Location: Jacksonville
Top Things to do in Jacksonville
Things to do in Jacksonville, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Parks
Although much of Jacksonville is urban, this sprawling northeastern Florida city also has nature and wildlife preserves, historic residential neighborhoods and lots of golf courses. Attractions in Jax, as the locals call it, range from art, science and history museums to a brewery tour, from the Jacksonville Landing entertainment complex, along the St. John's River, to Bronson Motor Speedway. The city's beaches offer soft sand and warm water perfect for swimming, surfing and kayaking.
Restaurants in Jacksonville
1. Jesse Ball Dupont Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By BarbaraJS - Jacksonville, United States
The Treaty Oak at this park is an amazing awesome tree that has to be seen in person. We chose this place because it made my wife cry when she first visited it. Right then, we knew it was where we needed to tie the knot. We did a beautiful yoga practice under the tree earlier in the day as well. Parking can be a little tricky, but you should really go visit.
2. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,546 reviews
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity. We do not breed, sell, or trade any of our animals. Our current residents include tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, servals, bobcats, foxes, and coatimundis. Check our website for the most accurate information; generally, we are open every day in the afternoon with admittance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You can also watch our Facebook Live tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 PM, and watch our Facebook Live night feeding fundraisers on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM.
Reviewed By NJ2SC
This was the second time that my husband and I came for the evening feeding, and we were just as impressed as the first time we visited! We were shown a short video, then given a tour prior to the feeding, introducing us to each animal and telling us the story of how each animal came to their facility. This is an amazing place with amazing volunteers taking care of them. Catty Shack is big cat sanctuary (they have non-feline residence as well) where they will live for the rest of their lives. They are all well cared for, getting proper medical attention and as we observed, getting plenty of food supplemented with vitamins stuck into their food. We saw the owner in the cages, and in one case, petting a big cat’s head as he was feeding. Wow! This is truly a testament to the relationship he has with these wild beasts. The aggressive growls and roars around dinner time were impressive. Catty Shack was, once again, the highlight of our Jacksonville trip!
3. El Faro Memorial At Dames Point Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By tomtri75 - Pensacola, United States
Visited this stirring memorial on a rainy afternoon, the perfect time to consider this tragic loss of ship and crew. Its beneath a huge bridge on the St Johns River, a stone's throw from the ship's former berth. Give it at least an hour to read all their names and the thoughts inscribed on their individual plaques, as well as the main plaque with their names and a likeness of the ship. Fair winds and calm seas, shipmates. ANV
4. Atlantic Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
Section of beach that is flat, sandy and uncrowded. Great for surfers and kayakers.
Reviewed By T3975JVmarthab
Atlantic Beach is my favorite of the Jacksonville Beaches. It is primarily residential with the commercial property bascically clustered at the ocean and going west along Atlantic Blvd. It is a great beach to walk and sit and enjoy your own piece of heaven on earth watching and listening to the waves.
5. Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Learn all about the history of Florida's Native Americans here.
Reviewed By phuongn748 - Bedford, United States
As Fort Caroline was still closed, we just explored Red, Black & Green trails at Spanish Pond entrance. Most parts of trails have shade and easy to walk. Feeling fantastic to see crabs, snoonbil birds and osprey. And the story of Mr Willie Browne inspired me much. Next time we will explore Theodore Roosevelt area, which is on the other side.
6. Guana Pine State Park and Wildlife Management Area
7. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,221 reviews
This 73-acre park is the only zoo in Florida's northeast. With over 2000 animals and 1000 plants, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is 1 of only 7 zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team who help to provide the very best care for our animals.
Reviewed By S3227OMcindys
This is a great place to visit it’s well-maintained everybody’s friendly and there’s lots to do. We have annual passes and love to take the grandchildren! They have a merry go round for the theater and you can even feed and pet the stingrays this is an absolute dump must be around Christmas time Santa is there with his wife it is gorgeous and a big light show
8. University of North Florida National Recreational Trails
9. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,147 reviews
Our mission is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens and education. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, built on the site of the home of Arthur and Ninah Cummer, opened its doors November 10, 1961. From Ninah Cummer's relatively small collection of sixty pieces that launched the museum, The Cummer's permanent collection has grown to over six thousand works of art encompassing eight thousand years of art history.
Reviewed By FloridaClimber - Jacksonville, United States
Don’t miss out on this museum. Beautiful gardens on the river and free admission Tuesday and Friday from 4-9. Bigger than it seems and switches out some artworks to keep fresh things to look at and learn about. COVID precautions require you to RSVP for a time slot to limit the people in the museum at one time. Also mandatory masks.
10. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By JaxRiversideGrl - Jacksonville, United States
My husband and I booked one of the Cozy Cabins on one of the coldest weekends of the year. I was afraid that the cabin and surrounding area would be freezing. Not at all! The cabin was fully heated, and kept us warm and toasty. The lush foliage surrounding the park kept the temperature at a beautifully slightly chilly temp. The staff were very nice and helpful. The cabin was clean, with a screened in deck and fire pit. Please note: the cabins do not contain any furniture or bedding. You will need to bring an air mattress and your own bedding. The park has a vast array of hiking and mountain biking trails that are surrounded by trees and nature. The beach is just a short walk away from the cabins. We walked on the sand and got to see the gorgeous ocean and sky. The park has a shop where you can purchase neccesary items and can rent bikes and skateboards. It closes at 6pm. Important to note: the bathroom in the middle of the park has very basic, showers that offer no privacy at all. Use the bathroom/showers near the front of the park. They have a private shower that is more accommodating. We spent two nights here and had a fantastic time. Everyone that we met was kind and pleasant. The area was clean and safe. The noise level was low and the other campers were very quiet and respectful.
