Places to Visit in Jacksonville

One of the top places to visit in Jacksonville, Florida, is the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. It makes an excellent addition to the historic Riverside neighborhood, sitting just southwest of downtown Jacksonville. This beautiful art museum has made a mission out of art education and community enhancement. In addition to housing impressive exhibits, the museum offers seminars and lecture series while working with the Beaches Rotaract. This institution houses over 5,000 works from various artists, including Mildred Thompson, Peter Paul Rubens, and Norman Rockwell. You can also check out the current exhibitions and special collections. While here, make time for a stroll through the gardens, which feature fountains, reflecting pools, and a canopy created by towering old oak trees. 

If you are wondering what to visit in Jacksonville with kids, this Zoo and Garden is your place! This facility is the only walking safari in northeast Florida; you are invited to wander the grounds, where you'll find opportunities to get up close and personal, even eye-to-eye with animals like giraffes in their habitat, the Giraffe Overlook. Then look for western lowland gorillas in the African Forest exhibit, Malayan and Sumatran tigers in the Land of the Tiger, and African elephants in the Africa Loop. The sprawling grounds also house Stingray Bay, where you can pet and feed stingrays, and the ever-popular 2.5-acre Play Park and Splash Ground, where children can play, view more animals like penguins and Nigerian Dwarf goats and cool off after a day in the Florida heat. 

If you've come to northeast Florida to take advantage of the warm weather and Atlantic coast, consider visiting Little Talbot Island State Park. Catching the ocean waves about 25 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island boasts more than 5 miles of shoreline and lacks the crowds of other Florida beach destinations. But don't just come here to lounge along the sand. Little Talbot Island encompasses a variety of habitats – from coastal salt marshes to sand dunes – that house a wide array of animal species. Wildlife watchers can catch a glimpse of gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, white-tailed deer, and even bobcats, which you're more likely to see at dawn and dusk. A visit to Little Talbot Island, one of the attractions in Jacksonville, yields excellent hiking and biking opportunities, plus a pristine white sand beach with beautiful views.  

Nestled within the heart of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This hidden gem spans 120 acres and boasts a diverse collection of plant life, including native species and exotic varieties worldwide.  You can meander along winding trails through lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and vibrant gardens. Along the way, you will encounter an array of flora, from towering oak trees and delicate wildflowers to fragrant herbs and tropical palms. One of the highlights of the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is the expansive collection of azaleas, which burst into a riot of color each spring, making it one of the must-visit attractions in Jacksonville. You can wander through the azalea trails, marveling at the vibrant hues and intoxicating scents that fill the air.

For nature lovers passionate about history, the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Jacksonville, FL. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage of Northeast Florida. Encompassing over 46,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this expansive preserve is home to diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and maritime forests. You can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through dense woodlands, providing opportunities to spot native wildlife such as deer, bobcats, and even the elusive Florida panther. Birdwatchers will also delight in the chance to see a variety of avian species, including ospreys, herons, and bald eagles. In addition to its natural beauty, the Timucuan Preserve is rich in history, with archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. 

Jacksonville Beach is the heart of beach life in Jacksonville. It's a classic attraction in Jacksonville, Florida, for beach lovers, offering miles of sandy shores, rolling waves, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or enjoy beach volleyball with friends, Jacksonville Beach has something for everyone.One of the highlights of Jacksonville Beach is the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier is a popular spot for fishing, sightseeing, and catching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It's also a great place to spot dolphins playing in the waves or pelicans diving for fish. For those seeking adventure, water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular at Jacksonville Beach. 

Just a short drive from Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach offers a quieter and more relaxed beach experience. The pristine shores and calm waters make it an ideal spot for families and those looking to unwind. One of the highlights of Atlantic Beach is Hannah Park. This sprawling oceanfront park offers beach access, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. It's the perfect place to explore nature or enjoy a family barbecue by the sea. Atlantic Beach is also known for its charming beachfront neighborhoods and upscale dining options. After a day in the sun, you can dine at one of the many restaurants overlooking the ocean, enjoying fresh seafood and stunning views. Trust us when we say it is one of the most popular attractions near Jacksonville, Florida. 

Neptune Beach is another gem along Jacksonville's coastline, known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. With its wide, sandy shores and gentle waves, Neptune Beach is a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. One of the must-see attractions at Neptune Beach is Jarboe Park. This waterfront park offers beach access, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. It's a popular spot in Jacksonville for families and outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty. Neptune Beach is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, boutiques, and live music venues lining the streets. You can spend the day browsing local artwork, shopping for unique souvenirs, or catching a live performance by a local band.

For those seeking a more upscale beach experience, Ponte Vedra Beach is the best attraction in Jacksonville. Known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and pristine beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach offers a taste of the good life along Florida's coast. Ponte Vedra Beach's main attractions are the PGA Tour headquarters and TPC Sawgrass golf course. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on championship-caliber courses, while others can enjoy spa treatments, fine dining, and beachfront relaxation at the area's upscale resorts. Ponte Vedra Beach is also home to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, a protected area teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, go birdwatching, or take a guided kayak tour through the mangrove forests and salt marshes.