Best Parks in Jacksonville Florida for a Family Reunions
Things To Do In Jacksonville FL: A Comprehensive Guide To Visiting The Historical City
In Florida's most populated city, there's always something going on! From seaside excursions and nature exhibits to historic attractions and museum visits, y'all'll never run out of activities to feel! Founded in 1822, Jacksonville has since become a beacon of deep-rooted history and adventure, from Amelia Isle and Lord's day Ray Cinema to Catty Shack Ranch and The Escape Game Jacksonville! The legendary 904 also features 22 miles of beaches and endless peak-rated dining options. Read here to learn more about all the experiences this legendary city has to offer!
Catty Shack Ranch
For the animal lover in you, talk a walk on the wild side by visiting Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, where yous'll find a variety of exotic big cats that have been rescued from tumultuous conditions and brought to live in this beautifully preserved forever home. Ranked the #1 attraction in Jacksonville by Trip Advisor, the Catty Shack Ranch provides a safe and sustainable environment for tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, foxes and more, all with the help of a group of well-trained volunteers and medical professionals. Take a tour of the sanctuary with whatsoever number of big cat handlers who look like Indiana Jones (kidding).
Big Talbot Island State Park
Nestled in the nook of Nassau Sound, Large Talbot Island is a protected nature preserve and white sandy embankment offering a coveted identify for birdwatchers and photographers to capture fleeting moments in time. With designated areas for picnics, hiking, boating and nature study, Big Talbot Isle Land Park is a peaceful place to relax on the bluffs, fish in the salt marsh or explore the driftwood landscape. Look for the common salt-washed skeletons of oak copse, cedar trees and other pieces of the boneyard that wash upwards from the shore. If your looking for a comprehensive list of Jacksonville beaches & water activities click here.
Little Talbot Island State Park
The lucky observer merely might spot the hatching of infant shore birds as spring approaches at this secluded barrier island. Located merely south of Big Talbot Island, this park is home to dozens of species of migratory birds who use the route to rear and enhance their young. Go camping ground, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, surfing, or fifty-fifty take your wedding along a white, sandy beach or in a secret garden. It's open up year-round and usually dog-friendly.
Neptune Beach
Not the planet, but the astronomically stunning embankment that abuts the littoral community of Jacksonville's northeast corner and Palm Valley, Neptune Beach invites beachgoers looking for balance and relaxation, and a lot of delicacies to pleasure your palate. From the towering palm trees by day to the Instagram-worthy sunsets by dusk, you'll simply have to run across these views up shut. This area is primarily a travel destination for summer tourists. Bank check out the giant Jaguar statue at Beaches Town Heart for a cool photo confronting the sunset. Check out a full guide to Jacksonville beaches.
Atlantic Beach
A depression-lying, flat and sandy embankment, Atlantic Beach in northeast Jacksonville offers some other laid-back piece of paradise for those who enjoy golf, parks, and other outdoor activities. Like to surf? Enough of that here, with unobstructed access to waves, wildlife and wonder. Stop by Jax Surf and Paddle and pick upward a new board, catch a beer at the Atlantic Beach Brewing Visitor or spotter the bounding main turtles sunbathe by the stream at Howell Park nearby.
Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park
Popular with surfers and wakeboarders, this embankment on the southern side of Ponte Vedra Embankment and just south of St. Augustine Beach is a bang-up location for searching for seashells, using your metal detector for interesting finds or combing the sand for shark teeth. Horseback riding is allowed during designated times and so is driving on the beach. Popular over to Poppy'southward Italiano or Bogey Grille for some grub after a long day soaking up lord's day.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Affectionately known equally MOCA to locals, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville is office of the Cultural Establish of the Academy of North Florida and has been a staple in the area for nigh a decade. Unlike older museums, this modern-day gallery boasts works that were crafted later the Internet was invented – many technologically avant-garde and satisfying for younger fine art aficionados. With contemporary exhibits similar monumental walls of questions that pique the mind, the outdoor geometric forms of Larry Bell and the imperceptible materials of the past and present of Gala Porras-Kim, MOCA aims to engage audiences appreciative of modern art.
Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
Detect the fast-paced, interactive world of science at MOSH. Generate your ain electricity, movement your torso to see how exercise affects long-term health, and visit animals indigenous simply to the east declension, without getting your anxiety wet. As the urban center's near visited museum, there's a identify called KidSpace, where children under 5 can stimulate their minds by probing (literally) parts of science and history on a level they can understand.
The Cummer Museum
Built on ii-and-a-half acres of celebrated, 20th century Florida gardens, the Cummer Museum holds some of America's finest fine art collections in the southern function of the country. With an exhibit dubbed, "The Art of Nature," museum-goers will experience nil brusk of the noon of civilisation when coming here. Wait reflecting pools, fountains, majestic gardens, sculptures, that sort of thing. Don't be surprised to see people doing yoga on the grass. The place is simply that peaceful!
The Lightner Museum
Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel from 1888, this museum boasts a lot in the way of 19th century art, artifacts and architecture reminiscent of the Gilded Historic period. Walk up to ii towers and through a Castilian-style corridor with ivory pillars. You lot're not in Rome, think. You're still in Jacksonville, but information technology won't feel that style when you come across the crystal chandeliers, rock curvation bridge over the coy pond and palm copse lining the courtyard. Treat a Turkish bath? It can probably exist arranged.
Riverside Arts Market
On Saturdays, head under the Fuller Warren Bridge to Riverside Arts Market for a smorgasbord of meats, cheeses, salads, hors d'oeuvres and everything in between. For the almost meticulous of meal preppers, you'll find fresh, local produce – even craft beer! With a massive variety of small businesses – everything from urban and rural farmers and bakeries to art dealers and crafters of handmade goods – this market place offers the best the local community has to offer in terms of local food, crafts and wares. You won't be disappointed.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
This i.5-stretch of beach is fun for city people who like to play corn pigsty while sipping on some suds, sunbathing, and don't have a dog sitter for Fido, because the good news is, he (or she) is welcome here. There's a lake for fishing, a host infinite for campers, bike trails and ice cream shop nearby. The history of the identify is absurd, too, as it was originally Florida's first beach community for African-Americans during the period of segregation in the south.
Icemen Hockey, Jumbo Shrimp baseball & Jags football
Attention sports fanatics! If you don't think of hockey when y'all recollect of Florida, think again. The Jacksonville Icemen minor league professional person hockey team offers fun and seasonal entertainment for the whole family. The Icemen usually play a 36-game home schedule each flavour – 19 of which are on Fri and Saturday nights. They play in the aforementioned arena Rihanna and Celine Dion played sold-out shows, and then expect a spectacle.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, formerly known as the Jacksonville Suns, is a small-scale league baseball game team in the city. Named the 28th most valuable minor league baseball team by Forbes mag in 2016, the Colossal Shrimp uses the slogan "Shrimply the best!"
Pro football more your speed? Scout the metropolis'south NFL squad, the Jaguars, play throughout the season at their home stadium of TIAA Banking concern Field, where the Jags avowal the world's largest scoreboards.
St. George Street, St. Augustine
Take a day trip about an hour south of Jacksonville to the historic city of St. Augustine, which lays claim to beingness the oldest in the nation. Shop, dine and imbibe along this 17th century Castilian thoroughfare known for its tranquil beaches, iconic architecture and famous attractions preserved in time. Best to reserve an unabridged day for this visit – St. George Street will surprise even the about curious of history buffs, from the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse (200+ years!) to Ponce de Leon's "Fountain of Youth" to the many boutiques, bakeries, galleries and souvenir shops along the manner. Lots of human foot travel should be expected, and so article of clothing comfy shoes.
St. Johns Boondocks Center
This upscale, open-air mall in Jacksonville'south southeast corner offers lots in the way of shopping and dining. With more than 170 stores, the palm-tree lined streets of St. Johns Town Center is described as an "outdoor lifestyle mall" featuring high-end retailers like Dillard's, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Urban Outfitters, Swarovski and West Elm. Fod nutrient, wait for options like P.F. Chang'southward, Maggiano'southward Little Italy and The Cheesecake Manufacturing plant. There's convenient accessibility by car from highways I-95, I-295 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard and downtown beaches.
Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Water Park
"Ahoy, mateys!" Thrilling h2o fun, adventure and expedition look you at this aquatic water slide entertainment park in downtown Jacksonville. Shipwreck Island offers a half million gallon wave pool and four extreme water slides without the fear of sharks, jellyfish or (real-life) pirates! Targeting kids and young adults, this crazy circuitous likewise includes a moving ridge pool, "Gator Alley," the "Wacky Worm Roller Coaster," light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation tag, mini golf, batting cages, an arcade, go-karts and much more.
The Edge Rock Gym
Set up to take it to the border? The Edge Stone Gym markets itself every bit part competitive rock-climbing gym – part freestyle life sport that allows your heed and trunk to be free while reaching for new heights. With a super knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging staff, look for Groupon coupons to brand your feel fifty-fifty more than affordable. Great for big parties or even a date.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Situated at the mouth of the Trout River, the Jacksonville Zoo sits on more than than 100 acres of land where ii,000+ exotic and domestic animals phone call it domicile. See exhibits like the African Forest, the River Valley Aviary, Stingray Bay and the Country of the Tiger. Considered i of the urban center's premier attractions with millions of visitors a yr, the zoo is a massive playground for both kids and adults, offering a royal view of the river and easy access to local highways. The zoo is agile in animate being conservation, providing 45 programs regionally and nationally and donates a good clamper of every ticket sold to conservation efforts around the earth. Don't exist afraid to pet the pygmy goats or feed the giraffes! This one is a must-see for wildlife lovers of all ages.
Sunday Ray Cinema
An celebrated two-screen motion-picture show theater equipped to show talking pictures from the 1920s, this place opened in the Five Points district of Jacksonville and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals who take a knack for the nostalgic. It's one of the only vegan-friendly motion picture theaters in the state, offer veggie and gluten-free options as well as popcorn and other tasty treats. Subsequently ordering at the counter, servers at Lord's day Ray Cinema bring your food and drink (including beer and wine) correct to your seat. Sit back, relax, and relish the movies of old.
Alhambra Dinner Theatre
Dorsum in the day, information technology was a single table for 2 – by candlelight – crystal dinnerware and cloth napkins, and a live functioning. Today, it is a beautiful theatrical operation mimicking Broadway with dozens of tables (also dimly lit) only a huge stage, delectable delicacies and 3-course meals. With shows like "Singing in the Rain," "Grease," and "Cinderella," this dinner theater has captured headlines from coast to coast for its classic and hilarious renditions of various show biz favorites. But xv minutes from Jacksonville Embankment, this would make the perfect topping off to a luxurious lounging mean solar day.
Florida Theatre
Book ahead if you lot want a good seat at this 100-year-one-time, high-need music venue that accommodates everything from ballet to opera to contemporary pop, jazz, stone, state and dejection in downtown Jacksonville. Opened in 1927, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and has hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to Mandy Moore.
Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
Hikers, joggers, skateboarders, cyclists, roller bladers, scavenger hunters and the like – take your binoculars out and explore the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, which is a multi-use xiv-mile asphalt path connecting Jacksonville with the boondocks of Baldwin, Florida. In one case used by CSX Transportation as part of its railroad system, the trail has gone unused for rails purposes for decades and is now a thoroughfare suitable for not-motorized vehicles and those on human foot. No matter how you go down the path from one end to the other, you'll pass some residential and rural areas, abandoned cars, shade copse and a power plant. Great for photos, too.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Early interaction between indigenous Native Americans and French explorers come to life at this site in the Timucuan Preserve. Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, the Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates a point at which European settlers attempted to establish a colony in this part of Jacksonville. Take the kids for the afternoon or care for yourself to a footling slice of southern history.
Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Pace out into nature and surround yourself with some of Florida'south about beautiful flora and fauna. The 126-acres inside Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens was once a dump site for appliances, cars, tires and other random junk. Conservation-minded locals recognized the value of the site in 2004 and reshaped the landscape into the arboretum it is today, which offers more than than three miles of hiking trails through natural ecological habitats. Walk downward the Jones Creek Trail, through the Lake Loop and over the Alive Oak Trail to observe bald cypress trees, American hornbeam and swamp azalea.
The Jax Ale Trail
After all that walking, chances are, y'all'll be thirsty! Visit the Jax Ale Trail to sample a multifariousness of craft brews mixed upwards past seven local breweries right in Jacksonville. The "trail" is self-guided, meaning you get at your own pace to each of the breweries on the tour. When you volume information technology, you're handed a Jax Ale Trail Brewery "passport," which grants yous access to each brewery. The more stamps you collect, the higher your chances are of winning special prizes and absurd beer swag.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum
Dubbed the "mecca for African-American civilisation and heritage in Florida," the Ritz Theatre is located in the LaVilla neighborhood in Jacksonville and was once too nicknamed the "Harlem of the South." Many trailblazers of gospel, jazz, funk and pop music, entertainment and trip the light fantastic toe were drafted here. It likewise helped launch the careers of many singers and dancers well known today like Dionne Warwick and Jon Secada.
Visit Riverside Avondale
These unique neighborhoods have a lot in the way of shopping, dining and Instagrammable-worthy snaps if you're willing to do the exploring! The two neighborhoods are linked past a commercial district called Five Points, the King Street District and the Shoppes of Avondale. Voted one of the hippest parts of boondocks, you're sure to crash-land into some of Jacksonville's trendiest people along the sprawling shopping corridors, and yous're likewise shut to the Cummer Museum, where there's no shortage of fine art and natural beauty.
Gustatory modality of Jacksonville
With naught short of five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, the Taste of Jacksonville food walking tour is 1 of summer'south hottest attractions. Prepare for a culinary adventure and come up hungry! Your guide volition accept y'all to five to six tasting locations around Jacksonville's Southbank department, where you'll eat up the best the city has to offering. Great for a big party or a small family gathering.
Commencement Coast Foodie Coiffure
Insatiable appetite? Nosotros know about that. The First Coast Foodie Crew tin can help hither. Proudly nicknamed the "Bold New City of the South," Jacksonville has a wild variety of flavors for the pickiest of palates and offers walking food tours through some of the metropolis'due south all-time locations for food and beverage. Whether it's Shrimp and Grits Sunday, Taco Tuesday or Funnel Cake Friday, this historic riverside nutrient tour promises to satisfy your peckish.
Southbank Riverwalk
Imagine a 360-degree view of the St. Johns River, Jacksonville's Principal Street and Jacksonville Landing – a bridge usually frequented by joggers, bikers, sight-seers and couples walking hand-in-hand. It's a giant, paved promenade crossing the river where y'all can lookout the water taxi routes go back and forth, and maybe catch a glimpse of a nuptials on the river banks, a jazz fest after dark, or a kayak launch.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
As part of the National Park Service'due south Ecological & Historic Preserve of Florida, Timucuan encompasses 46,000 acres of open, untouched landscape full of trees, wildlife and fresh air. Here, y'all'll notice the Fort Caroline National Memorial, Kingsley Plantation – which is an historic cotton plantation consummate with interactive educational exhibits, the state parks of Big and Little Talbot Islands, and vast spans of hiking trails, natural parks and ecology all around.
Dog Woods Park
This pooch-popular playscape is Jacksonville'south largest, with 42 acres of all kinds of terrain for Rover to run on, splash around in and crawl over. Open up daily, the park does require a small fee for a unmarried solar day visit or you can buy an annual membership. People and their pups are welcome to stay well after dark (and past regular visiting hours). There are as well a few entry requirements that tag along with this experience, including that Buddy (or Bella) be neutered or spayed before visiting, show proof of a recent rabies vaccine and that children exist strapped in a stroller. It'll all be worth it though, in one case your four-legged friend has gotten all that energy out – off leash – and you treat yourself to the amenities offered at the private land lodge that provides fettle, recreational and socializing opportunities in a condom, fun and enclosed environment.
Source: https://theescapegame.com/blog/jacksonville/things-to-do/
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