Jacksonville

USA

Friday, August 29, 2025

Sunrise

7:00 AM

Sunset

7:54 PM

About

Jacksonville, located on the northeast coast of Florida, is an exciting and vibrant city with something for everyone. With over 20 miles of beautiful beaches, world-class museums, and cultural events, Jacksonville has something to offer all visitors. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo, the Cummer Museum of Art, and EverBank Field, home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. In addition to its many attractions, Jacksonville boasts a thriving dining and nightlife scene, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

This 93-acre zoo is home to thousands of animals, including endangered species such as rhinos and elephants. Visitors can also explore the botanical gardens and take part in interactive animal encounters.
2. Jacksonville Beach

This wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The adjacent boardwalk has shops, restaurants, and bars.
3. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

This nonprofit sanctuary provides a permanent home for big cats that cannot be released into the wild. Visitors can take guided tours and view lions, tigers, and other big cat species up close.
4. Riverside Arts Market

This open-air market takes place every Saturday and features local artists, crafters, and food vendors. Visitors can enjoy live music and family-friendly activities.
5. Museum of Science and History

This museum has hands-on exhibits that explore science, technology, and local history. There is also a planetarium and a butterfly exhibit.
6. Jacksonville Landing

This waterfront shopping and dining complex hosts festivals and events throughout the year. Visitors can take a riverboat tour or watch live performances.
7. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

This 46,000-acre park has hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and historic sites. Visitors can learn about the indigenous Timucuan people and the area's ecology.
8. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

This museum has a collection of over 5,000 works of art, including pieces by Winslow Homer and Norman Rockwell. The adjoining gardens have sculptures, fountains, and a reflecting pool.
9. Friendship Fountain

This iconic fountain shoots water up to 120 feet in the air and is illuminated at night. Visitors can picnic or walk the scenic riverfront.
10. Little Talbot Island State Park

This undeveloped barrier island has beaches, sand dunes, and hiking trails. Visitors can fish, birdwatch, or camp overnight.
11. Fort Caroline National Memorial

This historic site marks the spot where French settlers established a colony in 1564. Visitors can explore a replica fort and learn about colonial life.
12. Kingsley Plantation

This former slave plantation is now a National Park Service site. Visitors can tour the plantation buildings and learn about the lives of enslaved people.
13. Atlantic Beach

This quiet beach is popular with families and surfers. The adjacent town has shops, restaurants, and a pier.
14. Main Street Bridge

This historic bridge spans the St. Johns River and is a popular spot for photos and sunset views. Visitors can also take a river cruise underneath the bridge.
15. TIAA Bank Field

This stadium is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and hosts concerts and other events. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a football game.
16. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

This museum has rotating exhibits of historic manuscripts, including original documents by Abraham Lincoln and Leonardo da Vinci.
17. Veterans Memorial Arena

This indoor arena hosts concerts, sporting events, and other performances. Visitors can also ice skate or attend a hockey game.
18. Theatre Jacksonville

This community theater has been entertaining Jacksonville audiences for over 100 years. Visitors can watch plays, musicals, and improv shows.
19. Players by the Sea

This intimate theater hosts off-Broadway plays and showcases local talent. Visitors can also take acting classes or attend workshops.
20. St. Johns Town Center

This open-air shopping mall has stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. Visitors can also enjoy live music and family-friendly events.
21. The Beaches Museum

This museum tells the history of Jacksonville's beach communities through exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn about beach culture and the role of tourism in the area's development.
22. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

This 74,000-acre reserve has hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and educational programs. Visitors can learn about the ecology of Florida's coastal wetlands.
23. Fort Clinch State Park

This park has a historic fort, hiking trails, and a beach. Visitors can also camp overnight or fish in the nearby Amelia River.
24. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

This brewery offers tours of its facilities and beer tastings. Visitors can learn about the brewing process and the company's history.
25. Talbot Islands State Parks

This collection of state parks includes Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, and Amelia Island. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and enjoy the scenic beaches.
26. Amelia Island

This charming island has historic homes, boutique shops, and a boardwalk lined with restaurants. Visitors can also take a horse-drawn carriage tour or go on a fishing charter.
27. World Golf Hall of Fame

This museum honors the best golfers in history and showcases their memorabilia. Visitors can also play a round of golf on the nearby courses.
28. Jacksonville Symphony

This professional orchestra performs classical and modern music in the renovated Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Visitors can also attend educational programs and special events.
29. Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center

This historic train station-turned-convention center hosts trade shows, conferences, and expos. Visitors can also take a train tour or attend a public event.
30. St. Augustine

This nearby city is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. Visitors can explore the historic district, tour the Castillo de San Marcos, and visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.