Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Jacksonville, Florida

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Jacksonville, Florida is a bustling city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor recreation, or just good food, there's something for everyone in the River City. To make the most of your time here, we've put together a list of the top 10 must-do activities in Jacksonville.First on our list is visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This 98-acre zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species, making it a great place to explore and learn about the world around us. For those who love the outdoors, kayaking the St. Johns River is an absolute must-do. With over 300 miles of waterways, you can spend hours exploring the scenic beauty of this historic waterway.If you're looking for a more laid-back way to spend your time in Jacksonville, a visit to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a great option. With stunning art and beautiful gardens, this museum has something for everyone. Meanwhile, surfers will love hitting the waves at Atlantic Beach, one of the area's most popular surf spots.Of course, no trip to Jacksonville would be complete without indulging in some delicious food. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, BBQ, or international cuisine, there are countless restaurants to choose from. And if you're a sports fan, catching a game at TIAA Bank Field or watching the annual Florida-Georgia football game is an unforgettable experience.All in all, there is no end to the fun and adventure to be had in Jacksonville. Whether you're here for a day or a week, this city offers something for everyone. We invite you to check out each activity on this list and discover what makes Jacksonville such an amazing destination.

Jacksonville: An Amazing Destination

Jacksonville, Florida is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors. From its rich history to its incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and delectable food scene, Jacksonville truly has something for everyone. Below, we've highlighted the top 10 must-do activities in Jacksonville so you can make the most of your time here.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

If you're an animal lover, then visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens should be at the top of your list. With over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species to explore, this 98-acre zoo is a must-visit. Visitors can also experience the thrill of interacting with some of the animals at the zoo's Giraffe Overlook.

Comparison Table: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Pros Cons
Large variety of animals and plants Can be crowded during peak times
Giraffe interaction experience Some exhibits are currently under construction
Opportunities for education and conservation Entrance fees can add up for large families/groups
In my opinion, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a fantastic place to visit. It provides visitors with the chance to learn about and interact with a wide variety of animals and plants, while also offering an educational experience focused on conservation efforts.

Kayaking the St. Johns River

For those who love the outdoors, kayaking the St. Johns River is an absolute must-do. With over 300 miles of waterways, visitors can spend hours exploring the scenic beauty of this historic waterway. Kayak rentals and tours are available from multiple outfitters in the area.

Comparison Table: Kayaking the St. Johns River

Pros Cons
Opportunity to explore the outdoors and get exercise Requires physical exertion and some skill
Scenic views and abundant wildlife Conditions can be affected by weather and tides
Many rental and tour options available May not be suitable for those who are afraid of water or have mobility issues
In my opinion, kayaking the St. Johns River is an incredible way to experience the natural beauty of Jacksonville. It allows visitors to get up close to the local wildlife while also providing a great workout.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

If you're looking for a more laid-back way to spend your time in Jacksonville, a visit to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a great option. With stunning art and beautiful gardens, this museum has something for everyone.

Comparison Table: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Pros Cons
Beautiful gardens and grounds Not as much variety as larger museums
Impressive collection of art and artifacts Can take several hours to see everything
Cultural and educational experiences Some exhibits may not be suitable for children
Overall, I find the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to be a lovely place to visit. It offers a serene and peaceful environment to explore the beautiful gardens while also providing cultural and educational experiences through its impressive art collection.

Surfing at Atlantic Beach

Surfers will love hitting the waves at Atlantic Beach. It's one of the area's most popular surf spots, with consistent waves and plenty of local surfers to join in on the fun.

Comparison Table: Atlantic Beach

Pros Cons
Great waves for surfing Can be crowded during peak times
Pleasant beach atmosphere May not be ideal for beginners
Close to other amenities like restaurants and shops Conditions can be affected by weather and tides
Personally, I think that Atlantic Beach is a fantastic spot for experienced surfers to catch some great waves. The beach atmosphere is pleasant, and there are plenty of nearby amenities to explore when you're not in the water.

Jacksonville's Food Scene

No trip to Jacksonville would be complete without indulging in some delicious food. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, BBQ, or international cuisine, there are countless restaurants to choose from. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Jacksonville include Orsay, Black Sheep, and Maple Street Biscuit Company.

Comparison Table: Jacksonville's Food Scene

Pros Cons
Wide variety of restaurants and cuisines Some restaurants can be expensive
Fresh seafood options Certain types of cuisine may not be available in certain areas
Opportunity to try local specialties like BBQ and shrimp and grits May be crowded during peak times
In my opinion, Jacksonville has an excellent food scene, and there's truly something for everyone. I particularly enjoy trying out local specialties like BBQ and shrimp and grits, but it's also great to have access to a wide variety of international cuisines.

Sports and Events

If you're a sports fan, catching a game at TIAA Bank Field or watching the annual Florida-Georgia football game is an unforgettable experience. Other popular events in Jacksonville include the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Riverside Arts Market, and the beachside Springing the Blues festival.

Comparison Table: Sports and Events

Pros Cons
Exciting and entertaining experiences Events can be crowded and busy
Opportunity to cheer on your favorite teams or discover new music Tickets and admission fees can be expensive
Great chance to socialize and meet new people Bathroom and food lines can be long
Overall, sports and events in Jacksonville provide a great opportunity to have fun and socialize with others. However, they can be costly and crowded, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Jacksonville, Florida blog post. We hope that we have provided you with some valuable insights and recommendations for your next visit to this beautiful city.

We understand that everyone has their own preferences and interests when it comes to experiencing a new place. However, we believe that the diverse range of options on this list caters to a wide variety of people and personalities.

Whether you're interested in learning about local history, soaking up the sun on the beach, or immersing yourself in the vibrant art and culture scene, Jacksonville has something for everyone. We encourage you to explore all that this city has to offer and create your own unforgettable experiences.

Thank you again for joining us on this journey through Jacksonville's top must-do activities. We hope to see you soon!


Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Jacksonville, Florida

Are you planning a trip to Jacksonville, Florida and wondering what to do? Here are the top 10 must-do activities:

  1. Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
  2. Explore the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
  3. Stroll along the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk
  4. Take a river cruise on the St. Johns River
  5. Check out the exhibits at the Museum of Science and History
  6. Experience the thrill of zip-lining at Amelia Island
  7. Enjoy a day at the beach at Little Talbot Island State Park
  8. Watch a game or concert at TIAA Bank Field
  9. Discover the historic district of St. Augustine, just a short drive from Jacksonville
  10. Go shopping and dining at the St. Johns Town Center

Some common questions people also ask about things to do in Jacksonville include:

  • What are some free things to do in Jacksonville?
  • Where can I find the best seafood in Jacksonville?
  • What are some family-friendly activities in Jacksonville?
  • What is the best time of year to visit Jacksonville?
  • Is it worth visiting Jacksonville for a weekend trip?

For free activities in Jacksonville, consider visiting the Friendship Fountain, taking a hike at the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, or exploring the Riverside Arts Market. For seafood, try Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant or Julington Creek Fish Camp. Family-friendly activities include the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Adventure Landing amusement park, and the Beaches Museum and History Park. The best time to visit Jacksonville is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. And yes, Jacksonville is definitely worth a weekend trip!