Top 10 Things To Do In Jacksonville Florida
Jacksonville offers a diverse array of activities and attractions that cater to various interests and preferences. From its beautiful beaches and parks to its cultural and educational institutions, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So come and discover the many facets of Jacksonville, and create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.
9 Mins
88 Views
October 9, 2023
Jacksonville, Florida: Your Ultimate Guide to the Sunshine State’s Gem
As of 2020, Jacksonville, FL, on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, is Florida’s largest city by population and land area. Moreover, the 1968 merging of municipal authority with Duval County made this city its administrative center. In addition, this consolidation significantly increased the city’s demographics compared to its large area, including a significant metropolitan population.
Additionally, in July 2022, Jacksonville, FL had 971,319 residents. Furthermore, making it the most populous city in the southeastern quarter of the US. It is the largest city in the South, excluding Texas. The fourth-largest metropolitan enclave in Florida, the larger Jacksonville metropolitan region has 1,733,937 residents. This massive metro conglomeration includes the center city and Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker counties.
Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River in northeastern Florida’s First Coast,
First and foremost, Jacksonville, FL, 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Georgia (25 mi or 40 km downtown) and 350 miles (560 km) north of Miami. Jacksonville has Atlantic beaches. Fort Caroline. One of the early European colonies in the continental US was constructed on Timucua property 1564. A Seminole community called Wacca Pilatka and a British village called Cow Ford grew around the little river. Crossing where cattle crossed under British rule. After the US gained Florida from Spain in 1822, a platted town named for Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and seventh US president, was constructed there.
Late-19th-century harbor upgrades made Jacksonville a major military and commercial deep-water port. Its riverine location allows access to Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the U.S. Marine Corps Blount Island Command, and Florida’s third largest seaport, the Port of Jacksonville, FL. Military bases, including Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Jacksonville, Florida, are the third largest US military presence. Logistics, finance, insurance, and healthcare affect local economies. Like much of Florida, Jacksonville relies on golf tourism, with the PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach. Some Jacksonville, Florida natives are called “Jacksonvilleians” or “Jaxons”.
Top 10 Things to Do In Jacksonville, Florida
1. Amelia Island Jacksonville, Florida
Amelia Island is 30 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, FL. Its 13-mile beach, historical sites, and laid-back vibe attract families. Amelia Island charmed generations, including Jacksonville’s Black population in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Furthermore, Leisure and pleasure were safe there. The first Black millionaire in Florida, Abraham Lincoln Lewis, bought 200 acres of gorgeous Amelia Island oceanfront and named it American Beach. This refuge lets Black guests enjoy the island’s goods without fear of racism or violence. Lastly, this beautiful beach is now on the National Register of Historic Places list in 2002.
Visitors to the island will have several exploration opportunities. Explore pirate legends at the Amelia Island Museum of History, take a waterway tour to see alligators and wild horses, hike through Fort George Island Cultural State Park, or relax on the lovely shoreline. Fernandina Beach, a charming northern hamlet, is recommended by recent tourists for beachside relaxation.
2. Ponte Vedra Beach Jacksonville, Florida
Nestled as the southernmost gem among Jacksonville Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach beckons leisure travelers with its expansive shorelines and world-class golfing. Moreover, this quaint coastal community, situated approximately 22 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville, has gained international acclaim as the proud host of the PGA Tour and THE PLAYERS Championship. These prestigious events unfold on the hallowed greens of the renowned TPC Sawgrass, one of the many championship-caliber golf courses and exclusive country clubs gracing this locale.
Yet, Ponte Vedra Beach offers more than just impeccable fairways. It boasts an array of museums, boutiques, and dining establishments to satiate your cultural and culinary desires. Recent visitors to this seaside haven also extol its sandy shores, renowned for their soft, powdery sands and enchanting dolphin sightings.
Moreover, Ponte Vedra Beach boasts a collection of upscale hotels, with the Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach being a prime example. However, it’s worth noting that accommodations in this coveted destination tend to book up swiftly, particularly during the springtime golf tournaments and the vibrant summer season. To secure your stay, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance.
3. Atlantic Beach in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, isn’t on the coast, but getting it is easy. Drive 16 miles east on Route 10 to reach Atlantic Beach, a lovely town. As North America’s first year-round Native American village, this charming hamlet has a rich history. Today, it offers holiday rentals, casual eating, golfing, and a long stretch of velvety shoreline.
However, summertime brings large numbers to the seaside as tourists enjoy the sun and sea. Many experienced travelers advocate visiting in spring or fall for a more peaceful experience. The weather is perfect, and the beach is big enough for lounging. In addition, Atlantic Beach offers several activities even when the weather is terrible. Recent visitors still enjoy a shorefront stroll. Lastly, Atlantic Beach welcomes tourists day and night without charge. However, check other area attractions’ hours since they may change.
4. Little Talbot Island State Park Jacksonville, Florida
To enjoy the warm weather and Atlantic shoreline in northeast Florida, visit Little Talbot Island State Park. This natural paradise is 25 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, and has almost 5 miles of beautiful shoreline without the crowds of other Florida beaches. However, Little Talbot Island provides more than a lovely beachfront for relaxation. One of the state’s northern shoreline’s remaining unspoiled barrier islands, it has a variety of ecosystems. This reserve is home to a diverse wildlife, from lush salt marshes to rolling dunes. Wildlife enthusiasts may see river otters, marsh rabbits, and secretive bobcats.
Recent visitors highly recommend Little Talbot Island for hiking and biking on a peaceful seashore. Visitors also like the clean facilities, convenient dressing rooms, refreshing outdoor showers, and charcoal barbecues for beach picnics.
5. Fort Caroline National Memorial Jacksonville, Florida
Fort Caroline National Memorial recalls the rich history of French colonial involvement in 16th-century Florida at the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, which includes Kingsley Plantation. In addition to its historical significance, this park provides visitors with short yet scenic walking routes, an informative visitor center, and a diverse exhibit collection. The visitor center features displays on the preserve’s natural history, diversified environment, European exploration and settlement, and Timucua Indian legacy. The 1964 scaled-down reproduction of the French fort, precisely built to historical images, is also fascinating.
Previous visitors are enthused about Fort Caroline’s quiet nature walks and St. Johns River views. The free admission to Fort Caroline National Memorial makes it accessible and enriching. The historical site is 13 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, FL.
6. Museum of Science & History
Firstly, the Museum of Science & History, across the St. Johns River from downtown Jacksonville, is ideal for families. Some recent visitors have noted the museum’s small size, although many say it’s family-friendly. Its exhibits cover aquatic wonders, Jacksonville history, and human anatomy. The interactive exhibits, cleverly intended to engage and teach children, make this museum stand out. These interactive displays keep kids entertained throughout your visit. For energetic kids, the museum has created KidSpace, a large playground for kids under 5.
Recent tourists recommend planetarium shows for an intense cosmic experience. While some visitors advised updating the museum’s exhibits, the consensus is that it’s a great place to hang out on wet days and learn for all ages.
7. Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida
The Florida Theatre, inaugurated in 1927, now hosts over 200 cultural and entertainment events annually. Like its 1920s counterparts, this grand institution has a sumptuous and elegant decor. The lavish Mediterranean Revival theater captivates visitors with its details. Terrazzo and tile flooring shine, while amber glass light fixtures and grand chandeliers warm patrons. The venue’s magnificent ornamental columns and terracotta façade embellishments add to its vintage charm.
Some guests have praised the Florida Theatre’s old architecture, but others have recommended modernizing and improving it. New seating and acoustic upgrades would make the experience more pleasant and immersive for attendees.
8. Riverside Arts Market, Florida
The Riverside Arts Market is just from the Cummer Museum in downtown Jacksonville. It is buzzing every Saturday. Hundreds of skilled craftsmen and dealers create a creative and commercial hub here. In addition, the market’s different stalls provide a variety of handmade goods. Furthermore, we have fine pottery and silk screens, fashionable T-shirts, and fresh fruit. Lastly, as brilliant craftspeople offer varied products, the market does too.
Street performers will add to the atmosphere with music and fun. The market has a variety of delicious street food sellers to satisfy your hunger. Past participants praise this tiny market’s charm and unusual goods. Many praise the market’s covered location beneath an overpass and neighboring free parking, which protects from the sun and unexpected rain. Discovering this local gem will surprise visitors.
9. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Lions and tigers rule the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, even without bears. This charitable sanctuary rescues gorgeous large cats and provides a secure home for them. In addition, the Catty Shack Ranch in Jacksonville, Florida, offers visitors a rare chance to interact with these incredible animals. The refuge offers guided tours during the day and at night. Visit a fascinating menagerie of over 40 animals on these interactive tours. During a 45-minute guided tour, the Catty Shack staff will share stories about the sanctuary’s occupants, their native habitats, and their poignant relationships with these amazing cats.
Tour the refuge after dusk, when most of its nocturnal residents come alive during feeding sessions, for an unforgettable experience. Catty Shack Ranch is 16 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, FL, on Interstate 95, but visitors say it’s worth the trip. A nighttime feeding gives a rare peek into these amazing creatures at their most active. Thus, critics highly recommend it.
10. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
In a peaceful area southwest of downtown Jacksonville Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens enhances Riverside’s cultural treasures. This excellent organization has tirelessly promoted art education and community enrichment since 1958. In addition to its spectacular exhibitions, the museum hosts seminars and lecture series with Duval County Schools to enhance young minds.
The Cummer Museum’s legendary halls have almost 5,000 paintings by numerous painters, including Mildred Thompson and Norman Rockwell. While exploring this creative treasure, stroll through the museum’s beautiful gardens. These lush areas contain exquisite fountains, peaceful reflecting pools, and a canopy of ancient oak trees. Visitors have been astonished by the museum’s art collection and scenic surroundings. Visit the gardens in different seasons to see how the lighting and flora change, making museum exploring more enjoyable.
Map of Jacksonville, Florida:
The Jacksonville, Florida map shows the city’s grid system and major roads, including Interstate 95, Interstate 10, and U.S. Route 1. The city is divided into several neighborhoods with unique character and attractions. Notable landmarks and destinations include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The city’s extensive park system, including the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, is also visible on the map.
The coastline of Jacksonville is another prominent feature, with several beaches and waterways shown, including Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the city’s eastern edge, providing access to the ocean and surrounding islands. Overall, the Jacksonville, Florida map offers a helpful guide for navigating the city and identifying its many amenities and attractions.
Conclusion:
Jacksonville, Florida, is a city that offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. From its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational opportunities to its rich cultural heritage and educational institutions, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you want to relax, learn, or have an adventure, Jacksonville has plenty of options. Come and experience all that this beautiful city offers and create memories that will last a lifetime. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Jacksonville is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.