Typically eclipsed by neighbors comparable to Orlando and Miami, many individuals don’t know simply how wonderful Jacksonville is. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Florida. There’s a lot to do on this stunning metropolis, and what’s extra, there are various enjoyable, free issues to do in Jacksonville which can be nice for {couples}, households, and even solo vacationers.
The vacationer points of interest in Jacksonville are virtually limitless, and after dwelling right here for a 12 months, I used to be shocked to learn how many don’t price a dime. So, when you’re touring on a price range or simply wish to save a buck or two, that is the town for you.
Greatest Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville
Not solely have I been a resident of Jax for some time, however I visited the realm for 5 years earlier than transferring right here. There are occasions when funds have been tight, and I’ve needed to get artistic with concepts for locations to go in Jacksonville. I used to be delightfully impressed to find that there are dozens of issues to try this are utterly free within the metropolis.
These are my favourite suggestions at no cost issues to do and locations to go in Jacksonville, Florida. Who doesn’t like a free and enjoyable day trip?
1. Head to the Seashore
There are virtually limitless issues to do in Jax, however one in every of Jacksonville’s most blatant (and greatest) free issues to do is to go east to the seaside. This metropolis has a few of the most wonderful seashores I’ve ever seen, and I by no means get uninterested in going.
The seaside cities in Jacksonville embody Ponte Vedra Seashore, Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, and Atlantic Seashore. Every one has one thing distinctive to supply, together with a selection of eating places and the vibe; nonetheless, in relation to free actions, sunbathing doesn’t get any higher than on these vast stretches of sentimental, white sand.
Packing a seaside towel and stress-free along with your favourite guide doesn’t price a factor, (and also you’re positive to get a pleasant little tan!).
Handle: Ponte Vedra Seashore, Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, Atlantic Seashore
2. Riverside Arts Market
One other enjoyable, free factor to do in Jacksonville is to take pleasure in a day by the river with meals, music, and native crafts on the Riverside Arts Market. Occurring each Saturday from 10 a.m. to three p.m., come rain or shine, it’s the proper solution to save a buck whereas nonetheless having enjoyable.
Positioned on the north financial institution of the St. Johns River, underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, the market is house to loads of native distributors, stay music, and engaging meals. After all, any purchases will price cash, nevertheless it actually doesn’t price something to admire artwork, people-watch, and benefit from the ambiance.
I attempt to make it as much as this market each Saturday; I discover one thing distinctive and funky each time I go to. It’s additionally an ideal outing for households.
Handle: 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
3. Go Mountain climbing
Though Jacksonville doesn’t have any mountains, it doesn’t imply it doesn’t have some nice mountaineering. Probably the greatest free issues to do in Jacksonville is to go out to the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Protect.
I’m initially from Oregon, so mountaineering is principally in my blood. When first I moved to Florida, I assumed I’d be leaving my mountaineering days behind. I used to be over the moon to seek out this attractive, sprawling pure wonderland.
Stroll the paths as you discover the gorgeous marshland, surrounded by big oak timber with hanging Spanish moss. There’s additionally an statement tower with an exquisite view of the estuaries – hold a watch out for native wildlife.
Handle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
4. Go to the Kingsley Plantation
Plan a cease on the Kingsley Plantation on the identical day as mountaineering within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Protect. It’s a dwelling historical past exhibit positioned within the oldest intact plantation home within the state of Florida.
Admission is completely free, and the exhibit contains the plantation home, plantation gardens, a kitchen, a barn, and 20 completely preserved tabby slave cabins. There’s additionally an audio tour that gives you with the whole historical past of the plantation for these trying to discover out extra info.
It’s a humbling look again into the previous and is a good way to study in regards to the tradition of Jacksonville.
Handle: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
5. Wander By a Backyard
A must-see attraction in Jacksonville is the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Each time I go to an enormous metropolis, I at all times love strolling by way of an arboretum, and Jacksonville has some of the attractive grounds I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Referred to as the “hidden jewel” of Northeast Florida, these gardens cowl over 120 acres and provide 7 trails by way of 13 distinct ecosystems. You’ll stroll by way of forest and marshland, stroll round lakes, and revel in being dwarfed by huge oak timber.
This spot is good for these instances if you’re in search of a little bit of peace and tranquility amongst nature. It’s one in every of my favourite spots in all of Jacksonville.
Handle: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
6. Go to a Free Pageant
The sunny and heat climate of Jacksonville makes it the proper location for outside festivals – and lots of of them are free to attend. I’ve a calendar at house of probably the most enjoyable festivals occurring across the metropolis, and these are my favorites:
The Jacksonville Jazz Pageant is held yearly throughout Memorial Day Weekend, and it’s utterly free! The four-day pageant hosts a few of the most gifted jazz artists on the earth. Different free festivals embody PorchFest, Springing the Blues, Jax Delight, and extra. Make sure you seek for occasions held throughout your keep.
Handle: Numerous places
7. Go to the Seashores Museum
Positioned within the coronary heart of Jacksonville Seashore, the Seashores Museum is at all times free to go to, and I’m going right here each time I’ve guests. They’ve occasions, displays, and archives that take you thru the colourful historical past and tradition of the gorgeous seaside cities.
The factor I like most about this museum is that it’s excellent for individuals of all ages, and also you’re proper by the seaside, so you possibly can go for a swim after your go to. My favourite displays within the museum embody “Tourism on the World’s Best Seashore” and “Coastal Forest”.
Handle: 381 Seashore Blvd, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
8. Stroll Alongside the River
The St. Johns River is the center of Jacksonville, and it’s completely stunning. I by no means get uninterested in driving over the entire attractive bridges and taking within the views of the town. Strolling alongside the banks of the river is a improbable solution to see Daring Metropolis.
Whereas strolling alongside the south financial institution, ensure that to cease on the artwork set up referred to as “Mirrored River: The place Do You See Your self?”. It’s 64 toes of mirrors, tile, and pebbles that kind a satellite tv for pc picture of the river. It’s completely gorgeous at sundown so I like to recommend heading right here in the direction of to finish of the day.
When in search of free issues to do in Jacksonville, that is at all times one in every of my favourite choices.
Handle: Various places – Artwork set up underneath the Foremost Avenue Bridge
9. Go for a Household Bike Experience
A lot of Jacksonville motels provide free bike leases, which is nice as a result of Jacksonville is house to tons of bikeable trails which can be enjoyable to discover with the household. The perfect trails, in my view, are out at Camp Milton Historic Protect.
The blacktop path of the 14.5-mile Baldwin Path is solely gorgeous. You’ll peddle down the path whereas being sheltered by a tree cover with the gorgeous oak timber you discover throughout the south.
Pack a picnic as a result of the park presents loads of excellent spots to cease and revel in a fast chew earlier than persevering with with explorations.
Handle: 1225 Halsema Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32220
10. Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens
Fairly probably the most well-liked museum in the whole metropolis, the Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens is without doubt one of the prime vacationer points of interest in Jacksonville. Each the artwork museum and gardens are equally spectacular and are perfect for all ages.
Though they don’t provide free admission on a regular basis, the museum has six free admission days a month. The second and third Tuesdays, fourth Fridays, first Saturdays, and first full weekends of every month are utterly free.
The Cummer Museum is correct close to the north financial institution of the river, with over 5,000 artistic endeavors, and overlooks 2.5 acres of historic gardens. It’s really a particular expertise and is unquestionably value including to your itinerary.
Handle: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
11. Return in Time at Fort Caroline Nationwide Memorial
A go to to the Fort Caroline Nationwide Memorial is like touring again in time. Memorializing the short-lived French presence right here in Florida within the sixteenth century, there’s a lot to study and uncover right here. And, because it’s made it onto this record of free issues in Jacksonville, in fact, it’s utterly free.
You’ll see tales of exploration, non secular disputes, battles, and even the primary contact between American Indians and Europeans. I used to be in awe the whole time throughout my first go to. I had no thought this a part of Florida held a lot historical past.
For those who’d wish to discover with an audio tour, that’s obtainable as properly. Merely enquire upon arrival.
Handle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
12. Take pleasure in Tranquility on the Castaway Island Protect
Once I first visited Jacksonville, I had no clue how nature-centric the town was. Now that I’ve lived right here for a 12 months, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover the entire parks within the space, and the Castaway Island Protect is one in every of my favourite spots to go for a peaceable stroll with my pup.
Positioned alongside the Intercoastal Waterway, you possibly can stroll alongside the boardwalk and have enjoyable recognizing the marshland wildlife. You’ll be able to take within the wonderful views from the statement deck, take the children alongside the interpretive nature path, or use the kayak launch to discover by water.
The park is free to enter and is open from dawn to sundown.
Handle: 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225
13. St. John’s Cathedral
If visiting church buildings and cathedrals is one thing you love to do in new cities, then you possibly can’t miss seeing St. John’s Cathedral. It is going to cease you in your tracks with its magnificence, and it has a historical past that’s past fascinating.
Holding its first service on Easter Sunday in 1877, this cathedral nonetheless has a robust congregation in the present day. Sadly, it was destroyed by a devastating hearth that leveled the town in 1901. However it was rebuilt by the group on the identical basis.
At the moment, it’s some of the attractive buildings in all of downtown and is actually value a go to.
Handle: 256 E Church St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
14. Go to the Jacksonville Library
There’s one thing in regards to the scent of books that makes me really feel higher about all the things. I like popping into the Jacksonville Library each time I can for a number of causes: I can try a brand new guide, the structure is gorgeous, and it’s extraordinarily peaceable inside.
Not solely does the Foremost Jacksonville Library have a number of flooring, full of each guide you may probably think about, however additionally they host paintings and displays as properly. Previous exhibitions embody The Jazz Jam Pictures Assortment, Observations of an Explorer, and Pure Narrative.
For those who’re , the library additionally presents guided excursions.
Handle: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
15. Admire artwork at MOCA
The Museum of Up to date Artwork (MOCA) is one other well-liked museum within the coronary heart of Jacksonville. It additionally occurs to be proper subsequent door to the library, so it’s a superb cease to take a look at earlier than, or after, choosing out some books.
This museum isn’t free all of the time, however they do provide free admission days all through the month. There’s free entry obtainable each Saturday from 11 a.m. to five p.m., in addition to the final Friday of every month with a legitimate library card.
MOCA is the second oldest up to date artwork museum within the nation and is house to hundreds of artistic endeavors that may’t be seen wherever else.
Handle: 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the very best free issues to do in Jacksonville, Florida:
Sure! There are dozens of issues to do in Jacksonville at no cost. From museums to parks, there are tons of enjoyable choices to select from.
General, Jacksonville isn’t costly. After all, like several main metropolis, you could find costly eating places and outings; nonetheless, there are many budget-friendly actions as properly. You’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little as you’d like.
Some museums are free in Jacksonville, just like the Seashores Museum. Many different museums provide free admission days all through the month.
Jacksonville is most identified for its stunning seashores, improbable museums, and vibrant tradition.
The perfect time to go to Jacksonville is determined by your preferences in temperature and actions. The summer time months are sizzling and busy, whereas the winter months are chillier, and the shoulder months have delicate temperatures with fewer crowds.
Completely! Jacksonville is unquestionably value visiting. There’s a lot to do for guests of all ages.
It is best to spend a minimal of three days in Jacksonville; nonetheless, per week could be greatest.
General, Jacksonville is a secure metropolis to go to. Like all different main cities, there are specific areas to keep away from; nonetheless, no vacationer points of interest or actions are positioned in these areas.
The preferred free factor to do in Jacksonville is to go to one of many stunning seashores for some solar, sand, and surf.
My favourite seaside in Jacksonville is Neptune Seashore. Different well-liked seashores embody Jacksonville Seashore, Atlantic Seashore, and Ponte Vedra Seashore.
Seafood is the most well-liked delicacies in Jacksonville. Positioned proper close to the ocean, recent Mayport shrimp, grouper, and different seafood choices are on most menus.
Sure! Three days could be the minimal keep I might advocate.
Jacksonville is just as costly as you wish to make it. There are many costly eating places and outings in addition to many budget-friendly and free choices as properly.
In Closing
You’ll discover loads of free issues to do in Jacksonville when you’re attempting to be budget-conscious in your journey to Florida. From seashores and parks to museums and festivals, having enjoyable in Jax doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. I hope this information has helped encourage some pocket-friendly enjoyable in my house metropolis – take pleasure in your journey!
