Many individuals will likely be stunned to be taught simply what number of unbelievable issues there are to do in Jacksonville. Usually neglected by its extra “well-known” neighbors reminiscent of Savannah, Orlando, or Miami, Jacksonville is wealthy in historical past, tradition, meals, and humanities. And can also be house to some fairly unbelievable seashores.
I’ve been visiting “Jax” for over 5 years and at the moment 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 number of the finest outings to your subsequent go to.
Jacksonville, often known as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some stunning info that you just is perhaps 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 annually and is house to over 30 craft breweries.
I really 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 finest 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 proper place to discover a scrumptious restaurant, an fascinating museum, or a enjoyable out of doors exercise.
There are really hundreds of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Jacksonville
I really like consuming, consuming a very good 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 one of the best Jacksonville sights, excursions, and actions that shouldn’t be missed in the event 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 an increasing number of impressed with this metropolis each day. So, that can assist you plan the proper itinerary, listed below are my high suggestions for sightseeing in Jacksonville:
1. Take a Public Artwork Tour
When you’re something like me, you’ll be able to 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 listing – it’s one in all my favourite issues I’ve finished since being right here.
You’ll be part of a small group of individuals after which journey round in a tuk-tuk as you got down to discover one of the best items of publicly displayed art work; from murals and mosaics to statues and sculptures. You’ll see over 70 items of artwork in whole. Plus, you’ll get to be taught concerning the inspiration behind every bit. So cool!
It’s a 2.5-hour tour and is among the finest issues to see in Jacksonville. Study extra and ebook your public artwork tour right here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
2. Discover Islands by Bike
When you’re visiting Northeast Florida, it will be a travesty to overlook out on visiting at the least one of many many attractive state parks and islands. Exploring the seashores and parks is among the finest 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 implausible strategy to just do that.
Uncover Large Talbot Island State Park and Amelia Island State Park at your individual tempo by renting a Pedege Electrical Bike and taking an eco-friendly journey. The straightforward-to-follow path is defined to you on the rental store, and also you’ll actually have a good helmet that allows you to talk with the opposite riders in your group.
I took this tour with my household just a few months in the past, and it was an absolute blast. Boneyard Seaside was my favourite due to its scattered “skeleton timber” that give the seaside an eerie but lovely setting. The self-guided bike tour is by far one of many high issues to do in Jacksonville – ebook your spot right here.
Deal with: Pedego Electrical Bikes Amelia Island, 4800 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Seaside, 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 in the event you didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and discover through kayak. At any time when I wish to showcase 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’ll be able to preserve your eye out for gators, turtles, birds, and fish. It’s additionally self-guided (by utilizing an app in your cellphone), so you’ll be able to 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 contains 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 not too long ago 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 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 discovered concerning the Jax Ale Path, I used to be ecstatic. The microbrewery scene continues to develop right here within the metropolis, and one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville is to discover a majority of them by utilizing your “passport”.
You may decide up a free passport at any of the taking part breweries, and if you buy a pint at every brewery, you’ll get a stamp. After receiving a set quantity of stamps, you’ll be able to obtain free Jax Ale Path gear together with shirts, pint glasses, and free beer. It’s a win-win state of affairs!
A few of my favourite breweries on the path embody Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bottlenose Brewing, Instinct Ale Works, and Congaree and Penn. Study extra concerning the Jax Ale Path and all of the taking part breweries on their official web site. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is simple if you’ve obtained 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 a large 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 concerning the metropolis’s previous.
Stops on this tremendous fascinating tour embody the Veterans Memorial Wall, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Area, and the Friendship Fountain. After I discovered 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 immediately.
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 decide you up out of your lodge for ease and comfort. Study extra concerning the half-day metropolis tour and the main points 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 in all my favourite pastimes. Stumpy’s Hatchet Home is among the coolest locations I’ve visited within the metropolis, and you’ll hire out the non-public group room in the event you’re touring with mates or household.
When you’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be somewhat intimidating – fortunately, there’s workers handy that can practice you earlier than you start.
After you’ve mastered your bullseye-throwing expertise, you’ll be able to calm down within the venue’s snug surroundings the place you’ll be able to chat and have a snack or drink along with your favourite individuals. I really like the country vibes at Stumpy’s, it actually makes the place heat and welcoming however nonetheless hip and trendy.
If axe throwing isn’t your factor, additionally they have board video games and large variations of favorites like Join 4 and Jenga. When you ebook the non-public room, you’ll obtain two axes and two targets in your individual separate throwing pit. Study extra concerning the Stumpy’s Hatchet Home bundle right here.
Deal with: Stumpy’s Hatchet Home, 1719 N Foremost 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. Situated in widespread Jacksonville Seaside, this beautiful property is called the “Grand Woman of the Seaside” and is among the high issues to do close to Jacksonville.
After altering possession just a few occasions, the Casa Marina Resort now boasts 23 attractive guestrooms and parlor suites, in addition to a chef-driven restaurant. When you’re in search of top-of-the-line free issues to do in Jacksonville, you’ll be able to 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 truffles, Kobe beef sliders, or a charcuterie board from their spectacular penthouse menu.
Deal with: Casa Marina Resort and Restaurant, 1st Avenue North, Jacksonville Seaside, FL
8. Check Your Wits in an Escape Room
When you’re feeling assured that you just’ve obtained the abilities to interrupt out of an escape room, discover out by rounding up your buddies and heading to The Escape Sport, the place you’ll discover 5 distinctive, themed rooms to select from.
Inside, you’ll have to resolve 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 Sport myself as a result of I can get somewhat 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 folks collectively as a crew. My favourite room was The Heist, the place your objective is to recuperate 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 recreation time right here – it’s the proper exercise when in search of issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or mates.
Deal with: The Escape Sport 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 listing for me. The River Metropolis is house 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 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 Artwork & Gardens. The grounds are completely breathtaking, and the gathering of artwork inside is nothing in need of astonishing. It’s additionally the biggest advantageous arts museum in northeast Florida. Another implausible museums within the metropolis embody the Museum of Science & Business, Museum of Modern Artwork, Seashores Museum, and extra.
Deal with: For a full listing of Jacksonville museums, go to town’s official tourism web site.
10. Go to the Charming Fernandina Seaside
Though it’s technically not inside the metropolis limits, Fernandina Seaside is only a fast 45-minute drive away and is among the finest locations to go to close to Jacksonville. This charming seaside 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 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 houses and native figures that formed the group since earlier than the Civil Struggle. You’ll get to study pirates, battle, and every kind of different fascinating stuff!
After the tour, Fernandina Seaside 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 Seaside, FL 32034
11. Trip an Electrical Harley
Buggies, bikes, mini vehicles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” car to get round is among the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. Some of the distinctive sorts of car to hire is an electrical Harley-style scooter – they’re tremendous enjoyable and will certainly flip heads when you journey round city.
The scooters are quiet and clean, and you’ll even play your favourite tunes by means of a Bluetooth speaker. They’re additionally surprisingly straightforward to maneuver, so that you don’t want to fret in the event you’ve by no means pushed a motorbike earlier than.
When you’ve been pondering of issues to do in Jacksonville at night time, this feature has you coated. You may reserve your bike prematurely right here.
Deal with: 11 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Seaside, FL 32034
12. Expertise Adrenaline Pumping Thrills on an Airboat
Nothing says “the South” fairly like taking an exhilarating journey on a quick airboat. It’s the proper strategy 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 vital enjoyable issues I’ve ever finished.
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 had been fortunate sufficient to identify alligators and dolphins, however in the event you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally see manatees, eagles, pelicans, and turtles.
When you love nature and you’re keen on all issues quick – an airboat journey is among the finest issues to do in Jacksonville. E book your thrilling airboat journey 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 most likely consider palm timber and sunshine, however, in actuality, there’s a a lot darker facet to the seaside city of Jacksonville Seaside.
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 hearth of 1901. So, in the event you’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 Seaside that every one have haunted pasts. Reserve your spot on this one-of-a-kind tour to see the opposite facet of Daring Metropolis.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 6 Seaside Boulevard, Jacksonville Seaside
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’ll be able to’t miss out on the meals scene when 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 space is the hub for all issues scrumptious.
The historic San Marco space is house to beautiful murals, nice boutiques, and plenty of tasty eating places, cafes, and meals vehicles. From tapas and Center Jap meals to burritos and seafood, the neighborhood really has a menu for everybody. With a lot to select from, top-of-the-line 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 would possibly 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
When you occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely advocate trying out the Riverside Arts Market. Situated below the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from every kind of distributors. It’s the proper alternative to take house somewhat piece of Jacksonville or to discover a handmade present.
What makes this market so superior is that it’s proper on the river, so you have got an unbelievable view when you’re searching, plus, you’ll get to see the entire skills which are teeming from town’s artists, craft makers, and farmers. Along with enjoyable, items, and produce, the market additionally boasts stay music, meals vehicles, 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 finest recognized for its artwork galleries, museums, and massive music festivals.
When is one of the best 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 seaside temps within the mid-70°Fs to decrease 80°Fs.
Is Jacksonville price visiting?
Completely! With its wealthy historical past, vigorous tradition, and implausible seashores, Jacksonville ought to positively 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 excellent to totally discover the world.
Is Jacksonville protected?
Total, Jacksonville is a really protected metropolis to go to. The crime price 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 seaside are the most well-liked issues to do in Jacksonville.
What’s the finest seaside in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a number of seashores with extensive stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Seaside.
What meals ought to I attempt in Jacksonville?
Lowcountry delicacies could be very widespread in Jacksonville – gadgets reminiscent of a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different comparable 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 wrestle to get the complete scope of town.
In Closing
Jacksonville is brimming with surprises, hidden gems, and engaging 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 seaside is just ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love?
