The state of Florida is like a box of chocolates. The place is full of surprises, you’ll never know what you’re going to get. You just need to gear up for the experience. Florida is home to great cities like Orlando, where the world’s best theme parks are, and Miami, where some of the world’s best beaches can be found. Then, there’s a Florida city that is also worth visiting… Jacksonville. With so many things to do in Jacksonville, surprises are literally right at every corner. 

You’ll notice that when you are touring places, you also get to know their history, and Jacksonville has a very interesting past. The city of Jacksonville started as a settlement for the British colonists, but its big development only happened during the late 19th century when it became a winter vacation destination for tourists from across the United States. Today, Jacksonville welcomes visitors from all over the world. 

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of one of the United States’ most visited states, Jacksonville, Florida’s most populous city, is also a beach town, but combines this attitude with its urban life and Southern charm. There are so many things to do in Jacksonville, and we’re excited to introduce these to you.

Here Are Some Of The Best Things To Do In Jacksonville

The list of the best things to do in Jacksonville begins right now.

1. Let Your Kids Enjoy Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens

With no doubt, Florida is a family-friendly destination. If your family is headed to this state, particularly in Orlando for the theme parks, you might also want to explore Jacksonville, which is just a few hours drive from each other. Kids will love the things to do in Jacksonville, starting with the many activities at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 

This zoo houses more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, as well as 1,000 plant varieties. Here, you’ll truly interact with wildlife and the environment. 

It is also interesting to note that since 1914, the zoo has supported wildlife conservation, so visiting this place is a great way to teach kids how to protect the environment in their own little ways. 

Activities at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens include feeding the giraffes at the African Overlook section, watching the otters float in the Wild Florida exhibit, and seeing colorful birds called lorikeets at Australian Adventure. You’ll also be able to watch tigers roam at the Land of the Tiger exhibit, and jaguars in their very own exhibit too. Don’t forget to also visit the scenic Trout River dock where you can get a chance to spot a manatee.

2. Travel Back In Ancient Times At The Cummer Museum Of Arts And Gardens

Another popular attraction in Jacksonville is the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens. If you are fascinated by ancient history, this is one of the things to do in Jacksonville that you’ll surely enjoy. 

In fact, the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens is one of the favorite art museums all across Florida since it houses the best art collections. Mind you, it showcases thousands of artwork collections from as far as 2100 BC to the present-day, with a focus on European and American paintings.

While you’re here, make sure you also drop by the exquisite garden this museum has. Its garden is ornamented with beautiful fountains and sculptures, as well as a pleasing reflecting pool. 

3. Play Golf!

Missing tee time from your home country? You never have to if you’re here enjoying the things to do in Jacksonville. With the city’s warm weather brought to you by the generous Florida sun, Jacksonville is the perfect location for tee time. 

The city offers the most convenient access for tourists to 70 private and public courses scattered across northeastern Florida. These greens provide a total of 1,200 holes, which golf enthusiasts can take advantage of to the fullest. Plus, Jacksonville is also a place to watch some golf competitions. 

Welcome to our “things to do in Jacksonville” guide! Jacksonville is one of the most well-loved cities in Florida. Speaking of Florida, we have more stories about this gorgeous state. 

4. Experience Live Music At The Birthplace Of Southern Rock

If Nashville in Tennessee is the center of country music, Jacksonville is the birthplace of Southern rock. Being so, the city is the ideal place to experience this genre. There are so many events being held here that champion rock music.

For instance, you have Welcome to Rockville, an annual celebration of all things rock which has witnessed artists like Limp Bizkit, Slash, and Def Leppard performing. 

And who says Jacksonville is just about rock music? There’s also the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which is the country’s second-largest, held every May. For some blues, you can take part at the Spring the Blues music festival that has been bringing its sound to the city’s beaches since 1991. You can’t stop jiving and jamming while you’re here in Jacksonville. Include this on your things to do in Jacksonville itinerary.

5. Tour Big And Little Talbot Island

Immersing with nature is very much possible here at Jacksonville. There’s Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island. 

Big Talbot features wetlands, marshes, bike paths, and even secret beaches. The highlights are Blackrock Beach and Boneyard Beach. Plus, you may also avail guided kayak tours or go hiking.

Meanwhile, Little Talbot Island is a five-mile stretch of unparalleled shoreline in the middle of a maritime forest. It is also home to dozens of native wildlife species. Many fishing enthusiasts visit Little Talbot to catch fish like sheepshead and flounder. Don’t forget to bring binoculars to spot birds of prey perched on the island’s treetops, or hunt the shore for cute seashells. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Jacksonville where activities turn eco-friendly, take a tour around Big Talbot Island on an electric bike. 

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6. Discover The History And Architecture Of Downtown Jacksonville 

The heart of Jacksonville lies in its downtown. Things to do in Jacksonville while you’re here are aplenty. 

Downtown Jacksonville is the city’s main business district. It is a quiet riverside getaway known for its laid-back waterfront pubs, seafood grills, and shopping destinations. Sure you won’t run out of activities while you’re downtown. But if you want to take a detour, and learn downtown Jacksonville’s history and architecture, you can take this tour.

A tour guide will tour you around popular landmarks in the city, such as the Veterans Memorial Wall, John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, Friendship Fountain, and Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. 

7. Learn About Pirate Lore At Amelia Island

Just a short drive from downtown Jacksonville is the relaxed neighborhood of Amelia Island. So popular, there are many various tours offered getting you around this island. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Amelia Island once provided a safe vacation retreat for Jacksonville’s Black residents from the 1930s to 1950s decades. You know why? Here, Black vacationers can enjoy the island without threats of racial discrimination and violence. In fact, in 2002, the beach landed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are a lot of things to do in Jacksonville while you are here. You can learn about pirate lore at the Amelia Island Museum of History, visit the American Beach Museum, spot some alligators and wild horses while on a waterway cruise, hike through the Fort George Island Cultural State Park, or simply lounge on the sands. 

8. Unleash Your Inner Shopaholic At Riverside Arts Market

Of course, are we going to forget quenching your thirst for shopping while you are traveling around Jacksonville? Here in this city, the Riverside Arts Market is the place to be. If you don’t mind the crowd, weekends in this market find various vendors, farmers, producers, and artists showcasing their products. It’s nothing but pure extravaganza. Shop for paintings, sculptures, handmade pottery work, bread, fresh cheese, gourmet spreads, snack items, and more at the Riverside Arts Market. Don’t skip this on your list of things to do in Jacksonville. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Jacksonville” guide? Read more of our stories about Florida.

9. Visit A 19th Century Plantation House 

The southern states are known for their plantation houses, mainly because of the region’s climate. The climate of the South is ideal to cultivate cash crops. Being a capitalist venture before, these plantations were thus created to grow cash crops for sale on the market. In Jacksonville, they are proud of their Kingsley Plantation.

Situated on the Fort George Island marsh side, this 1814 plantation house plays a significant role in the often complicated history of Florida. With its surrounding structures, Kingsley Plantation is preserved by the National Park Service. When you’re here, you can explore the distinctive tabby houses, built and inhabited by the plantation’s slaves. You can either take a self-guided audio tour or have a park ranger lead your tour.

10. Indulge In The Best Seafood

With so much water around Jacksonville, there’s no way you can miss its seafood offerings, and they’re oh-so-good. Some of the best seafood restaurants here are Julington Creek Fish Camp, Marker 32, Southern Charm, Chowder Ted’s, and Palms Fish Camp Restaurant.

But aside from just seafood, the city’s culinary scene is also diverse, taking in influences from international recipes. If you’re searching for big-name chefs, a good place to start is at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails, run by an award-winning chef ready to serve you the best. 

Meanwhile, if you are after craft beer more than cocktails, visit the Jax Ale Trail where a self-guided tour of seven local breweries is also being offered. 

For those who want to learn how to cook the local dishes, head over to the Jacksonville Farmers Market, the state’s oldest, dating back to the 1930s.

Thank you for dropping by our “things to do in Jacksonville” piece. We are going to miss you a lot. How about staying and learning about the best photography spots in Miami, Florida?

Don’t Miss On The Best Things To Do In Jacksonville: How Much Budget Do You Need?

Traveling to Jacksonville, Florida soon? When traveling here, one of the stuff you need to prepare ahead of time is knowing how much budget you need, so you don’t miss out on any of the best things to do in Jacksonville. Read on for the scoop. 

The average price of a seven-day trip to Jacksonville is around $1,500 for a solo traveler, around $2,700 for a couple, and around $5,000 for a family of four. 

On the other hand, hotels in Jacksonville range from around $60 to $250 per night, while vacation rentals will cost around $140 to $500 per night for the entire home.

Jacksonville Is Waving

Jacksonville may not be as trendy as its neighbors like Orlando, but this Florida city is filled with wonder. It often acts as a springboard for a traveler’s Atlantic coast getaway. Beach lovers will swoon over the beautiful Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Amelia Island, all within a short drive from downtown Jacksonville. 

But the place is more than just the beaches underneath the Florida sun. Leisure travelers will love the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, as much as art lovers will like the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, and shopaholics, the Riverside Arts Market. There are plenty of things to do in Jacksonville. The city is waving at you.