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 town.
Now, though Jacksonville could 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 highway 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 highway journey (we tended to focus extra on the south of Florida) – however fortunately that modified. We have been so incorrect; the north is wonderful and there are such a lot of gems that we don’t get to listen to about (from throughout the pond).
So, that can assist 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 part of an city path while additionally exploring numerous town.
Simply be sure to maintain your eyes centered on the waters. In case 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 reside oaks. It’s mentioned to be over 250 years outdated!
Read more: Best things 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 folks occurred. These days, you may be taught extra about this horrid interval of pressured labour. It’s so unhappy to examine this however one thing that must not 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 very gorgeous space – however be careful for the mosquitos!
Read more: Best things to do in Florida
3.) Chill at Jacksonville’s seashores
Nestled inside The Seashores” space of Jacksonville, Atlantic Seaside is attractive to go to, particularly when you’re searching for a soothing day.
This seashore has many nice eating places and has an attractive sandy shore as well! It’s Nice for browsing and kayaking, Atlantic Seaside has nearly 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 Seaside which is a very gorgeous stretch of white sandy goals! Additionally, when you’re seeking to keep a couple of nights on the seashore, examine into the Ponte Vedra Inn. It’s so dreamy and proper on the seashore space.
4.) Go Mountain climbing At Huge Talbot Islands State Park
One of many extra distinctive spots in northern Florida, Huge Talbot Islands is likely one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville when you fancy a day within the nice outside.
There’s a heap of tidal creeks the place you may chillout and glide between the islands. Simply make sure to rent your tools earlier than you go to, particularly at peak instances of the yr. We used Kayak Amelia and so they’re nice.
Huge Talbot Island State Park is a Sandy state park seashore the place yow will discover Wetlands, marshes, bike paths, and secret seashores. Its principal highlights are Blackrock Seaside and Boneyard Seaside. You too can go mountain climbing and kayaking right here.
Additionally, when you’re seeking to be part of a paved hike, head on the 3-mile lengthy Timucuan Path. Working by means of the attractive countryside of the park, it’s the type of place that’s nice, even on a sizzling day. You see, numerous the path is shaded by the huge tree cowl, which makes it a lot cooler in summer time.
Read more: Best things to do in Florida
5.) Go to Amelia Island
Though not technically within the metropolis limits, Amelia Island is likely one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville whenever 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, when you’re feeling as much as it, strive your hand at a becoming a member of a mountain climbing path, horseback using or popping into the cosy museum.
Better of all, it’s no faff to get to Amelia Island! Related to mainland Florida through Freeway 200, you’ll be simply capable of drive proper on the island.
6.) Stroll the Cummer Museum of Artwork
Established all the way in which again in 1958, the Cummer Museum is likely one of the finest 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 very gorgeous place to go to for a couple of hours. Although, in reality, you’d want days to see all the things.
Oh, and it’s nice for a stroll by means of 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 look at a present, comedy or play while exploring town.
Although, make sure to guide tickets earlier than you arrive in Jacksonville. Some reveals promote out quick, particularly for notable excursions.
8.) Museum of Science and Historical past (MOSH)
Probably the most visited museum within the metropolis, the Museum of Science and Historical past is likely one of the finest issues to do in Jacksonville if the climate will get a bit moist. Although that isn’t the one cause why it is best to go, it’s completely cool for all of the household and effectively price a couple of hours gander.
As soon as inside, make sure to try seasonal exhibitions and be 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 – try their website to see if there’s one taking place 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 effectively price an discover when 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 distant, both.
Read more: Best things to do in Florida
Examine Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
