Many individuals will probably be shocked to be taught simply what number of unbelievable issues there are to do in Jacksonville. Typically missed by its extra “well-known” neighbors similar to Savannah, Orlando, or Miami, Jacksonville is wealthy in historical past, tradition, meals, and humanities. And can be residence to some fairly unbelievable seashores.
I’ve been visiting “Jax” for over 5 years and at the moment have the privilege of calling it residence. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Jacksonville – and inside this publish, I’ve pulled collectively a few of the greatest outings to your subsequent go to.
Jacksonville, also referred to as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some shocking info that you just may be unfamiliar with. Do you know it’s the largest metropolis by land mass within the contiguous USA? It additionally boasts the largest city park system within the nation, will get over 270 days of sunshine every year and is residence to over 30 craft breweries.
I like exploring Jacksonville and have a tendency to discover a hidden gem every time I’m going out – for me, it’s one of many greatest locations to go to within the USA. It’s a metropolis stuffed with a various group of individuals, tons of nature, and plenty of water, which makes it the right place to discover a scrumptious restaurant, an fascinating museum, or a enjoyable outside exercise.
There are actually 1000’s of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Jacksonville
I like consuming, ingesting an excellent microbrew, soaking within the sunshine, and studying about my metropolis and environment. Fortunately, Jax and its close by suburbs are packed stuffed with all of these issues, and I’ve compiled an inventory of the most effective Jacksonville sights, excursions, and actions that shouldn’t be missed when you’re ever within the space.
Whether or not you’re into artwork, historical past, or nature, or just love exploring new locations – you’ll get pleasure from discovering all of the enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville. I’m increasingly more impressed with this metropolis every single day. So, that can assist you plan the right itinerary, listed below are my high suggestions for sightseeing in Jacksonville:
1. Take a Public Artwork Tour
Should you’re something like me, you possibly can admire colourful avenue artwork and murals. In relation to the “high” issues to do in Jacksonville, FL, a public artwork tour is first up on that record – it’s one among my favourite issues I’ve finished since being right here.
You’ll be a part of a small group of individuals after which trip round in a tuk-tuk as you got down to discover the most effective items of publicly displayed paintings; from murals and mosaics to statues and sculptures. You’ll see over 70 items of artwork in complete. Plus, you’ll get to be taught in regards to the inspiration behind each bit. So cool!
It’s a 2.5-hour tour and is without doubt one of the greatest issues to see in Jacksonville. Study extra and guide your public artwork tour right here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
2. Discover Islands by Bike
Should you’re visiting Northeast Florida, it might be a travesty to overlook out on visiting a minimum of one of many many attractive state parks and islands. Exploring the seashores and parks is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville for households as a result of it’s enjoyable for all ages and ability ranges. Taking a self-guided tour by bike is a incredible strategy to just do that.
Uncover Massive Talbot Island State Park and Amelia Island State Park at your personal tempo by renting a Pedege Electrical Bike and taking an eco-friendly trip. The straightforward-to-follow path is defined to you on the rental store, and also you’ll also have a sensible helmet that permits you to talk with the opposite riders in your group.
I took this tour with my household a number of months in the past, and it was an absolute blast. Boneyard Seashore was my favourite because of its scattered “skeleton bushes” that give the seashore an eerie but lovely setting. The self-guided bike tour is by far one of many high issues to do in Jacksonville – guide your spot right here.
Deal with: Pedego Electrical Bikes Amelia Island, 4800 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Seashore, FL 32034
3. Immerse Your self in Nature by Kayak
Out of all of the issues to do round Jacksonville, your journey wouldn’t be full when you didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and discover through kayak. At any time when I wish to exhibit my metropolis to family and friends, this can be a sure-fire tour to impress them – it by no means fails.
On this two-hour tour, you’ll paddle out in a backwater tributary the place you possibly can preserve your eye out for gators, turtles, birds, and fish. It’s additionally self-guided (by utilizing an app in your cellphone), so you possibly can take your time (inside these couple of hours) and cease wherever and everytime you want to take all of it in. It’s additionally low-impact, which makes it excellent for all expertise and health ranges.
The tour’s app additionally includes a UF naturalist who particulars the historical past of the world by means of a speaker. I are likely to be taught one thing new each time I’m going – I just lately discovered that the gopher tortoises within the space are seen as a keystone species as a result of they dig burrows that present shelter for a minimum of 360 different species. Fascinating, proper?
Deal with: 463540 State Rd 200, Yulee, FL 32097
4. Hop on the Jax Ale Path
I’m a big craft beer fan, and once I discovered in regards to the Jax Ale Path, I used to be ecstatic. The microbrewery scene continues to develop right here within the metropolis, and probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville is to discover a majority of them by utilizing your “passport”.
You possibly can choose up a free passport at any of the collaborating breweries, and if you buy a pint at every brewery, you’ll get a stamp. After receiving a set quantity of stamps, you possibly can obtain free Jax Ale Path gear together with shirts, pint glasses, and free beer. It’s a win-win scenario!
A few of my favourite breweries on the path embody Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bottlenose Brewing, Instinct Ale Works, and Congaree and Penn. Study extra in regards to the Jax Ale Path and all of the collaborating breweries on their official web site. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is straightforward if you’ve received the passport in hand.
Deal with: A number of areas
5. Head Downtown for a Lesson in Structure and Historical past
Based in 1822 and having suffered the tragedy of an enormous hearth in 1901, Jacksonville has an especially wealthy and fascinating historical past. Due to all of the moments and occasions that town has endured, the Daring Metropolis gives tons of tales behind its structure and historical past.
The half-day metropolis tour in downtown Jacksonville is a perfect strategy to see all of it and be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
Stops on this tremendous fascinating tour embody the Veterans Memorial Wall, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Enviornment, and the Friendship Fountain. After I realized the story behind the Friendship Fountain, I used to be deeply moved – the fountain nonetheless stands as one of many metropolis’s most recognizable sights in Jacksonville in the present day.
The tour takes round three hours to finish, and also you’ll be touring with a educated tour information who’ll drive you round through tuk-tuk. They will choose you up out of your lodge for ease and comfort. Study extra in regards to the half-day metropolis tour and the small print on the tour’s web site.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
6. Go Axe Throwing at Stumpy’s
Out of all of the stuff to do in Jacksonville, axe throwing has rapidly change into one among my favourite pastimes. Stumpy’s Hatchet Home is without doubt one of the coolest locations I’ve visited within the metropolis, and you may lease out the non-public group room when you’re touring with pals or household.
Should you’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be a bit of intimidating – fortunately, there’s workers handy that can practice you earlier than you start.
After you’ve mastered your bullseye-throwing expertise, you possibly can calm down within the venue’s comfy surroundings the place you possibly can chat and have a snack or drink together with your favourite individuals. I like the country vibes at Stumpy’s, it actually makes the place heat and welcoming however nonetheless hip and fashionable.
If axe throwing isn’t your factor, in addition they have board video games and big variations of favorites like Join 4 and Jenga. Should you guide the non-public room, you’ll obtain two axes and two targets in your personal separate throwing pit. Study extra in regards to the Stumpy’s Hatchet Home package deal right here.
Deal with: Stumpy’s Hatchet Home, 1719 N Principal St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
7. Tour and Keep within the Historic Casa Marina Resort
Opening within the heyday of the roaring 20s, the historic Casa Marina Resort has lengthy been a vacation spot for the wealthy and glamorous since 1925. Positioned in widespread Jacksonville Seashore, this beautiful property is named the “Grand Girl of the Seashore” and is without doubt one of the high issues to do close to Jacksonville.
After altering possession a number of occasions, the Casa Marina Resort now boasts 23 attractive guestrooms and parlor suites, in addition to a chef-driven restaurant. Should you’re in search of probably the greatest free issues to do in Jacksonville, you possibly can cease by the lodge and take a tour of the historic property. The Mediterranean-style structure is a sight to behold alone.
E-book an evening on the lodge for an expensive keep and finish your night with a meal of crab desserts, Kobe beef sliders, or a charcuterie board from their spectacular penthouse menu.
Deal with: Casa Marina Resort and Restaurant, 1st Avenue North, Jacksonville Seashore, FL
8. Check Your Wits in an Escape Room
Should you’re feeling assured that you just’ve received the talents to interrupt out of an escape room, discover out by rounding up your buddies and heading to The Escape Recreation, the place you’ll discover 5 distinctive, themed rooms to select from.
Inside, you’ll have to unravel puzzles and collect clues to flee the room earlier than time runs out. Don’t fear – you’ll have a information that can assist you in case you get stumped.
I used to be a bit nervous once I visited The Escape Recreation myself as a result of I can get a bit of claustrophobic and hadn’t finished something prefer it earlier than. However I’m so glad I did it! It sharpens the thoughts and has you working with your mates collectively as a crew. My favourite room was The Heist, the place your objective is to get well a priceless portray from the “Barclay Museum of Historic Artwork”.
Different rooms embody the tough Jail Break room, the Gold Rush room, the Playground, and the Particular Ops: Mysterious Market. Reserve your sport time right here – it’s the right exercise when in search of issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or pals.
Deal with: The Escape Recreation Jacksonville, 4720 City Crossing Dr Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32246
9. Spend a Weekend Museum Hopping
Out of all of the issues to do in Jacksonville, visiting museums is very excessive on the record for me. The River Metropolis is residence to over a dozen unbelievable museums, every providing one thing totally different and intriguing. From science and astronomy to artwork and gardens, you’re certain to search out one thing that piques your curiosity. Why not spend a weekend visiting three or 4 of them?
My favourite museum is the Cummer Museum of Artwork & Gardens. The grounds are completely breathtaking, and the gathering of artwork inside is nothing in need of astonishing. It’s additionally the most important high-quality arts museum in northeast Florida. Another incredible museums within the metropolis embody the Museum of Science & Trade, Museum of Up to date Artwork, Seashores Museum, and extra.
Deal with: For a full record of Jacksonville museums, go to town’s official tourism web site.
10. Go to the Charming Fernandina Seashore
Though it’s technically not throughout the metropolis limits, Fernandina Seashore is only a fast 45-minute drive away and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to close to Jacksonville. This charming seashore city is a spot that I attempt to go to a minimum of as soon as a month.
An effective way to discover the world is by taking a guided strolling tour by means of the streets that maintain a historical past courting again over 300 years. The 90-minute tour features a non-public information that can inform you the tales behind the properties and native figures that formed the neighborhood since earlier than the Civil Warfare. You’ll get to study pirates, battle, and every kind of different fascinating stuff!
After the tour, Fernandina Seashore has loads of cute eating places and boutiques to discover earlier than heading off. E-book your strolling tour information right here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – Centre St, Fernandina Seashore, FL 32034
11. Trip an Electrical Harley
Buggies, bikes, mini vehicles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” car to get round is without doubt one of the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. One of the distinctive varieties of car to lease is an electrical Harley-style scooter – they’re tremendous enjoyable and will certainly flip heads whilst you trip round city.
The scooters are quiet and clean, and you may even play your favourite tunes by means of a Bluetooth speaker. They’re additionally surprisingly simple to maneuver, so that you don’t want to fret when you’ve by no means pushed a motorbike earlier than.
Should you’ve been considering of issues to do in Jacksonville at evening, this selection has you lined. You possibly can reserve your bike upfront right here.
Deal with: 11 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Seashore, FL 32034
12. Expertise Adrenaline Pumping Thrills on an Airboat
Nothing says “the South” fairly like taking an exhilarating trip on a quick airboat. It’s the right strategy to see the native wildlife of Jacksonville. Earlier than I moved to Jacksonville, I booked an airboat tour, and it was severely probably the most enjoyable issues I’ve ever finished.
You’ll get to skim throughout shallow waters whereas feeling the frenzy of 500 horsepower – and belief me, you go FAST. Throughout my tour, we had been fortunate sufficient to identify alligators and dolphins, however when you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally see manatees, eagles, pelicans, and turtles.
Should you love nature and you’re keen on all issues quick – an airboat trip is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville. E-book your thrilling airboat trip right here.
Deal with: Meet at Palms Fish Camp, 6359 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
13. Get Spooky with Ghosts and Ghouls
Jacksonville can hint its historical past again to 2,500 B.C., making it a breeding floor for ghosts and spooky tales. Once you consider Florida, you in all probability consider palm bushes and sunshine, however, in actuality, there’s a a lot darker aspect to the seaside city of Jacksonville Seashore.
Not solely have there been inhabitants within the area for 1000’s of years, however there have additionally been weird happenings across the metropolis for generations – particularly after the devastating hearth of 1901. So, when you’re into scary haunts and ghost tales, I extremely suggest you get your self on this ghost and ghouls tour.
The one-hour tour is hosted by a educated information who will take you to seven unassuming spots in Jacksonville Seashore that every one have haunted pasts. Reserve your spot on this one-of-a-kind tour to see the opposite aspect of Daring Metropolis.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 6 Seashore Boulevard, Jacksonville Seashore
14. Eat to Your Coronary heart’s Content material
Positive, there are many locations to go to and issues to see in Jacksonville, however you possibly can’t miss out on the meals scene whilst you’re right here.
Meals is all the time my primary precedence once I journey or transfer to someplace new, and once I first moved to Jacksonville, I used to be on a mission to search out the yummiest meals round – my investigations led me to resolve that the San Marco space is the hub for all issues scrumptious.
The historic San Marco space is residence to beautiful murals, nice boutiques, and plenty of tasty eating places, cafes, and meals vans. From tapas and Center Jap meals to burritos and seafood, the neighborhood actually has a menu for everybody. With a lot to select from, probably the greatest methods to pattern the entire mouthwatering delicacies is to take a strolling meals tour.
Throughout this tour, you’ll stroll across the selfie-worthy neighborhood whereas stopping at 5 totally different eating places and cafes. Some stops may embody Hightide Burrito, Taverna, Good Dough Artisan Doughnuts, and extra. E-book your meals tour right here.
Deal with: Go to the tour web site for location data
15. Assist Native Artists
Should you occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely suggest testing the Riverside Arts Market. Positioned underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from every kind of distributors. It’s the right alternative to take residence a bit of piece of Jacksonville or to discover a handmade reward.
What makes this market so superior is that it’s proper on the river, so you’ve gotten an unbelievable view whilst you’re looking, plus, you’ll get to see the entire skills which might be teeming from town’s artists, craft makers, and farmers. Along with enjoyable, items, and produce, the market additionally boasts stay music, meals vans, and free yoga. Study extra right here.
Deal with: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Jacksonville:
What’s Jacksonville recognized for?
Jacksonville is greatest recognized for its artwork galleries, museums, and large music festivals.
When is the most effective time to go to Jacksonville?
Spring and fall are nice seasons to go to Jacksonville. You’ll beat the warmth of the summer time whereas nonetheless having fun with comfy seashore temps within the mid-70°Fs to decrease 80°Fs.
Is Jacksonville price visiting?
Completely! With its wealthy historical past, vigorous tradition, and incredible seashores, Jacksonville ought to undoubtedly be in your record of locations to go to.
What number of days ought to I spend in Jacksonville?
I like to recommend spending a minimum of 3 to 4 days in Jacksonville; nevertheless, every week could be supreme to completely discover the world.
Is Jacksonville secure?
General, Jacksonville is a really secure metropolis to go to. The crime charge is decrease than the nationwide common, and it’s rated the #16 metropolis to stay in within the United States.
What’s the hottest factor to do in Jacksonville?
Visiting museums and hanging out on the seashore are the most well-liked issues to do in Jacksonville.
What’s the greatest seashore in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a number of seashores with broad stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Seashore.
What meals ought to I strive in Jacksonville?
Lowcountry delicacies may be very widespread in Jacksonville – gadgets similar to a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different comparable gadgets ought to make it onto your record of must-try dishes.
Is 3 days sufficient in Jacksonville?
Three days could be the minimal time I’d advise; any lower than this and also you’ll wrestle to get the total scope of town.
In Closing
Jacksonville is brimming with surprises, hidden gems, and interesting spots. Regardless of the age or the curiosity in exercise – River Metropolis has one thing enjoyable to supply everybody. Museums are a should, nature is bountiful, the solar is seemingly all the time shining, and the seashore is barely ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love?
