Love going on outdoor adventures? You’ll feel right at home in Jacksonville. This Florida city actually boasts the largest urban park system in the US. In total, it’s four times the size of all of Manhattan, with 80,000 acres of parks to explore. It’s also home to 1,100 miles of shoreline, more than any other city in Florida. It’s no wonder the beaches here are legendary!

But there’s more to do in Jax, even if you’re not a nature buff. From museums and water parks to historic sites and sporting events, there’s something to keep you busy every day of your Jacksonville vacation.

With so many things to do in Jacksonville, you may need help finding the best attractions for you and your fellow travelers. To help you get started, we’ve put together our list of the absolute must-do things in Jacksonville for you – from natural wonderlands to a candy factory that feels like your childhood dream come to life. Stick to this Jacksonville bucket list, and you’re bound to have an amazing time in River City!

The Top 15 Things to do in Jacksonville, FL

1. Explore the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

Looking to experience a natural wonderland? How about getting outside and getting active? Or maybe you’d love a good museum day. You’ll be able to do all three at the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, making it one of the top Jacksonville attractions. 

This nature preserve comprises 46,000 acres of wetlands, waterways, and more. There are tons of different areas to explore. Traverse around the dunes while you learn about a story of segregation and perseverance at American Beach before launching your kayak at Cedar Point and then spending the afternoon looking for wildlife in the water. Or hike the trails of the Theodore Roosevelt Area!

But there’s also a great deal of history to uncover here. The nature preserve also encompasses the failed French colony of Fort Caroline, where you can learn about their struggle for survival as you explore the land they once called home. 

Or you can take a tour of the Kingsley Plantation, where you’ll listen to stories of enslavement and freedom, giving you an in-depth look at what plantation life was like in Florida in the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. Have a Beach Day

Jacksonville is a great place for a day at the beach. This city is home to 22 miles of white sand beaches, so there are many beaches to choose from here, each with its own personality. 

Jacksonville Beach is an excellent spot for families, with its gentle waves and perfect sandcastle-building sand. It’s also right by Adventure Landing, which has tons of fun things to do for kids.

Atlantic Beach is known for its waves. It’s a perfect surfing spot, particularly if you’re just starting out. Meanwhile, Neptune Beach is ideal for a relaxing stroll in a scenic location.

The Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park has a little bit of everything. It’s a great surfing spot, known for being one of the prettiest beaches, and even features a splash park for kids.

3. Hop on the St. Johns River Taxi

Climbing aboard the St. Johns River Taxi, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday, is a fantastic way to get around town and do some Jacksonville sightseeing. You’ll be taken around to different landmarks throughout the city depending on whether or not a football game is happening that day. But no matter where you stop, you’re bound to get a one-of-a-kind tour of the city.

But the St. Johns River Taxi has actual tours as well, which offer some of the best things to do in Jacksonville. Hop on the Downtown Sightseeing Cruise to take in a narrated tour down the St. Johns. You’ll learn all about Jacksonville’s history, information about the St. Johns itself, and even get a chance to see local wildlife.

At night, Jacksonville’s downtown buildings are all illuminated, and you’ll be able to take in the skyline’s lights from the water when you book the Jax City Lights Cruise. Or you can catch the sun departing below the horizon on a Sunset Cruise.

If you’re hoping to see some wildlife on your journey to Jacksonville, you can schedule a Happy Hour Dolphin Cruise. Looking for dolphins while you sip beer and wine on a relaxing cruise down the St. Johns is a must on any Jacksonville bucket list!

4. Play around Bird Island Park

Located in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach, Bird Island Park is a place of both natural and human-made beauty. This park offers ways to get active that the whole family will love.

You’ll stroll along a boardwalk that will take you through several different Florida ecosystems, giving you a chance to enjoy the native flora and fauna of these diverse areas. As the name implies, it’s a particularly great place to go bird-watching.

Along your walk, you’ll find many great spots for a picnic, from beautiful gazebos to perfectly-placed picnic tables. All the while, you’ll be able to relax in this one-of-a-kind location. 

Also along the way, you’ll find a number of different types of children’s play equipment. Children will love getting lost in the sea turtle-shaped maze, and you might just catch a show at the outdoor story theater. Keep your eyes peeled for the many pieces of gorgeous artwork hidden in the natural beauty of the park.

5. Catch a Show at the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre has been one of the top things to do in Jacksonville for nearly a century. Since 1927, this historic movie theater has been entertaining Jaxsons and visitors alike for generations. This stunningly beautiful Mediterranean Revival theater landed on the National Register of Historic Places back in 1982. 

Today, it’s one of the last remaining theaters of its kind in Florida. But it’s no longer just a movie theater. While you can still catch showings of classic films on the big screen here, you can also see live performances of all kinds. 

Watch stories come to life on screen as a live orchestra delights you with the score, or enjoy a children’s program that teaches your little one about the magic and majesty of theater. Watch fall-down-funny comedians or experience the beauty of ballet. And from your favorite musical acts to their tribute bands, there’s always music to be found at the Florida Theatre.

6. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will make you feel like you discovered an African safari without ever having to leave Florida. Occupying 122 acres and with 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species, it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring these massive grounds. Visiting here is one of the coolest things to do in Jacksonville, especially if you’re traveling with young ones.

The Jacksonville Zoo takes great pride in its animal wellness team. In fact, it’s one of the few zoos in the country with such a team. So you can rest assured when you visit here that you’re seeing animals that are well taken care of. You’ll also find many conservation efforts here, which help to take care of animals elsewhere too.

There are 10 animal exhibits to explore here. Kids can play in the Splash Ground and meet squirrel monkeys in the Play Park. Or you can head out to the Australian Adventure to see emus and lorikeets. And over in the Africa Loop, you can walk a 1,400-foot-long boardwalk that’ll take you on your own African safari walking tour.

The botanical gardens are unique in that they are integrated among the animal exhibits. So, you’ll find beautiful gardens throughout the zoo, like the Savannah Blooms garden nestled beneath the Giraffe Overlook. In addition to gorgeous flowers throughout the zoo, you’ll also find stunning sculptures and monuments made by local artists.

7. Spend the Day at Adventure Landing

There’s a whole world to explore at Adventure Landing. This family-friendly entertainment complex belongs on your Jacksonville bucket list, especially if you’re traveling with kids of any age.

There’s so much to do here that you likely won’t be able to do it all in one day. Head to Shipwreck Island Waterpark to splash around in a half-million-gallon wave pool, relax in the Little St. Johns River, race down four massive water slides, cool off in a cabana, or play in the centerpiece attraction, the Shipwreck Island Pirate Play Slide Complex, filled with water cannons and waterfalls. 

Over in Gator Alley, you’ll get up close and even get to feed one of Florida’s most famous creatures. Then, head to Laser Tag, an indoor battle arena where you can challenge your family to an intense (but friendly) competition. Perhaps whoever wins can treat everyone to something delightfully sweet at the Sweet Adventures Candy Shop.

For even more fun, you can play a round on one of two uniquely-themed 18-hole mini golf courses or try your hand at the Batting Cages. You can also climb aboard the Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, a great first roller coaster for little ones. The Frog Hopper drop ride is also perfect for little kids. For more intense rides, give the 3D Max Flight Simulator a try!

Play games at the Arcade, race around the Adventure Speedway Go-Karts course, or make a new best friend at the Teddy Bear Factory. The possibilities for a day of fun here are endless.

8. Stroll through the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida and one of the many must-do things in Jacksonville if you’re an art lover. It was founded in 1961 after the death of socialite and civic leader Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her gardens and personal art collection to the museum.

The museum is situated on 2.5 acres of historic gardens that overlook the St. Johns River. These gardens were created by renowned horticulturalists and landscape architects. There are four to explore, each with its own themes, flora, and unique accents, like reflecting pools and sculptures.

Inside the museum, you’ll discover more than 5,000 works of art spanning from 2100 BC to today. You’ll marvel at the museum’s permanent displays, as well as its rotating exhibits. Guided tours are available, including Touch Tours, which are available for those with sensory needs. 

Little ones will love exploring Art Connections, an interactive art education center. And for more in-depth learning, you can sign your young artist up for a summer camp or an art class. Classes are available for both children and adults. 

9. See the Animals at Tree Hill Nature Center

In the middle of the suburbs, you’ll find one of the best Jacksonville attractions. The Tree Hill Nature Center is a wilderness preserve where you can escape the world and leave it behind for a while. This preserve is dedicated to the education and conservation of the natural world.

You’ll find local wildlife of all kinds here, from turtles to goats to snakes. You’ll also discover the flora of the Arlington Community Garden, which is as beautiful as it is essential to the area. The food grown here helps support the food pantry at Arlington Community Services.

Venture inside the natural history museum for hands-on lessons about the natural world. Meet animals, learn about the local critters, and even explore the Florida Wetland room for more interactive fun. 

Tree Hill Nature Center also offers a number of programs to get even closer to the animals. Sign your little one up for a Conservation Camp, get up close to the animals with an Animal Encounter, or go on a Guided Trail Tour. 

10. Go Out to the Ballgame at TIAA Bank Field

Sports are a big part of the culture in Jacksonville, and a major reason why that’s the case is that you can catch the Jacksonville Jaguars tearing up the field at TIAA Bank Field. Though the stadium has undergone a few name changes and a couple of facelifts since it opened, it’s been the home of the Jaguars since 1995. This state-of-the-art stadium is known for its party vibe, and seeing a game here is one of the most fun things to do in Jacksonville.

Not a big football fan? This field is also the headquarters of All Elite Wrestling, which sometimes hosts events in the arena. TIAA Bank Field also holds many events throughout the year, like the Jacksonville Taco & Margarita Fest in April, which features over 40 vendors from around Jacksonville.

If baseball is more your sport of choice, you can head to the 121 Financial Ballpark, the home of the Jacksonville Minor League Baseball team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Although Jacksonville doesn’t have a Major League Baseball team, residents take great pride in their Minor League team. 

Seeing a game here is a great way to spend a day like a local. It’s also a much more affordable outing than getting tickets to a Major League game.

11. Travel Back in Time at Fort Clinch State Park

Fort Clinch State Park is both a lovely place to explore and a great location to dig into local history. Located atop nearby Amelia Island, this park offers some of the best sightseeing in Jacksonville.

The park covers 1,400 acres. You’ll find plenty of trail options throughout the park. Go on a challenging hike or a nice easy breezy bike ride. You can also camp under the stars here, go swimming or surfing if the tides are suitable, look for shark teeth, learn to fish, or even look for hidden caches by geo-seeking. 

Fort Clinch is a particularly great place to look for wildlife. You may see wild horses, alligators, and even bobcats. And if you’re a bird-watcher, this is one of the best places in Jacksonville to do it.

But if you’re a history lover, the highlight for you will surely be Fort Clinch itself. This fort is one of the most well-preserved 19th-century forts in the country. In the museum, you’ll find staff in Civil War period costumes who will guide you through what daily life looked like in 1864. And in the fort itself, you’ll venture through everything from blacksmith shops to bakeries to barracks, all furnished to recreate what the site looked like in 1864. 

You can book a tour of the grounds throughout the year, but you’ll also be able to take unique tours, like Candlelight Tours, on select dates. During special weekends, reenactors and historians bring the fort to life and will tell you tales of what life was like during specific periods of the fort’s history.

12. Indulge at Sweet Pete’s Candy

If you watched Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a child and dreamt of the day you, too, would get your Golden Ticket, here’s your chance. Sweet Pete’s Candy is like a real-life version of the iconic chocolate factory, and touring here is one of the most unique Jacksonville activities for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Find gourmet treats made by renowned confectioner Peter Behringer inside a massive 22,000-square-foot mansion in the heart of Jacksonville. Whatever you can imagine, you’ll find here, from craft sodas to retro candies you haven’t seen in years. 

And you can get in on the fun yourself by taking candy-making classes. Learn to make lollipops, taffy, and even booze-filled truffles. There are classes for adults and kids alike, so no matter what your and your fellow travelers’ ages are, you’ll have a ton of fun here. There are also seasonal classes, like making sugar skulls in the fall, so be sure to check the calendar to see what’s available when you’re visiting. 

You can also hop on a tour of the facilities, like the Chocoholic Tour, where you can taste test chocolates and walk away with your own custom-made candy bar. And don’t forget to book your reservation for the Fizzies & Fare restaurant, which features massive portions, fun surprises, and, of course, lots of sweet treats. 

13. Venture around the Museum of Science & History

The Museum of Science & History, also known as the MOSH, is filled with some of the best Jacksonville activities. Located along the scenic Southbank Riverwalk, there’s a reason why this location is the city’s most visited museum. Whether you’re traveling with history buffs or science lovers, there’s something for everyone.

Open Thursdays through Mondays, the MOSH features a number of exhibits, some permanent and some temporary. Although you can always expect something new when you visit, you’ll also be able to go through interactive activities to learn about your body, get up close with the creatures of Northeast Florida, help uncover the energy sources of the future, and more. 

Where this museum really shines is its programming. Each day comes with a litany of different programs for you and your fellow travelers to take part in. You can head to the JEA Science Theater to join a real naturalist and meet a curious critter. Or the same theater may play host to Science Live!, an interactive show filled with mind-blowing experiments.

Each day, there are also tons of different shows at the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. You’ll journey through space, see a laser show, or even soar over Jacksonville.

14. Admire the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 

There’s a reason why the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is considered the “hidden gem” of Northeast Florida. Visiting here belongs on your Jacksonville bucket list, no matter what your interests. Although the flora here is carefully maintained, the arboretum and botanical gardens have a sense of natural beauty that makes them look like untamed wilderness.

When you travel here, you’ll find over 120 acres offering seven trails running through 13 distinct ecosystems. Stroll around the lake, discover hidden pools, or go for a run on the boardwalk. There’s plenty to see and explore here.

The arboretum also offers tons of unique events throughout the year. Bring your little ones for a children’s theater show, go for a more adult-themed Shakespeare performance, or take in a yoga class. 

You can also do yoga on your own by scanning QR codes throughout the arboretum that will demonstrate yoga poses for you. And for more fun activities, you can join a nature walk led by a master naturalist every fourth Saturday of the month.

15. Learn about Florida’s History at the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society

The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, located in the Walter Jones Historical Park, is one of the most unique things to do in Jacksonville. This museum takes you back in time to teach you about the area’s roots. 

What makes visiting this museum one of the coolest things to do in Jacksonville is the fact that you’re bound to hear stories you’ve never heard before. The museum digs into important local residents’ pasts, painting detailed pictures of these colorful characters in the historic Mandarin area. You’ll also learn about the historic Maple Leaf shipwreck, and on select days, you can also meet the divers who went on an archaeological expedition to recover its lost artifacts.

In addition to the museum, you’ll also be able to tour historic buildings, like the St. Joseph’s Mission Schoolhouse for African-American Children, which was built to educate Black children in the aftermath of the Civil War as they had little opportunity for formal education prior. 

Also on-site, you’ll find the Historic Mandarin Store and Post Office, once the hub of village life. While you can walk around the museum and historical sites themselves, you can also go on a guided tour, provided you book it before you arrive.

One of the most fun parts of the museum and historical society are the sculptures of frogs made by the Mandarin “Frog Man,” which are available in the gift shop. But on the first Saturday of each month, you can reserve your spot to paint your own frog at a painting party. It’s a great thing to do with young ones, but it’s for people of all ages.

And on the first Sunday of each month, you can head to the Walter Jones Historical Park to listen to Music Under the Oaks, an acoustic jam session where everyone is invited to listen or participate. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Jacksonville. What’s your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville?

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