Things to do in Jacksonville
Spring and fall bring warm, comfortable days, low humidity, and the best beach and riverfront weather. Summers are hot, humid, and stormy with peak hurricane risk from August into October, while winters stay mild and mostly sunny.
Best months: March, April, October, November
What is worth your time in Jacksonville
Amelia IslandDo not miss
A full day of Fernandina Beach's Victorian seaport downtown, wide horseback-friendly beaches, and Fort Clinch about 45 minutes north of the city.
Day Trip · 8 hr4.7
Cummer Museum of Art and GardensDo not miss
Jacksonville's signature art museum pairs a world-class permanent collection with formal riverfront gardens overlooking the St. Johns.
Museum · 2.3 hr4.7
Kathryn Abbey Hanna ParkDo not miss
1,500 acres of dune-backed Atlantic beach, a freshwater lake, and miles of trails make this the area's best all-in-one outdoor escape.
Park · 3.5 hr4.7
Little Talbot Island State ParkDo not miss
One of Florida's few undeveloped barrier islands, with five miles of wild beach, salt marsh, and frequent shorebirds and shells.
Nature · 3.5 hr4.7
Riverside Arts MarketDo not miss
Jacksonville's beloved Saturday market gathers local artists, makers, food trucks, and live music under the Fuller Warren Bridge on the riverfront.
Market · 1.8 hr4.7
Friendship FountainDo not miss
A massive illuminated fountain on the Southbank, glowing in color after dark with a front-row downtown skyline view.
Landmark · 40 min4.6
Jacksonville Zoo and GardensDo not miss
A sprawling riverside zoo with African plains, big cats, manatees, and lush themed gardens that easily fill a half day.
Activity · 3.8 hr4.6
Southbank RiverwalkDo not miss
A wide boardwalk along the St. Johns River with skyline views, public art, and an easy stroll connecting Friendship Fountain to MOSH.
Scenic Route · 1.4 hr4.6
Jacksonville Beach PierDo not miss
A long wooden pier reaching into the Atlantic, prime for fishing, dolphin spotting, and sunrise photos over the surf.
Landmark · 1.4 hr4.5
Atlantic BeachDo not miss
The most laid-back of the Beaches communities, with a wide quiet shoreline and a walkable village of cafes and shops.
Beach · 2.8 hr
Big Talbot Island State Park
Famous Boneyard Beach is a surreal shoreline of salt-bleached fallen oaks and cedars against eroding bluffs, a photographer's dream.
Beach · 1.8 hr4.8
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
A nonprofit Northside sanctuary where you can see rescued tigers, lions, and other big cats up close on guided day and night tours.
Activity · 1.5 hr4.8
St. Johns River Ferry
A short, scenic ferry crossing at Mayport linking the Beaches to the Talbot Islands, with dolphins and shrimp boats along the way.
Activity · 45 min4.8
Aardwolf Brewing Company
A respected San Marco craft brewery in a converted ice plant, pouring adventurous small-batch beers in a relaxed industrial taproom.
Nightlife · 1.5 hr4.7
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Jacksonville is huge and spread out, so renting a car is the easiest way to reach the beaches, the Timucuan preserve, and the Northside islands.
- Split your time between downtown and the St. Johns River, the historic Riverside and San Marco neighborhoods, and the laid-back Beaches communities for the full picture.
- Pack for sun and sudden afternoon storms in summer, and bring bug spray for marsh trails and island parks.
- Beach parking fills early on warm weekends, so arrive in the morning at Hanna Park, Jacksonville Beach, and the Talbot Islands.
- Many of the best day trips are short drives away: Amelia Island is about 45 minutes north and St. Augustine about 45 minutes south.