Many individuals will likely be shocked to be taught simply what number of unimaginable issues there are to do in Jacksonville. Typically missed by its extra “well-known” neighbors akin to Savannah, Orlando, or Miami, Jacksonville is wealthy in historical past, tradition, meals, and humanities. And can also be house to some fairly unimaginable seashores.
I’ve been visiting “Jax” for over 5 years and presently have the privilege of calling it house. 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 finest outings in your subsequent go to.
Jacksonville, also referred to as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some shocking information that you simply could be unfamiliar with. Do you know it’s the largest city by land mass within the contiguous USA? It additionally boasts the largest urban park system within the nation, will get over 270 days of sunshine annually and is house 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 best places to visit in the USA. It’s a metropolis stuffed with a various group of individuals, tons of nature, and many water, which makes it the right place to discover a scrumptious restaurant, an fascinating museum, or a enjoyable outside exercise.
There are really hundreds of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Jacksonville
I like consuming, consuming 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 a listing of the most effective Jacksonville sights, excursions, and actions that shouldn’t be missed for those who’re ever within the space.
Whether or not you’re into artwork, historical past, or nature, or just love exploring new locations – you’ll take pleasure in discovering all of the enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville. I’m increasingly more impressed with this metropolis each day. So, that can assist you plan the right itinerary, listed here are my prime suggestions for sightseeing in Jacksonville:
1. Take a Public Artwork Tour
If you happen to’re something like me, you possibly can recognize colourful street art and murals. In the case of the “prime” issues to do in Jacksonville, FL, a public art tour is first up on that listing – it’s one in every of my favourite issues I’ve achieved since being right here.
You’ll be part of a small group of individuals after which experience 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 finest issues to see in Jacksonville. Be taught extra and ebook your public art tour here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
2. Discover Islands by Bike
If you happen to’re visiting Northeast Florida, it could be a travesty to overlook out on visiting at the least one of many many gorgeous state parks and islands. Exploring the seashores and parks is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville for households as a result of it’s enjoyable for all ages and talent ranges. Taking a self-guided tour by bike is a incredible technique to just do that.
Uncover Big Talbot Island State Park and Amelia Island State Park at your individual tempo by renting a Pedege Electrical Bike and taking an eco-friendly experience. The straightforward-to-follow path is defined to you on the rental store, and also you’ll actually have a good 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 Beach was my favourite due to its scattered “skeleton bushes” that give the seashore an eerie but lovely setting. The self-guided bike tour is by far one of many prime issues to do in Jacksonville – ebook your spot here.
Deal with: Pedego Electric Bikes Amelia Island, 4800 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Beach, 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 for those who didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and explore via kayak. At any time when I need 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 hold your eye out for gators, turtles, birds, and fish. It’s additionally self-guided (by utilizing an app in your telephone), 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 good for all expertise and health ranges.
The tour’s app additionally incorporates a UF naturalist who particulars the historical past of the world by a speaker. I are likely to be taught one thing new each time I’m going – I just lately came upon that the gopher tortoises within the space are seen as a keystone species as a result of they dig burrows that present shelter for at the least 360 different species. Fascinating, proper?
Deal with: 463540 State Rd 200, Yulee, FL 32097
4. Hop on the Jax Ale Path
I’m a enormous craft beer fan, and after I came upon in regards to the Jax Ale Trail, I used to be ecstatic. The microbrewery scene continues to develop right here within the metropolis, and one of the enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville is to discover a majority of them by utilizing your “passport”.
You may choose up a free passport at any of the participating 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 embrace Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bottlenose Brewing, Instinct Ale Works, and Congaree and Penn. Be taught extra in regards to the Jax Ale Path and all of the collaborating breweries on their official website. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is simple if you’ve obtained the passport in hand.
Deal with: Multiple locations
5. Head Downtown for a Lesson in Structure and Historical past
Based in 1822 and having suffered the tragedy of a large fireplace in 1901, Jacksonville has a particularly rich and interesting history. Because of all of the moments and occasions that the town has endured, the Daring Metropolis provides tons of tales behind its structure and historical past.
The half-day city tour in downtown Jacksonville is a perfect technique to see all of it and be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
Stops on this tremendous fascinating tour embrace the Veterans Memorial Wall, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Area, 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 at this time.
The tour takes round three hours to finish, and also you’ll be touring with a educated tour information who’ll drive you round by way of tuk-tuk. They will choose you up out of your lodge for ease and comfort. Be taught extra in regards to the half-day city tour and the small print on the tour’s website.
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 shortly turn into one in every of my favourite pastimes. Stumpy’s Hatchet Home is without doubt one of the coolest locations I’ve visited within the metropolis, and you’ll rent out the private group room for those who’re touring with buddies or household.
If you happen to’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be just a little intimidating – fortunately, there’s employees handy that may prepare you earlier than you start.
After you’ve mastered your bullseye-throwing expertise, you possibly can chill out within the venue’s snug surroundings the place you possibly can chat and have a snack or drink along 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. If you happen to ebook the personal room, you’ll obtain two axes and two targets in your individual separate throwing pit. Be taught extra in regards to the Stumpy’s Hatchet House package right here.
Deal with: Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 1719 N Main 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 Hotel has lengthy been a vacation spot for the wealthy and glamorous since 1925. Situated in common Jacksonville Beach, this gorgeous property is named the “Grand Woman of the Seashore” and is without doubt one of the prime issues to do close to Jacksonville.
After altering possession a number of instances, the Casa Marina Resort now boasts 23 beautiful guestrooms and parlor suites, in addition to a chef-driven restaurant. If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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.
Book a night at the hotel for an expensive keep and finish your night with a meal of crab truffles, Kobe beef sliders, or a charcuterie board from their spectacular penthouse menu.
Deal with: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant, 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL
8. Take a look at Your Wits in an Escape Room
If you happen to’re feeling assured that you simply’ve obtained the abilities 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 after I visited The Escape Recreation myself as a result of I can get just a little claustrophobic and hadn’t achieved 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 purpose is to recuperate a priceless portray from the “Barclay Museum of Historic Artwork”.
Different rooms embrace the tough Jail Break room, the Gold Rush room, the Playground, and the Particular Ops: Mysterious Market. Reserve your recreation time here – it’s the right exercise when on the lookout for issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or buddies.
Deal with: The Escape Game Jacksonville, 4720 Town 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 listing for me. The River Metropolis is house to over a dozen unimaginable museums, every providing one thing totally different and intriguing. From science and astronomy to artwork and gardens, you’re positive to seek 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 Art & Gardens. The grounds are completely breathtaking, and the gathering of artwork inside is nothing wanting astonishing. It’s additionally the biggest wonderful arts museum in northeast Florida. Another incredible museums within the metropolis embrace the Museum of Science & Industry, Museum of Contemporary Art, Beaches Museum, and extra.
Deal with: For a full listing of Jacksonville museums, go to the town’s official tourism website.
10. Go to the Charming Fernandina Seashore
Though it’s technically not inside the metropolis limits, Fernandina Beach is only a fast 45-minute drive away and is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Jacksonville. This charming seashore city is a spot that I attempt to go to at the least as soon as a month.
An effective way to discover the world is by taking a guided walking tour by the streets that maintain a historical past courting again over 300 years. The 90-minute tour features a personal information that may inform you the tales behind the houses and native figures that formed the neighborhood since earlier than the Civil Warfare. You’ll get to study pirates, conflict, 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 here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
11. Experience an Electrical Harley
Buggies, bikes, mini vehicles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” vehicle to get round is without doubt one of the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. Probably the most distinctive varieties of car to hire is an electrical Harley-style scooter – they’re tremendous enjoyable and will certainly flip heads whilst you experience round city.
The scooters are quiet and clean, and you’ll even play your favourite tunes by a Bluetooth speaker. They’re additionally surprisingly simple to maneuver, so that you don’t want to fret for those who’ve by no means pushed a bike earlier than.
If you happen to’ve been pondering of issues to do in Jacksonville at night time, this feature has you lined. You may reserve your bike prematurely here.
Deal with: 11 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
12. Expertise Adrenaline Pumping Thrills on an Airboat
Nothing says “the South” fairly like taking an exhilarating ride on a fast airboat. It’s the right technique to see the native wildlife of Jacksonville. Earlier than I moved to Jacksonville, I booked an airboat tour, and it was severely one of the enjoyable issues I’ve ever achieved.
You’ll get to skim throughout shallow waters whereas feeling the push of 500 horsepower – and belief me, you go FAST. Throughout my tour, we have been fortunate sufficient to identify alligators and dolphins, however for those who’re fortunate, you’ll additionally see manatees, eagles, pelicans, and turtles.
If you happen to love nature and you’re keen on all issues quick – an airboat experience is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville. E book your thrilling airboat experience 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. Whenever 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 hundreds of years, however there have additionally been weird happenings across the metropolis for generations – particularly after the devastating fireplace of 1901. So, for those who’re into scary haunts and ghost tales, I extremely advocate 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 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach
14. Eat to Your Coronary heart’s Content material
Certain, there are many locations to go to and issues to see in Jacksonville, however you possibly can’t miss out on the food scene whilst you’re right here.
Meals is at all times my primary precedence after I journey or transfer to someplace new, and after I first moved to Jacksonville, I used to be on a mission to seek out the yummiest meals round – my investigations led me to determine that the San Marco area is the hub for all issues scrumptious.
The historic San Marco space is house to gorgeous murals, nice boutiques, and many tasty eating places, cafes, and meals vehicles. From tapas and Center Japanese meals to burritos and seafood, the neighborhood really has a menu for everybody. With a lot to select from, probably the greatest methods to pattern all the mouthwatering delicacies is to take a walking food 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 embrace Hightide Burrito, Taverna, Good Dough Artisan Doughnuts, and extra. E book your meals tour here.
Deal with: Go to the tour website for location info
15. Help Native Artists
If you happen to occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely advocate trying out the Riverside Arts Market. Situated beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from every kind of distributors. It’s the right alternative to take house just a little 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 got an unimaginable view whilst you’re searching, plus, you’ll get to see all the skills which are teeming from the town’s artists, craft makers, and farmers. Along with enjoyable, items, and produce, the market additionally boasts reside music, meals vehicles, and free yoga. Be taught extra here.
Deal with: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Jacksonville:
What’s Jacksonville recognized for?
Jacksonville is finest recognized for its artwork galleries, museums, and massive 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 season whereas nonetheless having fun with snug seashore temps within the mid-70°Fs to decrease 80°Fs.
Is Jacksonville value visiting?
Completely! With its wealthy historical past, vigorous tradition, and incredible seashores, Jacksonville ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of locations to go to.
What number of days ought to I spend in Jacksonville?
I like to recommend spending at the least 3 to 4 days in Jacksonville; nonetheless, every week can be supreme to totally discover the world.
Is Jacksonville secure?
General, Jacksonville is a really secure metropolis to go to. The crime charge is lower than the national average, and it’s rated the #16 metropolis to reside 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 finest seashore in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a number of seashores with huge stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Beach.
What meals ought to I strive in Jacksonville?
Lowcountry delicacies could be very common in Jacksonville – gadgets akin to a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different related gadgets ought to make it onto your listing of must-try dishes.
Is 3 days sufficient in Jacksonville?
Three days can be the minimal time I’d advise; any lower than this and also you’ll battle to get the total scope of the town.
In Closing
Jacksonville is brimming with surprises, hidden gems, and interesting spots. Irrespective 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 at all times shining, and the seashore is barely ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love?
