Jacksonville Travel Guide
20 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville often acts as a springboard for Atlantic coast exploration; the popular shoreside towns of Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and Amelia Island are all within an hour's drive from downtown. But stick around Jacksonville and you'll
- All Things To Do
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens makes an excellent addition to the historic Riverside neighborhood, sitting just southwest of downtown Jacksonville. Established in 1958, this beautiful art museum has made a mission out of art education and community enhancement. In addition to housing impressive exhibits, the museum offers seminars and lecture series while working with the Beaches Rotaract and other nonprofit groups on additional programs for kids.
But back to the art: This institution houses more than 5,000 works from various artists, including Mildred Thompson, Peter Paul Rubens and Norman Rockwell. You can also check out the current exhibitions and special collections. While here, make time for a stroll through the gardens, which feature fountains, reflecting pools and a canopy created by towering old oak trees. You can also enjoy lunch from the cafe either indoors, on the patio or in the gardens. And on warm Friday evenings, order a picnic tote from the cafe and bring a blanket to have dinner in the garden outside.
Little Talbot Island State Park Little Talbot Island State Park
If you've come to northeast Florida to take advantage of the warm weather and Atlantic coast, consider a visit to Little Talbot Island State Park. Catching the ocean waves about 25 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island boasts more than 5 miles of shoreline and lacks the crowds of other Florida beach destinations.
But don't just come here to lounge along the sand. As one of the few undeveloped barrier islands remaining along the state's northeast coast, Little Talbot Island encompasses a variety of habitats – from coastal salt marshes to sand dunes – that house a wide array of animal species. Wildlife-watchers may catch a glimpse of gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, white-tailed deer and even bobcats, which you're more likely to see at dawn and dusk.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Sitting on the edge of the Trout River, about 7 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a must if you're visiting the city with kids. This 115-acre facility is the only walking safari in northeast Florida; you are invited to wander the grounds, where you'll find opportunities to get up close and personal (even eye-to-eye) with animals like giraffes in their habitat, the Giraffe Overlook. Then look for western lowland gorillas in the African Forest exhibit, Malayan and Sumatran tigers in the Land of the Tiger and African elephants in the Africa Loop. The sprawling grounds also house Stingray Bay (where you can pet and feed stingrays) and the ever-popular 2.5-acre Play Park and Splash Ground, where children can play, view more animals (like penguins and Nigerian Dwarf goats) and cool off after a day in the Florida heat. In all, more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants call the zoo home.
The zoo also offers unique behind-the-scenes experiences where you can get up close to the African elephants and meet the animal care specialists who train them. There are also opportunities to feed the penguins, brush a Warty pig or learn about the rehabilitation and conservation of Florida's gentle giants, the manatees. Reservations are required for these offerings and there is an additional charge.
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Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park
Situated within Big Talbot Island State Park and the federally protected Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, Boneyard Beach is a favorite destination for visitors who come to see the giant pieces of sun- and salt-bleached driftwood and 30-foot-high dunes along Northeast Florida's coast. This 3-mile stretch of shoreline on Nassau Sound is important to the local ecosystem as the pieces of fallen and weathered trees prevent further erosion of the beach and protect the interior landscape from harsh winds and flooding, including the salt marshes and nearby cities and towns.
Past visitors say it's a quiet, primitive beach and that it's incredible to see the beauty of Mother Nature at work.
Kingsley Plantation Kingsley Plantation free
U.S. News Insider Tip: For a full-day adventure, visit Kingsley Plantation in the morning and then take the St. Johns River Ferry from Fort George Island to Mayport Village. Grab a late lunch at Safe Harbor, a popular (and very busy) local seafood restaurant. – Gwen Pratesi
Set in the 46,000-acre area of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve – one of the last bits of unspoiled wetlands along the Atlantic Coast – Kingsley Plantation is the former home of Zephaniah Kingsley.
St. Johns Town Center St. Johns Town Center free
St. Johns Town Center is Jacksonville's premier shopping destination, with more than 175 stores. The outdoor mall, located approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown, features major retailers like Nordstrom, Dillard's and Restoration Hardware, and luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Visitors will also find popular stores like Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Athleta, lululemon and Apple. In addition, there are plenty of dining options.
The Restoration Hardware design gallery at Town Center stands an impressive three stories high with more than 70,000 feet of square feet of space. The dining venue at RH Jacksonville, the RH Rooftop Restaurant, is an upscale option for dining indoors or outside for lunch, brunch or dinner. Patrons love the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces with trees and fountains and they say the food is excellent. It's particularly dramatic at night with the glass-enclosed roof and striking light fixtures.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
If you've come to Florida for the beach, a 17-mile drive east of downtown Jacksonville will get you to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, home to 1.5 miles of clean, soft sand along the Atlantic coastline. This bit of shoreline offers some of the best surfing conditions in northeast Florida; if you're a surfing novice, you can take advantage of the park's 60-acre lake, which is great for fishing, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes. But according to recent visitors, these aren't the only reasons to visit the park. Past travelers praised the variety of wildlife-watching opportunities, the 20-plus miles of biking and hiking trails and the excellent camping facilities. Some also say it's a beautiful park that's not crowded and a hidden gem for outdoor lovers.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park makes a great spot for a family outing. In addition to the beach and the hiking trails, you'll also find a water park (open during the summer months) and picnic areas. In the evening, you can head to nearby Beaches Town Center (about 5 miles south of the park), where you can grab dinner at one of the casual or upscale eateries or fish camps.
Riverside Arts Market Riverside Arts Market free
U.S. News Insider Tip: After the market, make your way to the Cummer Museum, just down the street. From there, head over to Hawkers, a bustling Asian street food restaurant, for a selection of small plates and noodle dishes to share. – Gwen Pratesi
Every Saturday in downtown Jacksonville (about a block from the Cummer Museum ), as many as 175 local craftspeople and vendors gather at the Riverside Arts Market. You'll notice everything from handmade pottery and stained-glass art to fresh produce and homemade dog treats at the different booths. While you're browsing, you can enjoy live entertainment from numerous performers, and when you begin to feel peckish, grab something to eat from one of the many street vendors or food trucks that set up shop here.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
Art aficionados won't want to miss the chance to visit MOCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art, in downtown Jacksonville. This facility – which is affiliated with the University of North Florida – showcases more than 1,000 works of art in the mediums of painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, works on paper and new media in its permanent collection. Its focus is on modern and contemporary art, with particular emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present.
For many museum lovers, it's MOCA's special events that are the main draw. The museum sponsors a variety of educational programs like guest lectures and youth activities. Recent visitors said the museum is small, and that you'll likely be able to see everything you want in less than an hour. They also suggest visiting the museum when there's free admission on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens free
For a quiet escape into nature not far from downtown, head to the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. Spanning more than 120 acres, the arboretum offers seven hiking trails, a 2-acre lake and a variety of plants and flowers. The area was once home to a gold mining company between 1941 and 1961, so you'll find uneven terrain and even wooden bridges throughout the trails. The property is pet-friendly, but just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and bring doggie bags.
Past visitors appreciated the serene atmosphere of the gardens and applauded the many benches stationed along the trails. Others were happy to find the flower and plant varieties clearly labeled, offering a learning opportunity for both kids and adults. Some say that it's magical and one of their favorite places to visit in Jacksonville.
Jax Ale Trail Jax Ale Trail free
Check out Jacksonville's burgeoning craft brewery scene by exploring the local breweries on the Jax Ale Trail. This hops-inspired adventure includes a Brewery Passport that gets stamped at every location – and you'll snag free beer gear along the way. There are more than 25 breweries on the trail, including some familiar brands like Bold City Brewery, Aardwolf Brewing Company and Intuition Ale Works – the first craft brewery in the state of Florida. You'll also find burgers, fries and other casual fare at some of the locales. Some spots even offer play areas for kids. Just be sure to have a designated driver – no matter who's along for the ride.
You can pick up your passport at the Visit Jacksonville Visitors Center or at your first stop on the trail. If you're posting photos on social media, use the #JAXALETRAIL hashtag as you sip, nosh and have fun throughout the day. And don't miss sampling one of the Jacksonville Jaguar-inspired brews, such as Fishweir Brewing's Stand Up & Shout Duuuval Irish Stout, Aardwolf Brewing's Jag Tears and Engine 15 Brewing's J'Ville Lager. For more information, visit the JAX Ale Trail page on the Visit Jacksonville website .
Museum of Science & History Museum of Science & History
Located along the Southbank of the St. Johns River, across from downtown Jacksonville, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is worth a visit if you've got kids in tow. Although some recent visitors noted that the museum itself is a bit small, many say that it was a hit with the kids. A few past visitors also said the museum's exhibits could benefit from updates, but most agreed this is a good stop for rainy days. Exhibits include information on everything from the ocean and the history of Jacksonville to the human body and outer space, and interactive activities help keep younger visitors engaged. If your little ones need to get rid of some pent-up energy, you can take them to the museum's KidSpace, a spacious playground designed with kids ages 5 and younger in mind.
The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium is an impressive addition to MOSH as it's one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the country. The immersive programs at the planetarium cover space exploration, our planet and the human experience with live presentations led by the planetarium's educators. Different shows run throughout the day and vary by the day of the week. You‘ll also find evening events throughout the year, including Cosmic Concerts, which feature laser lights and high-definition images set to popular music from bands like the Beatles and Metallica. Recent visitors say the planetarium offers a nice break between the other exhibits, but comment about the extra cost to see the shows.
Sweet Pete's Candy Sweet Pete's Candy free
If you're traveling with kids (or are craving something sugary), plan to stop at Sweet Pete's for lunch, an ice cream sundae (the special "Farrell's Zoo" features a whopping 30 scoops!), a chocolate tour, a candy-making class, a retro soda, or of course – some candy. Housed in the historic Seminole Club in downtown Jacksonville, this whimsical candy shop, restaurant and factory covers 23,000 square feet across its three stories.
Visitors have fun attending the seasonal hands-on classes (like making candy canes at Christmas) and enjoy the chocolate tours, casual fare at the on-site restaurant Fizzies & Fare (think: hamburgers, fries and Chicago hot dogs) and shopping for most any kind of candy you can imagine.
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Fort Caroline National Memorial Fort Caroline National Memorial free
Located in the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, which also houses Kingsley Plantation (in another part of the preserve across the St. Johns River), Fort Caroline National Memorial aims to tell the story of the French colonial presence in 16th-century Florida. In addition to short hiking trails, the site houses a visitor center with exhibits detailing the preserve's natural history and environment, European exploration and settlement and information about the Timucua people. There is also a scaled-down replica fort that was built in 1924 and is based on historic drawings of the original French fort. It's located about a half-mile down a walking trail that runs along the St. Johns River.
Past visitors applaud the visitor center and informative park ranges and enjoy exploring the scenic nature trails found at Fort Caroline. They also say the exhibits, including the replica of the fort, are well-done and they learned fascinating history they never knew.
EverBank Stadium EverBank Stadium
EverBank Stadium is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and the yearly NCAA rivalry – and one of the most anticipated games in college football – the match between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia. The venue, situated along the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, is also host to the annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, one of college football's oldest bowl games that brings a week full of parties, activities and excitement to town. The stadium also hosts concerts and other live events, such as Monster Jam.
The stadium is regarded as one of the highlights of the sports scene in Jacksonville and is constantly undergoing renovations and improvement projects. More than 64,000 Jaguars fans pack into the venue on game day. And you'll find more than 80,000 college football fans for annual events like the TaxSlayer Bowl. Fun fact: Inside the stadium, visitors will find the world's largest video boards and a one-of-a-kind addition for the NFL league – swimming pools known as "spas" where fans can watch the game while cooling down on a hot Florida afternoon.
Florida Theatre Florida Theatre
First opened in 1927, the Florida Theatre now showcases more than 150 cultural and entertainment events annually. Similar to other theaters constructed in the 1920s, including the Tampa Theatre , which was designed by the same interior design studio a year earlier in 1926, the Florida Theatre has a lavish interior. Built in the Mediterranean Revival-style, the theater impresses travelers with its terrazzo and tile floors, amber glass light fixtures and chandeliers, terracotta exterior ornamentation, decorative columns and glass and copper entrance doors. When it first opened, the venue also had the second-largest Wurlitzer organ in the world.
Recent visitors appreciate the beautiful architecture and say that it's an historic gem with comfortable seating and great acoustics. They also mention that there's not a bad seat in the house. Based on their positive comments, they must not have seen “J” during their visit. The Florida Theatre is rumored to be haunted by a man named “J,” and possibly some other friendly ghosts.
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
This performing arts facility in downtown Jacksonville encompasses three different venues with setups to accommodate everything from Broadway shows, symphony orchestras and ballets to hip-hop concerts, comedy performances and more. The 2,900-seat Moran Theater is home to a Broadway Series – and the stage size is perfect for rock concerts and opera as well as other performances. Outstanding acoustics at the 1,800-guest, their-tiered Jacoby Symphony Hall make it ideal for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, while the 600-seat multiuse Terry Theater is host to theater and dance recitals, comedy shows and other small events.
Visitors will find a wide array of shows throughout the year, including rock concert magic performances by Reza; the colorful entertainment of Shen Yun; classical concerts; an "Artist Series" event with David Foster and Katharine McPhee or the Jacksonville Symphony playing the hits of Elvis, Prince and Queen, in addition to many other live events.
Take a day trip to Amelia Island Take a day trip to Amelia Island free
U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan your visit during one of the island's special events. Classic car fans will be wowed by The Amelia, while foodies can't miss the Amelia Island Cookout, which is held in mid-October on the lawn at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. – Gwen Pratesi
About 30 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, the relaxed community of Amelia Island draws families and year-round vacationers with its 13 miles of beaches, historic attractions and laid-back environment.
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Ponte Vedra Beach Ponte Vedra Beach free
Ponte Vedra Beach draws leisure travelers in search of sparkling white sands and top-rated golf and tennis resorts. This upscale community on the Atlantic coast (about 22 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville) is best known as the home to the PGA Tour and The Players Championship, which are hosted at the famous TPC Sawgrass – and that's just one of many courses and country clubs in the area. But if you would prefer to skip the fairways, you can take advantage of Ponte Vedra Beach's parks, shops, and eateries.
Ponte Vedra Beach is also home to some of the area's more exclusive hotels, including the Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach . However, be aware that accommodations here fill up quickly during the golf tournaments in the spring and during the summer, so make your reservations well in advance if you plan to stay here.
Atlantic Beach Atlantic Beach free
Jacksonville isn't located right on the beach, but it won't take you long to get to the coast. Head 17 miles east along Route 10 and you'll find yourself in the charming town of Atlantic Beach. Once considered the first year-round Native American settlement in North America, Atlantic Beach is now Jacksonville's northernmost beach town. The area offers visitors accommodations such as an oceanfront upscale resort, One Ocean Resort & Spa ; Hotel Palms, a trendy vintage property that was originally a 1947 motor court inn, and vacation rentals through companies like Vrbo. You'll also find casual eateries, golf courses and, of course, a long stretch of soft sand.
Recent travelers say they appreciate the quiet, mostly residential beach, but that there's not much to do for visitors. They also mention that there's limited parking if you're spending the day at the beach. For more dining, shopping and nightlife options in the Atlantic Beach area, take a drive to Beaches Town Center, which sits between Atlantic Beach (to the north) and Neptune Beach to the south. This complex offers many restaurant options and other activities for visitors.
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20 Best Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida, According to Locals
From beautiful beaches to interesting museums, Jacksonville, Florida, has something for everyone.
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller and regular contributor to Travel + Leisure.
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Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
If you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist hot spots and still get a taste of the best that Florida has to offer, look no further than Jacksonville. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beaches, world-class museums, and more — not to mention a country flair that locals are proud of. The city offers plenty of spots for outdoor recreation, like the stunning Boneyard Beach and the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, and it's also home to the impressive EverBank Stadium, where you can watch the Jacksonville Jaguars.
To help plan your trip to this Florida gem, we spoke to locals who gave us the lowdown on the best things to do in Jacksonville. Read on for their tips on where to go, what to do, and what to see to make the most of your trip.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- You can't visit Florida without a trip to the beach, and Jacksonville Beach offers a wide, sandy swath for you to set up your umbrella.
- The 14.5-mile Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is the perfect spot to ride your bike or walk.
- Visit the big cats at the Catty Shack Ranch animal sanctuary and learn about their rehabilitation efforts.
- Take in the stunning scenery at Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot State Park, and then explore the tide pools nearby.
- Walk the trails at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and see what's in bloom.
Spend the day at Jacksonville Beach.
Jackson Vance/Travel + Leisure
It wouldn’t be a Florida vacation without a visit to the beach, and Jacksonville has plenty of ways for visitors to enjoy the coastline, thanks to its year-round sunshine. Walk along the “sandy highway” during low tide, take a dip in the Atlantic, or try your hand at several other recreational activities like kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing from the pier. You can also “walk down memory lane at Beaches Museum to remember how Jacksonville’s beaches got to where they are now,” says Curt DeWitt, owner and operator of Beach Life Rentals and Salt Air Inn & Suites .
Explore the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.
Hike, bike, or ride along what was once part of a CSX railway line and now showcases a different, more forested side of Jacksonville’s natural beauty. The 14.5-mile trail has a multi-use asphalt path smooth enough for skating and cycling, along with a parallel unpaved path for off-road biking and horseback riding. “It's a great place to see the ‘country’ side of Jacksonville and Florida,” says DeWitt.
Hang with big cats at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.
Animal lovers shouldn’t miss a trip to this somewhat hidden gem in Jacksonville. Providing a safe haven for big cats who may have been mistreated or have nowhere else to go, Catty Shack Ranch is home to a large variety of animals, including bobcats, foxes, leopards, tigers, and lions. “It's a fun place to learn about how some ‘pets’ can be mistreated, and how a sanctuary can help provide a comfortable, safe space for the animals to live with each other,” says DeWitt. “They do not allow visitors all the time… so it does not overstimulate the animals and treat them like they are in a zoo.”
Visit Big Talbot Island State Park.
mjphotogalleries / Getty Images
If you're looking for a spot near Jacksonville to go bicycling, birdwatching, or kayaking, visit Big Talbot Island State Park . Walk along the park's paved 3.9-mile trail and read the interpretive panels to learn about this interesting ecosystem. Boneyard Beach is a must-visit stop where you'll find the salt-washed "skeletons" of live oak and cedar trees that once grew in the area. Visit at low tide to check out the nearby tide pools and see what creatures you can find there.
See what's in bloom at the botanical gardens.
The 136-acre Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offers seven nature trails through 13 ecosystems. Walk the Live Oak Trail to see oak trees that are at least a hundred years old, and then make your way to the fernery garden, which is devoted to plants that love the shade. Guided hikes and seasonal events like the Glowing Gardens holiday lights show make a visit extra special.
Get a dose of art and culture at Florida Theatre.
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images
For nearly 100 years, the Florida Theatre has served as a beacon of entertainment. Originally opened as a movie theater, the venue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now hosts hundreds of events per year, from ballet and opera performances to a variety of musical concerts.
Find healing at Auntie Peaches.
“A mystical apothecary with a vibe both earthy and ethereal, Auntie Peaches is a hidden gem in historic Springfield,” says Ernest White II, who grew up in Jacksonville and is the executive producer and presenter of travel docuseries Fly Brother with Ernest White II . “Come here for traditional African herbal and natural medicines, scented candles and aromatic teas, and incredible stories about African American life from Jacksonville and around Florida.”
Have a beach picnic at Huguenot Memorial Park.
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
“I grew up going to this sandy strand north of the mouth of the St. Johns River. The long, wide beach in this public park is a great place to splash in the surf and watch the ships sail in and out of the river on the other side of the jetty,” says White. Visitors are also allowed to drive down onto the beach to set up their barbecue or picnic for the day. While there, be sure to look for the historic marker that commemorates the landing of the French Huguenots on May 1, 1562.
Enjoy a family-friendly day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
You can easily spend the entire day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens , gawking at the 2,000-plus creatures and 1,000 varieties of plants. Feed the animals at the Giraffe Overlook, watch for alligator snapping turtles at the Wild Florida exhibit, and get a unique view of tigers roaming above your head at the Land of the Tiger exhibit. There’s something to keep both adults and children entertained.
Go shopping at Riverside Arts Market.
Open every Saturday, rain or shine, the Riverside Arts Market “is an embodiment of Jacksonville's artistic soul,” says Natasha Burton, head chef, founder, and owner of Mixed Fillings Pie Shop . With around 100 vendors, you’ll find art, handmade jewelry, beauty products, local farmers' produce, food trucks, and more. “It's a weekend must-do for anyone craving a dose of local flavor, and the location can't be matched,” Burton adds.
Admire the masterpieces at Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Lee Snider / Getty Images
As the largest fine arts museum in northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has a collection of nearly 5,000 pieces spanning several centuries, cultures, and continents. The beauty continues in the museum’s historic and lush 2.5-acre garden. “I love the Cummer because you can stroll through the serene gardens, marvel at ancient artifacts, and admire European and American masterpieces all under one roof,” says Burton.
Learn about Jacksonville’s Black history.
The role of Black residents throughout Jacksonville’s fascinating history is often overlooked, but Explore Jax Core is trying to change that with its Black heritage tours. The company offers a general history tour, as well as other options focused on architecture or murals and mosaics. “I vouch for Explore Jax Core’s Black History tours because they’re not just tours,” says Burton. “They’re eye-opening experiences that delve into the soul of Jacksonville. They bring to life stories that often remain untold, celebrating the resilience, triumphs, and contributions of the Black community.”
Explore a darker side of history at Kingsley Plantation.
Like many destinations in the South, Jacksonville has a complicated history, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Kingsley Plantation . Head to this site to learn about the 1814 plantation house and the people who lived there — both enslaved Africans and plantation owners. You can take a self-guided audio tour, but for a deeper dive into its history, book a tour with a park ranger.
Enjoy the outdoors at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
This oceanfront city park has a bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts: 1.5 miles of beautiful beaches, more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, campgrounds and cabins, an expansive lake, picnic shelters, equipment rentals for kayaking, and more. This park is also a top spot for surfing. Beyond its recreational activities, Hanna Park is significant as it was once Manhattan Beach, the first African American beach resort in Florida.
Stroll along St. Johns River.
Be sure to enjoy the views of the mighty St. Johns River along the Northbank Riverwalk (2 miles) or Southbank Riverwalk (1.25 miles). These concrete pathways are ideal for going on a walk or jog, relaxing on the benches, or launching a kayak from one of the designated areas. “Enjoy the art and murals along the way and hopefully catch a glimpse of the river dolphins, a hybrid salt and freshwater dolphin only found in the St. Johns River,” recommends Katie Mitura, chief marketing officer at Visit Jacksonville.
Catch a concert at the Ritz Theatre and Museum.
Located in the historic neighborhood of LaVilla, the Ritz Theatre and Museum showcases the Black history and culture of Jacksonville. From the 1920s to the 1960s, this area was a hot spot for Black entertainment, nightlife, and music. Explore the museum’s many galleries and keep an eye on the event calendar to catch a concert in the beautiful 400-seat theater.
Marvel at the stars at the Museum of Science & History.
With the goal of fostering lifelong learning, Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History has a wide range of interactive exhibits teaching about health and the human body, coastal animals in northeast Florida, diverse energy sources, and the lives of Jacksonville’s first Native Americans. The museum's crowning jewel is its planetarium. As one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the U.S., you can easily explore the wonders of the universe from the comfort of planet Earth.
Spot wildlife at the Castaway Island Preserve.
Walk along the wooden boardwalk at Castaway Island Preserve and keep an eye out for marshland wildlife like snowy egrets and wood storks. You can launch a kayak or canoe to explore the intercoastal waterway up close, go fishing off the pier, or bring lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables.
See the Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium.
6381380 / Getty Images
Not your average football stadium, EverBank Stadium has two of the largest video boards, each measuring 62 feet tall and 362 feet wide, plus two swimming pools so fans can take a dip during a game.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Explore the permanent and rotating collections of this museum that has been a staple in the community for over 100 years. The only contemporary art museum in northeast Florida, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) , connects visitors with the artists of our time. If you visit with kids, MOCA offers special programming and a Kids Art Lab, and kids 18 and under get free admission.
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