Best Things to do in Jacksonville | Must-see attractions 2025

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

370 Zoo Parkway

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Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens spans 73 acres, featuring local and African wildlife, lush gardens, a train, and a children's zone. It's the only zoo in Northeast Florida.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Adults: $20, Children (3-12): $15. Discounts for seniors and military available.

Museum of Southern History

Appointment only

Museum

4304 Herschel St At the corner of Herschel St and Lexington.

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Museum of Southern History in Jacksonville details history from Native Americans to present. Features a significant Civil War collection.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Appointments are required.

Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1445 Millcoe Rd

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Jacksonville Arboretum spans 120 acres, featuring rustic trails and labeled plant life, offering a unique space for recreation and education in Jacksonville, Florida.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated to support the arboretum.

Ritz Theatre LaVilla Museum

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

829 N Davis St

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Ritz Theatre LaVilla Museum in Jacksonville offers a historic venue for performances and exhibitions, connecting visitors to African American cultural heritage.

Duration: 2 hours.

Paid. Pricing varies for different events and shows.

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

New Berlin Road

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Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park is a historical site in Jacksonville, Florida, featuring preserved earthworks from the Civil War and nature trails.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Hemming Park

Open 24 hours

Park

135 W Monroe St

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Hemming Park, the oldest public park in Jacksonville, fosters community through concerts, meals, arts, and cultural events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Stockton Park

Open 24 hours

Park

4021 Ortega Blvd

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Stockton Park, located in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a green oasis with recreational activities and scenic walking paths amid urban surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No charges for park access.

Daily's Place Amphitheater

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Theater

1 Everbank Field Dr

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Daily's Place Amphitheater in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier outdoor venue hosting concerts and events, featuring modern architecture and excellent acoustics.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours for an event.

Paid. Prices vary by event.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Theater

300 Water St (at S Pearl St)

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Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts hosts diverse performances across multiple theaters, located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Duration: 2-3 hours for a show.

Prices vary by event; typically range from $20 to $100.

The Champions Club at Julington Creek

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

1111 Durbin Creek Blvd (Davis Pond Blvd.)

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The Champions Club at Julington Creek features an 18-hole championship golf course, situated in Jacksonville, Florida, offering a meticulously maintained environment and modern amenities.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Green fees vary based on time and day; membership options available.

Museum Of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

Tu,We 11:00-17:00; Mo off; Th 11:00-21:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00

Museum

333 N Laura St (W Monroe St and W Duval St)

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The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, funded by the University of North Florida, features diverse exhibitions from contemporary artists in a large, ultramodern space.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

General Admission: $8, Students/Seniors: $5, Children under 12: Free. Free on select days.

Theatre Jacksonville

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

2032 San Marco Blvd (btw Sorrento Rd & Balis Pl)

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Theatre Jacksonville is the oldest continuously operating community theater in the U.S., showcasing a variety of performances in a historic setting.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Tickets generally range from $15 to $35, depending on the performance. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Mallison Field

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Jacksonville

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Mallison Field in Jacksonville, Florida, is a community park offering numerous recreational facilities for sports and leisure activities.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some community events may require registration or fees.

Brown Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

335 W 8th St (Perry Street)

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The Brown Museum of Art in Jacksonville features an impressive collection of American art, showcasing works from the 18th through 21st centuries.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Jacksonville University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

2800 University Blvd N

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Jacksonville University is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, offering diverse academic programs and a picturesque campus along the St. Johns River.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours for campus tours.

Free. Campus tours may require advance registration.

Bent Creek Golf Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

10440 Tournament Ln

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Bent Creek Golf Course in Jacksonville offers 18 holes of golf, driving range facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels.

Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours for a full round.

Green fees vary; generally around $30 on weekdays and $40 on weekends.

University of North Florida

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

1 UNF Dr

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The University of North Florida, located in Jacksonville, is a public university offering diverse programs and scenic campus views 'amidst lush landscapes.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require tickets or registration.

Alhambra Theatre

5:00 PM–10:30 PM

Theater

12000 Beach Blvd

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Alhambra Theatre is a premier dinner theatre in Jacksonville, Florida, offering high-quality performances and a unique dining experience.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Varies by performance; generally starts at $40 for adults.

Jacksonville's "Hands On" Children's Museum

Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; Jul 04 9:30-15:00; Nov Th[4] off; Dec 24-25 off

Museum

8580 Beach Boulevard

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Hands on Children's Museum in Jacksonville offers interactive play areas like a castle and grocery store for children of all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Adults: $10, Children: $8. Free for children under 1 year.

Museum of Science and History

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1025 Museum Circle

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Museum of Science & History in Jacksonville offers exhibits on Native American cultures, marine mammals, and an interactive planetarium.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General Admission: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors, $8 Children (3-12). Children under 3 free.

Florida Theatre

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

128 E Forsyth St

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Florida Theatre, established in 1927 in Jacksonville, is a historic venue featuring live performances, films, and events in a Mediterranean Revival style.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours, depending on events.

Varies based on event. Check schedule for specific shows for pricing.

Metropolitan Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

4110 Gator Bowl Drive

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Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, USA boasts 120 acres of green space, including riverfront views, trails, and recreational amenities for family-friendly outdoor activities.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free.

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Business Center

1000 Water St

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Osborne Convention Center in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier venue for conferences, expos, and large gatherings, featuring modern amenities and ample space.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Varies by event. Some events are free, while others may incur ticket costs.

Morocco Shrine Auditorium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

3800 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S

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Morocco Shrine Auditorium in Jacksonville features a unique Moorish architectural style, serving as a multi-purpose venue for events and ceremonies since 1932.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Varies by event. General admission typically ranges from $20 to $100.

Boone Park

Open 24 hours

Park

3700 Park St

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Boone Park in Jacksonville, Florida, features tennis courts and green spaces, perfect for recreational activities and relaxation in an urban setting.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events or classes may have fees.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

829 Riverside Ave (btwn Riverside Park Pl and Post St)

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Deette Holden Cummer Museum in Jacksonville houses over 6,000 artworks, including American and European paintings, alongside classical gardens.

Duration: 2 hours.

General admission is $10. Discounts available for students, seniors, and military.

Friday Musicale

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

645 Oak St

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Friday Musicale Auditorium in Jacksonville hosts various music events, featuring a historic venue with a capacity of 300 seats, celebrating over 130 years of musical heritage.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

General admission: $15, discounts available for students and seniors.

Riverside Fine Arts Association

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

1100 Stockton St

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Riverside Fine Arts Assn, located in Jacksonville, offers a variety of cultural and artistic programs, including art exhibits, performances, and educational workshops.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Ramallah-American Club

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Event hall

3130 Parental Home Rd

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Ramallah-American Club in Jacksonville offers cultural experiences, events, and culinary delights, promoting awareness of Palestinian heritage and community engagement.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Membership required for some events; fees vary by activity.

Jacksonville International Airport

Open 24 hours

Airport

2400 Yankee Clipper Dr

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Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves Jacksonville, Florida, providing domestic and international flights with convenient access and modern amenities.

Duration: 1-2 hours for a complete check-in process.

Free entry. Parking fees apply based on duration of stay.

Herlong Recreational Airport

Open 24 hours

Airport

9300 Normandy Blvd

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Herlong Airport is a public-use airport located in Jacksonville, Florida, serving general aviation and providing various aviation services.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Some aviation events may require a paid ticket.

Jacksonville Landing

11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Mall

2 W Independent Dr (at Laura St)

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Jacksonville Landing is a waterfront entertainment and shopping hub in Downtown Jacksonville, offering dining, events, and live performances year-round.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require tickets.

Huguenot Memorial Park

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

10980 Heckscher Dr

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Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Florida is an oceanfront park featuring camping, fishing, a playground, and picnic areas with 70 primitive campgrounds.

Duration: 2–4 hours.

Free. Camping fees may apply for overnight stays.

Fort Caroline

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

12713 Fort Caroline Rd

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Fort Caroline, a 16th-century French fort in Jacksonville, Florida, features a museum and walking trails within a 139-acre memorial managed by the National Park Service.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Admission includes access to the memorial and trail; museum programs may have fees.

Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

7407 Salisbury Rd

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Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville is a 42-acre dog park with off-leash areas, swimming ponds, trails, and various play equipment for dogs and their owners.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Membership fees apply. Daily passes available for short-term visitors.

Mandarin Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

14780 Mandarin Road

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Mandarin Park is a scenic bayfront recreation area in Jacksonville, Florida, featuring a boat ramp and ample outdoor activities for all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required for general access.

Ringhaver Park

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

5198 118th St

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Ringhaver Park in Jacksonville, United States offers 120 acres of nature trails, picnic areas, and a playground, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free.

San Jose Episcopal Church

Church

7423 San Jose Blvd

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San Jose Episcopal Church, built in 1925, is a historic site in Jacksonville recognized for its architecture and cultural significance, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Jesse Ball Dupont Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1123 Prudential Drive

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Jesse Ball Dupont Park in Jacksonville, Florida, offers lush greenery, walking trails, and vibrant wildlife, making it an ideal outdoor space for relaxation and recreation.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Balis Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1999 San Marco Blvd

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Balis Park in Jacksonville offers scenic views, walking trails, and a playground, making it ideal for families and nature lovers alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee for the park.

Cancer Survivor's Park

Open 24 hours

Park

101 State St W

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Cancer Survivor's Park in Jacksonville, US, is a tranquil space dedicated to celebrating cancer survivorship. It features sculptures, gardens, and educational displays.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Dupree Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

5 Municipal Dr

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Dupree Park in Jacksonville offers 41 acres of natural beauty with amenities for recreation, picnicking, and sports, catering to all ages and interests.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Special events may require registration or fees.

El Faro Memorial At Dames Point Park

Open 24 hours

Park

9101 Dames Point Rd

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El Faro Memorial At Dames Point Park in Jacksonville honors the legacy of the El Faro cargo ship, featuring memorials and serene waterfront views.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

Brackridge Park

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

8583 Newton Rd

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Brackridge Park is a large public park in Jacksonville, Florida, offering green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Special events may involve fees.

The Art Center Cooperative

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

9501 Arlington Expy #430

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The Art Center Cooperative in Jacksonville features a diverse range of artistic community events and exhibitions, showcasing local artworks and promoting cultural engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur fees.

Saint Paul's Catholic Church

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

2609 Park St

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Saint Paul's Catholic Church in Jacksonville, founded in 1897, features Gothic Revival architecture and serves the local Catholic community with rich traditions.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and community programs.

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

215 Bethel Baptist St

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Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville, Florida, is a historic church known for its rich cultural significance and vibrant community engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated during services.

Saint Johns Episcopal Cathedral

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

256 E Church St

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Saint John's Episcopal Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, is a historic Episcopal church known for its stunning Gothic architecture and vibrant community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for maintenance and community programs.

Losco Regional Park

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

10931 Hood Rd S

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Losco Regional Park in Jacksonville offers 175 acres of natural beauty with trails, picnic areas, and diverse wildlife, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required.

Queens Harbor Golf Course

7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Golf Course

1131 Queens Harbor Blvd

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Queens Harbor Golf Course in Jacksonville, USA offers a challenging 18-hole layout designed by Tom Fazio amidst scenic coastal landscapes.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Membership required for access. Fees vary by membership level.