Typically eclipsed by neighbors corresponding to Orlando and Miami, many individuals don’t know simply how wonderful Jacksonville is. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Florida. There’s a lot to do on this stunning metropolis, and what’s extra, there are a lot of enjoyable, free issues to do in Jacksonville which might be nice for {couples}, households, and even solo vacationers.
The vacationer points of interest in Jacksonville are virtually countless, and after residing right here for a 12 months, I used to be stunned to learn the way many don’t price a dime. So, if you happen to’re touring on a finances or simply need to save a buck or two, that is 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 shifting right here. There are occasions when funds have been tight, and I’ve needed to get inventive 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 fully free within the metropolis.
These are my favourite suggestions without spending a dime 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 countless issues to do in Jax, however considered one of Jacksonville’s most evident (and greatest) free issues to do is to go east to the seashore. This metropolis has among the most superb seashores I’ve ever seen, and I by no means get uninterested in going.
The seashore cities in Jacksonville embody Ponte Vedra Seashore, Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, and Atlantic Seashore. Each has one thing distinctive to supply, together with a alternative of eating places and the vibe; nonetheless, with regards to free actions, sunbathing doesn’t get any higher than on these extensive stretches of soppy, white sand.
Packing a seashore towel and stress-free together with your favourite ebook doesn’t price a factor, (and also you’re positive to get a pleasant little tan!).
Tackle: Ponte Vedra Seashore, Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Seashore, Atlantic Seashore
2. Riverside Arts Market
One other enjoyable, free factor to do in Jacksonville is to get pleasure from 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 right strategy to save a buck whereas nonetheless having enjoyable.
Situated on the north financial institution of the St. Johns River, beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, the market is dwelling to loads of native distributors, dwell 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 environment.
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 a terrific outing for households.
Tackle: 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
3. Go Climbing
Despite the fact that Jacksonville doesn’t have any mountains, it doesn’t imply it doesn’t have some nice mountain climbing. Among the best 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 mountain climbing is principally in my blood. When first I moved to Florida, I assumed I’d be leaving my mountain climbing 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 commentary tower with a lovely view of the estuaries – hold a watch out for native wildlife.
Tackle: 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 mountain climbing within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Protect. It’s a residing historical past exhibit situated within the oldest intact plantation home within the state of Florida.
Admission is completely free, and the exhibit consists of 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 your entire historical past of the plantation for these trying to discover out extra data.
It’s a humbling look again into the previous and is an effective way to be taught in regards to the tradition of Jacksonville.
Tackle: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
5. Wander By way of a Backyard
A must-see attraction in Jacksonville is the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Each time I go to a giant metropolis, I all the time love strolling by way of an arboretum, and Jacksonville has one of the attractive grounds I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Known as the “hidden jewel” of Northeast Florida, these gardens cowl over 120 acres and supply 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 occasions whenever you’re in search of a little bit of peace and tranquility amongst nature. It’s considered one of my favourite spots in all of Jacksonville.
Tackle: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
6. Go to a Free Competition
The sunny and heat climate of Jacksonville makes it the right location for outside festivals – and plenty of of them are free to attend. I’ve a calendar at dwelling of probably the most enjoyable festivals occurring across the metropolis, and these are my favorites:
The Jacksonville Jazz Competition is held yearly throughout Memorial Day Weekend, and it’s fully free! The four-day pageant hosts among the most proficient jazz artists on the earth. Different free festivals embody PorchFest, Springing the Blues, Jax Delight, and extra. You should definitely seek for occasions held throughout your keep.
Tackle: Varied places
7. Go to the Seashores Museum
Situated within the coronary heart of Jacksonville Seashore, the Seashores Museum is all the time free to go to, and I am 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 attractive seashore cities.
The factor I like most about this museum is that it’s good for folks of all ages, and also you’re proper by the seashore, so you possibly can go for a swim after your go to. My favourite displays within the museum embody “Tourism on the World’s Most interesting Seashore” and “Coastal Forest”.
Tackle: 381 Seashore Blvd, Jacksonville Seashore, FL 32250
8. Stroll Alongside the River
The St. Johns River is the guts of Jacksonville, and it’s completely stunning. I by no means get uninterested in driving over all the attractive bridges and taking within the views of town. Strolling alongside the banks of the river is a improbable strategy to see Daring Metropolis.
Whereas strolling alongside the south financial institution, be certain that to cease on the artwork set up known as “Mirrored River: The place Do You See Your self?”. It’s 64 ft of mirrors, tile, and pebbles that type a satellite tv for pc picture of the river. It’s completely gorgeous at sundown so I like to recommend heading right here in direction of to finish of the day.
When in search of free issues to do in Jacksonville, that is all the time considered one of my favourite choices.
Tackle: Various places – Artwork set up beneath the Predominant Road Bridge
9. Go for a Household Bike Experience
Plenty of Jacksonville inns supply free bike leases, which is nice as a result of Jacksonville is dwelling to tons of bikeable trails which might 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 just gorgeous. You’ll peddle down the path whereas being sheltered by a tree cover with the attractive oak timber you discover throughout the south.
Pack a picnic as a result of the park provides loads of good spots to cease and revel in a fast chunk earlier than persevering with with explorations.
Tackle: 1225 Halsema Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32220
10. Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens
Fairly presumably the most well-liked museum in your entire metropolis, the Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens is likely 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 supply 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 fully free.
The Cummer Museum is correct close to the north financial institution of the river, with over 5,000 artworks, and overlooks 2.5 acres of historic gardens. It’s really a particular expertise and is certainly value including to your itinerary.
Tackle: 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 be taught and uncover right here. And, because it’s made it onto this record of free issues in Jacksonville, in fact, it’s fully free.
You’ll see tales of exploration, spiritual disputes, battles, and even the primary contact between American Indians and Europeans. I used to be in awe your entire time throughout my first go to. I had no concept this a part of Florida held a lot historical past.
In case you’d wish to discover with an audio tour, that’s out there as nicely. Merely enquire upon arrival.
Tackle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
12. Take pleasure in Tranquility on the Castaway Island Protect
After I first visited Jacksonville, I had no clue how nature-centric town was. Now that I’ve lived right here for a 12 months, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover all the parks within the space, and the Castaway Island Protect is considered one of my favourite spots to go for a peaceable stroll with my pup.
Situated alongside the Intercoastal Waterway, you possibly can stroll alongside the boardwalk and have enjoyable recognizing the marshland wildlife. You possibly can take within the superb views from the commentary 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.
Tackle: 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 attention-grabbing.
Holding its first service on Easter Sunday in 1877, this cathedral nonetheless has a robust congregation at the moment. Sadly, it was destroyed by a devastating hearth that leveled town in 1901. Nevertheless it was rebuilt by the group on the identical basis.
As we speak, it’s one of the attractive buildings in all of downtown and is actually value a go to.
Tackle: 256 E Church St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
14. Go to the Jacksonville Library
There’s one thing in regards to the odor of books that makes me really feel higher about every thing. I like popping into the Jacksonville Library at any time when I can for a couple of causes: I can take a look at a brand new ebook, the structure is gorgeous, and it’s extraordinarily peaceable inside.
Not solely does the Predominant Jacksonville Library have a number of flooring, full of each ebook you might presumably think about, however in addition they host paintings and displays as nicely. Previous exhibitions embody The Jazz Jam Images Assortment, Observations of an Explorer, and Pure Narrative.
In case you’re , the library additionally provides guided excursions.
Tackle: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
15. Admire artwork at MOCA
The Museum of Up to date Artwork (MOCA) is one other in style museum within the coronary heart of Jacksonville. It additionally occurs to be proper subsequent door to the library, so it’s a wonderful cease to take a look at earlier than, or after, selecting out some books.
This museum isn’t free all of the time, however they do supply free admission days all through the month. There’s free entry out there 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 modern artwork museum within the nation and is dwelling to 1000’s of artworks that may’t be seen anyplace else.
Tackle: 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the most effective free issues to do in Jacksonville, Florida:
Sure! There are dozens of issues to do in Jacksonville without spending a dime. From museums to parks, there are tons of enjoyable choices to select from.
Total, Jacksonville isn’t costly. After all, like all main metropolis, you will discover costly eating places and outings; nonetheless, there are many budget-friendly actions as nicely. You possibly can 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 supply free admission days all through the month.
Jacksonville is most recognized 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 season months are scorching and busy, whereas the winter months are chillier, and the shoulder months have gentle temperatures with fewer crowds.
Completely! Jacksonville is certainly value visiting. There’s a lot to do for guests of all ages.
You need to spend a minimal of three days in Jacksonville; nonetheless, per week could be greatest.
Total, Jacksonville is a protected 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 situated in these areas.
The most well-liked free factor to do in Jacksonville is to go to one of many stunning seashores for some solar, sand, and surf.
My favourite seashore in Jacksonville is Neptune Seashore. Different in style seashores embody Jacksonville Seashore, Atlantic Seashore, and Ponte Vedra Seashore.
Seafood is the most well-liked delicacies in Jacksonville. Situated 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’d advocate.
Jacksonville is just as costly as you need to make it. There are many costly eating places and outings in addition to many budget-friendly and free choices as nicely.
In Closing
You’ll discover loads of free issues to do in Jacksonville if you happen to’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 dwelling metropolis – get pleasure from your journey!
