Jacksonville, located along the St. Johns Brook in northeast Florida, is graced with beautiful weather and an active cultural scene. There are several attractions in Jacksonville, from festivals to arts, and stream walks to shopping. Here, we review some of the main things to do in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo is a walking safari. It includes a Jaguar habitat, giraffe overlook, and over 1,500 sorts of rare or exotic animals. This is a great location for all the family to go to visit, particularly if they would like to get a glimpse of what sorts of uncommon animals our world has to give.
Kingdom Plaza
This centrally-located shopping center includes many widely recognized restaurants, retail shops, and a large bowling street. It's a good stop to get away from some of the heat and enjoy a day of shopping, eating, and bowling. People don't really think of Kingdom Plaza as a place to visit in Jacksonville, but it is definitely a must-see.
Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is a twelve-day fair that takes place in November of every year. It has a good variety of exhibits, including arts and crafts, rural exhibits, many contests, horticultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, and live music and entertainment. There are also rides, games, and food that you would expect to find at any good fair.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Crummer museum has over 5,000 pieces of art, from the ancient to modern. It features many special collections that rotate in together with the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain, considered one of the most important collections of it's sort. The gardens cover 1.5 acres and highlight 20th century garden design with fountains, sculptures, and reflecting pools. The Museum and Gardens also offer academic programs for children and grownups.
Metropolitan Park
The Metropolitan Park is a public recreational facility along the banks of the St. Johns Stream in Downtown. It has a 2,400 square foot stage with canopy-covered seating, play areas, and picnic shelters. It is home to several of the key attractions in Jacksonville, particularly its festivals, including the Jacksonville Jazz Holiday, Spring Music Holiday, and others. They are also open for hosting company and private events.
Rex, the Beach Blvd Dinosaur
Rex was originally part of a family fun park and tiny golfing course. Those things have since disappeared, but Rex remains in the same place he's been for 30 years. He has lately been given an upgrade, with light-up eyes and fresh paint. He now functions as a beacon for visitors that are near to the beach.
Riverside Arts Market
This weekly humanities market is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Artists sell a large range of arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry. Street performers and musicians also find their home there. In addition to the humanities stalls, a farmer's market runs year round.
Jacksonville Landing
The Jacksonville Landing is located in central Jacksonville and is set along the St. John's Brook. It features diners, shopping, and masses of events every year. These include live music, fairs, and vacation celebrations. Many of the sorts of things to do in Jacksonville are located here in one place.
Southbank Riverwalk
The Southbank Riverwalk is found across the St. John's Stream from Jacksonville Landing. It features walking trails, benches, picnic tables, and a kayak launch. It is a nice place for walking the stream, enjoying nature, and spending some quiet time with buddies and family.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo is a walking safari. It includes a Jaguar habitat, giraffe overlook, and over 1,500 sorts of rare or exotic animals. This is a great location for all the family to go to visit, particularly if they would like to get a glimpse of what sorts of uncommon animals our world has to give.
Kingdom Plaza
This centrally-located shopping center includes many widely recognized restaurants, retail shops, and a large bowling street. It's a good stop to get away from some of the heat and enjoy a day of shopping, eating, and bowling. People don't really think of Kingdom Plaza as a place to visit in Jacksonville, but it is definitely a must-see.
Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair is a twelve-day fair that takes place in November of every year. It has a good variety of exhibits, including arts and crafts, rural exhibits, many contests, horticultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, and live music and entertainment. There are also rides, games, and food that you would expect to find at any good fair.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Crummer museum has over 5,000 pieces of art, from the ancient to modern. It features many special collections that rotate in together with the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain, considered one of the most important collections of it's sort. The gardens cover 1.5 acres and highlight 20th century garden design with fountains, sculptures, and reflecting pools. The Museum and Gardens also offer academic programs for children and grownups.
Metropolitan Park
The Metropolitan Park is a public recreational facility along the banks of the St. Johns Stream in Downtown. It has a 2,400 square foot stage with canopy-covered seating, play areas, and picnic shelters. It is home to several of the key attractions in Jacksonville, particularly its festivals, including the Jacksonville Jazz Holiday, Spring Music Holiday, and others. They are also open for hosting company and private events.
Rex, the Beach Blvd Dinosaur
Rex was originally part of a family fun park and tiny golfing course. Those things have since disappeared, but Rex remains in the same place he's been for 30 years. He has lately been given an upgrade, with light-up eyes and fresh paint. He now functions as a beacon for visitors that are near to the beach.
Riverside Arts Market
This weekly humanities market is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Artists sell a large range of arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry. Street performers and musicians also find their home there. In addition to the humanities stalls, a farmer's market runs year round.
Jacksonville Landing
The Jacksonville Landing is located in central Jacksonville and is set along the St. John's Brook. It features diners, shopping, and masses of events every year. These include live music, fairs, and vacation celebrations. Many of the sorts of things to do in Jacksonville are located here in one place.
Southbank Riverwalk
The Southbank Riverwalk is found across the St. John's Stream from Jacksonville Landing. It features walking trails, benches, picnic tables, and a kayak launch. It is a nice place for walking the stream, enjoying nature, and spending some quiet time with buddies and family.
About the Author:
Jonas Fredrickson has been interested in tourism Jacksonville for a number of years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces about attractions in Jacksonville for many online publications. For more info about things to do in Jacksonville please visit his site.