The blue waters in north Florida are calling your name and we know it. Jacksonville, specifically.
Jacksonville offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking in its many parks and waterways.
Here Are the Best Things To Do In Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida, offers a variety of activities for visitors and residents alike. Here are some cool things to do in Jacksonville:
Visit the Beaches
Similar to Atlanta’s beaches, Jacksonville is known for its beautiful beaches. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
Here are the best beaches in Jacksonville?
- Jacksonville Beach: This is the most well-known beach in the area, offering a wide stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities. The Jacksonville Beach Pier is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying views of the ocean.
- Neptune Beach: Located just north of Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach is a quieter and more residential area with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place for a peaceful beach day or a leisurely stroll along the shore.
- Atlantic Beach: Adjacent to Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach is known for its natural beauty and wide beaches. It’s a popular spot for surfing and has a vibrant local community.
- Ponte Vedra Beach: While not technically part of Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is located just south of the city and is known for its upscale resorts, golf courses, and pristine beaches.
Stroll Along the Riverwalk
The Jacksonville Riverwalk stretches along the St. Johns River and offers beautiful views of the city skyline. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
The Riverwalk provides panoramic views of the St. Johns River, which is one of the largest rivers in Florida. You can enjoy the sight of boats and ships passing by, as well as the natural beauty of the riverbanks.
The Riverwalk passes under several iconic bridges that span the St. Johns River, including the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge. These bridges are architectural landmarks and offer great photo opportunities.
Along the Riverwalk, you’ll find various sculptures and art installations that add to the area’s beauty and cultural appeal.
Visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
This museum features a diverse collection of art, including European and American paintings, as well as beautiful gardens overlooking the river.
The museum hosts special events throughout the year, such as art festivals, concerts, and community celebrations. These events often feature live music, performances, and hands-on activities for visitors to enjoy.
The museum’s café offers a scenic dining experience overlooking the gardens. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The museum has a store where visitors can purchase art books, unique gifts, and souvenirs related to the museum’s collection and exhibitions.
Check out the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, and the gardens feature lush landscapes and beautiful plant collections.
The Jacksonville Zoo features the following animals:
- African Elephants: The zoo is known for its African elephant exhibit, where visitors can observe these majestic creatures up close.
- Great Apes: The Jacksonville Zoo is home to gorillas and bonobos, two species of great apes known for their intelligence and social behavior.
- Big Cats: The zoo has a collection of big cats, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs, which are always popular attractions.
- Giraffes: Visitors can often feed giraffes at the zoo’s giraffe overlook, allowing for a unique and interactive experience.
- Birds: The zoo has a diverse collection of birds from around the world, including flamingos, toucans, and eagles.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: From alligators to frogs, the zoo has a variety of reptiles and amphibians on display, showcasing the diversity of these fascinating creatures.
- Exotic Mammals: In addition to the iconic species mentioned above, the zoo is also home to a variety of exotic mammals such as lemurs, meerkats, and red pandas.
Experience the Riverside Arts Market
Held every Saturday, this market offers a variety of goods from local artisans, including arts, crafts, and food.
You can also check out the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods for some authentic city charm.
These historic neighborhoods are filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Riverside Arts Market, held every Saturday, is a great place to find local arts, crafts, and food.
Take a River Cruise
Several companies offer river cruises along the St. Johns River, providing a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings. Here are some options you can take for a river cruise:
- St. Johns River Taxi: The St. Johns River Taxi offers narrated sightseeing cruises along the St. Johns River, providing views of downtown Jacksonville, the Southbank Riverwalk, and other points of interest. The taxi service operates on a regular schedule, allowing you to hop on and off at various stops along the river.
- Jacksonville River Cruises: Jacksonville River Cruises offers a variety of cruises along the St. Johns River, including sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises, and private charters. These cruises provide opportunities to enjoy the river’s natural beauty and learn about the area’s history and wildlife from knowledgeable guides.
- Private Charters: Several companies in Jacksonville offer private charters for special events such as weddings, corporate outings, and private parties. These charters can be customized to fit your needs and provide a unique way to experience the river.
Final Word
Jacksonville features plenty of things to see and do — and you can go anytime of the year.
Depending on the time of year, you can catch a Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp minor league baseball game, or other sporting events.
The Riverwalk passes by several parks and public spaces, including Friendship Fountain Park and the Southbank Riverwalk Plaza. These areas provide green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Final Word
Traveling is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health. And Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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