15 Finest Issues To Do in Jacksonville (By a Native)

Many individuals shall be shocked to study 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 residence to some fairly unimaginable 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 a number of the greatest outings on your subsequent go to. 

Jacksonville, often known as ‘Daring Metropolis’ or ‘River Metropolis’, has some stunning details 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 every year and is residence to over 30 craft breweries.

I like exploring Jacksonville and have a tendency to discover a hidden gem every time I am going out – for me, it’s one of many best places to visit in the USA. It’s a metropolis full of a various group of individuals, tons of nature, and plenty of water, which makes it the right place to discover a scrumptious restaurant, an attention-grabbing museum, or a enjoyable outside exercise.

There are actually 1000’s of distinctive issues to do in Jacksonville.

Prime 15 Finest Issues To Do in Jacksonville

A city skyline of 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 a listing of the very best Jacksonville points of interest, excursions, and actions that shouldn’t be missed when 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 take pleasure in discovering all of the enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville. I’m increasingly impressed with this metropolis daily. So, that can assist you plan the right itinerary, listed below are my prime suggestions for sightseeing in Jacksonville:

1. Take a Public Artwork Tour

A group of people having a public art tour

If you happen to’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 listing – it’s one in all my favourite issues I’ve executed since being right here.

You’ll be a part of a small group of individuals after which experience round in a tuk-tuk as you got down to discover the very best 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 study concerning the inspiration behind every 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 e book your public art tour here. 

Tackle: Assembly Level – 249 Parker St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

2. Discover Islands by Bike

Things to do in Jacksonville include Exploring Beautiful Views on a Bicycle

If you happen to’re visiting Northeast Florida, it could be a travesty to overlook out on visiting at the very least one of many many gorgeous 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 talent ranges. Taking a self-guided tour by bike is a improbable technique 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 experience. The straightforward-to-follow path is defined to you on the rental store, and also you’ll actually have a sensible helmet that allows you to talk with the opposite riders in your group.

I took this tour with my household a couple 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 seaside an eerie but lovely setting. The self-guided bike tour is by far one of many prime issues to do in Jacksonville – e book 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

Kayaking on waterways

Out of all of the issues to do round Jacksonville, your journey wouldn’t be full when you didn’t get on the spectacular waterways and explore via 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 maintain 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 excellent for all expertise and health ranges. 

The tour’s app additionally incorporates a UF naturalist who particulars the historical past of the realm by means of a speaker. I are likely to study one thing new each time I am 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 very least 360 different species. Fascinating, proper?

Tackle: 463540 State Rd 200, Yulee, FL 32097

4. Hop on the Jax Ale Path

A pint of beer on a rack

I’m a large craft beer fan, and after I discovered concerning the Jax Ale Trail, I used to be ecstatic. The microbrewery scene continues to develop right here within the metropolis, and some of the enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville is to discover a majority of them by utilizing your “passport”.

You possibly can choose up a free passport at any of the participating breweries, and while 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 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 website. Determining what to do in Jacksonville is simple while you’ve received the passport in hand. 

Tackle: Multiple locations

5. Head Downtown for a Lesson in Structure and Historical past

A group of friends having a tour

Based in 1822 and having suffered the tragedy of a large hearth in 1901, Jacksonville has a particularly rich and interesting history. Due to all of the moments and occasions that the 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 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 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 choose you up out of your resort for ease and comfort. Study extra concerning 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

A man throwing axe on a target

Out of all of the stuff to do in Jacksonville, axe throwing has shortly change into one in all my favourite pastimes. Stumpy’s Hatchet Home is likely one of the coolest locations I’ve visited within the metropolis, and you may rent out the private group room when you’re touring with pals or household.

If you happen to’ve by no means thrown an axe earlier than, it may be a bit intimidating – fortunately, there’s workers handy that can prepare you earlier than you start.

After you’ve mastered your bullseye-throwing expertise, you’ll be able to loosen up within the venue’s snug setting the place you’ll be able to 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 trendy. 

If axe throwing isn’t your factor, additionally they have board video games and big variations of favorites like Join 4 and Jenga. If you happen to e book the personal room, you’ll obtain two axes and two targets in your individual separate throwing pit. Study extra concerning 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 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. Positioned in common Jacksonville Beach, this beautiful property is called the “Grand Girl of the Seashore” and is likely one of the prime issues to do close to Jacksonville. 

After altering possession a couple of occasions, the Casa Marina Resort now boasts 23 beautiful guestrooms and parlor suites, in addition to a chef-driven restaurant. If you happen to’re in search of the most effective free issues to do in Jacksonville, you’ll be able to cease by the resort 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 desserts, 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

A group trying to solve the escape room

If you happen to’re feeling assured that you simply’ve received the talents 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 a bit claustrophobic and hadn’t executed 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 staff. My favourite room was The Heist, the place your purpose is to get well 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 here – it’s the right exercise when in search of issues to do in Jacksonville for {couples} or pals.

Tackle: The Escape Game Jacksonville, 4720 Town Crossing Dr Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32246

9. Spend a Weekend Museum Hopping

A photo of a family going through a museum

Out of all of the issues to do in Jacksonville, visiting museums is very excessive on the listing for me. The River Metropolis is residence to over a dozen unimaginable 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 Art & Gardens. The grounds are completely breathtaking, and the gathering of artwork inside is nothing in need of astonishing. It’s additionally the biggest positive arts museum in northeast Florida. Another improbable museums within the metropolis embrace the Museum of Science & Industry, Museum of Contemporary Art, Beaches Museum, and extra. 

Tackle: For a full listing of Jacksonville museums, go to the town’s official tourism website. 

10. Go to the Charming Fernandina Seashore

A Scenic Beauty of Fernandina Beach

Though it’s technically not inside the metropolis limits, Fernandina Beach is only a fast 45-minute drive away and is likely one of the greatest locations to go to close to Jacksonville. This charming seaside city is a spot that I attempt to go to at the very least as soon as a month. 

An effective way to discover the realm is by taking a guided walking tour by means of the streets that maintain a historical past relationship again over 300 years. The 90-minute tour features a personal information that can let you know the tales behind the houses and native figures that formed the neighborhood since earlier than the Civil Struggle. You’ll get to study pirates, warfare, and every kind of different attention-grabbing 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. 

Tackle: Assembly Level – Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

11. Journey an Electrical Harley

A man riding on a harley-like bikes

Buggies, bikes, mini automobiles, and bikes – renting a “cruisable” vehicle to get round is likely one of the staple issues to do in Jacksonville. Probably the most distinctive sorts of car to lease 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 may even play your favourite tunes by means of a Bluetooth speaker. They’re additionally surprisingly simple to maneuver, so that you don’t want to fret when you’ve by no means pushed a bike earlier than.

If you happen to’ve been considering of issues to do in Jacksonville at evening, this feature has you coated. You possibly can reserve your bike upfront here. 

Tackle: 11 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

12. Expertise Adrenaline Pumping Thrills on an Airboat

An airboat currently docked. Airboat trips are definitely one of the best things to do in Jacksonville, FL.

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 critically some of the enjoyable issues I’ve ever executed. 

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 when you’re fortunate, you’ll additionally see manatees, eagles, pelicans, and turtles.

If you happen to love nature and you like all issues quick – an airboat experience is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville. E book your thrilling airboat experience here. 

Tackle: Meet at Palms Fish Camp, 6359 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226

13. Get Spooky with Ghosts and Ghouls

A silhouette of brances glancing on the moon

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 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 1000’s of years, however there have additionally been weird happenings across the metropolis for generations – particularly after the devastating hearth of 1901. So, when you’re into scary haunts and ghost tales, I extremely suggest 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. 

Tackle: Assembly Level – 6 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach

14. Eat to Your Coronary heart’s Content material 

A food truck and its Server

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 whilst you’re right here.

Meals is all the time 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 residence to beautiful murals, nice boutiques, and plenty of tasty eating places, cafes, and meals vehicles. From tapas and Center Japanese meals to burritos and seafood, the neighborhood actually has a menu for everybody. With a lot to select from, the most effective 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 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 info

15. Help Native Artists

handmade crafts market Jacksonville

If you happen to occur to be in Jacksonville on a Saturday, I extremely suggest trying out the Riverside Arts Market. Positioned underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, this artisan market sells crafts and items from every kind of distributors. It’s the right alternative to take residence a bit 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’ve got an unimaginable view whilst you’re shopping, 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 stay music, meals vehicles, 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 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 season whereas nonetheless having fun with snug seaside temps within the mid-70°Fs to decrease 80°Fs.

Is Jacksonville value visiting?

Completely! With its wealthy historical past, full of life tradition, and improbable 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 very least 3 to 4 days in Jacksonville; nonetheless, per week can be preferrred to totally discover the realm.

Is Jacksonville protected?

General, Jacksonville is a really protected metropolis to go to. The crime charge 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 seaside are the most well-liked issues to do in Jacksonville.

What’s the greatest seaside in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a number of seashores with extensive stretches of sand, together with Jacksonville Seashore, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Atlantic Beach.

What meals ought to I attempt in Jacksonville?

Lowcountry delicacies may be very common in Jacksonville – objects akin to a seafood boil, fried seafood, gumbo, barbecue, and different related objects 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 might advise; any lower than this and also you’ll battle to get the complete scope of the town.

In Closing

Jacksonville is brimming with surprises, hidden gems, and interesting spots. Regardless 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 seaside is simply ever a stone’s throw away. What’s to not love? 

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