Things to do in Jacksonville

Things to do in  Jacksonville

JAX of all trades

For city fun in northern Florida, look no further than Jacksonville, the Sunshine State’s most populous city. Often referred to locally as Jax, Jacksonville brings together the sun and surf of outdoor adventures with cosmopolitan attractions such as museums, art walks, shopping, and restaurants. Of the many things to do in Jacksonville, kayaking excursions, eco tours, sailing trips, surf lessons, and bike rentals are among the most popular. Meanwhile, local landmarks such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and the Riverside Arts Market are all well worth a visit.

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Top activities in Jacksonville

Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek
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Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

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$59.94
Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure
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Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure

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$45.00
CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

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$145.00
Eight Flags Road Tour

Eight Flags Road Tour

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$50.00
Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure
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Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure

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$55.00
Kid-Friendly Beach Rides
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Kid-Friendly Beach Rides

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$35.00
Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek

Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek

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$35.90
The Escape Game at St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville

The Escape Game at St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville

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$40.84
Lofton Creek Kayaking Trip with Professional Guide

Lofton Creek Kayaking Trip with Professional Guide

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$51.29
Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour
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Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour

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$30.00
Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida
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Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida

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$48.15
Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

Amelia Island Inshore Fishing Charter

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$675.00
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JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island

JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island

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$195.00
per group
Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer

Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer

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$61.04
Florida Backroads E-Bike Tour

Florida Backroads E-Bike Tour

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$99.99
Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$122.07
Ride To/From Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

Ride To/From Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

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$85.00
per group
Jacksonville Fishing Charter-23'

Jacksonville Fishing Charter-23'

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$600.00
per group
Private Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

Private Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

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$543.79
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Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport

Private Transfer from Jacksonville to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport

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$400.00
per group
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All about Jacksonville

When to visit

Golf fans already know that visiting Jacksonville is a must in early spring. The Players—a world-famous golf tournament held every March—calls nearby TPC Sawgrass home, after all. (Play the links at two dozen courses around Jacksonville while you’re at it.) For college football fans, the annual Florida versus Georgia game occurs in October—which happens to be another great time of year to enjoy the city’s cooler weather.

Getting around

Like in most Florida cities, a car will serve you best in Jacksonville if you want freedom and flexibility. If you’re one to go with the flow, then there are plenty of public transportation options. Downtown’s core is pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, with bus routes running throughout the city. The St. John’s River Ferry and Jacksonville River Taxi will sail you to both sides of the waterway, while free Beach Buggy rides around the shoreline are available via an app.

Traveler tips

Jacksonville is so large that it takes up an entire county. While the beaches deliver the sunkissed serenity that Florida is known for, you should know that Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the US. Take time to explore the Riverwalk, Cary State Forest, and the uncanny Boneyard Beach in between surf sessions. Jacksonville also has a highly underrated zoo that features one of the only animal wellness teams in the country to care for their elephants, lions, and more.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
96
Reviews
2,062
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Jacksonville, Florida, known for?

Jacksonville is known for its vast outdoor spaces and for its 22 miles (35 kilometers) of shoreline, which is more than any other city in Florida. Jacksonville also has the largest urban park system in the country, totaling four times more acreage than the island of Manhattan.

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How many days do you need in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is an underrated city that deserves more than one day of exploration. You can easily make it a weekend trip, especially if you have kids. The beaches are only a half-hour drive away, and you can quickly fill your itinerary with NFL games, museums, art galleries, and riverside dining.

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Does Jacksonville have a boardwalk?

Yes, there is a boardwalk at Jacksonville Beach, about 20 miles east of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. The boardwalk runs parallel to First Street and is flanked by shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants. There are also public beach access walkways along the boardwalk.

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What activities are popular in Jacksonville?

Some of the most popular things to do in Jacksonville are visiting the Crummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Hands On Children’s Museum. Hiking, biking, kayaking, diving, and hanging out at the beach are also popular outdoor activities.

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What should I not miss in Jacksonville?

You shouldn’t miss tailgating for a Jacksonville Jaguars football game. Though they’re the only NFL team in Florida that hasn’t played in a Super Bowl, their tailgating culture is at an elite level. Tailgating groups like the Teal Street Hooligans and Bold City Brigade will make you a lifelong Jags fan.

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Does Jacksonville have an aquarium?

No, Jacksonville does not yet have a dedicated aquarium. However, there are tentative plans to build an aquarium called Aqua Jax in the city. Until then, you can see many aquatic and marine animals such as manatees, stingrays, penguins, and amphibians at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the top activities in Jacksonville?
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