Jacksonville Travel Guide

What are the best things to do in Jacksonville, Florida?

Jacksonville offers a mix of 22 miles of beaches, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, sports, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront attractions. Visitors can spend the day at the beach, explore the St. Johns River, browse local markets, visit museums and the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, or explore one of the city’s many parks and trails.

Jacksonville at a Glance

• Best for: Beaches, outdoor activities, families, food, sports, and weekend getaways
• Beaches: 22 miles of white-sand coastline
• Outdoor spaces: More than 80,000 acres of parks, trails, and green spaces
• Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail: Approximately 14.5 miles
• Jacksonville Zoo: More than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant varieties
• Popular neighborhoods: Riverside Avondale, Downtown, San Marco, Springfield, and the Beaches
• Water activities: Surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating

Enjoy Jacksonville’s Beaches

Jacksonville’s 22 miles of coastline make the city a popular destination for swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the ocean. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Mayport each offer a slightly different atmosphere, with restaurants, shops, parks, and water activities nearby.

Explore the Riverfront and Downtown

The St. Johns River is central to Jacksonville’s identity. Downtown visitors can explore riverfront parks and walk along the Southbank while enjoying views of the skyline and water. The city has more than three miles of downtown riverfront public spaces.

Sports fans can also visit the area around EverBank Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, when games and events are scheduled.

Discover Art, Culture, and Local Neighborhoods

Jacksonville offers museums, historic neighborhoods, live music, local markets, and public art. The Riverside Avondale area is known for historic architecture, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

The Riverside Arts Market takes place beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturdays, featuring local vendors, food, crafts, and live entertainment.

For families, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a major attraction. The 122-acre zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and more than 1,000 plant specimens, with exhibits ranging from giraffes and elephants to tigers and jaguars.

Get Outdoors

Jacksonville is an excellent destination for travelers who enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife, and water activities. The city has one of the largest urban park systems in the country, with more than 80,000 acres of parks, trails, and green spaces.

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail stretches approximately 14.5 miles between Jacksonville and Baldwin. The paved trail is popular with walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers, while a parallel equestrian trail provides another way to explore the area.

For a broader nature experience, explore the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, local waterways, or one of Jacksonville’s many parks and preserves.

Try Jacksonville’s Local Food Scene

Jacksonville’s food scene reflects its coastal location and Southern roots. Seafood is a natural choice, particularly locally sourced shrimp and other fresh catches. Visitors can also explore local breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and food-focused attractions.

For an easy way to sample local favorites, Visit Jacksonville highlights three self-guided food trails: the Jax Ale Trail, Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail, and Mayport Shrimp & Seafood Trail.

Moving to Jacksonville?

Jacksonville combines coastal living, outdoor recreation, diverse neighborhoods, and a large selection of parks and green spaces. If you’re relocating, a storage unit can provide temporary space while you’re moving, renovating, downsizing, or deciding what to keep.

Public Storage can provide a convenient place to store furniture, seasonal items, boxes, and other belongings while you settle into your new Jacksonville home.

FAQs

What is Jacksonville, Florida, best known for?

Jacksonville is best known for its 22 miles of beaches, St. Johns River, extensive park system, outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and professional sports.

How many miles of beaches does Jacksonville have?

Jacksonville has approximately 22 miles of beaches, including Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Mayport.

What are the best things to do in Jacksonville?

Popular activities include visiting the beaches, exploring the St. Johns River, visiting Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, shopping and dining in historic neighborhoods, attending sporting events, visiting museums, and hiking or biking local trails.

Is Jacksonville good for outdoor activities?

Yes. Jacksonville has extensive parks, waterways, beaches, trails, and nature preserves. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, surfing, and wildlife viewing.

How long is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail?

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail extends approximately 14.5 miles from Jacksonville to Baldwin.

Is Jacksonville Zoo worth visiting?

The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a popular family attraction featuring more than 2,000 animals and more than 1,000 plant varieties across its 122-acre grounds.

What food is Jacksonville known for?

Jacksonville is known for coastal seafood, particularly shrimp, as well as craft beer, coffee, and local restaurants. Visitors can explore dedicated seafood, beer, and coffee-and-donut trails.

Is Jacksonville a good place to relocate?

Jacksonville offers beaches, parks, outdoor recreation, diverse neighborhoods, and a growing food and cultural scene. Its large geographic footprint also means neighborhoods can have very different lifestyles and amenities.