things to do in jacksonville florida

Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a variety of attractions to suit all interests. Here are some things to do in Jacksonville:

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

1. Beach Day: Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at one of Jacksonville’s many beaches, such as Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach.
2. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park: A 450-acre park with hiking trails, a nature center, and a beautiful beach.
3. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve: A 46,000-acre preserve with hiking trails, historic sites, and stunning views of the St. Johns River.
4. St. Johns River: Take a kayak or paddleboard tour to explore the river and its many tributaries.

Museums and Culture

1. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: A museum featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world, as well as beautiful gardens.
2. Museum of Science and History: A museum with interactive exhibits on science, history, and technology.
3. Riverside Arts Market: A weekly market featuring local artists, craftspeople, and food vendors.
4. Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art: A museum showcasing modern and contemporary art.

History and Architecture

1. Riverside Historic District: A charming neighborhood with historic homes and buildings.
2. Kingsley Plantation: A historic plantation with a museum and beautiful gardens.
3. Fort Caroline National Memorial: A historic site commemorating the French and Spanish settlements in the 16th century.
4. The Riverside Arts Market’s historic buildings: Many of the buildings in the Riverside Arts Market area are historic and offer a glimpse into the city’s past.

Sports and Entertainment

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL): Catch a football game at TIAA Bank Field.
2. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (MiLB): Watch a minor league baseball game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
3. Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL): Catch an ice hockey game at the Veterans Memorial Arena.
4. Riverside Arts Market’s live music: The market often features live music performances by local musicians.

Food and Drink

1. The Bearded Pig: A popular barbecue joint with delicious meats and sides.
2. The Floridian: A restaurant serving Southern-style comfort food.
3. Intuition Ale Works: A brewery with a taproom and live music.
4. The Riverside Arts Market’s food vendors: The market features a variety of food vendors serving everything from tacos to BBQ.

Other Attractions

1. Adventure Landing: An amusement park with go-karts, mini-golf, and other activities.
2. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: A zoo with a variety of animals and beautiful gardens.
3. Gatorland: A theme park and wildlife preserve with alligators, crocodiles, and other animals.
4. The Jacksonville Landing: A shopping and entertainment complex with a variety of stores and restaurants.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.