_png.png)
Search activities
city guide
Offering residents a suburban feel, Jacksonville is one of the best places to live in Florida. This city is safe and full of restaurants, parks, and lots of things to do. The most populous city in the state, Jacksonville currently has around 911,507 people living in the area.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Jacksonville are from March to May and September to November. These shoulder seasons see pleasant weather, as well as fewer tourists and lower prices than the summer months.
Fun city facts and activities
- Even though Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, it has the feel of a small Southern town where everybody knows everybody. Still, theres no hiding the fact that this city is huge with plenty to see and do as this list of the best things to do in Jacksonville shows. Its home to world-class restaurants (including one of the best restaurants in Florida), a booming craft brewery scene, stunning beaches, and outdoor activities galore.
What gets this city riled up the most is their NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, which plays downtown at TIAA Bank Field. During football season, youre bound to hear locals shouting DUUUVAL (Jacksonville sits in Duval County) to get the crowd amped up for the game.
But no matter if youre a local or just a visitor traveling through, there are so many reasons to be a fan of this massive city. Here, we've rounded up the best things to do in Jacksonville, Florida.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Southside
Riverside
Five Points
Deerwood
The Beaches
Orange Park
Northside
Mandarin
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- When people think of iconic Florida restaurants, images of bayfront dining in Tampa, theme park restaurants in Orlando, or beachside seafood in Key West might come to mind. But hiding in plain sight is a culinary gold mineat the best Jacksonville restaurants, youre in for a treat.
No doubt, one of the best things to do in Jacksonville is eat. The Bold City is home to an eclectic dining scene that features everything from street-style tacos to authentic Nashville hot chicken and incredible Filipino delights. The city is a melting pot of people and cuisines, and theres plenty of new and exciting foods to keep the crowds hungry for more.
After soaking up some sun at the beach, cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars at a home game, or swinging your clubs at the golf course, youre never far from incredible food.
Free or cheap things to do
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is located along Trout River and near St. Johns River. It opened in May 1914.
2. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit sanctuary that houses rescued big cats.
3. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens was founded in 1961. It has a collection of about 6,000 works.
4. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a 181-hectare beach and park at Mayport. It sits on the Atlantic coast.
5. Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is the neighboring city and is most known for its laid-back beaches. It is about 25 minutes away from Jacksonville.
6. Little Talbot Island State Park
Little Talbot State Park is found in the 2,500-acre Little Talbot Island. If you and your family love going on nature trips, dont miss out on this state park.
7. Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is just beside its brother, Little Talbot Island State Park. It is most famous for its Boneyard Beach.
8. Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation was a former estate owned by Zephaniah Kingsley. It was built sometime during the late 1790s and was established in 1991.
9. St. Johns Town Center
St. Johns Town Center is an open-air mall with over 167 shops and services. It opened in March 2005.
10. Tree Hill Nature Center
Tree Hill Nature Center is a non-profit organization that helps preserve the local wilderness in Jacksonville. It was founded in 1971.
City data and FAQ
