Things to do & places to visit in Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Although much of Jacksonville is urban, this sprawling northeastern Florida city also has nature and wildlife preserves, historic residential neighborhoods and lots of golf courses. Attractions in Jax, as the locals call it, range from art, science and history museums to a brewery tour, from the Jacksonville Landing entertainment complex, along the St. John's River, to Bronson Motor Speedway. The city's beaches offer soft sand and warm water perfect for swimming, surfing and kayaking.

Jacksonville city in Florida, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 12:33.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary (1.594 reviews)
- Once in a lifetime experience
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity. We do not breed, sell, or trade any of our animals. Our current residents include tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, servals, bobcats, foxes, and coatimundis. Check our website for the most accurate information; generally, we are open for self-guided tours every day in the afternoon with admittance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Volunteers are available to answer your questions. On Friday and Saturday only we are open in the evening as well with admittance between 6pm and 7pm. Self-guided tours followed by the opportunity to watch us feed the animals. Touring starts at 6pm and the feeding starts promptly at 7pm. See more..
5.0 iLoveKickboxing Mandarin (234 reviews)
- Why haven’t you joined?!!
Sunday: Sports Camps & Clinics

Our culture is all-inclusive and appeals to people who want a down-to-earth community, real friendships, and feel-good motivation. We’ve got your back. Are you in? See more..
4.5 Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens (3.255 reviews)
- Excellent Zoo!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

This 73-acre park is the only zoo in Florida's northeast. With over 2000 animals and 1000 plants, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is 1 of only 7 zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team who help to provide the very best care for our animals. See more..
4.5 The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (1.184 reviews)
- Must go here!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens • Art Museums

Our mission is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens and education. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, built on the site of the home of Arthur and Ninah Cummer, opened its doors November 10, 1961. From Ninah Cummer's relatively small collection of sixty pieces that launched the museum, The Museum's permanent collection has grown to over six thousand works of art encompassing eight thousand years of art history. See more..
4.5 Kingsley Plantation (721 reviews)
- Great experience
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

What an experience! This is an eye-opening glimpse into a world I never could have imagined. It’s a small trek to get there (in a low car and a few potholes), but SO totally worth it. We popped in our own AirPods and accessed the stories via the National Park’s website and spent almost 2 hours touring through the words of both a narrator and various actors portraying the experiences of the different people who lived on this once vibrant plantation. The stories really just brought everything to life and made everything so real. The park service people there were awesome-friendly and approachable and very knowledgeable about their history. If you’re even partially interested, check this place out! See more..
4.5 Little Talbot Island State Park (688 reviews)
- Pristine Florida Beaches
Parks

On Little Talbot Island, construction of the Timucuan State and National Parks Multi-Use Trail is underway. The first phase of the trail will span more than 2 miles through coastal habitat of Little Talbot Island. See more..
4.5 Atlantic Beach (637 reviews)
- Catch the sunrise
Beaches

Section of beach that is flat, sandy and uncrowded. Great for surfers and kayakers. See more..
4.5 Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (596 reviews)
- Beautiful park
Parks

This is an absolutely gorgeous park to visit. We had a wonderful time camping. We originally had three days and signed up for four more days and are coming back next year for two weeks. Beaches are beautiful, trails for walking and bike riding. The beaches we went to head bathroom and shower facilities. We also camped in the park. We were originally scheduled for three days ended up getting five more days and have booked for two weeks for next year. We are 60 and 61 years old. Great roads for electric bikes! See more..
4.5 EverBank Field (524 reviews)
- Comfortable seats
Arenas & Stadiums

The view from every seat is good. Football games and soccer matches. So much fun. Great food and ample restroom facilities. See more..
4.5 The Florida Theatre (376 reviews)
- Not a bad seat in the house !
Sunday: Theaters

Attended a show here in Dec. 2019 for the first time and was totally impressed. It is a beautiful historic building that is small enough that even balcony seats have a great view. We loved it and would for sure see another show here. See more..
4.5 St Johns Town Center (376 reviews)
- Shop; Walk; Dine all Top Notch
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Welcome to the St. Johns Town Center representing the heart of shopping and dining in Jacksonville, Florida. The outdoor lifestyle mall is home to 175 of the hottest stores, many exclusive in the market, including Dillard's, Apple, Pottery Barn and Ann Taylor as well as shops in the palm-lined streets of the Luxury Collection such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Mayors. As much a fashion-forward shopping hotspot as a dining destination, the diverse palate is represented with exciting options as The Cheesecake Factory, The Capital Grille and Cantina Laredo. Or relax among the Florida sunshine at the Park Green's turtle pond, life-sized chess board or dog park. Conveniently located in Jacksonville's Southside neighborhood, St. Johns Town Center is easily accessible to I-95, I-295 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard and between Downtown and the beaches serving Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Amelia Island and South Georgia. From the management team at St. Johns Town Center, we hope to see you soon! See more..
4.5 Riverside Arts Market (331 reviews)
- Something for everyone!
Sunday: Flea & Street Markets

Something for everyone! Such a fun way to spend a few hours. An amazing variety of artisan, farmers, food trucks, and more! Very family n dog friendly. Live music is nice but loud to hear the vendors especially the closer you get to the amphitheater area. Fun!! See more..
4.5 Big Talbot Island State Park (305 reviews)
- Stunning Location
State Parks

Visited the Boneyard Beach. It was beautiful. The petrified trees presented a stunning foreground for the blue of the ocean. Very unusual. It’s a bit of a hike through the woods to get there. Bring bug spray! I didn’t and I was bitten pretty bad. It’s not a layout and swim beach but worth the trip. See more..
4.5 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena (204 reviews)
- First Icemen game
Sunday: Arenas & Stadiums

I came here for the Icemen vs South Carolina Stingrays hockey game. This was my first time here. I found parking for $10 in a garage not too far from here. To get inside you have to go through a metal detector and wait before you can go inside and have your ticket scanned. I found my section and seat with no issues. I had a great seat and enjoyed the game. I also enjoyed watching the mascot Fang interact with the fans. He kept the crowd hyped up. The Icemen lost the game,.but I still had a great time and would come back. See more..
4.5 Riverside/Avondale Historic District (182 reviews)
- Beautiful area
Points of Interest & Landmarks

As its name states, Riverside is located just beside the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, FL. This is an extremely beautiful area. The trees are huge. Be sure to visit the Cummer Museum where there are Live Oak trees on the riverfront with branches that are not only huge, but dip down into the ground and come up again. Amazing! The homes and gardens in this area are gracious and well maintained. Spanish Moss hangs from the trees. A quiet residential area by the river. See more..
4.5 Jacksonville Arboreteum & Gardens (171 reviews)
- Peaceful and Enjoyable
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens mission is to cultivate a unique environment for recreation, education and inspiration. See more..
4.5 Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts (153 reviews)
- Very Nice Theatre and location
Theaters

My wife and I recently attended a musical at this theatre and very much enjoyed the musical and the venue. It is situated right on the water with plenty of nearby parking. We were staying in the Hyatt on the riverfront which was only about a 10 minute walk. The seating and sound system were very good and although are tickets were in the last row of the lower portion of the theatre, we had good sight lines and all the music was crystal clear. The tickets at this venue for this show were also cheaper than the ones at the Bob Carr in Orlando so worth the extra 30 minute drive for us coming from Daytona Beach. See more..
4.5 Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail (136 reviews)
- What a find
Hiking Trails

Once a part of the CSX railway line, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail will be a thoroughfare for hikers, bikers, and equestrians when complete. This unique park provides a 14.5-mile greenway between Imeson Road and County Road 121, just past the town of Baldwin. See more..
4.5 Memorial Park (120 reviews)
- Nice family picnic / open play area / walk with pets
Parks

Memorial Park is located at 1620 Riverside Avenue, between Margaret Street and Memorial Park Drive in Riverside near the 5 Points area of Jacksonville, Florida. It is one of Jacksonville's best loved treasures. Located along the banks of the majestic St. Johns River (incidentally, at one of its widest points, as it starts to turn east from its southern source towards its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean), this six-acre park draws visitors from across the Northeast Florida community. On any given day, families and friends, athletes and yogis, sunbathers, fisherman, and readers enjoy a quiet respite with magnificent views from this landmark open space. The park is walking distance to local restaurants and pubs, the shops at 5 Points, and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and just a short drive to Downtown. See more..
4.5 Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve (117 reviews)
- Great place to hike!
Parks • History Museums

Learn all about the history of Florida's Native Americans here. See more..
4.5 121 Financial Ballpark (105 reviews)
- Baseball $2beer nights
Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Watching these guys play ball is always a fun & very inexpensive evening out! The people working seating area are wonderful!! Especially Robert from California, he was so helpful with my disabled nephew last week. Even helped get him up standing and singing for the 7th inning stretch! parking can range from free on street to $5-10 lots. Easy access to get home . See more..
4.5 Bold City Brewery (88 reviews)
- Such a cozy place! Amazing atmosphere
Sunday: Breweries

Amazing atmosphere! Very cozy, cool place with great beer! Staff is amazing and food is the best bar food ever! Pizza, quesadilla burger, garlic parmesan fries.. I loved them, all. Big applause to Milena, our bartender. She was so personable, attentive and she gave the best beer advice for my taste. Only one downside is not having an AC in Florida heat.. Fans work fine but still not the same.. See more..
4.5 Aardwolf Brewing Company (87 reviews)
- Super Chill Vibes & Great Brews
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Breweries

It’s a little difficult to locate the front door from the back parking lot, but once you do, you’re in for a treat. The taproom offers a relaxing atmosphere with indoor and outdoor patio seating. There is a food truck available on the patio. There are lots of brew options & wine available. Great service! See more..
4.5 Veterans Memorial Wall (80 reviews)
- Beautiful tribute
Monuments & Statues

The Veterans Memorial Wall is located in the parking lot of the Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium. It is quite the site with an eternal flame and attractive wall commemorating all of our nation's wars. I especially liked the quotes from former American Presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower and George H.W. Bush who proudly served our country. See more..
4.5 Castaway Island Preserve (75 reviews)
- Quick stop
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Went late afternoon as sun was setting on a week day. Not crowded and not empty. Beautiful fresh air and birds. Mobility issues so appreciated the sturdy bench to rest at the start of the trail. See more..
4.0 Museum of Science and History (485 reviews)
- For adults, a cool place to visit once.
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM History Museums

Learn about area Native American cultures here. See more..
4.0 Fort Caroline National Memorial (319 reviews)
- Slice of History at Fort Caroline
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

Visited Fort Caroline while on a family vacation. Husband planned a history day so we drove from Orlando to Jacksonville for a day of history. Our first stop was Fort Caroline. We stopped at the visitor center and went thru the small museum area then headed outside to walk a trail and see the Fort. We saw a village typical for the Timucuuan Indians and learned about the Spanish massacre of the French. It was very interesting. See more..
4.0 Huguenot Memorial Park (183 reviews)
- Beautiful, smooth beach
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks

We came here because you can drive on the beach for a small fee. It wasn't nearly as crowded as other local beaches. It was super smooth, very little shells. There were lifeguards on duty, but the bathrooms and showers aren't near the beach, they're near the campgrounds. Overall, it was a clean beach. We'd go back. See more..
4.0 Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (113 reviews)
- Always has interesting exhibits
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville promotes the discovery, knowledge, and advancement of the art, artists, and ideas of our time. MOCA Jacksonville, a private nonprofit visual arts educational institution and cultural institute of the University of North Florida, serves the community and its visitors through exhibitions, collections, educational programs, and publications designed to enhance an understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art with particular emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present. See more..
3.5 Riverwalk (225 reviews)
- Riverwalk facts
Jogging Paths & Tracks

1.2 Miles Of Restaurants, Bars, Shops, Museums, And A Marina. See more..