15 Best Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville, known as the “River City by the Sea,” offers a massive variety of experiences, from unspoiled beaches to historic cultural sites. If you are looking for the best ways to spend your time, here is a quick, no-nonsense guide to 15 must-do activities.

1. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

• The Vibe: Peaceful, cultural, and scenic.
• Why Go: View over 5,000 works of art spanning 4,000 years, and stroll through 2.5 acres of historic, European-style gardens located right on the St. Johns River.

2. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

• The Vibe: Family-friendly and immersive.
• Why Go: Walk Northeast Florida’s only walking safari. The zoo emphasizes conservation, allowing you to feed giraffes and observe rare animals in lush, natural habitats.

3. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

• The Vibe: Rugged, outdoorsy, and active.
• Why Go: Escape the commercial boardwalks. This park offers 20 miles of wooded biking trails, a 60-acre freshwater lake, and access to “The Poles,” a premier local surfing spot.

4. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Vibe: Thrilling and educational.
• Why Go: Support a non-profit forever home for rescued tigers, lions, and leopards. Visit during a night feeding tour to see the big cats at their most active.

5. Riverside Arts Market (RAM)

• The Vibe: Lively, local, and community-driven.
• Why Go: Held every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge, this outdoor market is packed with local artisans, food trucks, fresh produce, and live music.

6. Museum of Science & History (MOSH)

• The Vibe: Curious and interactive.
• Why Go: Perfect for families, MOSH offers hands-on science exhibits, deep dives into Northeast Florida’s 12,000-year history, and immersive shows in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium.

7. Little Talbot Island State Park

• The Vibe: Unspoiled and serene.
• Why Go: Explore one of Northeast Florida’s few remaining undeveloped barrier islands. It is famous for its striking driftwood forests, white sand beaches, and diverse bird watching.

8. Kingsley Plantation

• The Vibe: Historic and reflective.
• Why Go: Located on scenic Fort George Island, this National Park site offers an unflinching look into Florida’s complex history, featuring well-preserved 19th-century tabby slave cabins and the main plantation house.

9. The Florida Theatre

• The Vibe: Vintage and entertaining.
• Why Go: Catch a concert, comedy show, or ballet in this beautifully restored, 1920s Mediterranean Revival-style venue in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.

10. Southbank Riverwalk & Friendship Fountain

• The Vibe: Relaxing and picturesque.
• Why Go: Take a 1.2-mile stroll along the St. Johns River for unbeatable skyline views. End your walk at Friendship Fountain, which features beautifully illuminated water shows at night.

11. St. Johns Town Center

• The Vibe: Upscale and bustling.
• Why Go: The epicenter of shopping and dining in Jacksonville. This massive outdoor mall features over 175 retailers, ranging from luxury brands to local boutiques, plus excellent restaurants.

12. Catch a Game at EverBank Stadium

• The Vibe: Energetic and loud.
• Why Go: Join the local tailgating culture and watch the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) play. The stadium is famous for its massive video boards and unique fan experiences, like the stadium swimming pools.

13. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

• The Vibe: Quiet and grounding.
• Why Go: A hidden gem offering 120 acres of urban woodland. It features beautifully maintained, pet-friendly walking trails through various distinct ecological habitats.

14. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

• The Vibe: Wild and expansive.
• Why Go: Hike or kayak through 46,000 acres of coastal wetlands. Be sure to visit the Fort Caroline National Memorial to learn about the short-lived 16th-century French presence in Florida.

15. The Jax Ale Trail

• The Vibe: Social and flavorful.
• Why Go: Experience Jacksonville’s booming craft beer scene. Grab a brewery passport and hop between award-winning local breweries like Intuition Ale Works and Aardwolf Brewing Company.