Things to do in Jacksonville, Florida
- Jacksonville is one of the few major U.S. cities that operates its own municipal electric utility, JEA, which was established by the city in 1967.
- The city's current geographic boundaries were formed in 1968 through the consolidation of the Jacksonville city government with Duval County, creating a unique unified local government.
- Jacksonville was known as the 'Winter Film Capital of the World' in the early 20th century before the industry shifted to Hollywood, California.
- The St. Johns River, which flows through the city, is one of the few rivers in North America that flows northward.
- Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the United States, managing over 80,000 acres of parks and preserves.
About Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, spans over 840 square miles and is defined by its deep-water port on the St. Johns River. It serves as a regional hub for commerce and culture, anchored by cultural sites like the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the riverfront Southbank Riverwalk. The city features a diverse landscape ranging from oceanfront beaches to the historic greenery found at Memorial Park. Major events and public gatherings frequently center around the expansive downtown, which hosts amenities like the Friendship Fountain and the MOSH (Museum Of Science & History).
Highlights of Jacksonville, Florida
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Venues
This massive stadium serves as the primary venue for major professional football games and large-scale sporting events.
Museums
This institution features extensive historic gardens overlooking the St. Johns River alongside a significant collection of European and American art.
Places of interest
The fountain is a prominent landmark on the Southbank that features nightly light displays and views of the downtown skyline.
Parks
This pedestrian path offers expansive views of the city bridges and serves as a major artery for connecting downtown attractions.
Parks
This massive southern live oak tree is estimated to be over 250 years old and stands as a protected natural monument.
Museums
This museum provides interactive exhibits on the region's natural history and includes a planetarium for astronomical study.
Top things to do in Jacksonville, Florida
The 127 highest-rated places in Jacksonville, Florida, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
EverBank Stadium is the primary professional football venue in Jacksonville, Florida, serving as the home field for the...
2
Parks
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a 447-acre coastal park in Jacksonville, Florida, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and th...
3
Parks
Fort Clinch State Park encompasses over 1,400 acres on the northern tip of Amelia Island, featuring a well-preserved 19t...
4
Amusement parks
K1 Speed Jacksonville features an indoor climate-controlled facility with two distinct race tracks. The venue utilizes h...
5
Venues
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is a multi-purpose indoor facility in downtown Jacksonville with a seating capacity excee...
6
Museums
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 objects, spanning from 2100 B.C. to the m...
7
Historical places
Memorial Park is a 5.8-acre public park located on the banks of the St. Johns River in the Riverside neighborhood of Jac...
8
Parks
Oceanfront Park is a public recreational space situated directly on the dunes of Jacksonville Beach. The park features a...
9
Venues
The Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the Times-Union Center, is located on the north bank...
10
Venues
Daily's Place is a 5,500-seat amphitheater integrated into the south end of the EverBank Stadium complex in Jacksonville...
11
Places of interest
Friendship Fountain is a prominent landmark located on the St. Johns River featuring a recirculating system capable of p...
12
Zoos
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization focused on the rescue and long-term care of endangered...
13
Parks
South Beach Park and Sunshine Playground is a community recreation facility in Jacksonville Beach featuring a large, woo...
14
Parks
Little Talbot Island State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. It feature...
15
Amusement parks
Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach is a multi-attraction family entertainment center featuring the Shipwreck Island Wa...
16
Parks
The Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve spans 46,000 acres of pristine salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood...
17
Historical places
Huguenot Memorial Park is a coastal barrier island park located at the confluence of the St. Johns River and the Atlanti...
18
Venues
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and the adjacent ballpark serve as the primary professional baseball venue in downtown Ja...
19
Parks
Ed Austin Regional Park is a expansive 142-acre multi-use facility located in the Arlington area of Jacksonville. It is...
20
Parks
Peters Point Beachfront Park is one of the few locations on Amelia Island that permits vehicle access directly onto the...
21
Parks
The Southbank Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile pedestrian boardwalk stretching along the southern edge of the St. Johns River in...
22
Parks
Amelia Island State Park encompasses over 200 acres of undisturbed coastal landscape at the southern tip of Amelia Islan...
23
Parks
Big Talbot Island State Park is a nature preserve in Northeast Florida famous for its 'Boneyard Beach,' defined by sun-b...
24
Historical places
Kingsley Plantation is the oldest standing plantation house in Florida, built in 1798. Located on Fort George Island, it...
25
Parks
Boone Park is a long, linear urban green space stretching through the Riverside and Avondale historic neighborhoods in J...
26
Parks
St. Marys Waterfront Park, also known as Howard Gilman Memorial Park, sits on the banks of the St. Marys River in histor...
27
Parks
James Weldon Johnson Park is Jacksonville's oldest public park, situated in the heart of the downtown historic district....
28
Parks
Stockton Park is a riverfront public space situated along the St. Johns River in the historic Ortega neighborhood of Jac...
29
Parks
Treaty Oak is the centerpiece of Jessie Ball duPont Park, featuring a Southern Live Oak estimated to be over 250 years o...
30
Parks
Stinson Park is a neighborhood-focused green space located in the historic Murray Hill area of Jacksonville, Florida. It...
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Jacksonville, Florida on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Jacksonville, Florida
October through April, as the weather is temperate and avoids the intense summer heat and hurricane season humidity.
3-4 days to explore the downtown riverfront, local museums, and the nearby coastal beaches.
The city is highly car-dependent due to its massive sprawl; visitors typically use rental cars or rideshare services to travel between neighborhoods.
Riverside and Avondale offer historic charm and walkable access to restaurants and museums, while the Southbank area provides central riverfront proximity.
Mid-range; while accommodation and dining vary, the city generally offers more affordable options compared to major South Florida metropolitan hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 127 curated attractions in and around Jacksonville, Florida, ranked by traveller ratings.
EverBank Stadium is the highest-rated place to visit in Jacksonville, Florida right now.
The largest category is parks, with 57 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
