One of many largest cities in Florida, Jacksonville has loads going for it! From an unspoilt shoreline, attractive seashores and galleries galore, there’s a heap of the very best issues to do in Jacksonville dotted all throughout the town.
Now, though Jacksonville might not get the identical consideration as a few of its Floridian metropolis siblings, like; Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Clearwater – it’s nonetheless an epic spot to go to while exploring Northern Florida.
We completely beloved our street journey across the state and Northern Florida was an enormous shock to us.
To be sincere, we hadn’t actually thought a lot about visiting earlier than our street journey (we tended to focus extra on the south of Florida) – however fortunately that modified. We have been so mistaken; the north is superb and there are such a lot of gems that we don’t get to listen to about (from throughout the pond).
So, that will help you get essentially the most outta your time in Jacksonville, we’re sharing a few of our prime locations to see within the metropolis.
Have a look, beneath, at the very best issues to do in Jacksonville. Have the very best journey to Florida!
1.) Stroll the Jacksonville River Walks
The Jacksonville River Walks has a heap of trails that stretch on each side of the St Johns River. This implies you’re in for a deal with as you may be a part of an city path while additionally exploring plenty of the town.
Simply ensure that to maintain your eyes targeted on the waters. Should you’re fortunate, you may even spot some dolphins.
Afterwards, head over to Treaty Oak Park to see one of many metropolis’s most-famous Southern dwell oaks. It’s mentioned to be over 250 years outdated!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Florida
2.) Go to the Kingsley Plantation
The previous dwelling of Zephaniah Kingsley, the Kingsley Plantation is perched proper inside Fort George Island State Park
Hiding a darkish aspect of historical past, the Kingsley Plantation is a former plantation the place huge exploitation of enslaved individuals occurred. These days, you may study extra about this horrid interval of pressured labour. It’s so unhappy to examine this however one thing that mustn’t ever be forgotten.
After taking in all of the accounts on the plantation, head off onto a number of the trails that line the park. It’s a completely gorgeous space – however be careful for the mosquitos!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Florida
3.) Chill at Jacksonville’s seashores
Nestled inside The Seashores” space of Jacksonville, Atlantic Seashore is attractive to go to, particularly should you’re on the lookout for a calming day.
This seashore has many nice eating places and has a ravishing sandy shore as well! It’s Nice for browsing and kayaking, Atlantic Seashore has virtually been made for simply chilling! Properly, that’s my excuse for not doing something when there! 😉
Getting hungry? Head to North Beach Fish Camp for his or her unbelievable seafood menu. Their cajun fried crab claws are too good to overlook.
Alternatively, drive 30-minutes from Jacksonville and discover Ponte Vedra Seashore which is a completely gorgeous stretch of white sandy desires! Additionally, should you’re trying to keep a number of nights on the seashore, verify into the Ponte Vedra Inn. It’s so dreamy and proper on the seashore space.
4.) Go Climbing At Massive Talbot Islands State Park
One of many extra distinctive spots in northern Florida, Massive Talbot Islands is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville should you fancy a day within the nice outdoor.
There’s a heap of tidal creeks the place you may chillout and glide between the islands. Simply you’ll want to rent your tools earlier than you go to, particularly at peak instances of the 12 months. We used Kayak Amelia and so they’re nice.
Massive Talbot Island State Park is a Sandy state park seashore the place you’ll find Wetlands, marshes, bike paths, and secret seashores. Its primary highlights are Blackrock Seashore and Boneyard Seashore. It’s also possible to go mountaineering and kayaking right here.
Additionally, should you’re trying to be a part of a paved hike, head on the 3-mile lengthy Timucuan Path. Operating by the attractive countryside of the park, it’s the type of place that’s nice, even on a sizzling day. You see, plenty of the path is shaded by the huge tree cowl, which makes it a lot cooler in summer season.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Florida
5.) Go to Amelia Island
Though not technically within the metropolis limits, Amelia Island is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville if you fancy a gander away from the streets.
With essentially the most unbelievable seashores, it’s the right day journey the place you may sit back and simply benefit from the surf. Alternately, should you’re feeling as much as it, strive your hand at a becoming a member of a mountaineering path, horseback driving or popping into the cosy museum.
Better of all, it’s no faff to get to Amelia Island! Linked to mainland Florida by way of Freeway 200, you’ll be simply capable of drive proper on the island.
6.) Stroll the Cummer Museum of Artwork
Established all the best way again in 1958, the Cummer Museum is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville, regardless of the climate!
With greater than 5,000 works from numerous artists and a historical past that spans centuries, the museum of artwork is a completely gorgeous place to go to for a number of hours. Although, in fact, you’d want days to see the whole lot.
Oh, and it’s nice for a stroll by the gardens which can be completely peaceable.
7.) Spot the Florida Theatre
Virtually 100 years outdated, the Florida Theatre is one thing of an establishment in Jacksonville. It’s the right place to observe a present, comedy or play while exploring the town.
Although, you’ll want to e book tickets earlier than you arrive in Jacksonville. Some exhibits promote out quick, particularly for notable excursions.
8.) Museum of Science and Historical past (MOSH)
Essentially the most visited museum within the metropolis, the Museum of Science and Historical past is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Jacksonville if the climate will get a bit moist. Although that isn’t the one purpose why it’s best to go, it’s completely cool for all of the household and properly value a number of hours gander.
As soon as inside, you’ll want to take a look at seasonal exhibitions and be a part of one of many upcoming occasions and soirees they host every month. Oh, and keep in mind that MOSH host sponsored days all year long, too! Because of this there’s free admission for everybody attending – take a look at their website to see if there’s one occurring throughout your go to.
9.) Go to Fort Caroline Nationwide Memorial
Fort Caroline National Memorial showcases the historical past of French colonial populations in Sixteenth-century Florida that’s so unbelievable to study.
On the banks of St John’s River, it’s completely distinctive and properly value an discover should you’re within the human historical past of Florida. There’s additionally a 1.3-mile nature path on the park and the Spanish Pond Trailhead isn’t too far-off, both.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Florida
12 Finest Locations In Florida To Go to
