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Things to Do in Jacksonville

Things to Do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Jacksonville's natural environment has many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from coastal waters to inland trails.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

  • Easy: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for multi-use trails.
  • Easy: Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for leisurely walks.
  • Moderate: Little Talbot Island State Park for diverse coastal habitats.
  • Moderate: Big Talbot Island State Park for trails to "Boneyard Beach."

Water Sports & Activities

  • Surfing: Popular at Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic Beaches.
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: St. Johns River, coastal marshes, Hanna Park lake.
  • Fishing: Pier fishing (Jax Beach Pier), surf fishing, charter fishing.
  • Boating: Ramps and marinas for private boats; rentals available.

Adventure Sports

  • Water Scootering: Rentals along the St. Johns River and near the shores.
  • Parasailing: Available at the beaches, with aerial views of the coastline.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: Structured wildlife viewing.
  • Birdwatching: Coastal parks and nature reserves are excellent.
  • Dolphin/Manatee Watching: Boat tours on the St. Johns River or coast.
  • Alligators: Observe from a safe distance in freshwater bodies.

Cycling & Biking

  • Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail: Paved, 14.5-mile path for leisurely cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Public garden has dedicated trails with various difficulty levels.

Safety & Licenses

A Florida saltwater fishing license is necessary for most fishing activities; purchase it online or at local tackle shops.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Jacksonville's local culture through hands-on experiences, performances, and community events.

Workshops & Classes

  • MOCA Jacksonville or Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens for art classes.
  • Community centers and local dance studios often have classes.
  • Short-term cultural activity options exist in music or dance.
  • Riverside Arts Market for artisan crafts.

Performances & Traditions

Performing Arts

Attend Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, plays at Florida Theatre, or shows at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

University Events

Local universities (UNF, JU) often host cultural events, lectures, and student performances.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country (May), drawing renowned artists and a lively crowd.

Jacksonville Film Festival

Showcases independent films and offers opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts.

One Spark Festival

An intermittent crowdfunding festival highlighting innovation and creativity in various fields.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate in Jacksonville, from luxurious spas to peaceful natural settings.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Upscale spas in hotels: A lot of luxury accommodations have full-service spas (e.g., One Ocean Resort & Spa).
  • Independent day spas: Numerous options throughout the city for massages, facials, and other services.
  • Natural hot springs are not in the immediate area; consider Central Florida for these experiences.
  • Traditional healing practices are not prominent; standard Western medical and wellness services are available.

Yoga, Meditation & Beach

Yoga & Meditation

Various yoga studios throughout Jacksonville offer drop-in classes for all levels.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Many beach hotels offer pool access, often with ocean views. Some private beach clubs operate for members or hotel guests.

Public Beaches

Public beaches are free and provide ample space for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming in the ocean.

Coastal Relaxation Opportunities

Atlantic Ocean Beaches

Enjoy wide, sandy shores for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely walks at Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic Beaches.

St. Johns Riverfront

Find tranquil spots along the Riverwalk or in riverfront parks for quiet reflection and scenic views.

Natural Parks

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Public garden and Little Talbot Island State Park offer outdoor locations for peaceful strolls.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Jacksonville's entertainment and nightlife scene has diverse options, from live music to theater and bustling bar districts.

Live Music Venues

  • Florida Theatre: Historic venue for rock, country, and blues concerts.
  • Daily's Place: Outdoor amphitheater for major touring acts.
  • 1904 Music Hall & Jack Rabbits: Popular for local and regional bands.
  • Taverns and Bars: Many establishments at the Beaches and Riverside present live bands.

Theater & Clubs

Performance Spaces

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway performances and symphony concerts.

Dinner Theater

Alhambra Theatre & Dining has an unique dinner theater experience with professional stage productions.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Myth Nightclub (Downtown) and Jax Beach Bars along 1st Street have options for dancing and late-night fun.

Bar Districts

Jacksonville Beach (1st Street) has a lively strip of bars. Riverside/Avondale has craft cocktail bars and breweries for a laid-back feel.

Shopping

St. Johns Town Center for upscale shopping. Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco have independent boutiques and galleries.

Markets

Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays) for local vendors. Beaches Green Market for fresh produce and local products.

Nightlife Safety

Always travel in groups or with a trusted companion at night. Use reputable ride-sharing services or taxis.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in Jacksonville ranges from traditional markets with local crafts to upscale boutiques and large retail centers.

Traditional Markets

  • Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays, March-Dec): Local food, artisanal crafts, live music.
  • Beaches Green Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce, baked goods, local products.
  • Excellent place to find unique, handmade goods.
  • A great spot for casual lunch and local items.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

CoRK Arts District

Located in Riverside, this district houses artists' studios and galleries. Visitors often purchase directly from local artists.

Independent Boutiques

Explore charming independent boutiques in Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco for unique clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Souvenir Recommendations

Look for Jacksonville or Florida themes, beach-related items (shell art, surf gear), local art, and craft beer from local breweries.

Luxury Shopping

  • St. Johns Town Center: Upscale outdoor mall.
  • High-end department stores (Nordstrom, Dillard's).
  • Luxury brands and popular national retailers.
  • Main destination for vast retail.

Boutique Finds

  • Avondale & San Marco: Curated selection of clothing stores.
  • Unique jewelry shops and home goods stores.
  • A more intimateized shopping experience.
  • Discover one-of-a-kind items.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local businesses and artisans.
  • Especially at farmers' markets and artisan fairs.
  • Purchases directly benefit the local economy.
  • Promotes ethical production practices.

Shipping & Customs Information

For International Visitors
  • Be aware of your home country''s import rules for items purchased.
  • Inquire about shipping costs and procedures at the time of purchase.
Shipping Services
  • Shipping services (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are widely available in Jacksonville.
  • These services help send purchases home if needed.

Shopping Tip

To help plan your activities and experiences, consider browsing options on GetYourGuide for bookings.

Activity Planning Summary

Popular Activity Categories

  • Outdoor Adventures (hiking, water sports, cycling).
  • Cultural Immersion (workshops, festivals, performances).
  • Relaxation & Wellness (spas, yoga, beach time).
  • Entertainment & Nightlife (live music, theater, bars).

Planning Advice

  • Check local event calendars for seasonal happenings.
  • Consider proximity of activities to your chosen accommodation.
  • Transportation planning is beneficial for Jacksonville's spread-out nature.
  • Budget for activity costs and potential equipment rentals.
Things to Do in Jacksonville. Activities, Experiences, Adventures