FREE THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE

  • 1. Kingsley Plantation – Kingsley Plantation is the site of a former estate on Fort George Island, in Duval County, Florida, that was named for its developer and most famous owner, Zephaniah Kingsley, who spent 25 years there.
  • 2. St Johns Town Center – Welcome to the St. Johns Town Center, representing the heart of shopping and dining in Jacksonville, Florida. The outdoor lifestyle mall is home to 175 of the hottest stores, many exclusive in the market, including RH, Dillard’s, Apple, Pottery Barn, Nordstrom and Ann Taylor as well as shops in the palm-lined streets of the Luxury Collection such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Mayors. As much a fashion-forward shopping hotspot as a dining destination, the diverse palate is represented with exciting options as The Cheesecake Factory, The Capital Grille and Cantina Laredo. Relax among the Florida sunshine at the Park Green’s turtle pond or dog park. Conveniently located in Jacksonville’s Southside neighborhood, St. Johns Town Center is easily accessible to I-95, I-295 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard and between Downtown and the beaches serving Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Amelia Island and South Georgia.
  • 3. Riverside Arts Market – The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly community market hosted in Historic Riverside on Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm, rain or shine.
  • 4. Atlantic Beach – Section of beach that is flat, sandy and uncrowded. Great for surfers and kayakers.
  • 5. Riverwalk – 1.2 Miles Of Restaurants, Bars, Shops, Museums, And A Marina.
  • 6. Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve – The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a U.S. National Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida. It comprises 46,000 acres of wetlands, waterways, and other habitats in northeastern Duval County.
  • 7. Friendship Fountain – Friendship Fountain is a large fountain in Jacksonville, Florida. It is in St. Johns River Park at the west end of Downtown Jacksonville’s Southbank Riverwalk attraction. The world’s largest and tallest fountain when it opened, it has been one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable and popular attractions.
  • 8. Jacksonville Arboreteum & Gardens – The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 120-acre urban woodland full of trails for you to explore and enjoy. From the trailhead next to the parking lot, a stabilized walkway encircles a beautiful two-acre lake. This trail gently descends about 25 feet to the foot of the lake and then returns up a gentle slope on the opposite side to the trailhead. Interpretive signs and over 100 labeled plants enhance the loop. In addition, over three miles of rustic hiking trails wind quietly through a series of distinct ecological habitats. Along the trails, benches invite you either to pause and enjoy the view or to get in a good stretch during a vigorous walk.
  • 9. Riverside/Avondale Historic District – Walkable historic districts, with unique shopping and dining options.
  • 10. Fort Caroline National Memorial – Fort Caroline memorializes the short-lived French presence in sixteenth century Florida. Here you will find stories of exploration, survival, religious disputes, territorial battles, and first contact between American Indians and Europeans. This site hosts the visitor center for the entire Timucuan Preserve.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE

  • 1. Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville – Tour Jacksonville’s arts and architecture scene thoroughly on this electric bike tour, which lets you cover a ton more ground than if you were on foot, and offers more flexibility than in a car. Plus your guide tells you the best route, starting near Memorial Park, making your way along the St. Johns River and through the Avondale Historic District. Besides art and architecture, keep your eyes peeled for river dolphins, too.
  • 2. Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville – Explore the history and architecture of Downtown Jacksonville with this tuk-tuk tour. Meet your guide and set out on a half-day tour to see popular local landmarks including the John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge, Veterans Memorial Wall, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, and Friendship Fountain. Free pick-up from certain hotels is available.
  • 3. Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek – Escape the bustle of the city for the morning—and immerse yourself in Florida’s wealth of wildlife—on this family-friendly kayaking tour of Lofton Creek, just north of Jacksonville. Make your own way to the departure point at Fernandina Beach, take part in a brief introduction, and grab your kayak, paddle, and life vest. Then, take to the water, where you can spot wildlife ranging from otters and turtles—even manatees.
  • 4. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Jacksonville, From The Ashes – Jacksonville is your playground during this Let’s Roam “From The Ashes” scavenger hunt. The country’s number-one app-led scavenger hunt company challenges you and your team to find national treasures hidden throughout the city. Explore J-ville on foot playing with or against your groupmates. Answer trivia questions and complete zany challenges to earn points and win the game. Morocco Temple, City Hall, and St. James Cathedral are just a few of the sites you’ll visit.
  • 5. Electric Bike Tours in Amelia Island – Two wheels and a thirst for adventure are all you’ll need when you rent a Pedego Electric Bike for a ride around Amelia Island. Join this tour starting at Big Talbot Island State Park and cruise your way through seven miles of natural bliss. The trail is full of stunning scenery and you might see a few of the local wildlife along the ride. A helmet is included with every bike rental as well.
  • 6. CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach – Plan an outdoor adventure in the waterways of Amelia Island with this small-group boat tour. Meet your guide at a departure point and set out in CraigCat boats, which are like go-carts on water, to explore Fernandina Beach and beyond. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and shore birds. See local landmarks like Fort Clinch State Park during the tour.
  • 7. Eight Flags Road Tour – Discover the rich history of Amelia Island with a small-group sightseeing tour. Set out in an air-conditioned minibus for a guided tour of Amelia Island and learn about different phases of local history from the Timucua Indians to the modern shrimping industry. Hear stories about local historic figures as you get your bearings in Amelia Island.
  • 8. Self-Guided Bar Hunt: Jammin’ Jacksonville – Combine a scavenger hunt with a bar crawl to explore Jacksonville in a unique and interactive way. Download the app to your phone, grab your team, and head out to the watering holes of Jacksonville. Earn points by completing different photo and video challenges, and compete against other teams to see who will be the Bar Hunt champion.
  • 9. Riverside/5 Points Culinary Tour (Jacksonville) – If you’re hungry for the best food and wine Jacksonville’s Riverside has to offer, then grab your appetite and slip on a comfortable pair of walking shoes for this unique foodie tour. Corks and Forks is a food and wine pairing tour that’ll introduce you to the tasty side of J-Ville. Sample local cuisine and delicious wine while strolling through the Riverside.
  • 10 – Jacksonville Residential Architecture & History Tour – Discover the architecture and history of two neighborhoods in Jacksonville with this tuk-tuk tour. Maximize time with this sightseeing tour that includes the Riverside and Avondale Historic District. Learn about the architectural style that became popular after the 1901 fire in Jacksonville. Complete the tour with a visit to Memorial Park on St. John’s River.

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