Many individuals will probably be stunned to study simply what number of unbelievable issues there are to do in Jacksonville. Usually 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 dwelling to some fairly unbelievable seashores.
I’ve been visiting “Jax” for over 5 years and presently have the privilege of calling it dwelling. There are such a lot of superb 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, often known as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some stunning information that you just is perhaps unfamiliar with. Do you know it’s the most important metropolis by land mass within the contiguous USA? It additionally boasts the most important city park system within the nation, will get over 270 days of sunshine every year and is dwelling to over 30 craft breweries.
I really like exploring Jacksonville and have a tendency to discover a hidden gem every time I am going out – for me, it’s top-of-the-line locations to go to within the USA. It’s a metropolis full of a various group of individuals, tons of nature, and plenty of water, which makes it the proper place to discover a scrumptious restaurant, an attention-grabbing museum, or a enjoyable out of doors exercise.
There are actually 1000’s of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.
High 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Jacksonville
I really like consuming, ingesting a very good 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 sights, excursions, and actions that shouldn’t be missed if you happen to’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 daily. So, that can assist you plan the proper itinerary, listed here 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 road artwork and murals. In terms of 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 achieved 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 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 concerning the inspiration behind each bit. So cool!
It’s a 2.5-hour tour and is likely one of the greatest 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
Should you’re visiting Northeast Florida, it could be a travesty to overlook out on visiting a minimum of one of many many beautiful state parks and islands. Exploring the seashores and parks is likely 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 implausible technique to do exactly 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 trip. 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 Seaside was my favourite due to its scattered “skeleton bushes” that give the seashore an eerie but stunning 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 if you happen to didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and discover by way of 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 maintain 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 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 means of a speaker. I are inclined to study one thing new each time I am going – I 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 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 came upon 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville is to discover a majority of them by utilizing your “passport”.
You possibly can decide up a free passport at any of the collaborating breweries, and whenever 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 state of affairs!
A few of my favourite breweries on the path embrace Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bottlenose Brewing, Instinct Ale Works, and Congaree and Penn. Study extra concerning the Jax Ale Path and all of the collaborating breweries on their official web site. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is simple whenever you’ve obtained the passport in hand.
Deal with: A number of places
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 a particularly wealthy and attention-grabbing historical past. Because of 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 technique to see all of it and study extra concerning the metropolis’s previous.
Stops on this tremendous fascinating tour embrace 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 by way of tuk-tuk. They will decide you up out of your resort 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 shortly turn out to be one among my favourite pastimes. Stumpy’s Hatchet Home is likely one of the coolest locations I’ve visited within the metropolis, and you may lease out the personal group room if you happen to’re touring with buddies or household.
Should you’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be a bit 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 loosen up within the venue’s snug atmosphere the place you possibly can 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, in addition they have board video games and big variations of favorites like Join 4 and Jenga. Should you ebook the personal 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 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. Situated in common Jacksonville Seaside, this beautiful property is called the “Grand Girl of the Seaside” and is likely one of the high 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. Should you’re on the lookout for top-of-the-line free issues to do in Jacksonville, you possibly can cease by the resort and take a tour of the historic property. The Mediterranean-style structure is a sight to behold alone.
E book an evening on the resort for an opulent 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 Seaside, FL
8. Take a look at Your Wits in an Escape Room
Should you’re feeling assured that you just’ve obtained the talents 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 can assist 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 a bit 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 sport time right here – it’s the proper exercise when on the lookout for issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or buddies.
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 record for me. The River Metropolis is dwelling to over a dozen unbelievable museums, every providing one thing completely 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 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 fantastic arts museum in northeast Florida. Another implausible museums within the metropolis embrace the Museum of Science & Business, 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 Seaside
Though it’s technically not inside the metropolis limits, Fernandina Seaside is only a fast 45-minute drive away and is likely 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.
A good 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 personal information that may inform you the tales behind the houses and native figures that formed the group since earlier than the Civil Battle. You’ll get to find out about pirates, conflict, and every kind 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 right here.
Deal with: Assembly Level – Centre St, Fernandina Seaside, FL 32034
11. Journey an Electrical Harley
Buggies, bikes, mini automobiles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” automobile to get round is likely one of the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. One of the distinctive kinds of automobile to lease is an electrical Harley-style scooter – they’re tremendous enjoyable and will certainly flip heads when you trip round city.
The scooters are quiet and easy, and you may 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 if you happen to’ve by no means pushed a bike earlier than.
Should you’ve been considering of issues to do in Jacksonville at evening, this feature has you lined. You possibly can reserve your bike upfront 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 trip on a quick airboat. It’s the proper technique 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 crucial enjoyable issues I’ve ever achieved.
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 have been fortunate sufficient to identify alligators and dolphins, however if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll additionally see manatees, eagles, pelicans, and turtles.
Should you love nature and you like all issues quick – an airboat trip is likely 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. While 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 1000’s of years, however there have additionally been weird happenings across the metropolis for generations – particularly after the devastating hearth of 1901. So, if you happen to’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.
Deal with: Assembly Level – 6 Seaside Boulevard, Jacksonville Seaside
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 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 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 dwelling 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 actually has a menu for everybody. With a lot to select from, top-of-the-line methods to pattern all the mouthwatering delicacies is to take a strolling meals 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 right here.
Deal with: Go to the tour web site for location info
15. Help Native Artists
Should you occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely advocate trying out the Riverside Arts Market. Situated underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from every kind of distributors. It’s the proper alternative to take dwelling a bit 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 when you’re searching, plus, you’ll get to see all the skills which can be teeming from town’s artists, craft makers, and farmers. Along with enjoyable, items, and produce, the market additionally boasts dwell 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 below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Jacksonville:
What’s Jacksonville identified for?
Jacksonville is greatest identified for its artwork galleries, museums, and massive 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 time 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, energetic tradition, and implausible seashores, Jacksonville ought to positively 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; nonetheless, every week could be best to totally 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 dwell in in the US.
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 extensive stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Seaside.
What meals ought to I strive in Jacksonville?
Lowcountry delicacies may be very common in Jacksonville – gadgets corresponding to a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different related 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 might advise; any lower than this and also you’ll battle to get the total 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 all the time shining, and the seashore is barely ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love?
