since the main walking path is just 14.5 miles of pavement. But it’s a great destination for cycling and for non-experienced hikers who aren’t yet ready to take on the wilderness trails.

Practical Information: Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Access to the park is free of charge. 

10. Surfing at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Nestled between Mayport Village and Atlantic Beach, the Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a great destination near Jacksonville for outdoor fun. Come here for swimming, cycling, kayaking, hiking, and loads of other fun adventures. 

The park is even a great destination for surfing. Sure, you won’t get the waves of California or Hawaii, but they’re pretty decent for Florida, especially so close to Jacksonville.   

This is also a good place for families, thanks to the many kid-friendly adventures the park offers. There’s even a dedicated water park with a playground for kids, as well as plenty of opportunities for dolphin watching. 

Practical Information: The admission fee for Hanna Park is $5 per vehicle. Most of the park’s infrastructure is open from 8 AM to 6 PM.  

11. Stay at Amelia Island 

Amelia Island is a very popular vacation spot in Florida. Situated just a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville, this small slice of paradise is known for sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and golf courses. 

If you’re planning a more relaxed vacation in Florida, Amelia Island is the place to be. It is home to beaches that are deemed not only the best in Jacksonville but in the state of Florida, possibly even wider. Dunes, white sand, and some of Jacksonville’s best high-end resorts are right here at Amelia Island. 

More good news is that you can drive right up to the sea if you want since most beaches permit vehicles. Consider a day trip from Jacksonville if you’re in town for a short time but still want to feel that soft white sand between your toes. 

Practical Information: Amelia Island is approximately 35 miles northeast of central Jacksonville. Public transport to the area is not available. 

12. Southbank Riverwalk

The Southbank Riverwalk is a paved promenade along the shore of St. Johns River. It stretches for 1.25 miles, offering panoramic river views the entire way. Walk the entire length of the promenade, and you’ll see some unique local sculptures and murals. 

Much of the walking path is lined with benches, so there are plenty of places where you can sit down and enjoy the views. Several sections of the promenade also feature sunshades, making the walk enjoyable even in hot weather. 

Practical Information: The Southbank Riverwalk promenade is open 24/7 and accessible for free. 

13. Souvenirs at St. Johns Town Center

St Johns Town Center is an outdoor shopping mall and the best place in Jacksonville if you’re in the mood for shopping. Come here to buy discounted designer shoes, clothes, books, food, and much more. You’ll even find classic souvenirs here, although I prefer to think of Barnes & Noble as the best souvenir shop at St. Johns Town Center. 

There are too many stores at the mall to name them all, and I’m pretty sure you’ll find anything you might possibly need right here. Plenty of restaurants and cafes are also available at the outdoor mall, and most are budget-friendly places that won’t break the bank if you decide you need lunch.  

Practical Information: Public transport is available from central Jacksonville to St. Johns Town Center but takes more than an hour. Driving from the downtown to the outdoor mall takes only 15 minutes.

14. Driftwood at Talbot Island State Park

Head to Tablot Island for some amazing views in northeast Florida. The island has two parts – Big Talbot Island State Park and Little Talbot Island State Park. The state parks have separate entrances and fees.

Driftwood Beach is one of the island’s most popular spots, with huge driftwood on the beach. There are several trails on the island, and they’re great for seeing the views. Kayaking and canoeing are also available in the park, and it’s a blast to explore Tablot Island.

Details: Tablot Island is about 40 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville. The Little Talbot Island State Park entrance is $5 per vehicle, and the Big Talbot Island State Park entrance is $3 per vehicle.

15. See a Show at The Florida Theatre

Downtown Jacksonville is home to many of the city’s oldest buildings, one of which is The Florida Theatre. Opened in 1927, it’s the best place in the city to see live entertainment.

Live concerts, ballet performances, stand-up comedy shows, or something else. I’m pretty sure everyone can find at least one thing to see at the Florida Theatre. Find something you like and use it as an excuse to see the inside of this historic building that’s been entertaining Jacksonville locals for almost 100 years.

Details: Buy tickets for the Florida Theatre online, by phone, or at the box office. Box office is open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and 4 hours prior to showtime on weekends.

16. Take Your Kids to Jacksonville’s “Hands On” Children’s Museum

Jacksonville’s “Hands On” Children’s Museum is by far the best destination for families in the city. Well, it’s the best for kids, but it could be a little boring for adults. The museum boasts interactive exhibits for the young ones, which are like a life-sized version of some of the most popular children’s toys. 

Your little ones can pretend to work the cash register at a store, they can shop for groceries, be in the driver’s seat of fire trucks, and so much more. The museum is like a dream come true for kids, allowing them to role-play as adults for an afternoon. 

Even though this is a children’s museum, I think adults can find a way to have some fun here too. 

Practical Information: Jacksonville “Hands On” Children’s Museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday. Admission is $5.5 for kids and $6.5 for adults.  

17. Historical Trails at Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline is a historical landmark northeast of central Jacksonville. Once upon a time, this was the area of a French Settlement here in Florida. In addition to the historical aspect of this park, visitors can also engage in hiking, cycling, and even visit a bookstore, which is enough to sell me on the place. 

Several hiking trails are available at the park and they all offer informative panels that recount the history of the area. If you want to spend some time roaming around nature but still want to learn and feel like you’re exploring the history and culture of Jacksonville, these hiking trails are absolutely perfect. 

The French Memorial Trail and the Spanish Pond Trail are the two most popular in the park. And be sure to stop by the visitor’s center, for even more exhibits on the history of this wonderful place. 

Practical Information: Fort Caroline National Memorial is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday to Sunday. Admission is free of charge. 

18. Visit The Beaches

When I say visit The Beaches, I don’t mean just going to the beach and hanging out. Jacksonville borders a large residential area in the east known as The Beaches. There are several small towns on the coast known for luxury resorts, excellent tourist infrastructure, and fun activities. 

Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach are the main Beaches in this area. They’re all popular for fishing, boating, and even surfing, so many active travelers will come here. The Jacksonville Beach Pier is an iconic landmark and a popular fishing spot. 

In addition to all those fun activities, the Beaches area is also popular for vacations because of its great golf courses and resorts. And it’s a more appealing destination than Amelia Island because it’s not quite as exclusive, which translates to more affordable hotels. 

Practical Information: The area from Atlantic Beach to Ponte Vedra Beach is only a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville. Public transport is available, and it takes about an hour to reach Atlantic Beach. 

19. Camping at Huguenot Memorial Park

Huguenot Memorial Park is the best place near Jacksonville for primitive camping. If you’re not freaked out by the idea of spending a night in a tent on the beach without access to electricity and running water, this is an activity you could really enjoy. 

A large section of the memorial park is reserved for campers. And it doesn’t matter if you’re spending the night in a tent or if you’ve come to Florida in your own RV – you will be welcome at the Huguenot Memorial Park. 

The area is mostly tranquil and rarely crowded, but you won’t enjoy total peace and quiet here. Big ships often pass near the shores, and there’s plenty of air activity too. 

Practical Information: Huguenot Memorial Park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. The entrance fee is $3 for pedestrians and cyclists but $5 per vehicle (with up to six people inside). 

20. See the Collection at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville 

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville is one of the city’s best art museums. It features a changing exhibit, usually promoting modern and contemporary art. The first floor of the museum is open to the public for free, but it is necessary to purchase museum tickets to see the entire collection. 

This is a great museum for all art lovers in Jacksonville. The exhibits are always carefully curated and offer an opportunity to discover new artists. Visit the museum and check out the art on the first floor; if you like what you see, get yourself a ticket so you can discover the art on the other four floors! 

Practical Information: MOCA Jacksonville is open from 11 AM to 5 PM every day except Monday. Admission is $10 for adults. 

21. Big Cats at The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is one of my favorite things to do in Jacksonville because I’m a proper cat lady. And I’m obsessed with big cats and take every opportunity I have to see them doing their thing. 

I like this place because it’s not your average zoo. It’s a non-profit sanctuary that rescues endangered animals that are held in captivity or have sustained major injuries. No animal breeding or buying is going on here, and you can really tell that the animals are well taken care of and happy. The enclosures are super spacious and clean, and honestly, I think some of them have a better living situation than me. 

I don’t have a pool in my home, and I’ve noticed that most of those big kitties do. In addition to the cats, you’ll also see horses, foxes, and even chickens here. If you’re in Jacksonville with kids, I’m pretty sure this is one of the best places to take them. 

Practical Information: Tours of the Catty Shack Ranch are from 1 PM to 3 PM. Tickets for adults are $15. 

22. Satisfy Your Curiosity at The Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is one of the most fun places to visit in this city. It boasts an array of diverse, interactive exhibits, which will pique the curiosity of visitors of all ages. The MOSH is in central Jacksonville, very close to the Southbank River Walk. 

Learn about the human body, visit the MOSH planetarium, and take a tour of the Hixon Native Plant Courtyard to see many plants and trees native to Florida. The museum also has a dedicated space for kids, although it’s worth noting that most exhibits are not only suitable for children but also very fun. 

Practical Information: The Museum of Science & History is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is $19.95 for adults. 

23. Enjoy The Views From Metropolitan Park

The Metropolitan Park is a public park in the city center. It’s a great place for travelers without a car in Jacksonville who can’t manage to escape to one of the bigger nature parks and preserves outside the city. 

This park is situated next to the EverBank Stadium, and it offers panoramic views of St. Johns River. The small green space features a few statues, but it’s mostly known for hosting concerts and festivals. 

If you make it to this part of the city, I recommend visiting the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall as well. The landmark monument is very close to the park, and it’s absolutely worth it to stop by and honor the American war veterans. 

Practical Information: The Metropolitan Park is accessible for free at any time of day or night. 

24. Learn About History At The Beaches Museum

The Beaches Museum in Jacksonville Beach is a place you should definitely visit if you make it all the way to the eastern coast of Florida. I don’t think it’s worth it to travel to Jacksonville Beach just for this museum, but it’s one of the places to visit if you’re already in the coastal town. 

The museum features an exhibit on the region’s history, complete with period furnishings and an old steam locomotive. Temporary exhibits are also available at the Beaches Museum and offer even more insight into the culture and history of this part of Florida. 

Practical Information: The Beaches Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission to the museum is free. 

25. Take a Break At Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop

Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop is an iconic candy store in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s like a wonderland for candy lovers of all ages, and it’s fun to visit even if you don’t buy anything. But I don’t see how that could be possible, considering the shop has everything from handmade chocolates to pounds of candy. 

Visiting the shop building is free of charge. You can even tour the place for free and see their candy kitchen, which is absolutely fascinating if you enjoy cooking or baking. Guided tours are also available, but those take place at pre-arranged times and have a fee. 

The shop’s whimsical decorations are a sight for sore eyes, but the candy is by far the best thing about the place. Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop is one of Jacksonville’s best gems, and I love that it’s a place anyone can enjoy, regardless of their age.  

Practical Information: Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Monday.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Spend A Day In Jacksonville FL? 

If you only have one day in Jacksonville, spend it touring the downtown, visiting the Cummer Museum of Art, and discovering the Southbank Riverwalk. If you’re there on a Saturday, squeeze in a trip to the Riverside Arts Market. 

Is Jacksonville, Florida Worth Visiting? 

Yes, Jacksonville, Florida, is a city worth visiting. It’s one of the largest cities in Florida and offers everything from an excellent art scene to spectacular sandy beaches. 

Why Is Jacksonville Popular? 

Jacksonville is popular for its fabulous art museums, music festivals, and an extensive park system. The city is surrounded by parks, all of which serve as an excellent escape from the crowds on the street.  

What Is So Special About Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has the nation’s biggest urban park system, making it the best destination for travelers who love roaming around nature. A vibrant cultural scene, excellent food, and lively art museums also make the city special. 

Tips and Information for Visiting Jacksonville

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jacksonville is early spring and late fall. The city has warm weather year-round, so whenever you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy the beaches and sunshine. However, Florida’s tropical climate is known for humidity, which is the highest in the summer. 

July is also the hottest month in Jacksonville, with average daily highs in the 90s (Fahrenheit). The key word there is average: temperatures in the summer often rise above 100 degrees, so it’s not exactly the best time for a tourist visit that includes being outside throughout the day. 

May to October is also the rainy season in Jacksonville. The high temperatures are accompanied by frequent rain showers, making this a bad time to visit if you want to enjoy being outside. 

Finally, I can’t talk about a good time to visit Florida without mentioning the hurricane season. It’s from June through November, and the period between August and October is historically the peak season for hurricane activity.

Getting There

Fly to Jacksonville International Airport for the easiest access to the city. It’s a medium-sized airport and one of the 10 busiest in Florida, with connections to many cities in the US and international destinations. 

From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride service, or private transfer into Jacksonville . It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the city. A bus service is also available, but takes more than an hour to reach Downtown Jacksonville. 

The main advantage of hiring a car is that the driver can drop you off in front of your hotel, which won’t happen if you take the bus. Definitely consider where you’re staying; if you’re in Downtown Jacksonville or close to one of the bus stops, it might be better to take the bus and save money. But if you’re nowhere near the bus line, then it’s better to pay extra for a transfer and save time instead. 

Getting Around

Jacksonville is a big city, and renting a car is the best option for travelers who want maximum freedom in Florida. Having a car in Jacksonville will allow you to get around the city fast and visit attractions that might not be accessible by public transport. 

Taxi and Uber are also an option for travelers who aren’t keen on car rental, just keep in mind that you’d have to use the service multiple times a day and it would likely end up costing more than a rental car. 

A local bus service is also available in Jacksonville, but it’s painfully slow. A 10-minute drive is equivalent to a 45-minute bus ride, and although you could save a lot of money by riding the bus, you’d also waste a lot of time. 

How Much Time Do You Need

A long weekend is the perfect amount of time for Jacksonville. You can discover many of the city’s attractions in three days, and even go on a short excursion somewhere close by. Two days can also be enough for the city, but you’ll need to prioritize the activities that interest you most. 

A longer trip to Jacksonville (4-7 days) is an opportunity to discover more of northeastern Florida. You could visit multiple nearby towns, nature parks, and wildlife areas, in addition to all of the best Jacksonville landmarks. And you might even squeeze in a trip to Disney World !  Consider a longer stay in the city if you’re interested in the hiking trails and camping in this part of Florida. 

Where To Stay in Jacksonville 

Downtown Jacksonville is the best part of the city to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. It’s where all the best museums and promenades are, so it’s great for travelers who want to explore mostly on foot. However, some of Jacksonville’s best attractions are far from the city center, so staying outside of this area is a good option if you’re more interested in the natural attractions. 

Consider staying on Amelia Island for a lovely beach vacation or even setting up camp at one of the nearby nature parks. Here are some of the best hotels in Jacksonville for all budgets: 

• Stay at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville if you’re looking for budget accommodation. 
• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is a nice mid-range hotel in the heart of Jacksonville. 
• Book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island if you want to feel like royalty while you’re in Jacksonville. It’s one of the best luxury hotels, and it’s situated on the beach. 

Whether you stay in the heart of the city or miles outside, you’ll be good as long as you have access to a car. All the parks and excursions are less than an hour’s drive from the city center, so you can easily visit everything from this guide. We recommend you stick to the city center if you’re mostly interested in museums and landmarks. But look into accommodation near the parks if you’re more interested in Jacksonville’s natural attractions.

Plan Your Next Trip To Florida With These Resources

• Where to Stay in Sarasota, Florida: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
• 40 Unforgettable Things to Do in Orlando, Florida
• Discovering the 19 Best Beaches in Florida: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
• 20 Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
• 16 Best Beach Resorts in Florida
• 16 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Sara Oprasic

Sara loves writing about travel as much as she loves traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and crossing items off her bucket list. She’s yet to cross off Japan, Tromsø, and Hogsmeade. You can see what she’s up to on her Instagram Page

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64 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jacksonville (Florida)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: August 2, 2024

Do you daydream about the sunny beaches and palm trees of Florida?

You’re daydreaming about Jacksonville.

Located on the coast of a wide, beautiful river, Jacksonville offers everything from surfing to snorkeling.

Its sidewalks are jam-packed with shops, malls, museums, restaurants and resorts, so there’s always something fun to do.

The food is delicious.

The national parks are beautiful.

The theaters and art galleries are stimulating.

Are you ready to experience everything that this tropical paradise has to offer?

Here are 64 fun things to do in Jacksonville.

Table of Contents

1. Friendship Fountain

Friendship Fountain

Friendship Fountain is one of the most iconic destinations in Jacksonville.

Originally built in the 1960s, it was the world’s biggest and tallest fountain at the time, and it moved more than 17,000 tons of water per minute from three separate pumps.

The jet streams could reach heights of 100 feet in the air!

The fountain is a bit more modest today, but it’s still a sight to behold.

Colored lights flash on special occasions, and it’s often used as a backdrop for things like fireworks displays.

Visitors to Friendship Fountain can enjoy the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville in a cool, tranquil setting.

It’s especially pleasant in the heat of the summer months.

You can relax by the water, eat lunch, do some yoga, take some selfies or strike up a conversation with a stranger.

If you’re looking for the best things to see in Jacksonville, start with the Friendship Fountain.

You’ll want to cross it off your bucket list at least once.

Address:  1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

2. Catty Shack Ranch

Catty Shack Ranch

If you’ve never seen a group of tigers tearing into an animal carcass, it’s time to visit the Catty Shack Ranch .

Located in northeast Jacksonville, this wildlife sanctuary is devoted to big cats of all kinds, including lions, leopards, tigers, pumas and lynxes.

They’re rescued from dangerous situations and given “forever homes” on the ranch.

Tours are available during the day and at night.

You can observe the animals, ask questions, watch them feed and learn fun facts about their species.

If you get lucky, they’ll be in a frisky, active mood, and you’ll get to see how wild animals play together!

Consider the Catty Shack Ranch if you’re looking for cool places to visit in Jacksonville.

It will provide a one-of-a-kind experience while you’re traveling in Florida, and it’ll make for a great story when you get home.

Address:  1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

3. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Known to locals as “Hanna Park,” Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of the best places to visit in Jacksonville for outdoor fun.

The lake is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating.

The campgrounds are perfect for family vacations in the RV or roughing it with nothing but a tent and a can opener.

Nature trails wind throughout the park, so visitors can hike and bike to their heart’s content.

There are grills, benches, shuffleboards, volleyball courts and picnic shelters.

There’s even a water playground for the kids!

If you don’t mind a bit of sunburn on your nose, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park can offer a good time for everyone in the family.

It’s a fun spot that’s still nice and green despite the surrounding infrastructure of Jacksonville.

Address:  500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233, United States

4. 13th Floor Haunted House

13th Floor Haunted House

For thrills and chills, it doesn’t get better than the 13th Floor Haunted House .

This legendary building is one of Jacksonville’s most popular tourist attractions, and it welcomes visitors from all around the country who come to see its gory, gruesome grotesqueries.

Clowns will laugh at you as you stumble around in the dark.

Vampire women will beckon you with long, pale fingers and blood-red eyes.

Creepy little critters will crawl over your boots and make you shriek.

The best thing about this haunted house, however, is the fact that you don’t have to wait until Halloween to visit.

It has special events on other holidays as well, including Valentine’s Day, so it’s great for couples, groups, parties and families with older kids.

Do you have what it takes to brave the 13th Floor Haunted House?

Breathe deeply and schedule a trip this weekend while you’re in Jacksonville.

Just don’t lose your nerve.

Address:  9230 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States

5. TIAA Bank Field

TIAA Bank Field ( CTLiotta / CC0)

Do you live for the roaring crowds during a fourth down?

Or maybe you enjoy headbanging your way through a rock concert with your heart pounding and sweat flying everywhere.

Either way, you’ll want to visit the TIAA Bank Field during your trip to Florida.

Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the TIAA Bank Field is a gigantic stadium that can seat more than 67,000 people.

It’s a state-of-the-art facility that includes everything from club rooms to swimming pools on the viewing verandas, so you could definitely pamper yourself if you have the budget for it.

Even if you don’t want to splurge, however, you can enjoy a day at the stadium.

Countless games and concerts are held there, so it’s just a matter of checking the calendar and finding something that’s worth seeing.

Visiting the TIAA Bank Field is one of the most fun things to do in Jacksonville.

If you’re looking for a good time on a sunny afternoon, buy a hot dog and get to tailgating!

Address:  1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

Looking for more fun around Florida? Why not check out some of the things to do in Key Largo ?

6. Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach

Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach

Splash in a water park.

Rack up coins with an arcade game.

Dive behind barrels during laser tag.

There’s only one place in Jacksonville where you can enjoy all of these activities in a single location, and that’s Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach .

Offering hours and hours of fun, Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach is an amusement park that has just about everything that you could want from a recreational site.

There are go-karts, roller coasters, batting cages and mini-golf courses.

There’s a flight simulator for older kids and a teddy bear factory for younger ones.

There’s even a “gator park” where you can throw food to snapping alligators!

Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach is one of the best places to go in Florida , so don’t hesitate to put it on your list.

It will provide the whole family with heart-pounding, stomach-swooping fun.

Address:  1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States

7. Tree Hill Nature Center

Tree Hill Nature Center

The Tree Hill Nature Center is one of the most beautiful places to see in Jacksonville.

Founded by conservationists as a small, simple park, it’s blossomed into a lovely wilderness reserve with lots of events and activities for people who can appreciate nature.

Its biggest event is the annual Butterfly Festival.

More than 1,000 indigenous butterflies are released into the air, and people come from all over Florida to witness it.

There are also butterfly and hummingbird gardens where you can observe them every spring.

An endangered tortoise colony lives in a fenced area.

On-site animals include lizards, snakes, possums, goats, chickens, frogs and owls.

In some cases, you’ll be allowed to touch and feed the critters as part of the park’s “Animal encounters” Program.

All in all, if you’re looking for cool tourist attractions in Jacksonville, you’ll want to think about the Tree Hill Nature Center.

It can create fun, lasting memories of your vacation to Florida.

Address:  7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, United States

8. Museum of Science and History (MOSH)

MOSHJacksonville / CC BY-SA

MOSH isn’t a normal museum.

You won’t be bored to tears by dull exhibits and droning voices from your tour guides.

The Museum of Science and History is an exciting place.

For starters, it offers everything from live animal events to eye-popping planetarium shows.

It’s also one of the biggest points of interest in Florida, so there’s always an animated crowd to “ooh” at dinosaur bones and “ahh” at crackling electricity displays.

For kids, there are games and crafts that will open their minds to the possibilities of science.

For adults, there are lectures, workshops and documentary showings on a wide variety of subjects.

There’s a reason why MOSH is among the most beloved Jacksonville attractions.

Forget about boring museums that put you to sleep and enjoy this fun, interactive museum where every day is an adventure!

Address:  1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

Visiting other parts of Florida? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Gainesville & things to do in Sarasota !

9. Amelia Island

Amelia Island

Jacksonville is filled with beaches.

In fact, there are so many beaches that you might not know where to start.

One option is to travel to Amelia Island and see multiple beaches at the same time!

Located near Jacksonville International Airport, Amelia Island is home to more than 12 miles of sandy shores and gently-swaying palm trees.

It has a picturesque beauty like you’d see in a tropical island commercial, but it’s located right here in Florida, so you don’t have to fly to the Caribbean to enjoy it.

Amelia Island has plenty of amenities, too.

From golf courses to spa resorts, it will cater to your every whim.

You’ll be able to sit back in a reclining patio chair and sip on a colorful coconut drink like you’ve been daydreaming about for months.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Jacksonville, consider Amelia Island.

It’ll be a fantastic getaway for travelers of all kinds.

Address: 102 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL 32034, United States

10. Sweet Pete’s Candy

Sweet Pete’s Candy

With colorful pastel decorations and a sleek, black-and-white checkered floor, Sweet Pete’s Candy is basically a real-life version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

It dazzles the eye as soon as you walk in, and once you taste its confections, it’ll dazzle your taste buds as well.

There are a lot of things to see at Sweet Pete’s Candy.

Not only does it have jars, bars, bags, shelves and gigantic baskets of chocolates and gummies, but there’s also an ice cream parlor where you can enjoy frozen desserts, and candy making classes will teach you how to create your own goodies.

A gift shop offers memorabilia for your trip, and a sit-down diner is available if you start to crave real food in between all of the sweetness.

Mr. Wonka is alive, and he’s working in Sweet Pete’s Candy.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Jacksonville this weekend, schedule a trip or tour anytime.

Address:  400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

11. Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail stretches for almost 15 miles through the grand and rugged landscapes of Florida.

Originally built on an abandoned railroad corridor, it’s grown to encompass three separate paths for walking, jogging, biking, skating and horseback riding.

One path is paved with asphalt, so if you’re on wheels, that’s probably the one that you’ll want to take.

Another trail is rougher and more natural, and it’s favored by hikers and bikers who want an off-roading experience.

The last path is for people on horseback.

The most notable feature of the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is the fact that it’s surrounded by oak trees on both sides.

In some areas, the trees are so dense that they create green, leafy archways over the trail.

If you’re holding hands with a lover while walking through sun-dappled arches, this could be one of the most romantic things to do in Jacksonville.

Even if you’re on your own, however, you won’t want to miss the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.

It’s simply too nice to pass up.

Consider a visit when you’ll be in Jacksonville.

Address: 2 Imeson Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220, United States

12. Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville is the beating heart of the city.

Its streets will take you anywhere that you need to go, and its bright lights and bustling crowds will awaken your sense of adventure as soon as you see them.

There are always things to do in downtown Jacksonville.

Whether you’re interested in stores, restaurants, parks, museums, theaters, galleries or hotels, this is the place to go.

Cafes are open in the morning. Bars are open at night. The gleaming skyscrapers stand at perpetual attention.

If you’re looking for the top travel destinations of Florida, downtown Jacksonville should be one of the first things on your list.

It’s a high-energy, high-quality locale for anyone who is traveling through the area.

13. Grape and Grain Exchange

Grape and Grain Exchange

From the outside, the Grape and Grain Exchange looks like any other neighborhood bar.

It offers a fun, ever-changing menu of drinks and snacks, and there’s live music on the weekends.

If you find a flavor that you like, the shop can provide a bottle right then and there.

Go a little deeper into the building, however, and you’ll stumble across a secret entrance located within a bookshelf.

This is the location of a Jacksonville secret: a speakeasy named the Parlor.

Stepping into the Parlor is like stepping back in time.

The music is jazz-themed, and the drinks are all from the Prohibition era.

You’ll feel like you’re sipping cocktails in the 1930s as you take in the ambiance.

Are you charmed by the thought of secret passageways?

Would you get a thrill from an illicit drink in a hidden room?

Stop by the Grape and Grain Exchange while you’re in Jacksonville for a grand old time.

Address:  2000 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

14. Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is one of the prettiest places in Florida, so it might come as a surprise to learn that it started as an industrial junk heap.

It was a place that collected cars, tires, appliances, scrap metal and other unwanted materials.

It wasn’t until the early 2000s that the city of Jacksonville decided to turn things around.

They left the native species, but they cleared out the trash and reshaped the landscape to encourage new growth.

You wouldn’t recognize the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens from its early days.

It’s become a natural wonderland of trees, flowers and shrubs, and you can spot all kinds of wildlife making their homes in new nests.

If you’re wondering what to do while in Jacksonville, check out the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.

Not only is it a charming, postcard-worthy destination, but it’s a testament to how ugly things can be made beautiful again.

Address:  1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States

15. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is the coolest museum that you’ve never heard of.

It’s dedicated to old, precious manuscripts from scholars, scientists, philosophers and political leaders, and it’s one of just 10 manuscript museums in the entire United States.

Visitors can check out the various documents and learn about their historical significance.

They can also admire paintings, sculptures and artifacts from local collections.

There are rotating exhibits throughout the museum.

Are you traveling on a budget?

It isn’t a problem in this museum.

Admission is completely free as part of the founder’s goal to educate the public.

Consider a trip to the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum if you’re looking for cool and unusual stuff to do in Jacksonville.

With less than a dozen manuscript museums in the whole country, you’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit one while you’re in Florida.

Address:  101 W 1st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206, United States

16. Riverside and Avondale

Riverside and Avondale

Riverside and Avondale are two of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Jacksonville, and since they’re right next to each other, they’re often considered one big neighborhood.

You’ll have several blocks to explore as you take in the sights, sounds and scents of these magnificent communities.

The first thing that you’ll notice is the architecture.

Grand and historic, it stretches along the riverfront and contains everything from million-dollar mansions to old plantation houses.

There are also bustling areas like Five Points.

Filled with funky shops and artisan cafes, you can find all kinds of books, teas, desserts, antiques, collectibles and souvenirs.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Jacksonville, consider the neighborhoods of Riverside and Avondale.

They offer some of the coolest things to see in the city, and you can make a day of wandering the streets, hitting the shops and making memories.

Address: Seminole Rd and Belvedere Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States

Traveling around Florida? Check out our awesome list of things to do in Tallahassee & things to do in Tampa !

17. Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art ( Michel Curi / flickr )

You can’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville.

While it’s housed in a gray, nondescript building, it has brilliantly-painted doors that act like a welcoming beacon to visitors, and things get even bigger and brighter on the inside.

Exhibitions include everything from watercolor paintings to geometric sculptures of metal screws and LED lights.

The featured artists come from all over the world.

For kids, there are art camps, activity stations and interactive exhibits that will teach them about the value of self-expression.

For adults, there are endless galleries of contemporary art that celebrate creativity and challenge perspectives.

You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the Museum of Contemporary Art.

It’s one of the most fun things to do in Jacksonville, and even if you don’t have culture walking into the place, you’ll have culture walking out of it.

Address:  333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

18. Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park

Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park

Open every day of the year, Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park is one of those Jacksonville attractions that you’ll want to put in your back pocket.

No matter what else is closed for repairs or shut down for the holidays, the park will always be there.

As for its entertainment, you’ll have your choice of many different pursuits, including hiking, camping, kayaking, tubing, fishing and horseback riding.

You can splash in the water while you snorkel or paddleboard; you can crash through the ferns while geo-caching or birdwatching.

Do you like astronomy?

Bring your telescope and go stargazing on a hill without any light pollution in the way.

Are you a fan of live music?

Visit the park’s amphitheater and see what bands are playing or what festivals are on the schedule.

Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Jacksonville.

You’ll have a good time with its many different amenities and activities, and since it’s always open, you won’t have to plan your vacation around it.

The park will fit into your schedule.

Address: 13802 Pumpkin Hill Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

19. Jacksonville Zoo

Jacksonville Zoo

With more than 2,000 animals, the Jacksonville Zoo is one of the grandest zoos in the entire state of Florida.

It has everything from large, lumbering elephants to scuttling little lizards clinging to rocks, and there are always fun events on the schedule.

Safari sleepovers will let you see the critters after dark.

Zoo camps have educational games and crafts for the little ones.

Animal encounter programs will allow you to touch stingrays, feed giraffes and brush pygmy goats.

There are non-animal attractions as well.

A train runs through the zoo if you get tired of walking, and an immersive 4D theater plays films and documentaries.

A restaurant is located on-site for hungry stomachs.

Botanical gardens are there for nature lovers.

If you’re wondering what to do while you’re in Jacksonville, consider a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo.

Whether you’re a fan of white rhinos, golden lions or bright green parrots, it won’t disappoint!

Address:  370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States

20. WasabiCon

WasabiCon ( Rob Bixby / flickr )

Dattebayo! WasabiCon is an annual convention for all things geek, including anime, manga, cosplay, video games and pop culture.

It welcomes thousands of visitors each year, and they all flock to Jacksonville in a mass of pink hair and foam swords.

Events include costume contests and lip-sync battles.

Merch is everywhere; vendors line the hallways to sell everything from glittery key chains to exquisitely hand-painted fanart on silk scrolls.

Japanese culture is the most prevalent, but there’s a fair amount of Korean and Chinese culture as well.

You can even find American nerdiness with some of the games and comics.

No matter where your interests lie, WasabiCon is one of the most fun things to do in Jacksonville.

If you’ll be visiting Florida in the springtime, make sure to stop by the convention hall.

Address:  1000 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States

21. Mandarin Museum and Historical Society

Mandarin Museum & Historical Society

Mandarin is a neighborhood in Jacksonville with a lot of historical significance.

For example, the famous abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe spent time in Mandarin, and it was also home to Florida’s early population of Native Americans.

The Mandarin Museum seeks to preserve some of this history.

From the outside, it looks like a traditional, turn-of-the-century home; on the inside, it displays all kinds of artifacts and exhibits from previous centuries.

Another cool thing about the Mandarin Museum is that it hosts various events within the community.

“Music Under the Oaks” is a monthly jam session with acoustic instruments like the banjo and guitar; “Third Thursday Lecture” is for guest speakers to give informative lectures about history, art, fashion, dance and culture.

The Mandarin Art Festival welcomes hundreds of artists each year. The Annual Winter Celebration has s’mores and sleigh rides.

If you’ll be traveling to Jacksonville any time soon, check out the Mandarin Museum while you’re in town.

It’s proof that history doesn’t have to be boring!

Address:  11964 Mandarin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, United States

22. Bird Island Park

Bird Island Park

Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. , and you can see its majesty for yourself when you visit the Bird Island Park .

It’s a peaceful nature reserve right on the water, so you can treat it like a natural oasis away from the urban madness of Jacksonville.

It’s also equipped with fun extras like a walkable hedge maze, so it’ll be something different to do while you’re in town.

It has educational value as well.

The plants have been given markers that identify their species, so you can learn about Florida’s native flowers and shrubs as you explore.

The birds that flock to the trees will be pointed out by helpful tour guides.

One thing to note about Bird Island Park is that it’s a few miles outside of Jacksonville, so you’ll need to leave the city limits to reach it.

However, it’s worth the extra gas. It’s one of the nicest places to see in the entire state of Florida.

Address:  Florida A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, United States

23. Braddock Blueberry Farm

Braddock Blueberries

Stain your hands blue at the Braddock Blueberry Farm .

Owned by a sweet local couple, it has hundreds of blueberry bushes on several acres of land, and visitors are allowed to come on the property and pick as many berries as they’d like.

You’ll need to pay a small fee for every pound that you take home, but it’s much cheaper than buying blueberries at the grocery store.

They’re fresher, too.

The owners use natural practices, so you can pluck berries right off the bush and eat them while you work!

Be warned that you’ll need to call ahead before you go.

You’ll also need to be in Jacksonville during the blueberry season; it’s typically between May and July.

If you love fresh fruit, however, there’s nowhere better than Braddock Blueberry Farm.

As a bonus, you’ll get the satisfaction of biting into sweet treats after hard work!

Address:  4136 Thomas Mill Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States

24. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens ( Liz / flickr )

With a collection that dates all of the way back to 1200 BCE, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of the top stops in Jacksonville for museum lovers.

It has a wide range of paintings, sculptures, texts, artifacts and other curiosities from different periods throughout time.

Additionally, the grounds are just as gorgeous as the art.

There are three gardens that overlook the river, and they’re filled with native Florida species.

One of the best landmarks is a 200-year-old oak tree that sits serenely in the middle of the flowers and shrubs.

Another nice thing about the museum is that it’s free to the public on the first Saturday of each month.

If you’re a fan of travel hacks , schedule your trip for the right weekend and save some money!

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of the big points of interest of Jacksonville, so don’t ignore its cheerful logo on your travel brochures.

Take some time out of your day to experience its art, history and culture.

Address:  829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States

Going for a road trip around Florida? Check out our list of things to do in Pensacola & things to do in Fort Lauderdale !

25. bestbet Jacksonville

bestbet Jacksonville ( World Poker Tour / flickr )

Florida has complicated gambling laws, but if you’re being lured by the siren song of lucky sevens, bestbet Jacksonville has you covered.

It’s a completely legal casino where you can find poker, slots, cards and horse racing, so you’ll have a good time at the table and an even better time at the bar.

The poker room is the largest in Florida with 88 tables in total.

The simulcast area broadcasts all of the latest horse and dog races; the slot machines jingle merrily from every direction.

Popular card games include Pai Gow, Pot Limit Omaha and Texas Hold ‘Em.

When you get hungry, hit up the restaurant.

When you get thirsty, hit up the bar.

You’ll have your pick of burgers, fries, sushi and pizza, and the drinks range from lattes to cocktails.

bestbet Jacksonville is definitely one of the top things to do in the city.

Whether you’re an experienced poker player or a newbie gambler who finds yourself drawn to the fun little chips, this is a destination that can satisfy all of your urges.

Address:  201 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States

26. One Ocean Resort and Spa

One Ocean Resort & Spa

The sun and surf can take their toll.

If you need a little beautification after spending long, sandy days on the beach, rejuvenate yourself with the One Ocean Resort and Spa .

One of the most luxurious resorts in Jacksonville, the One Ocean Resort and Spa offers high-class suites with plush mattresses, plasma televisions and private balconies.

You can also experience amazing ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows.

However, you don’t have to be a guest at the resort to enjoy its spa.

You can book yourself a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or aromatherapy treatment even if you aren’t staying in a suite.

You’ll also have access to the pool and steam room when you indulge in the spa’s services.

It’s pampering yourself to the extreme, but the prices are so reasonable that it won’t even feel like it.

Don’t let an itchy nose ruin your Florida vacation.

Visit the One Ocean Resort and Spa and take care of your skin before anything happens to it!

Address:  1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States

27. Kingsley Plantation

Kingsley Plantation

Florida has a complicated history when it comes to slavery, and nowhere is this more apparent than the Kingsley Plantation .

Named after a slave owner named Zephaniah Kingsley who created a convoluted dynasty with four black wives and almost a dozen children, it’s an attraction that raises just as many questions as answers.

You see, Kingsley advocated for slavery, but he also emancipated his wives and educated his children.

He lived on a plantation, but he allowed it to be used as a boarding house for freed slaves passing through the south.

Today, the Kingsley Plantation is a testament to the complex web of history that’s woven over Jacksonville.

You can visit it, walk its hallways, tour its slave cabins and use its stories as tools for education and reflection.

Long story short, it’s definitely one of the more unique tourist attractions in Jacksonville.

Address:  11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

28. Metro Diner

Metro Diner

You can work up quite an appetite walking around the streets of Jacksonville, but the good news is that the city has plenty of restaurants to keep you fueled.

One of them is Metro Diner .

A local hot spot, Metro Diner serves comfort food with all of the fixings.

The chicken and waffles come with powdered sugar and strawberry butter; the breakfast pile includes eggs, onions, peppers, potatoes and cheese all layered together.

Other dishes come with a southern twist, too.

Have you ever tried grits with shrimp?

How about a shepherd’s pie filled with veggies and smothered with gravy?

You won’t maintain a dainty waist at Metro Diner.

If you’re as hungry as a horse, however, you should definitely ride your pony into this Jacksonville restaurant.

29. Dutton Island Preserve

Dutton Island Preserve

Dutton Island Preserve is what’s known as a “passive park.”

This means that it isn’t decked out with crazy amenities that are designed to draw in visitors.

Instead, Dutton Island Preserve exists as a quiet, tranquil place where people are allowed to come and go as they please.

It’s part of the Timucuan Parks Foundation that was created to honor the land of Florida’s early Native Americans, so part of its appeal is its untouched nature.

There’s still plenty to do, however, so it’ll be a fun trip for you and your family.

You can explore three miles of hiking trails; you can rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy an afternoon on the water.

There are also observation decks everywhere if you want to view the birds, mammals, reptiles and fish of the salt marshes.

Dutton Island Preserve isn’t a showstopper destination in Jacksonville, but if you’re interested in quiet, pretty places where you can unwind from the big-city lights and sounds, it might be right up your alley.

Address:  793 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States

30. Florida Theatre

Florida Theatre ( Dutch Blythe Fashion / flickr )

Located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, the Florida Theatre is one of the last theaters of its kind.

It was built as a “high-style” movie palace in the 1920s, and it retains its vintage look to this day.

It’s even listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Despite its relevance as a cultural icon, however, the Florida Theatre is still a fully functional arts center.

It hosts everything from ballet performances to showcases of contemporary dance and theater, so there’s always something on the schedule.

It’s a great place to go for couples on date night or families who are looking for something new and different on their Jacksonville vacation.

Are you ready to get some culture?

Put the Florida Theatre on your schedule tonight.

You’ll be patronizing a local, historic business while also enjoying a fun show!

Address:  128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

31. Topgolf Jacksonville

Topgolf (Jacksonville)

If you love playing golf but hate spending all day trudging around a course, you might enjoy Topgolf Jacksonville .

It’s a sprawling entertainment venue that offers food, alcohol and golf games for players of all skill levels.

Beginners might like target practice with microchipped golf balls.

Experienced golfers will probably want to test their speed and accuracy with computerized programs that award points, offer challenges and track their progress.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the golfing bays, head back inside to the swanky restaurant and bar.

You’ll find a diverse menu that includes everything from artisan flatbreads to self-indulgent doughnut holes, and there are plenty of drinks to wash it all down.

Topgolf Jacksonville is one of the top destinations of the city, so even if you aren’t heading to Florida to play golf, you’ll want to give it a try.

Fun like this can’t be found everywhere, so enjoy it while you can.

Address:  10531 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States

32. St. Johns Town Center

St. Johns Town Center

Shopping centers tend to be the same everywhere, so you probably aren’t chomping at the bit to experience the Jacksonville Mall.

However, you’ll want to make room in your schedule for St. Johns Town Center .

It offers a lot more than just clothing stores and nail kiosks!

For starters, it’s an open-air complex where you can stroll among oaks and palm trees while you browse.

It’s also located in an upscale neighborhood, so everything is very clean and orderly.

In terms of shopping, there’s every brand that you can imagine and then some.

From secondhand bookshops to luxury fashion boutiques, you’ll quickly fill your arms with bags.

The good news is that there’s a shuttle to take you around the neighborhood if you get weighed down too much.

For its complexity and versatility, St. Johns Town Center is one of our top picks for things to see while exploring Jacksonville.

Grab your wallet and stop by if you want to pick up some nifty souvenirs during your vacation.

Address:  4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States

Visiting other parts of Florida? Don’t miss our lists of fun things to do in Orlando & the best things to do in Miami !

33. Aqua Grill

With beautiful waterfront views, the Aqua Grill will be enchanting to your eyes as well as your taste buds.

It’s one of the top restaurants in Jacksonville for fresh seafood, so whether you’re a fan of snapper, shellfish or shrimp scampi, it’ll fill your belly well.

You can eat either indoors and outdoors.

You can order everything from tiny appetizers to gigantic party platters.

Menu options include traditional meals and exotic fusion dishes that mix the tastes of different cultures.

If you like to watch your food being prepared, that’s an option as well.

The famous “chef’s table” has an unobstructed view into the kitchen, so you can see and hear the sizzles to whet your appetite as you wait.

The Aqua Grill is home to some of the best seafood in Jacksonville.

When you start craving lobster, remember its name.

Address:  395 Front St, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082, United States

34. Huguenot Memorial Park

Huguenot Memorial Park

Open seven days per week, Huguenot Memorial Park is a pleasant getaway from the lights and noises of Jacksonville.

It’s a seaside park where the water stretches as far as the eye can see, and it’s just remote enough to be quiet, clean and private.

The sun will warm you.

The sand will cradle you.

The tranquility will be especially nice for adults who want to enjoy some alone time together without the kids.

It isn’t boring, of course.

There are trails for walking and cycling, and you can hike to a special observation point for Florida’s vulnerable nesting birds.

There’s even a nature center to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area.

Huguenot Memorial Park is simply a place where you can relax.

Instead of being a beach for crazy adventures, it’s a beach where you can unplug from life and just exist for a while.

If you’re looking to recharge your batteries during your Jacksonville vacation, this is a destination that can do it.

Address:  10980 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

35. Creative Grain Studio

Creative Grain Studio

Are you an artistic soul?

Have you always wanted some of those trendy wood blocks that are hot items in contemporary home decor?

You’ll love the Creative Grain Studio .

Run by friendly locals, the Creative Grain Studio is a place where your imagination can take flight.

They host all kinds of clubs, classes and workshops for people who are interested in wood design.

You can paint a porch sign with the kids; you can create a headboard with your spouse or a decorative plank with your BFFs.

The owners go above and beyond for their guests, too.

Classes often include freebies like cozy socks and hot cocoa.

The atmosphere is always friendly, and the crafts are always fun.

All things considered, the Creative Grain Studio is one of the best places to visit while you’re in Jacksonville.

You don’t have to be an experienced crafter to have fun in their workshops.

Sign up and learn a new skill!

Address:  1814 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

36. Main Street Bridge

Main Street Bridge

The Main Street Bridge is instantly recognizable from Jacksonville’s skyline.

It looms in the background of all of the city’s sights and attractions, and you’ll see it on every postcard that you buy as a souvenir of your trip.

What you might not realize is that the Main Street Bridge is an attraction in its own right.

It’s one of the major points of interest in Jacksonville, so it’s been fitted with footpaths for walking, jogging, cycling and sightseeing.

If you want, you can stop at the center of the bridge and take stunning aerial photos of the water and everything beyond it.

If you’re debating where to go and what to see during your Florida vacation, put the Main Street Bridge on your shortlist.

It might not be as big and exciting as other Jacksonville attractions, but it’s one of those things that you’ll want to do just to say that you’ve done it.

Address: 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

37. Morocco Shrine Auditorium

Morocco Shrine Auditorium ( Michel Curi / flickr )

You haven’t experienced Jacksonville until you’ve visited the Morocco Shrine Auditorium .

It’s most famous for its light shows, but it hosts many fun, family-friendly events, so it’s one of the most exciting stops that you can make during your Jacksonville vacation.

Concerts are plentiful. Creative workshops are a staple of the weekends.

Craft and flower shows are held in the spring; festive holiday events are held in the winter.

You’ll need to check their schedule before you go; while some events are free and open to the public, others will require payment or registration.

You’ll want to make the most of your time during your Jacksonville vacation, so be smart and plan ahead.

If you’re ready for some entertainment, however, the Morocco Shrine Auditorium is one of your best bets.

Its full roster won’t let you down.

Address:  3800 St Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States

38. Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline ( Tim / flickr )

Florida has many stories of conquest, but Fort Caroline might just be the bloodiest.

Originally established in the 1500s for European settlers in America, Fort Caroline became the site of several massacres and military executions over the years.

It was burned down; it was rebuilt.

The French murdered the Spanish; the Spanish murdered the French.

Today, Fort Caroline is nothing more than the remnants of a bloody past.

It’s kept alive by tours and reenactments, but fortunately, the danger is gone.

If you’re looking for uncommon things to do in Jacksonville, you might enjoy a trip to Fort Caroline.

You’ll need a strong stomach to withstand its tales of woe, but if you have an iron will and a love of military history, it could be right up your alley.

Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States

39. Jax Ale Trail

Jax Ale Trail

Jacksonville is famous for its sunny weather, but what if you’ll be traveling there during the short, dark days of winter?

What if you’re wondering what to do in the city when it’s too cold for parks and zoos?

One of your options is the Jax Ale Trail .

An informal collection of bars and breweries, the Jax Ale Trail will keep you warm as you sample the finest beer that Jacksonville has to offer.

You can even obtain a “passport” for the trail from the Jacksonville Visitor Center.

Receive enough stamps on your passport and you’ll be given freebies like t-shirts and koozies!

If nothing stands between you and a good brew, take a trip down the Jax Ale Trail.

Not only will it help you learn the streets of Jacksonville, but it will also banish winter’s chill from your bones.

40. Great Florida Birding Trail

Great Florida Birding Trail

The Great Florida Birding Trail stretches for 2,000 miles across a large piece of Florida.

Whether you’re traveling to Jacksonville, Pensacola or Spring Hill, you can find multiple “gateway” portals at the state’s parks and nature reserves, and they’ll take you on an epic avian journey.

Birds on the trail include anis, limpkins, spoonbills, woodpeckers and swallow-tail kites.

If you get lucky, you might even glimpse the endangered Aphelocoma coerulescens, which is the Florida scrub jay.

Most of the trail is a scenic route for driving, but there are plenty of places where you can pull over and stretch your legs.

As mentioned, the trail winds through state park and wilderness retreats, so you can take advantage of their amenities whenever you’d like.

Go for a ride along the Great Florida Birding Trail.

It’s one of the biggest points of interest in the state, so you won’t want to miss it.

Looking for more thrills in Florida? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Naples, FL  & some of the best things to do in Clearwater, FL ?

41. Beaches Town Center

Beaches Town Center

Meeting at the crossroads of two different beaches, the Beaches Town Center is a one-stop destination for drinking, dining, shopping, exercising and exploring.

It has pedestrian-friendly sidewalks for wandering around at your leisure, and there’s always a crowd for the live concerts and other special events.

The shops include everything from fashion boutiques to equipment rental shops for outdoor sports.

The restaurants are an eclectic mix of trendy fusion bars and good old-fashioned burger joints.

The fitness studios will whip you into shape after you’ve busted through your belt with good food.

If you’re in Jacksonville for happy hour, the Beaches Town Center is one of the top places to visit.

The tequila is tasty, and the endless shops and spas will provide a good tourist experience while you’re in Florida.

Address:  0 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, United States

42. Museum of Southern History

Museum of Southern History

One of Jacksonville’s premier historical institutions is the Museum of Southern History .

Though it’s located in Florida, its subject matter includes everything below the Mason-Dixon line, and it will educate and entertain in equal measure.

Exhibits include photos, documents, letters and classical items from the antebellum south.

There’s a research library for genealogy, and the curators are full of stories about the various wars and conflicts of the region.

Civil War buffs will love the preserved military uniforms and gunnery.

Culture enthusiasts will adore the memorabilia collected from different southern eras.

If you want more from your Jacksonville vacation than roller coasters and seafood, take a trip to the Museum of Southern History.

You’ll learn a lot, and it’ll be so interesting that it won’t even feel like learning.

Address:  4304 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32210, United States

43. Jacksonville Water Taxi

St. Johns River Taxi

You don’t have to explore Jacksonville on foot. Instead, buy an all-day pass for a Jacksonville Water Taxi and enjoy a leisurely loop around the river that will eventually take you right back where you started.

There’s no chance of getting lost, and you’ll see some amazing sights on the way!

There are four boats in total, and they make five stops at various locations around the city.

You can board any of them at any time.

Single passes are available, but the all-day passes are extremely cheap, and they’ll allow you to hop on and off the taxis as you see fit.

Jacksonville is beautiful from any angle, but it’s especially nice from the water.

Climb aboard a Jacksonville Water Taxi and see the city like some tourists never do!

Address: 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

44. Times Union Center for the Performing Arts

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts

With three theaters in total, the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts is one of the biggest performance venues in Jacksonville, and it hosts so many events that it’ll make your head spin.

Do you enjoy high-class talent?

Listen to a symphony or take in the opera.

Are you a reality TV junkie?

Catch a taping of Dancing With the Stars or a taping from the Masked Singer tour.

There are also concerts, bandstands, plays, musicals, comedy shows and more.

Ticket prices can vary, so you should check the venue in advance if there’s a show headed to Jacksonville that you really want to see.

There’s never a dull moment at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts.

If you’re headed to Florida for your next vacation, make some time for it.

There’s nothing like dinner and a show!

Address:  300 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

45. Big Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park

Located a few miles east of Jacksonville, Big Talbot Island State Park will offer tons of fun for outdoorsy folk.

Its primary purpose is to serve as a nature reserve, so you’ll find lots of botanists and birdwatchers on the island.

Its stunning natural scenery is home to many different species of plants and animals, and its landscapes include everything from tide pools to salt marshes.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Florida for sightseeing.

If you like to work up a sweat, you’ll have plenty of choices for outdoor activities as well.

There’s hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more.

You can walk the trails; you can boat the waves.

When you’ve explored every inch of Big Talbot Island State Park, turn around.

Little Talbot Island State Park is only a few miles away, and it will keep the good times rolling while you’re in Jacksonville!

Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States

46. Mussallem Galleries

Mussallem Galleries

Mussallem Galleries is a hidden gem of Jacksonville.

It dates back more than 100 years as an oriental rug company, but it’s expanded to become an amazing collection of Asian, American and Middle Eastern artifacts.

Is it a museum?

Is it an art gallery?

No one really knows, but that’s part of its charm.

When you walk through the front doors, you’ll be greeted by antique furniture, ornamental carpets and fine china that hasn’t been used for centuries.

There are also porcelain vases, fabric footstools, gem brooches, marble statues, jeweled snuff boxes and gold-framed portraits.

Your eyes won’t know where to look.

Your head won’t know where to swivel.

Every case and shelf has something cool to see.

If you want to travel off the beaten path of Jacksonville, stop by the Mussallem Galleries.

It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction in a one-of-a-kind city, so you won’t want to miss it.

Address:  5801 Philips Hwy suite a, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States

47. Castaway Island Preserve

Castaway Island Preserve

The Castaway Island Preserve has a dramatic name, but you don’t have to scavenge on a beach like Tom Hanks to enjoy it.

In fact, it’s known as a low-key attraction in Jacksonville, so it’ll be a soothing balm to the soul after some of the city’s bigger and noisier locales.

It’s the kind of place where you can go to “get away from it all.”

The best part of the Castaway Island Preserve is its mile-long nature trail.

You can explore different landscapes and ecosystems as you walk, bike, skate or take a paddleboat on the river.

Kids can get in on the action as well.

The trail has child-friendly features like informative plaques and paw prints embedded in the dirt for curious little adventurers.

Are you looking for serene places to catch your breath during a busy Jacksonville vacation?

The Castaway Island Preserve has the atmosphere that you need.

Just drive in and enjoy; there’s no cost and no registration required.

You could be hearing the birdsong and breathing the fresh air in no time!

Address:  2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States

48. Ritz Theatre and Museum

Ritz Theatre and Museum

The Ritz Theatre and Museum is a mecca for African-American creatives.

The museum celebrates the legacies of many different authors, artists, musicians, poets and playwrights, and the theater is one of the oldest of its kind for black performers.

It’s also located in the LaVille neighborhood of Jacksonville, which used to have such a thriving black community that it was known as “the Harlem of the South.”

Everything about the area has its roots in African-American culture.

Do you want to experience the richness art, music and soul?

Do you want to know more about the history of Florida’s people of color?

Check out the Ritz Theatre and Museum.

It’s one of the coolest things to do in downtown Jacksonville, so you won’t regret it.

Address:  829 N Davis St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

49. Flight Fit N Fun Jacksonville

Flight Fit N Fun – Jacksonville

Flight Fit N Fun Jacksonville has a mouthful of a name, but all of the words will fly right out of your mouth when you hit their canvasses.

They’re the biggest trampoline park in northeast Florida, and they aren’t afraid of height and speed!

Trampoline “fields” offer wide and open spaces for jumping.

Hoops are poised over inclines for “airslam basketball,” and special areas are available for group games like dodgeball.

Trampolines aren’t the only activities that they offer, however.

They also have foam pits for diving, trapeze equipment for swinging and ninja courses for climbing and clambering through obstacles.

They even have an old-school arcade where you can relive your childhood by playing classic games.

Flight Fit N Fun Jacksonville can provide hours of breathless, weightless fun.

If you’re planning a trip to Florida, bounce on over to their trampolines and experience the craziness for yourself!

Address:  7022 A C Skinner Pkwy #200, Jacksonville, FL 32256, United States

50. Jacksonville Beach Pier

Jacksonville Beach Pier

Stretching for almost a quarter-mile over the water, the Jacksonville Beach Pier is the best hangout spot in the area.

You aren’t allowed to bike or skate, so the foot traffic is always calm, but there’s plenty of entertainment to be had from local bands, bait shops and food trucks.

Fishing is the most popular activity at the pier; there are even designated areas for deep-water anglers.

If you aren’t interested in the trout, you can walk around, munch on some shaved ice and watch the sunset over the water.

You don’t have to leave when the sky goes dark, either.

Have you ever seen a full moon hanging over the water?

Have you ever relaxed against a wooden pier while listening to the sounds of crickets and jumping fish?

Head on over to the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

Do it tonight.

Once you’ve been there, you’ll want to go back again and again.

Address:  503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States

51. Annie Lytle Elementary School

Annie Lytle Elementary School ( Erin Murphy / flickr )

If you’re a fan of creepy haunts and the legends that surround them, the crumbling walls of Annie Lytle Elementary School will send delightful shivers down your spine.

Also known as the “Devil’s School,” Annie Lytle Elementary School was abandoned sometime in the 1960s, and it’s been in decay and disrepair ever since.

The classrooms are covered in graffiti; the windows and staircases have vines slithering through the cracks.

In some rooms, you can still see the remains of old textbooks with bright, childish scribbles on them.

As you might imagine, there are many rumors about the school.

Some say that a boiler explosion killed all of the students and left their spirits to roam the corridors forever.

Others take a simpler approach and say that an ax-crazy janitor murdered everyone.

Regardless of what you believe, Annie Lytle Elementary School is one of the best places to visit around Jacksonville if you enjoy the unique beauty of abandoned places.

Step inside for a lesson if you dare!

Address: 699 Chelsea St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States

52. Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Located in downtown Jacksonville, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Florida.

It towers above the other buildings in the neighborhood at a height of 178 feet, and its late gothic revival architecture includes all sorts of arches, spires, steeples and vaults.

Tours are available, or you can attend a sermon on Sundays.

Despite its age, it still welcomes regular churchgoers, so you could take a trip this weekend and get a dose of faith while you sightsee.

You don’t have to be religious, however, to appreciate the beauty of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

As long as you have a working pair of eyes, you’ll enjoy it as one of the best Jacksonville attractions that the city has to offer.

Address:  121 E Duval St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

53. Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park

The past comes alive at Fort Clinch State Park .

Built around a brick fortress from the 19th century, it’s one of the top places in Jacksonville for history buffs, and it offers a good time for nature lovers as well.

The grounds are big and bountiful.

There’s a beach for splashing and a forested area for hiking.

People flock to the scenery for walking, cycling, camping, swimming, fishing, shelling and birdwatching.

At the fort, there are military reenactments on the weekends.

Costumed performers get together and perform military drills or show visitors what life used to be like in the kitchens and barracks.

Are you wondering what to see in Jacksonville this weekend?

Make a stop at Fort Clinch State Park.

Not only is it one of the coolest things to do in Jacksonville, but it might even be one of the coolest things to do in the entire state of Florida.

Address:  2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States

54. South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground

If you’re vacationing with the little ones, you might enjoy a trip to the South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground .

It’s a small piece of land, but it offers lots of safe, family-friendly outdoor activities, so it’s one of the best places to go in Jacksonville with kids.

Playground equipment is available year-round for climbing and sliding.

In warm weather, a splash pad is opened for water fun.

There are courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball, and a skate park has ramps and inclines for younguns on wheels.

Parents can picnic in the grass or use the grills to whip up some burgers.

There are also fitness trails winding through the park if you want to push a stroller or jog around while the kids swing on the monkey bars.

The South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground isn’t one of the flashier Jacksonville attractions, but if you’re just looking for a nice, low-key place where your children can burn off some energy, it’ll be a detour worth taking.

Address:  2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States

55. Windward Sailing

Windward Sailing

Do you love the feeling of the wind in your hair and sea spray on your face?

Windward Sailing is a company that offers sailing tours out of Jacksonville, and they can take you on an epic journey that you won’t soon forget.

Touring packages include short catamaran trips and overnight yacht trips.

You can see the sights, explore the bays, look for dolphins and relax on the deck with some drinks and finger foods.

The tours are private, so no one will be on the boat besides the crew and your personal party.

If you’d like even more privacy, however, you can rent the boat for yourself and take it on the water without the crew.

Get in touch with Windward Sailing if you’d like to experience Jacksonville in a brand-new way.

You could be sipping champagne on a luxury yacht as early as tonight!

Address:  5 S Front St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States

56. Hemming Park

Hemming Park

Hemming Park is the oldest park in Jacksonville, and it’s a doozy.

The first thing that you’ll see is the “Giant Mouth.”

This bizarre, larger-than-life art piece serves as the entrance to the park, and since it measures more than 18 feet tall, you’ll have to walk past its teeth to get in.

There are other eye-catching decorations in the park as well, and they all lead to a central fountain with spurting jets.

You’ll quickly fill your camera roll as you get deeper and deeper into the green.

Once you’ve seen all the sights, you’ll have your choice of how to spend the rest of your time in the park.

You can pursue normal outdoor activities like jogging and cycling, or you can visit on special event days when there are festivals devoted to music, drink, dance, art, film and fashion.

Hemming Park is definitely one of the most fun places in Jacksonville, so if you aren’t afraid of gigantic mouths, stroll right in and enjoy yourself!

Address:  135 W Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

57. World Golf Village

World Golf Village

Located between the cities of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, the World Golf Village is one of the major points of interest of Florida.

It was created by the PGA, so it’s a legitimate tourist attraction in the golfing world, and it’s also home to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Visitors can play a few holes, check out the exhibits at the center and book a room at the nearby resort.

There’s also a spa, restaurant and movie theater on site.

The restaurant is called the Murray Brothers Caddyshack, and it’s owned by actor Bill Murray and his siblings, so that’ll be a fun talking point when you go home.

If you like hitting the green, consider a stop at the World Golf Village.

It’s one of the best attractions near Jacksonville, so you won’t even notice a bogey or two.

Address:  1 World Golf Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32092, United States

58. Diamond D. Ranch

Diamond D Ranch

Ride a horse. Fish off a pier. Take a field trip into the hinterland of Jacksonville.

The possibilities are endless at Diamond D. Ranch , so if you’re the outdoorsy type, this is an attraction to get you out in the wild with your sleeves rolled up.

Horseback riding is the most popular activity at the ranch.

There are restrictions based on age but not skill level, so even if you’ve never climbed on a mare before, you can enjoy a calm, gentle walk on a grassy nature trail.

There are other animals at the ranch as well.

Since it’s a working ranch, you’ll find all kinds of barnyard life, and there are wild creatures in the outskirts of the forest.

You can observe all kinds of mammals and birds.

Schedule a trip to Diamond D. Ranch if you want to have some fresh-air fun in Jacksonville.

It’s good to get away from the city every now and then, especially when there are horses involved!

Address:  5903-1 Solomon Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32234, United States

59. Autobahn Indoor Speedway

Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events (Jacksonville, FL)

Unleash your inner Viking at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway .

Though it’s primarily devoted to indoor go-karting, it offers other thrills as well, including axe throwing!

The go-karts are the main attraction.

Florida has plenty of go-kart tracks, but since these are indoors, you can put the pedal to the metal even when the weather is acting up.

Several winding pathways are available for different skill levels.

When you’re done racing, you can play arcade games or sign up for an axe-throwing class.

These challenges will keep you busy until your stomach starts rumbling and it’s time to eat at the on-site restaurant.

If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day in Jacksonville, stop by the Autobahn Indoor Speedway.

It’ll be so much fun that you won’t want to leave even when the sun starts shining again.

Address:  6601 Executive Park Ct N, Jacksonville, FL 32216, United States

60. Gate River Run

Gate River Run

Formerly known as the Jacksonville River Run, this marathon is the biggest 15K in the entire country.

More than 20,000 runners flock to the starting line every year!

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy the Gate River Run , however.

There’s always a lot of commerce surrounding the big event, so you can enjoy discounted food, drink, music and more as the city of Jacksonville welcomes its guests.

If you do like to work up a sweat, there are a variety of races that you and you children can enjoy.

Toddlers can participate in the Diaper Dash; kids can tackle the Junior River Run; adults can try the Brooks Challenge Mile or the Synovus 5K for Charity.

The fun never stops at the Gate River Run.

Whether you’re an elite marathoner or a newbie runner who wants to try your stuff for the first time, it can be one of the coolest things that you do in Jacksonville.

61. Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach is a small, quiet beach located on Big Talbot Island State Park.

It gets its name from the bleached oak trees that are scattered on the shore.

Their big, gnarled branches stick out of the sand and twist in every direction, so they’re quite a sight.

Swimming isn’t recommended on Boneyard Beach, but you can walk the sand, explore the trees and snap plenty of pictures.

Beyond the coast, there are all of the amenities that you’d expect from Jacksonville, so you’ll never be far from shops and restaurants.

Another cool thing about Boneyard Beach is that archaeologists once found mammoth bones along the shore.

Some of them were as large as the trees!

The fossils were discovered long after the beach had gotten its name, so it was just a cool coincidence.

At any rate, Boneyard Beach is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Jacksonville.

You might not want to spend hours there, but it’s so fun and different that you’ll be glad for a short, memorable visit.

The photographs will be out of this world as well!

62. Veterans Memorial Wall

Veterans Memorial Wall

The Veterans Memorial Wall is a solemn attraction in Jacksonville, but there’s no better place to honor the sacrifices of our servicemen.

The first thing to know is that it doesn’t exclude anyone from the Jacksonville area who died in the line of duty.

It’s a rare memorial that includes soldiers from every branch of the military and every conflict that the U.S. has had.

Fittingly, it’s also quite large; it’s second only to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. in terms of size.

It’s also free to visit and pay your respects. You can go anytime.

There won’t be any scheduling conflicts during your trip.

Drop by the Veterans Memorial Wall if you want to remember and respect American veterans.

The wall might not be a flashy, state-of-the-art attraction in Jacksonville, but it still deserves a visit.

Address:  1145 E Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States

63. St. Augustine

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.

It’s a little outside of Jacksonville, but if you’re willing to tack a few more minutes of travel time on your itinerary, you can enjoy some vintage tourist attractions in the area.

You see, St. Augustine is filled to the brim with historical landmarks.

It has churches, cathedrals, museums, lighthouses and military forts everywhere.

The city was founded by a Spanish conquistador in 1565.

Over the years, it repeatedly changed hands between the Spanish and British, and these changes can be seen in everything from the artwork to the architecture.

Take a trip to St. Augustine if you’re interested in cool sights, exotic stories and long histories.

Wandering the city is like taking a journey through your own personal atlas, so it’s worth getting sidetracked from Jacksonville!

Interested to learn more about St. Augustine? Check out the best things to do in St. Augustine !

64. Jacksonville Riverwalk

Jacksonville Riverwalk

Say goodbye to the city with the Jacksonville Riverwalk .

Located in downtown Jacksonville, it’s a series of trails and boardwalks that wind around the river, and it will let you take in the beauty of the skyline one last time before you leave.

Admire the water.

Duck into any stores or cafes that you might have missed during the rest of your trip.

Take your last selfies in front of the skyscrapers.

Every vacation has to come to an end, including your vacation to Jacksonville.

However, you can cement your memories of this beautiful Florida destination with one final loop around the Jacksonville Riverwalk.

Address: 1000 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Jacksonville

These are just a few things to do around Jacksonville, Florida.

There are many more, so don’t stop with the suggestions on this list.

Put on a sturdy pair of boots and go exploring in the city on your own!

One Day in Jacksonville Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, located in the northeastern corner of Florida, close to the Georgia border, is the most populous city in the state. While not as tropical as more southern Florida cities such as Miami and Tampa, Jacksonville has a pleasant climate throughout most of the year, making it an excellent vacation destination, especially in the late fall and winter months. It also has a rich history and thriving culture, offering tourists plenty of educational experiences, entertainment, and dining options. All of this means that one day here is a very good choice indeed.

GUEST POST BY MARTINS GODAINIS

Plan your trip to Jacksonville

1. What’s the Best Time to Visit Jacksonville? 2. A few Facts About Jacksonville 3. One Day in Jacksonville Itinerary 3.1. Grab Breakfast at the Maple Street Biscuit Company 3.2. Get Some Education at the Museum of Science and History 3.3. Take a Ride to Neptune Beach 3.4. Eat Lunch at North Beach Fish Camp 3.5. Head back into town for a brewery tour at Intuition Ale Works 3.6. Memorial Park 3.7. Visit the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) 3.8. Eat Dinner at bb’s Restaurant 4. Where to Stay in Jacksonville? 5. Day trips from Jacksonville 6. Extra Tips for Visiting Jacksonville

What’s the Best Time to Visit Jacksonville?

Although Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate, it has been known to get slightly chilly at times from December through February. The middle of summer can be marred by sweltering, sometimes unbearable heat, so the best time to visit based on temperature is either from March to May or September to November . These months can also help to avoid swarms of tourists, as many people are drawn to the beaches during the hot summer months. This also helps to keep prices down for accommodations and travel.

If you are from a cold-weather city, however, and are fine with night temperatures in the 40s, you can save a lot of money by visiting in the winter months . This will also come with the added benefit of even fewer tourists, as these are the least popular times to visit. Daytime temperatures average in the 60s, so while you can still visit the beaches, you won’t want to be taking a dip as the water will be exceedingly cold.

A Few Facts About Jacksonville

– Jacksonville is the most populous city in the southeast United States, with a total city population of just over 820,000 people. – Jacksonville is named after General Andrew Jackson who never actually visited the city. – At 840 square miles of area, Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the continental United States. – Hemming Park is the oldest public park in Jacksonville and is located right downtown. – Over 30,000 active duty military personnel are employed in Jacksonville. – The area surrounding Jacksonville is often referred to as The First Coast . – The Friendship Fountain was the world’s tallest and largest fountain when it was built in 1965. – Jacksonville suffered the third largest city fire in America in 1901, with the Great Fire leveling 146 city blocks and over 2300 buildings. The damage done would cost $2 billion in today’s currency. – Jacksonville is home to the World Golf Hall of Fame – no surprise given that golf is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city and the PGA Tour is headquartered just southeast of the city.

One Day in Jacksonville Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip, even if you’re short on time. These are the top things to do during your one day in Jacksonville.

Grab Breakfast at the Maple Street Biscuit Company

The Maple Street Biscuit Company is a true southern gem, with delicious, moist yet flaky biscuits and a veritable smorgasbord of different topping options. The biscuits and gravy are a delectable classic, but you can’t go wrong with any of their offerings. The San Marco location is close to downtown, making for an easy commute and a great start to your day.

Get Some Education at the Museum of Science and History

The Museum of Science and History is Jacksonville’s most popular museum, and it even contains an aquarium. There are many interesting exhibits that will please kids and adults alike, with many different focuses such as biology and physics.

Take a Ride to Neptune Beach

You can get to Neptune Beach in about a half hour from downtown, and it is an excellent place to experience the maritime culture of Jacksonville. With beautiful sand and clear skies, you can relax on the oceanfront, go for a dip, or take a hike around the piers. There is a town center between Neptune and Atlantic Beach with plenty of shopping and a wide variety of food options.

Eat Lunch at North Beach Fish Camp

Seafood is king in Florida, and North Beach Fish Camp delivers the goods. With a nice, bright and open atmosphere, this is a casual lunch spot that has something for everyone. Fresh oysters are always a popular catch, and the fish tacos are light and tasty while providing plenty of sustenance. Best of all, you’ll be dining close to the water under the beautiful palm trees of Jacksonville.

Head back into town for a brewery tour at Intuition Ale Works

Intuition Ale Works is one of the most well-known craft brewers in Jacksonville, and they have the beers to back it up. They offer tours that will teach you how the beer is made and about some of the history of brewing in Jacksonville. Don’t forget to grab a pint and check out the rooftop, as it has beautiful panoramic views of the entire city. Once you’re done here, it’s a great time to walk around downtown as the day starts to wind down.

Visit the Memorial Park

Visit the historic Memorial Park , which is right on the water and offers over 5 acres of natural landscaping and impressive monuments. The park allows you to get unfettered views of the river while enjoying the greenery and shade of the trees if so desire. There are also memorial sculptures from World War 1 , and the park was built in honor of 1200 Floridian soldiers who died in combat. This is an excellent place sit back and relax for a bit before you continue your journey throughout Jacksonville.

Check out the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Located just a mile from Intuition Brewery, MOCA is a famous museum that displays cutting edge artwork. They are constantly cycling through new exhibits, and you are sure to see something interesting no matter what time of year you are there. Locals and tourists alike agree that no trip to Jacksonville is complete without a stop at MOCA.

Have Dinner at bb’s Restaurant

Hopefully you’ve walked off the earlier calories, because bb’s serves up generous portions of fantastic modern American fare. The seasonal fish is always fresh and perfectly cooked, but if you’ve had enough seafood for the day, you can’t go wrong with the pork loin or the meatballs. If you’re lucky, your dinner will even be accompanied by some live local music.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville?

Omni Jacksonville

245 Water Street, Jacksonville

The Omni Jacksonville is a luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville right off of the St. John’s River and near the famed Jacksonville landing. Entertainment and dining options abound for patrons of this beautiful accommodation.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hyatt Place Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center

4742 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville

Hyatt Place Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center is a wonderful hotel with plenty of amazing amenities. There’s an outdoor pool, a great bar, an excellent restaurant, and a fitness center. The icing on the cake is the view of the lake you get to enjoy from a lovely terrace. They serve a delicious buffet breakfast every morning here, and the rooms are extremely comfortable and well equipped. There are also plenty of things to enjoy and explore close to the hotel, so you definitely won’t be bored. A great place to stay!

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Not only does Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront look amazing from the outside, but it also boasts a rooftop pool with a fabulous view! There is also an excellent seafood restaurant here, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. The rooms are modern, bright and very well equipped, with each of them having a fridge, a coffee machine, a safety box and a flat-screen TV. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel at home, so no matter how you slice it, staying in this hotel is a great idea.

Comfort Inn and Suites Jacksonville – Orange Park

8001 Parramore Road, Jacksonville, 32244

If you need quality and budget-friendly accommodation, it won’t be easy finding a better place than Comfort Inn and Suites Jacksonville – Orange Park . An outdoor pool, private parking and a fitness center all make you feel that you’re in a hotel of a much higher category. The rooms are beautiful, perfectly clean and very comfortable, plus it’s pretty quiet here, so you’ll always get a good night’s sleep. A great value for your money!

Day trips from Jacksonville

As you know, Florida has a lot to offer. That’s why day trips from Jacksonville are such a great way to get to know this wonderful state. No matter if you want history, nature or simply want to see another city, everything is here.

Why not go and visit Tampa? It’s a marvelous city with loads of parks and beautiful beaches, so you can simply chill out if you want. You can also visit the famous Busch Gardens,  an excellent theme park inspired by Africa, or check out some of many institutions dedicated to taking care of various animals, like Big Cat Rescue .

Blue Springs Park

If you’re looking for some quality time to spend somewhere out of town, you can head to Blue Springs Park. Enjoy a swim or even a kayak ride surrounded by lush greenery and look for manatees , which are fairly common in this area. This untouched oasis is just the place you need to recharge your batteries.

Ichetucknee Springs

But there is more the incredible nature here has to offer. Ichetucknee Springs are also an incredible place to unwind a little. Crystal clear water feeds the lush vegetation, and the area is particularly popular among families with children. For adults, there’s also the possibility of enjoying a swim in some of the nearby caves, primarily near Blue Hole Spring .

St. Augustine

A really special trip, this one. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States , being founded in 1565. But it has to offer so much more than that one information. Its European heritage is clearly visible in its impressive architecture, so you will have loads of photo opportunities here. Explore the cobblestone streets and check out the St. Augustine Lighthouse  for a spectacular view if you have the time. A day here is a day well spent.

White Springs

If you take all the aforementioned day trips from Jacksonville and merge them into one, you get White Springs. Surrounded by incredible nature, it is home to loads of Victorian houses and quaint little shops, but if you want to be active, head to the nearby Big Shoals Park for some whitewater rafting. No matter if you want a day of peace and quiet or an adrenaline rush, you’ll find it all here.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is all about cars. And beaches, obviously. And beaches on which you can drive cars. If you’re a fanatic when it comes to speed, coming here is something you absolutely must do. Head to Daytona International Speedway , even if there is no race scheduled – you can see the track firsthand and see some of the most famous cars to ever race there.

Extra Tips for Visiting Jacksonville

– If visiting in the winter, bring layers! The temperature can drop quite a bit as the sun goes down. – Ask locals for advice. Southern hospitality is very real, and many people will want to steer you in the right direction. – Call ahead for tee times if you plan on golfing. Golf is extremely popular, and the courses fill up fast! – If you are traveling from abroad under the Visa Waiver Program, make sure to obtain your ESTA Travel Authorization prior to visiting Jacksonville.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Jacksonville Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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• Jacksonville, Florida

72 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

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The most populous city in Florida and the biggest city by area in mainland North America, Jacksonville prides itself on having a little something for everybody.

An incredible melting pot of cultures and history, this city has so much to offer you’ll wish you asked for an extra week off work. A trip here is going to satisfy your shopping desires, quench your cocktail thirst and fill up your camera roll.

Aside from visiting historical forts, camping in state parks and watching blockbuster movies in drive-in theaters, there are plenty more fun things to do in Jacksonville . Watch the sunset from a beautiful pier, go hiking and birdwatching at the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, or spend a rainy afternoon exploring the unique Museum of Southern History.

With long and hot summers (and mild winters that still allow for outdoor fun, it’s always a great time to visit Jacksonville! Not that you have to worry anyway – The city is bursting with life, rain or shine! Take a look at our extensive list of activities and must-see places and start planning your trip today!

1 – Head to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Filled with beautifully curated collection of artworks and surrounded by historic gardens, the Cummer Museum is a good place to start your adventure in Jacksonville.

Located on the bank of the St. Johns River, the place aims to inspire visitors from all walks of life to be creative, reconnect with nature and admire beauty.

The best bit? Admission is free on Tuesdays and Fridays after 4 p.m., making it a great stop for a traveler on a shoestring budget.

2 – Catch a baseball game at 121 Financial Ballpark

A premier ballpark with great seating, the 121 Financial Ballpark is home to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Minor League Baseball team. If you’re eager to catch a game while in town, this is a great option to the busier, more expensive stadiums around.

Plus, with over 11,000 seats available, chances are you can grab a last-minute ticket with no issues! Arrive early to grab some food from the concession areas and to check out the playground if you’re traveling with kids

• 121 Financial Ballpark tickets

3 – Visit the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Of all the things to do in Jacksonville, the zoo is a great stop for nature and wildlife lovers. Meet over 2,000 exotic animals from different species, including amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles.

While getting your fair share of animal travel shots, identify some 1,000 varieties of plants in the botanical garden. Make sure to book ahead, as ticketing is done online then just turn up and enjoy your day!

4 – Get lost in Little and Big Talbot Island State Parks

Tucked away in the northeast of Florida’s beautiful sea islands, these two state parks provide a rarely seen insight into the natural beauty of the Florida area.

Expect unspoiled walking trails and miles and miles of pristine beaches, an incredible getaway from the hustle and bustle of town.

Directions in Google Maps

5 – Solve puzzles with an escape room

Looking for an epic team building or family bonding experience? What better way to exercise teamwork than by playing an escape room!

At The Escape Game in St. John’s Town Center, there are five unique hour long adventures to choose from, from breaking out of prison, to stealing back a priceless painting, or even saving the world!

• Escape games in Jacksonville

6 – Camp in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Camping at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one of the best things to do in Jacksonville for nature lovers. With camping sites, beaches, over 20 miles of hiking trails and a pristine freshwater lake for fishing and kayaking, it’s an incredible natural wonder.

Who in your group could possibly find a reason to say no?

7 – Visit the tigers at Catty Shack Ranch

A wildlife sanctuary,  Catty Shack Ranch  provides a habitat for endangered big cats and educates visitors about the struggle of keeping the animal populations afloat.

You can simply get a day pass, a ticket to the roaring nigh feeding session or an insider view of the zoo keepers life with an enrichment tour. You’re sure to leave loving these terrifying creatures!

8 – Play a round of golf

Jacksonville has no shortage of scenic golf courses, so be sure to take your fellow travelers down for a round in the sun.

The cream of the crop is the Golf Club at South Hampton , home to 16 lakes and well-kept facilities. There’s also TopGolf , a fun entertainment destination offering climate-controlled hitting bays, and Windsor Parke Golf Club , which offers 18 holes of championship-level golf.

Hyde Park Golf Club , Jacksonville’s oldest public course, covers a 129 acre lot, while Blue Sky Golf Club offers day and night practice capabilities. Want to try a true Stadium Course? TPC Sawgrass is a par-72 golf course with a unique 17th hole known as “Island Green.”

9 – Explore Jacksonville’s waterways on a kayak

Jacksonville isn’t short of things to do on the water. Kayaking is an incredible way to explore the ins and outs of the many lakes and waterways in the area.

There are tours suited to all travelers, with a gentle paddle down Lofton Creek for beginners and children. There’s also a self-guided kayaking adventure with no one to tell you where to go but the app!

• kayaking in Jacksonville

10 – Wander through the Museum of Science & History

One of the fun things to do in Jacksonville is visiting the Museum of Science and History , which houses a number of exhibits, ranging from natural history, astronomy and aquatic life. There’s even an exhibit on the history of dragons.

Whether you have young kids with you or a college science professor, there’s something for everyone here.

11 – Learn about Florida’s past at Kingsley Plantation

Located within the Timucuan Ecological Preserve, the Kingsley Plantation  shows a great insight into the economic and cultural past of the Florida area. It’s a home of Zephaniah Kingsley, one of the first people to move into the area and try to make a living off setting up a plantation.

Admission is free and there’s an audio tour, so a great stop for a shoestring budget!

12 – Adventure through town on a scavenger game

Need a bit of motivation to get you to all the sights in Jacksonville in one day? Book a scavenger game that gives you clues and puzzles that take you to all the key spots throughout town.

Various packages are available so it doesn’t matter how many people you’re travelling with.

• Scavenger games in Jacksonville

13 – Cross the Main Street Bridge

The bridge is one of the standout features of a Jacksonville downtown skyline. It’s the only remaining movable bridge in the Jacksonville area!

Crossing it is one of the best things to do in Jacksonville if you want to get some great travel shots. You can get good views of the city from here day and night.

Directions on Google Maps

14 – Get the adrenaline pumping with some skydiving

Nothing quite compares to the rush you’ll get from falling at 120 miles per hour over the Jacksonville beachside landscape.

Even if this is your first time skydiving, the proper crew will help you make the experience feel safe and exhilarating. Plus, tandem skydiving means you don’t need any training to jump – a certified skydive instructor will jump with you and handle the flight.

Good local options include World Skividiving Center and Skydive Amelia Island , which offer locations in either Jacksonville or Fernandina Beach and allow you to experience views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the picturesque St. Johns River.

• skydiving in Jacksonville

15 – Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Pete’s Candy

With a tagline of “more than a store,” you know you’re in for a treat at Sweet Pete’s Candy store. Not only you get just about whichever kind of treat your heart desires, but also book a tour of the facilities.

You can also watch the incredible makers whipping up a fresh batch of ice-cream!

16 – Spend a day at Adventure Landing Waterpark

It’s easy to watch the time fly by at Adventure Landing Waterpark at the Jacksonville Beach. With water rides, laser tag, animal enclosures and arcades, there’s something for everyone here!

While visiting, don’t miss out Shipwreck Island Water Park . Located within Adventure Landing, this attraction is especially designed for kids. Let your little ones enjoy the wave pool, water cannons, and four slides. Stay cool as you jump, splash and slide for hours of fun!

17 – Hike the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

One of the oldest in Florida, this 14.5-mile rail trail crosses rural areas between Jacksonville and Baldwin. This park welcomes joggers, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, so you can traverse the path with any mode of transport.

18 – Throw a line in from Jacksonville Beach Pier

This 625 feet long pier gives travelers an immersive 360 degrees view of the Atlantic ocean, as well as access to fishermen for deep water fishing. The admission fees are $1 for spectators and $3 for those who are fishing.

Bring a dollar if you want to watch the hours fly by while surrounded by water.

19 – Try the trampoline at Flight Fit N Fun Jacksonville

Do you need something a bit more active than a peaceful day on the pier?

Head to Flight N Fun , an indoor trampoline park with more activities than you could possibly go through before your energy runs out.

Practice your trampoline slam dunks or test your endurance on the ninja warrior course. You might need a good rest after this!

20 – Watch the Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field

One of the essential things to do in Jacksonville is watching the locals in action as they cheer on their beloved football team. Keep an eye out for their games at the TIAA Bank Field , home to the Jacksonville Jaguars .

If football isn’t your thing, check their website for concerts and other events.

• TIAA Bank Field tickets

21 – Visit the historic Fort Clinch State Park

Since its construction in 1847, the Fort Clinch State Park had served as barracks and ammunition storage during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War in 1898. It became a private property in 1926 and underwent renovations, as people recognized its historic value. In 1935, it became one of the pioneering state parks in Florida.

See the old cannons and reenactment of the battles, which happens every first week of the month. Get an insight into a union soldier and learn something from demonstrations of blacksmithing and carpentry, among other skills. You can also observe wildlife in the area.

22 – Climb the walls at the Edge Rock Gym

You can put the Edge Rock Gym , an indoor rock climbing gym in Jacksonville on your list if you want a physical and mental challenge. Aside from rock climbing, it also offers fitness and weight training, as well as yoga classes.

If you’re a beginner, you can get a quick orientation and the crew will assist you. See for yourself if you’re a natural pro.

23 – Get spooked at 13th Floor Haunted House

Checking out the bloodcurdling attractions at the 13th Floor can be one of the fun things to do in Jacksonville. Meet zombies, vampires, werewolves and witches up close! It also has haunted escape rooms and axe throwing for more thrills.

If you find yourself wanting to come back for more, join the Fright Club for savings and presale tickets for special events.

24 – Get a thrill indoor skydiving

Do you like the idea and thrill of skydiving but can’t handle heights? Or simply want a more budget-friendly way to get the adrenaline pumping? Indoor skydiving might just be the thing you’re looking for.

iFLY Jacksonville offers you a chance to gear up and experience the thrill of skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. You’ll learn how to fly and practice flying maneuvers, sliding side to side as the wind pushes you up. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

• indoor skydiving in Jacksonville

25 – Race over to Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events

Autobahn isn’t your ordinary go-kart experience, with state of the art facilities and electric Italian go-karts with a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour.

If you head down on game day Thursdays you can even sneak in some half-priced arcade games after the race.

26 – Admire the view at the Southbank Riverwalk

This concrete boardwalk stretches 1.25 miles along the St. Johns River, providing a view of the downtown skyline. Visit this promenade for jogging, strolling or watching boats and sunsets. If you have more appetite eating beside the river, you can take a picnic or dine at the restaurants nearby.

27 – Go birdwatching at the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Jacksonville shares the East section of the 510 trailing sites of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail . Some of the birds found in its preserves include swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle, black skimmer, painted bunting, roseate spoonbill, wood stork and snowy plover.

The best time to go birdwatching is during spring and autumn migrations, when a variety of birds can be seen in Florida, aside from its native species. You may spot the Florida scrub jay, a species only found in the state and one of the 15 endemic species in the US.

28 – Find the catch of the day with a fishing tour

In case you weren’t already aware, Jacksonville is an angler’s paradise. With its incredible spots and water ecosystems brimming with life, you’ll be sure to find a catch.

You do have to know where to look however, and the best way is with a fishing charter, where you’re taken to all the best spots across the St. Johns River. Just make sure to bring a big enough bucket for all your catches!

• fishing trips in Jacksonville

29 – Explore Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve

One of the most well preserved and undeveloped wetlands on the entire Atlantic coast, Timucuan is an essential stop on your trip to Jacksonville.

It offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural artifacts from enslavement and colonial eras. This is definitely not the place to forget your camera!

30 – Unwind in Memorial Park

A short drive from Downtown, the Memorial Park was built in honor of the local WWI veterans.

It’s widely thought of as the best public space to people watch. Laying down a picnic rug or reading a book here is a great thing to do in Jacksonville after a busy few days!

31 – Take the kids to “Hands On” Children’s Museum

If there are young ones at your travel party, the Hands On Children’s Museum has to be on your list of things to do in Jacksonville.

Down on Beach Boulevard in town, the museum is full of interactive and educational exhibits bound to stimulate (and hopefully wear out) the young ones’ mind and body. With admission fee of $4 for kids up to 3 year old and $5.50 for everyone else, what more could you ask for?

32 – Step back in time at Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Here you’ll find remnants of the many layers of Florida’s rich history and discover the people who had lived in this spot.

Originally a Native American site, Fort George Island became a strategic fort during the civil war. Then it became an exclusive travel resort and finally a visitor center for the beautiful state park.

You’re bound to leave knowing far more about the history of the area than you arrived!

33 – Check out The Brumos Collection

This one’s for car lovers or anyone with a keen eye or interest in design. The Brumos Collection is an incredible collection of some of the earliest car designs and creations.

You’ll find one-of-a-kind or long-lost cars very few have seen before. This will definitely get you bragging rights down at the auto shop!

34 – Stop by Friendship Fountain

Just by the western end of the beautiful Jacksonville Southbank Waterside walk is the Friendship Fountain.

Let the sound of running water clear your mind, as you stare at downtown Jacksonville reflecting in the water!

• city tours in Jacksonville

35 – Take your camera to Jessie Ball DuPont Park

This park is home of the treaty oak tree, named after a story depicting white settlers and native Americans signing a treaty under its branches.

The park itself is a stunningly well-preserved lot of land, great for a stroll, a picnic or anything in between. Just make sure to snap a shot of the famous oak tree!

36 – Discover the Museum of Southern History

The Museum of Southern History offers a wealth of information about the Native American cultures, white settlement, civil wars and the American revolution.

Down in the Fairfax district of Jacksonville, this museum is a good starting point to get an understanding of how America came to be.

37 – Ride around town on a bike tour

There’s a lot to see around Jacksonville so you might as well make the most of your time. Cover some extra ground with a bike tour around the city and the beaches.

You can get a self guided e-bike tour to do at your own pace or have a knowledgeable guide take you around. Both options provide you with hours of adventure!

• bike tours in Jacksonville

38 – Soak up the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

If you weren’t already convinced that Jacksonville has something for everyone, the Museum of Contemporary Art should sway you.

Seeing many local and international art exhibitions at $8 entrance fee for adults, a visit here would be hard to not put this on your list. Admission is free for local students or library cardholders!

39 – Relax at Metropolitan Park

A multi-purpose park that hosts a lot of Jacksonville culture, Metropolitan park is definitely worth the visit.

On its spare days, it’s a perfect picnic and playground destination. However, if you time your visit, you might find yourself in the midst of a bustling market or even Jacksonville Music or Jazz Festival!

40 – Get Crafty at Creative Grain Studio

Unsure of what to get as a memento of your trip to Jacksonville? How about making your own souvenir?

At Creative Grain Studio , you can choose from a wide variety of woodworking, plant or textile craft workshops. You’ll be guided from start to finish to make your own creation!

41 – Spend an evening filled with laughs at The Comedy Zone

Comedy’s biggest names tend to make an appearance at The Comedy Zone at some point throughout the year, including star performers like Jim Breuer, Billy Gardell, Kevin Hart, and Eddie Griffin.

While events for famous performers tend to sell out early, you can get a ticket last-minute for open mic nights and special events that host several comedians in one night.

Skip dinner before the show – there’s a menu featuring everything from chili cheese fries to fiesta shrimp tacos at the club, and you can even order some cocktails to go with your favorite dish.

• The Comedy Zone tickets

42 – Head to Tree Hill Nature Center

Tree Hill is an organization that provides great educational facilities on nature conservation, as well as providing access to natural landscapes and habitats. It aims to help grow people’s appreciation for the natural world.

The highlight on the calendar here is the annual butterfly festival, comprising live music, food and releasing of butterflies into the wild!

43 – Camp on the waterfront at Huguenot Memorial Park

A fantastic spot for both camping and day trips, Huguenot Memorial Park has great hiking trails, boat launching areas and great swimming locations.

If you have the extra time for it, make sure to book one of the breathtaking waterfront campsites!

44 – Catch a movie at the historic Florida Theatre

Originally built in 1927, the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville is so visually impressive, you might find it hard to stay focused on the screen or stage.

It also hosts a selection of live performances, so whatever your interests, it’ll be easy to find an excuse to head into this fascinating building!

• Florida Theatre tickets

45 – Stroll through the Avondale Historic District

Heading to Avondale Historic District is one of the most important things to do in Jacksonville for both shoppers, foodies and live music lovers.

Home to great shops and restaurants, you’ll find a few meals and gifts here you can’t get anywhere else. Make sure to head down on a Saturday where you can pick up fresh produce or artworks, and catch some live music!

46 – Enjoy the sun at Fernandina Beach

A tropical paradise so pristine, you’d forget you’re not very far from the urban sprawl of Jacksonville whilst you’re at Fernandina Beach. It has a collection of boutiques and restaurants, and the beach hosts many local festivals throughout the year, including the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

Make sure to head to the Historic District where you’ll find old Spanish buildings turned into cafes and restaurants.

47 – Escape the city to Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

A wonderful space full of colorful flora and fauna, the Jacksonville Arboretum is sure to help you bolster your camera roll.

It’s a great 120-acre botanical garden with plenty of great strolls to keep you from dozing off in the warm Florida sun!

48 – Get away to Castaway Island Preserve

Just beyond the reaches of Jacksonville suburbia is the 300-acre preserve that maintains beautiful coastal habitats.

You’ll be able to take a breath of fresh air, as you hike through the sights and come across a gopher tortoise or ibis. Make sure your camera is handy!

49 – Visit the Ritz Theatre and Museum

Originally a 1929 movie house, the Ritz Theatre is now a museum that pays tribute to and educates on the history of the African American population of Jacksonville.

It’s still a functioning theatre too, so you’ll be able to catch a movie or theatre production after exploring the great museum!

• Ritz Theatre tickets

50 – Work up a sweat at We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym is a super accessible gym and sporting facility that provides a great space for kids.

Designed with children on the autism spectrum in mind, We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym provides a great opportunity for kids to play, learn social skills and unwind.

51 – Explore the Mussallem Galleries

One of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets, the Mussallem Galleries is a 90,000 square feet showroom that contains incredible artworks from around the world, as well as a huge collection of antiques.

It’s not just an exhibition, as everything there is for sale, so you might just find one of the most unique souvenirs around!

52 – Let the dogs out at Dog Wood Park

Love the ambiance of dogs and their owners frolicking through open park lands?

Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get if you head to Jacksonville’s finest dog park . Whether or not you have a canine companion in your travel party, this is a great place to unwind and bring dog toys or a picnic rug!

53 – Visit the Basilica of Immaculate Conception

The Jacksonville area has been home to many different cultures over the years and the Basilica of Immaculate Conception is a detailed insight into the religious history of Florida.

You may want to attend its public masses or simply visit the church and embrace the warmth of the space.

54 – Run through Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the main strip of Jacksonville.

If you need to release some energy, there’s a running tour that takes you through the wonderful historical sights of Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Exercise and sightseeing sounds like a perfect combination!

• Amelia Island tours

55 – Treat yourself at St. Johns Town Center

If you’ve been considering a day for yourself, this is the place to do it. With nail salons, old school barbershops and massage parlors all in the one spot, St. Johns Town Center really takes the guesswork out of planning a day off.

You can get some retail therapy from 150 storefronts, including some big-name designer brands.

56 – March over to Fort Caroline National Memorial

Located in Timucuan Historic Preserve, Fort Caroline National Memorial is one of the few artefacts left from the brief presence of the French in Florida.

In this 16th-century memorial, you’ll explore the wonderful history of Native Americans and Europeans. You can also get an insight into the life of the European settlers at the time.

57 – Dress up and head to WasabiCon

Florida’s largest pop culture event, WasabiCon is a two-day convention in October. It is host to the biggest congregation of workshops, competitions and panels for anything to do with anime, cosplay and video games in Florida.

A visit here is definitely the time to break open the dress-up closet!

58 – Support Local at the Riverside Arts Market

Poised right on the beautiful river in Jacksonville, the Riverside Arts Market is held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain, hail or shine.

Expect to find the finest offerings from local artisans, farmers, artists and entrepreneurs. Walking through the stalls here is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture!

59 – Dine in style at the best restaurants

The collection of things to do in Jacksonville would not be complete without trying some local restaurants.

With an amazing menu and a rooftop lounge right in the heart of Jacksonville, River & Post is definitely the pick of the bunch for those looking for a culinary recommendation. A restaurant with a menu brimming with classic American dishes, from waffles to fried chicken, Metro Diner will make you feel you’ve truly arrived in Jacksonville.

For upscale dining, try the elegant Black Sheep Restaurant and its award-winning dishes, including their popular Korean Short Rib entrée. Himalayan fusion restaurant Hawkers is the place to be for affordable great food that includes dumplings and homemade kimchi.

60 – Explore history at the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society

Get a glimpse of old Florida with a visit to the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society . Walking on the historic ground here is one of the most inspiring things to do in Jacksonville.

Explore the history of the citrus growers of the region, while surrounded by oak trees and old steamboats — don’t leave the camera at home!

61 – Take in a show at Alhambra Theatre & Dining

Get a blast from the past and get tickets to a show at Alhambra Theatre and Dining where you get world-class entertainment from the comfort of a dining table with fantastic food.

You know you’ll be getting the real deal because this is the longest-running dinner theatre in the US!

62 – Sample the local beers at Jax Ale Trail Breweries

Craft beer has a strong presence in Jacksonville. The best way to cover it all is with the Jax Ale Trail where you head to all the local craft breweries and sample its finest offerings.

Grab an Ale Trail passport and get it stamped at all the breweries for some great local merchandise. But if you can’t visit them all, make sure to at least put some names on your list.

Aardwolf Brewing Company offers not only great beer but also oat whiskey aged in barrels, while Engine 15 Brewing Co. offers a selection of year-round craft beers as well as some seasonal drinks and a great kitchen.

63 – See a concert

Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena is where all the big names in entertainment stop when they reach Florida. Make sure you keep an eye out for which concerts are on when you’re in town because you might get the chance to see your favorite pop star!

• Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena tickets

The Dailys Place Amphitheater is another great place to try for exciting events. In addition to concerts, the semi-outdoor arena also hosts wrestling events and a number of festivals throughout the year.

• Dailys Place Amphitheater tickets

64 – Kick back at Sun-Ray Cinema

Just off Riverside Park is one of Jacksonville’s best cinemas. From new releases and cult favorites, Sun-Ray has you covered!

It has a drive-in cinema at certain times of the year when the weather is warm enough — for those who want an authentic 50’s cinema experience.

65 – Soak up some local culture at Beaches Town Center

Right on Neptune and Atlantic Beach is the Beaches Town Center , a bustling hub of boutiques and restaurants. This is the perfect place to get a unique souvenir, grab some local food, then watch the sunset on the sand.

You can even watch some local live music. It’s all happening here!

66 – Grab a cocktail at the Shim Sham Room

This rock and Roll inspired venue is equal parts intimate and rambunctious. Some of the best bartenders in town are here to serve up great drinks while you kick back and enjoy the live music at Shim Sham Room .

Other great spots to try out include The Volstead , an upscale space with inspired cocktails, and Sidecar, a more laid-back bar with a mix of craft beer, wine, and whiskeys. Lemon Bar offers great seaside patio seating, while Aromas Cigar, Wine, & Martini Bar offers fun salsa dancing on weekends.

67 – Wind down with a sunset cruise

After a day of shopping, hiking or racing around town, it’s time to find something that moves at a bit of a slower pace.

The best way to do this is to book a sunset cruise where you can bring your own drinks to sip as the sun goes down. It doesn’t matter your party size, there are options for any size group!

• sunset cruises in Jacksonville

68 – Have a drink on the beach at Lemon Bar

The quintessential Florida experience has to be having a drink with your toes in the sand, as the waves gently crash on the shore and the sun’s going down.

Lemon Bar in Jacksonville has been around for 18 years so it knows what to do when it comes to unwinding on the beach!

69 – Play poker at Bestbet Jacksonville

Whether you want to watch high-rollers at an international poker tournament, or simply have fun with a few card games, Bestbet in Jacksonville definitely has you covered.

With food and drinks, it’ll be very easy to lose track of time, so just make sure to stick to your limit!

70 – Hit the dance floor at Myth Nightclub

Ready to burn off some dancing energy? Myth Nightclub is an experience like no other in town. With top-notch lighting, sound equipment and great drinks, it’ll be almost impossible to leave the dance floor!

With giant projection screens and Fridays latin flavor music, Cuba Libre is a lot more than just a place to dance. With live DJs and fancy cocktails, The Loft is a great to party, no matter if you like to sit back with a drink or non-stop dancing all night.

Luxurious and modern Club Heaven and non-stop Eclipse are also filled with energy all week long.

71 – Attend a show at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

The massive Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts hosts everything from concerts to musicals, live shows, and even symphony concerts.

The center hosts three different venues. The Moran Theater , which sits around 3,000 people, is the main space and used for concerts and musicals. The more intimate Jacoby Symphony Hall is mostly for symphony events, though smaller concerts are sometimes offered here.

Finally, there’s the Terry Theater , which only sits 600 people and hosts small events like comedy shows.

72 – Melt the tension away with a spa

With a focus on age-defying treatments, Youthful Medical Spa offers everything from anti-cellulite treatments to facial treatments. If you’re staying at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort , the luxurious spa at the resort is worth a visit (especially their many massage therapy options).

You can also get pampered with fair trade organic products at The Spa and Salon at The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. Or book the couples’ treatment room at The Spa at One Ocean if you’re traveling with your loved one.

How to get to Jacksonville?

Many major airlines fly into Jacksonville International Airport, which is about 15 miles from the city center. While there are buses and shuttles available to cover the route, airport transfers are an easier and more convenient way to get to your hotel.

Private cars and mini-vans are available, so no matter how big your travel group is, you can still pre-book a pick up from the airport!

Where to stay in Jacksonville?

There’s plenty of great places to spend a night in Jacksonville. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to spend big, the city won’t disappoint.

The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island is the ultimate in luxury, with ocean views from the rooms, organized paddleboarding trips, and a par-72 golf course. At a somewhat more affordable price point is the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, which boasts its very own pastry chef on staff and a 30,000-square-foot spa.

Located in Jacksonville’s town center, the Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park is a modern, colorful, and pet-friendly space that also offers a fitness center and a great restaurant. Also budget-friendly is the Aloft Jacksonville Airport, which is just as fun as its sister property but perfectly located near the Jacksonville International Airport.

If you need more space, the Residence Inn By Marriott offers rooms fitted with a kitchen and a dining area. You’ll also find an outdoor swimming pool, free bikes to explore the surroundings, and BBQ facilities.

• best hotels in Jacksonville

Where to go next?

There’s so much to do and see in Jacksonville, you could spend weeks here and not run out of places to explore! But once you’re ready to move, Florida has lots more to offer!

Start in St. Augustine , where history buffs will find historic forts, great museums, and even a recreated 20th century general store with lots of historical items! For outdoor lovers, St. Augustine offers everything from dolphins cruises to airboat tours.

For golden beaches that go on forever, there’s Daytona Beach , where’s you’ll also find lighthouses, water parks, and beautiful green spaces like the Tomoka State Park and the Bulow Creek State Park.

Craving big-city excitement? Orlando is the place to be. Filled with ghost tours, the popular Kennedy Space Center, and unique opportunities to swim with manatees at Crystal River or paddleboard at night, Orlando really has it all.

If you’re up for a (short) road trip, Savannah , Georgia is just two hours north of Jacksonville. In addition to plenty of southern charm, Savannah also offers great historical mansions, amazing food, and movie locations tours you won’t want to miss!

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking for sun and great outdoor adventures or want to explore museums and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Jacksonville!

Go on a tour to spot dolphins, soak up some local culture or explore Jacksonville’s waterways – no matter what you’re after, you’ll find lots of options to keep you occupied here.

Ready to start booking some excursions? Don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes so you can discover everything Jacksonville has to offer!

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The Most Exciting Way to Explore Jacksonville

Here at Go Tuk’n®, we’ve discovered a way to immerse you in the best things to do in Jacksonville, capturing everything you love about the city. Whether it’s the art + history, food + drinks, nature or simply the people. We have a fleet of funky, 3-wheeled, efficient and fun tuk tuks, luxurious buses and limos, and mobile tended bars perfect for the moment.

We have found that when we combine these exciting methods of transportation with our licensed tour guides, we get you closer to finding your inner tuk.

I am basically a Tuk’n super fan as we have done the team-building tour with my employees, the kids scavenger hunt for my daughter’s 7th birthday party, & the holiday lights with my extended family over Christmas.  Each experience has been unique & full of memories.  We give Go Tuk’n 5 stars across the board & look forward to our next tour.

We had such an enjoyable afternoon with our guide, Toni, Going Tuk’n all over the Historic downtown areas of Riverside and Avondale. Toni was such a warm and engaging guide, as well as very knowledgeable about Jacksonville. She provided us with lots of history about the area. If you are visiting Jacksonville, this is definitely an area to see, and Tuk’n is the way to go! You will learn so much and have so much fun! Thank you, Toni! Our tour with you was a highlight of our time spent in Jacksonville!

The tuk tuk experience comes to the US with an exciting twist and the safety customers expect from a fun vehicle like this one. Just an amazing experience and our drive / guide Debbie was endearing. One of the most memorable and wonderful times we have ever had.

Such an awesome experience! Our driver was so fun and made sure we were all comfy for the ride. The seats were heated and blankets were provided so that we all stayed cozy and warm. If you are looking for a fun way to tour the area then this is definitely the way to go!

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Go Tuk’n® was launched in Jacksonville, Florida by husband and wife team Stephanie and Steven, veterans of the tourism and events industry, who are always driven by the notion of “locals helping locals.” People and organizations have found us to be the most exciting way for getting around the historic Jacksonville area using our rideshare app, doing art, history, brewery, or food tours and lastly, bringing our unique line-up of services to your corporate and private events.

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Welcome to jacksonville's #1 rated ghost tour.

The phantoms of Florida’s dead continue to roam the Jacksonville boardwalk.  Enter the Gateway to Florida to uncover Jacksonville’s chilling past and discover the tragic mysteries of its present.

Join a Jacksonville ghost tour tonight and creep down sordid alleys and thoroughfares of the city to uncover its many ghosts. Investigate deep into the city’s blackened underside and discover why what’s hidden in the shadows during daylight often reveals itself in the darkness of the night.

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Choose Your Unique Jacksonville Experience

Tours are held daily, rain or shine, and year-round. Please see a list of available tours below to book your tour today, or for more information.

Jacksonville Ghost Tour

Enter the Gateway to Florida to uncover Jacksonville's chilling past. Hear the secrets behind its fame, and encounter the ghosts it fostered with its residents' evil deeds.

Meeting Location All tours meet at JAX Beach, 6 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States

Tour Duration Tours last 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance. Ask about the bonus extended tour to additional haunted locations!

Availability Press "Book Now" for availability

JACKSONVILLE GHOSTS BOOS AND BOOZE HAUNTED PUB CRAWL

Take a Jacksonville Ghosts Pub Crawl for genuine stories, scares, and delicious drinks in the historic district, with up to 2 hours of ghostly fun with the city's spirits and Spirits.

Meeting Location All tours meet at 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, at the Seawalk Pavillion.

Tour Duration Up to 2 hours.

THE EXPERIENCES YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT

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Preview The Most Haunted Locations In Jacksonville

Casa marina.

Once considered the finest hotel to sit upon one of the finest beaches in the United States, the Casa Marina was a popular vacation destination for movie stars and mobsters. Some loved it so much that they never left.

Jacksonville Lifeguard Station

The Jacksonville lifeguard station is one of the oldest in the state. It has seen all manner of tragedies during its almost 90 years of service. Dozens of people have drowned just a hair’s distance away from the beach and all those souls seek refuge in this location.

Ginger's Place

Built in the 1950s, the building now known as Ginger’s was once a dress shop, where mannequins looking out from the windows would draw people in. Today passersby see the face of Ginger Payson staring back at them, the owner who died in 2003.

Welcome to Jacksonville Ghosts

Tonight, get ready for a thrilling and haunted ride like no other.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

Superstition, deadly disasters, and war.

Long before the colonials came and forts sprung up like weeds along the coast, Jacksonville was a region mired in superstition, ancient traditions, and medieval rituals. Old lands soaked up the myths of these ancient societies. Some of those tales, some of those tragedies, and much of the warfare of those indigenous people left stains on Jacksonville’s soul. This city was forged in horrors and calamity long before more savage terrors crossed the Atlantic and made it their home.

A dark and tragic history of hurricanes, fires, the Motion Picture Industry, and even mobsters tell the REAL stories of East Coast Hollywood. From forts defended with blood and grizzle, to winter resort areas populated by bootleggers and mobsters — Jacksonville has one of the nation’s most sordid and colorful pasts. Home to some of Florida’s most haunted locations, its history is filled with hellish bouts of Yellow Fever outbreak and its inhabitants were witnesses to bloody battles like The Spanish-American and Civil War that took their toll on the population time and time again.

The infamous background players included the likes of pirates, Presidents, mobsters, Hollywood powerhouses, and vengeful natives. Each and every one of them left behind a tale, along with a couple of ghosts — some their own, some their unwilling victims.

WHY IS JACKSONVILLE SO HAUNTED?

Uncover the deadly history of jacksonville.

“The New City of the South,” has a 6000-year-old history of Human habitation — curses, plagues, the mutinies, killings, and even murders paint JAX’s rich and gruesome history. Even back then, when humankind made the leap from nomadic tribes to agricultural groupings, a beachfront property was highly valuable due to its commercial advantage.

A history that spans more than 6,000 years of human habitation — Location, location, location. Even back then, when humankind made the leap from nomadic tribes to agricultural groupings, a beachfront property was highly valuable. The area now known as Jacksonville and its equally iconic brother St. Augustine – just a stone’s throw away – are the US’ oldest habitable regions. Ancient places where complex societies, well-adapted to environmental conditions, made their home. Powerful chiefdoms battled and bled for this patch of land.

Come with us this evening as we dig through Jacksonville’s ancient past and unearth the seeds that birthed some of its modern monsters.

Jacksonville – Florida at its most decadent.

Something ghostly – something only our tour guides can show you in the dead of night in Jacksonville wants to make contact. The Jacksonville pier and its rows of bars, family-friendly entertainment, quaint little shops, and sand-packed beaches are full of ghosts. Jacksonville is a city like no other–one that draws in the crowds, the tourists, the ambitious go-getters. It is a city baked in the summer’s heat, brought to life by winter birds wanting a change and spirited by a sprawling commercial district. One of the 12 most populous cities in the US and the biggest one in the State, Jacksonville is full of triumphs and countless failures. Some of those are more tragic, more bloody, and more shameful than others.

Jacksonville is a city tempered by its rich past, built on the heartache of others, where the wraiths of pirates haunt the beaches searching for hidden booty, leaving their ghostly steps behind. Its haunting past is marked by a suicidal, or murdered, actress who haunts a theme park.  Its home to multiple haunted, bone-chilling locations waiting for you to tear away the glamor and peer at what really lies beneath.

Encounter the Real Ghosts of Jacksonville

Journey tonight into the darkness of this city to witness the real Jacksonville.  Hear the secrets behind its fame, and encounter the shades and ghosts it has fostered with the wickedness of its residents.

Rub elbows against fiends and specters such as Blackbeard’s ghost, poor drowned Todd, down on her luck actress Karla Rubinstein, and even a cursed other-worldly threat. Those are just a few of the creatures that wait in the shadows.

Learn the thrilling tales of a smuggler who tried to outsmart the city’s crime boss and his cement-footed end. Hear about the region’s founding on the sharp end of a conquistador’s sword and the curses laid on the land by native witch doctors wanting revenge. From wronged starlets looking for fame, but only finding death, to jilted lovers seeking vengeance, The River City’s history is brought with terrifying tales.

WHAT MAKES THIS JACKSONVILLE GHOST TOUR SO SPECIAL?

A once-in-a-lifetime experience—an adventure you’ll cherish ‘till the end..

The Jacksonville ghost tour is a bone-chilling thrill ride not for the faint at heart. It starts off looking into the horizon, just feet from the sand and its world-famous pier.

Come with our expert guides as we adventure down shadowed avenues, stand under neon lights, and attempt to photograph the unseen. As you hear tales of Jacksonville’s incredible history and off-beat chronology. Witness the former location of a sprawling native encampment, an invasion site for Spaniards,  and even a bustling silver screen backlot that existed long before Hollywood came to be.

See a different, darker side of this sun-soaked destination.

Come with us as we travel across streets, parks, and peers of this river city as an expert narrator evokes stories that should have stayed dead. Tales of vengeful ghosts, fevered native curses, of blind ambitions. Each haunted stop has its own theme and has been heavily researched with all sightings of haunts documented. Get ready to feel the sinewy cold tingle of something brushing against your back and to get in touch with something from beyond the veil. This ghost tour is an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll recall until your dying day — or longer.

Be Part of A Growing Ghostly Community

Journey with us through Jacksonville’s haunted history — a past that scurries across its blood soaked veneer. Book this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and be part of a growing community of investigators of the afterlife — Of ghost hunters.

If you’d like to stroll down the haunted promenade of Jacksonville and see this beachside neighborhood in a frightening new light, book your tour with US Ghost Adventures today.

Experience the unexplained — many of our guests bear witness to the unknown. Become one of them tonight.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

6 REASONS TO BOOK A JACKSONVILLE GHOST TOUR RIGHT NOW!

1:  you want to immerse yourself in the violent history of jacksonville.

Make contact with the soul of this tourist enclave and bask in its secret history. A quiet little seaside neighborhood where every nook and cranny has a sinful story to tell. Every spot hides a body, a tragedy, a murder. Every stop is rife with an exciting tale. A history guarded and hidden in the shadows. Our tour, our sensory experience, is heavily researched and based on facts — from periodicals, history books, recorded accounts of hauntings and documented ghost sightings. Learn about the pirates, like Blackbeard that called the shores of JAX their own, of crime families that controlled the region, of drowned northerners swept up by the current. All dead souls are still rattling around.

2:  You like Dark Tourism and Jacksonville has plenty of it

Some of us are simply attracted by the darker aspects of history. There’s an actual tourism type for that — Dark Tourism. We have on our bucket list Chernobyl. If you tell us that there’s a bar in Port Orange famous because a serial killer picked up their victims there, we will go and have a beer on its stools. We tend to memorize the ghastly bits of stories, the bloody bits. And the truth is that we are a community. If this sounds like you, If you’re the type that pays attention when murder and mayhem step onto the the stage, then this is the perfect tour for you.

3:  You Need Something Different to Do With That Special Person– A Chilling Date Night

There’s a reason why we like our vampires both bloody as well as sexy. Why Dracula or Lestat or even Edward seem like gothic pin-up models. It’s because danger is exciting, danger is sexy, danger is attractive. Studies have shown over and over again that nothing excites us more than a good scare. There’s something in us, something almost self-destructive, that links a good scare with that part of our brain that finds someone attractive.  There’s a reason why scary movies and roller coasters get the blood pumping and give that date night a different stimulant.

4: You Are Looking For Inspiration

You’re a history nut. Some of us are like that. We fly into a city and need to know absolutely everything about it. We love a good stat’, or date, or historical tidbit. And the US is full of them. We might be a relatively new nation but what we lack in age we make up in other ways. We started strong and our dogged ambition has allowed us to concentrate into a couple of years what countries in Europe or Asia required millenniums for. JAX is full of fevered history and if you’re a fan of it, it’s time to learn some of its secrets.

5: You Already Took Visited the Beach & the Sights of Jacksonville

Jacksonville like all of Florida is full of crazy sights, of weird history, of bizarre coincidences. For a State so new, and one that was just – as of the start of the 20th century – recently sprung open, it has amassed a lot of history. Still, you’ve gone on all the tours, visited St. Augustine, and made the day trip to Disney. You’ve shopped at its outlets and spent countless hours on JAX’s beaches. You’ve done it all. But not quite. You’ve done the traditional, what about the outré? Time to take a long hard look at the night work that drives this city’s spirit and resurrect its demimonde heart.

When the lights go down the city is possessed by something sinister.. Night-comers scuttle out of the woodwork and haunt the willing, the brave, or the foolish.

6:  You Dream of the Glitz, Glamor, and Ghosts

“Hollywood is wonderful. Anyone who doesn’t like it is either crazy or sober.” — Raymond Chandler.

Jacksonville was once Hollywood before Hollywood was even a thing. The eastern coast of the US was where power couples, producers, the silent screen idols came to film and make magic. This was where the first soundstage and movie studies were built. It was also where the first Hollywood scandals were born. Where starlets and stars sold their souls for 15 minutes of fame. Where torrid affairs were made real. Where passions dictated scenes. Where slander and gossip were the coins of the land. Get the inside scoop on some of the truths behind that era’s biggest wrongdoings. If you’re a fan of yellow journalism, of the seedy, the reproachful, and the tantalizing, JAX is your kind of town. Get the behind the scenes exclusive. Those facts didn’t get past the censors — watch as they are laid bare and naked before you. Decadent parties, midnight trysts, extramarital meetups. Passions inflamed by the sun, the booze, and mankind’s hunger. In JAX, you’ll need a guide that is willing to kiss and tell.

Further Reading