Many individuals will likely be stunned to study simply what number of unbelievable issues there are to do in Jacksonville. Typically missed by its extra “well-known” neighbors corresponding to Savannah, Orlando, or Miami, Jacksonville is wealthy in historical past, tradition, meals, and humanities. And can also 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 submit, I’ve pulled collectively among the finest outings to your subsequent go to.
Jacksonville, often known as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some stunning info that you simply is likely to 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 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 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 attention-grabbing museum, or a enjoyable out of doors exercise.
There are actually hundreds of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Jacksonville
I like consuming, ingesting microbrew, soaking within the sunshine, and studying about my metropolis and environment. Fortunately, Jax and its close by suburbs are packed filled with all of these issues, and I’ve compiled an inventory of the very best Jacksonville points of interest, 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 day by day. So, that will help you plan the right itinerary, listed below are my prime suggestions for sightseeing in Jacksonville:
1. Take a Public Artwork Tour
In case you’re something like me, you’ll be able to respect colourful street art and murals. On the subject of the “prime” issues to do in Jacksonville, FL, a public art tour is first up on that checklist – it’s certainly one of my favourite issues I’ve carried out 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 the very best items of publicly displayed art work; from murals and mosaics to statues and sculptures. You’ll see over 70 items of artwork in complete. Plus, you’ll get to study 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. Study extra and ebook your public art tour here.
Tackle: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
2. Discover Islands by Bike
In case you’re visiting Northeast Florida, it will 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 ability ranges. Taking a self-guided tour by bike is a unbelievable strategy to do exactly 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 journey. The simple-to-follow path is defined to you on the rental store, and also you’ll also 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 because of its scattered “skeleton bushes” that give the seashore an eerie but stunning setting. The self-guided bike tour is by far one of many prime issues to do in Jacksonville – ebook your spot here.
Tackle: 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 in the event you didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and explore via kayak. Every time I need 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 hold your eye out for gators, turtles, birds, and fish. It’s additionally self-guided (by utilizing an app in your telephone), 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 excellent for all expertise and health ranges.
The tour’s app additionally includes a UF naturalist who particulars the historical past of the realm by way of a speaker. I are inclined to study one thing new each time I’m going – I 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 at the least 360 different species. Fascinating, proper?
Tackle: 463540 State Rd 200, Yulee, FL 32097
4. Hop on the Jax Ale Path
I’m a large craft beer fan, and once I discovered 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 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 participating breweries, and once 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 scenario!
A few of my favourite breweries on the path embrace 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 taking part breweries on their official website. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is straightforward once you’ve bought the passport in hand.
Tackle: 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 town has endured, the Daring Metropolis presents tons of tales behind its structure and historical past.
The half-day city tour in downtown Jacksonville is a perfect strategy to see all of it and study 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. Once 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 points of interest in Jacksonville right this moment.
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’ll decide you up out of your lodge for ease and comfort. Study extra in regards to the half-day city tour and the main points on the tour’s website.
Tackle: 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 certainly one 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 in the event you’re touring with buddies or household.
In case you’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be just a little intimidating – fortunately, there’s employees at hand that may 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 comfy atmosphere the place you’ll be able to chat and have a snack or drink along with your favourite folks. 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. In case you ebook the non-public room, you’ll obtain two axes and two targets in your individual separate throwing pit. Study extra in regards to the Stumpy’s Hatchet House package right here.
Tackle: Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 1719 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
7. Tour and Keep within the Historic Casa Marina Lodge
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. Positioned in in style Jacksonville Beach, this beautiful property is named the “Grand Woman of the Seaside” and is without doubt one of the prime issues to do close to Jacksonville.
After altering possession a number of occasions, the Casa Marina Lodge now boasts 23 attractive guestrooms and parlor suites, in addition to a chef-driven restaurant. In case you’re on the lookout for among the best 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.
Book a night at the hotel for an expensive keep and finish your night with a meal of crab muffins, Kobe beef sliders, or a charcuterie board from their spectacular penthouse menu.
Tackle: Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant, 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL
8. Check Your Wits in an Escape Room
In case you’re feeling assured that you simply’ve bought 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 unravel puzzles and collect clues to flee the room earlier than time runs out. Don’t fear – you’ll have a information that will help you in case you get stumped.
I used to be a bit nervous once I visited The Escape Sport myself as a result of I can get just a little claustrophobic and hadn’t carried out something prefer it earlier than. However I’m so glad I did it! It sharpens the thoughts and has you working with your pals collectively as a workforce. My favourite room was The Heist, the place your objective is to get better a priceless portray from the “Barclay Museum of Historic Artwork”.
Different rooms embrace the troublesome Jail Break room, the Gold Rush room, the Playground, and the Particular Ops: Mysterious Market. Reserve your sport time here – it’s the right exercise when on the lookout for issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or buddies.
Tackle: 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 particularly excessive on the checklist for me. The River Metropolis is residence to over a dozen unbelievable museums, every providing one thing completely 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 Art & Gardens. The grounds are completely breathtaking, and the gathering of artwork inside is nothing wanting astonishing. It’s additionally the biggest positive arts museum in northeast Florida. Another unbelievable museums within the metropolis embrace the Museum of Science & Industry, Museum of Contemporary Art, Beaches Museum, and extra.
Tackle: For a full checklist of Jacksonville museums, go to town’s official tourism website.
10. Go to the Charming Fernandina Seaside
Though it’s technically not throughout 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 realm is by taking a guided walking tour by way of the streets that maintain a historical past courting again over 300 years. The 90-minute tour features a non-public information that may inform you the tales behind the properties and native figures that formed the group since earlier than the Civil Struggle. You’ll get to study pirates, struggle, and all types of different attention-grabbing 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 here.
Tackle: Assembly Level – Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
11. Journey an Electrical Harley
Buggies, bikes, mini automobiles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” vehicle to get round is without doubt one of the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. One of the vital distinctive kinds of car to lease 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 easy, and you’ll even play your favourite tunes by way 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 bike earlier than.
In case you’ve been pondering of issues to do in Jacksonville at evening, this feature has you coated. You may reserve your bike upfront here.
Tackle: 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 strategy to see the native wildlife of Jacksonville. Earlier than I moved to Jacksonville, I booked an airboat tour, and it was critically one of the vital enjoyable issues I’ve ever carried out.
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.
In case you love nature and you’re keen on all issues quick – an airboat journey is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville. E-book your thrilling airboat journey here.
Tackle: 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 bushes 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 fireplace 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 each one have haunted pasts. Reserve your spot on this one-of-a-kind tour to see the opposite facet of Daring Metropolis.
Tackle: 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’ll be able to’t miss out on the food scene when 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 area is the hub for all issues scrumptious.
The historic San Marco space is residence to beautiful murals, nice boutiques, and many 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, among the best methods to pattern the entire mouthwatering delicacies is to take a walking food tour.
Throughout this tour, you’ll stroll across the selfie-worthy neighborhood whereas stopping at 5 completely different eating places and cafes. Some stops would possibly embrace Hightide Burrito, Taverna, Good Dough Artisan Doughnuts, and extra. E-book your meals tour here.
Tackle: Go to the tour website for location data
15. Assist Native Artists
In case you occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely advocate trying out the Riverside Arts Market. Positioned below the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from all types of distributors. It’s the right alternative to take residence 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 unbelievable view when you’re looking, plus, you’ll get to see the entire skills which can 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 here.
Tackle: 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 large music festivals.
When is the very 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 comfy seashore temps within the mid-70°Fs to decrease 80°Fs.
Is Jacksonville value visiting?
Completely! With its wealthy historical past, vigorous tradition, and unbelievable seashores, Jacksonville ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist 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, per week could be very best to totally discover the realm.
Is Jacksonville protected?
General, Jacksonville is a really protected metropolis to go to. The crime price is lower than the national average, 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 finest seashore in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has a number of seashores with broad stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Beach.
What meals ought to I attempt in Jacksonville?
Lowcountry delicacies could be very in style in Jacksonville – objects corresponding to a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different comparable objects ought to make it onto your checklist 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 complete scope of 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 all the time shining, and the seashore is just ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love?
