Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just having fun, you're sure to find something to your liking in Jacksonville.
The city is home to several museums, including the Jacksonville Museum of Science & History, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, including the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve.
Here's a closer look at some of the best things to see and do in Jacksonville:
Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages, including museums, parks, gardens, and more.
- Explore museums and gardens
- Visit the Jacksonville Zoo
- Relax on the beaches
- Take a boat tour
- Enjoy outdoor activities
- Discover historic sites
- Savor the local cuisine
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to enjoy in Jacksonville.
Explore Museums and Gardens
Jacksonville is home to a variety of museums and gardens, offering something for everyone.
- Jacksonville Museum of Science & History:
This museum has exhibits on everything from natural history to space exploration. There's also a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:
This museum features a collection of over 5,000 works of art, from ancient to modern. The gardens are also a must-see, with over 2,500 varieties of plants.
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens:
This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world. You can also explore the botanical gardens, which feature over 1,000 species of plants.
- Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens:
This arboretum and gardens feature over 100 acres of native plants and trees. There are also walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a children's garden.
These are just a few of the many museums and gardens that Jacksonville has to offer. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find something that interests you.
Visit the Jacksonville Zoo
The Jacksonville Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, gorillas, elephants, and giraffes. You can also see a variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish.
The zoo is divided into different sections, each of which represents a different region of the world. For example, the African Plains section features animals such as lions, zebras, and rhinos. The Asian Trails section features animals such as tigers, elephants, and orangutans. And the North American River otter section features animals such as river otters, beavers, and muskrats.
In addition to the animals, the Jacksonville Zoo also has a number of other attractions, including a carousel, a train ride, and a playground. There are also several food and beverage options available.
The Jacksonville Zoo is a great place to learn about animals and their habitats. It's also a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.
Here are some tips for planning your visit to the Jacksonville Zoo:
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and money.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a camera to capture all the amazing animals you see.
Relax on the Beaches
Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beautiful beaches, offering something for everyone, from sunbathers and swimmers to surfers and fishermen.
- Jacksonville Beach:
This is the most popular beach in Jacksonville, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It's also a great place for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Neptune Beach:
This beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the views. Neptune Beach is also home to several shops and restaurants.
- Atlantic Beach:
This beach is known for its waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. It's also a great place to swim, sunbathe, and fish.
- Ponte Vedra Beach:
This beach is known for its upscale resorts and golf courses. It's also a great place to swim, sunbathe, and fish.
No matter what you're looking for in a beach, you're sure to find it in Jacksonville. With its miles of beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone.
Take a Boat Tour
Jacksonville is a city surrounded by water, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of boat tours to choose from. Whether you're interested in a leisurely sightseeing cruise or a thrilling airboat ride, there's a boat tour that's perfect for you.
Here are a few of the most popular boat tours in Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville River Cruise:
This cruise offers a narrated tour of the St. Johns River, with views of the city skyline, the Jacksonville Landing, and other landmarks.
- St. Johns River Ferry:
This ferry takes you across the St. Johns River to Fort George Island, a historic site with a Civil War fort and a nature trail.
- St. Johns River Airboat Tour:
This thrilling airboat ride takes you through the marshes and swamps of the St. Johns River, where you can see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife.
- Eco Boat Tours:
These tours offer a more educational experience, with guides who teach you about the local ecosystem and the wildlife that lives in the area.
No matter what type of boat tour you're looking for, you're sure to find something that interests you in Jacksonville.
Here are some tips for planning your boat tour:
- Book your tickets in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.
- Arrive early to check in and get your tickets.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you may be doing some walking.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights you see.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Jacksonville is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, with its mild climate and abundance of parks and green spaces.
- Visit the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens:
This arboretum and gardens feature over 100 acres of native plants and trees. There are also walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a children's garden.
- Go for a walk or bike ride along the St. Johns Riverwalk:
This scenic riverwalk stretches for over 2 miles along the St. Johns River. It's a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the views of the city.
- Play a round of golf at one of Jacksonville's many golf courses:
Jacksonville is home to over 50 golf courses, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find a course that challenges you.
- Go kayaking or canoeing on the St. Johns River:
The St. Johns River is a great place to kayak or canoe. You can paddle through the marshes and swamps, or explore the many islands that dot the river.
These are just a few of the many outdoor activities that you can enjoy in Jacksonville. With its mild climate and abundance of parks and green spaces, Jacksonville is a great place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Discover Historic Sites
Jacksonville is home to a number of historic sites that offer a glimpse into the city's past. Here are a few of the most popular historic sites to visit:
- Fort Caroline National Memorial:
This site marks the location of the first French settlement in North America. You can explore the remains of the fort, as well as learn about the history of the French and Spanish in Florida.
- Jacksonville Historical Society Museum:
This museum tells the story of Jacksonville from its founding to the present day. You can see exhibits on everything from the city's early settlers to its role in the Civil War.
- Old St. Andrew's Church:
This church is the oldest surviving building in Jacksonville. It was built in 1825 and has served as a place of worship for over 150 years.
- The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:
This museum features a collection of over 5,000 works of art, from ancient to modern. The gardens are also a must-see, with over 2,500 varieties of plants.
These are just a few of the many historic sites that you can visit in Jacksonville. With its rich history and diverse culture, Jacksonville is a great place to learn about the past.
Here are some tips for planning your visit to Jacksonville's historic sites:
- Do some research before you go so that you know what to expect.
- Allow plenty of time to explore each site.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture all the amazing sights you see.
Savor the Local Cuisine
Jacksonville is a great place to sample a variety of delicious local cuisine. From fresh seafood to Southern comfort food, there's something for everyone in Jacksonville.
- Seafood:
Jacksonville is home to a number of seafood restaurants, serving up everything from fresh-caught shrimp to crab legs. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Jacksonville include shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fried fish.
- Southern comfort food:
Jacksonville is also known for its Southern comfort food. Some of the most popular dishes include fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. You can also find a number of soul food restaurants in Jacksonville, serving up dishes like fried catfish, pork chops, and black-eyed peas.
- International cuisine:
Jacksonville is a diverse city, and its culinary scene reflects that. You can find restaurants serving everything from Italian to Chinese to Mexican cuisine. There are also a number of fusion restaurants that combine different culinary traditions to create unique and flavorful dishes.
- Craft beer:
Jacksonville is home to a number of craft breweries, producing a variety of delicious beers. You can find everything from IPAs to stouts to sours. Many of the local breweries also have taprooms, where you can sample their beers and learn more about the brewing process.
These are just a few of the many culinary delights that you can enjoy in Jacksonville. With its diverse population and thriving culinary scene, Jacksonville is a great place to satisfy your taste buds.