What beaches are in Jacksonville, FL?

Between the Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River and Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Jacksonville hugs 22 miles of beaches in northeast Florida. The shores of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach are all within minutes of each other, located less than a half-hour east of the city.

What are the best activities for kids in Jacksonville, FL?

Some of Jacksonville’s most popular family-friendly sights include the waterpark at Adventure Landing and the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, where kids can catch a glimpse of big cats up close. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens offers a children’s wing called Art Connections, and the Jacksonville Zoo features a Discovery Building, wildlife carousel, and splash play park.

Is there free stuff to do in Jacksonville, FL?

Yes, the Anheuser Busch Brewery offers a complimentary tour that takes guests through the brewing and crafting process. The Northbank Riverwalk offers great sightseeing and views of local landmarks. Downtown Artwalk showcases live music, food, arts and crafts. Within minutes of the city, guests can find plenty of free hiking spots, including the UNF’s nature trails.

What’s going on in Jacksonville, FL today?

Something is always happening in Jacksonville, from live music and comedy shows, to sports events and annual festivals. The city's Gate River Run is held in March, the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival in April, and the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade rings in the holidays on the water in December. And there's always free yoga Tuesday - Thursday at Unity Park. Check our events calendar for what's going on now.

What colleges are in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville offers 17 colleges within its metro area, from large universities like the University of North Florida, Florida State College, and Jacksonville University, to smaller private schools like Jones University and Trinity Baptist College. Other colleges include Edward Waters College, Virginia College, Everest University, and Flagler College.

Reservations

Here are the top things to do in jacksonville, fl

Jacksonville's coastal location makes it a hub for exploring some of Florida's best beaches, from Ponta Vedra to Atlantic Beach, where you can kayak, paddleboard, and hike nature trails teeming with wildlife. Cultural sights and museums like the Cummer Museum and Florida Theater let you browse historic art collections and attend world-class concerts, comedy shows, and movie screenings. See the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the NFL's best at EverBank Field. Treat the kids to a day at the Jacksonville Zoo, where you can feed giraffes, or get up close and touch Southern and Atlantic stingrays. For golfers, the championship TPC Sawgrass course is just around the corner.

Staff Tips

What beaches are in Jacksonville, FL?

Between the Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River and Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, Jacksonville hugs 22 miles of beaches in northeast Florida. The shores of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach are all within minutes of each other, located less than a half-hour east of the city.
What colleges are in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville offers 17 colleges within its metro area, from large universities like the University of North Florida, Florida State College, and Jacksonville University, to smaller private schools like Jones University and Trinity Baptist College. Other colleges include Edward Waters College, Virginia College, Everest University, and Flagler College.
What’s going on in Jacksonville, FL today?

Something is always happening in Jacksonville, from live music and comedy shows, to sports events and annual festivals. The city's Gate River Run is held in March, the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival in April, and the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade rings in the holidays on the water in December. And there's always free yoga Tuesday - Thursday at Unity Park. Check our events calendar for what's going on now.
What are the best activities for kids in Jacksonville, FL?

Some of Jacksonville’s most popular family-friendly sights include the waterpark at Adventure Landing and the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, where kids can catch a glimpse of big cats up close. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens offers a children’s wing called Art Connections, and the Jacksonville Zoo features a Discovery Building, wildlife carousel, and splash play park.
Is there free stuff to do in Jacksonville, FL?

Yes, the Anheuser Busch Brewery offers a complimentary tour that takes guests through the brewing and crafting process. The Northbank Riverwalk offers great sightseeing and views of local landmarks. Downtown Artwalk showcases live music, food, arts and crafts. Within minutes of the city, guests can find plenty of free hiking spots, including the UNF’s nature trails.

Shopping

Stroll the outdoor River City Marketplace where you can find name brand retailers like Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Ross. Embark on a day of upscale shopping at St. Johns Town Center where you'll find the likes of Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and Lily Pulitzer. Or shop for souvenirs at The Avenues, home to more than 150 boutiques, brand-name shops, major department stores, and restaurants.

Family Fun

Explore lush parks, historic plantations and family friendly islands packed with shops, restaurants and activities. Get up close with tigers, bob cats, and cougars at the Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, or encounter Komodo Dragons, Lowland Gorillas, and Okapi at the Jacksonville Zoo. Spend the day swimming, fishing, or hiking on Amelia Island, or stroll the trails of Fort Clinch State Park.

Museums & Culture

From brewery tours complete with beer tastings to live entertainment in a venue infused with nearly a century of history, there are so many ways to feed your spirit in Jacksonville. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Science & History Museum. Stroll the lush gardens and expansive art collections at The Cummer Museum. Catch a show at the Florida Theater. Or, tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

Sports

Jacksonville's sports culture celebrates everything from world-class golf to pro football and hockey. Play golf at Hidden Hills Golf Course or the famous TCP Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, or visit the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine. Catch a Jacksonville Jaguar's NFL game at EverBank Field, or see local ice hockey and arena football teams go head-to-head at Veteran's Memorial Arena.

Business

Attend large-scale conferences, expos, and events at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center, and stay close to JAXPORT and businesses like Amazon, In-Bev/Anhesuer Busch, and UF Health. Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport has your business travel covered with 10,000 square feet of meeting space, complimentary airport shuttle service, quiet zones, and same-day dry cleaning.