10 Best Things To Do In Jacksonville, Florida

1. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

If you love tigers and big cats like I do, this is the perfect place for you to visit. The name of this place is so cute and so are the wild animals that reside here after they are brought in and taken care of. Since this is a nonprofit organization, they are open at least one day out of every weekend, but not daily, for public tours. They open to the public for special events, though. Daytime tours and night feeding tours are both offered for all ages here.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: 1860 Starratt Rd, 32226 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Friendship Fountain

This is a large fountain that was the world’s largest and tallest fountain when it opened. It is one of the largest self-contained fountains built at a height of 30 meters (100 feet). The fountain, located in Friendship Fountain Park, is one of Jacksonville’s most recognizable and popular attractions. It can be found at the west end of the Southbank downtown Riverwalk area. This is a great place to relax and have a picnic during the day or a great place for a romantic walk at night by the fountain and its pretty lights.

Friendship Fountain

Address: 1015 Museum Cir, 32207 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Friendship Fountain

3. Kingsley Plantation

I grew up in the southern state of Louisiana in the United States, so I love plantations. That is why I really like this place. The Kingsley Plantation (also known as the Zephaniah Kingsley Plantation Home and Buildings) is the site of a former estate and is the oldest surviving plantation house in the state of Florida.

The plantation was named for one of earliest owners, Zephaniah Kingsley, and is situated on Fort George Island. What you can expect to see when you visit the plantation is the house, a kitchen house, a barn, as well as ruins of 25 of the original slave cabins on the estate. Finally, the Kinsley Plantation is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time every day of the week.

Kingsley Plantation

Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, 32226 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Kingsley Plantation

4. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

A fun zoo and garden, where families can enjoy. Here, more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals reside. As for the garden portion, there are 1,000 plants. Also, there are special events and attractions for all ages. What is unique about this place is that it is not just a place to see animals, but a place to take in nature as well.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, 32218 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

5. The Escape Game (from 32.99 USD)

Work your brains in an immersive set at The Escape Game. This family-friendly place has over 28,000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and they are the top-ranked escape room in the US according to TripAdvisor’s national rankings. You and your team will come together within a 60-minute time frame to find clues and overcome challenges to complete a mission. To escape, you need to put your teamwork, wits, communication, and sense of adventure to the test. Ready to give this a go? You can find the escape rooms in St Johns Town Center, a shopping mall right beside Markets at Town Center. Free parking is available in front of the store and in adjacent lots.

This paragraph is sponsored by The Escape Game.

The Escape Game Jacksonville

Address: 4720 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32246

Website: The Escape Game Jacksonville

Opening hours: 8:30am - 11:30pm (daily)

Price: from 32.99 USD

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6. Jacksonville Landing

One of my favorite places with lots of shops and dining. I used to go to Jacksonville a lot as a kid and always wanted to visit the Jacksonville Landing. It is especially beautiful at night with its bright lights. This place is located downtown and hosts over 500 events yearly.

Jacksonville Landing

Address: 2 Independent Dr, 32202 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Jacksonville Landing

7. Main Street Bridge

This bridge is the second bridge that crosses the St. Johns River. It has four lanes as well as a drawbridge. The Main Street Bridge is well known as one of the most recognizable features of the downtown Jacksonville skyline. It is nice to walk on with breathtaking scenic views.

Main Street Bridge

Address: 550 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL

8. Hanna Park and Hanna Park Campground

This cute little park is a park and beach near Jacksonville. This park is located close to the Atlantic Ocean, so people enjoy coming here to picnic, fish, camp, stroll or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenic views that this park and campground offers. It is great for kids since there are a splash pad and playground here as well.

Hanna Park and Hanna Park Campground

Address: 500 Wonderwood Dr, 32233 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Hanna Park and Hanna Park Campground

9. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

This museum is considered the largest fine arts museum in northeast Florida. Here, you will find more than 5,000 works of art and historic gardens with the backdrop of the St. Johns River. Also found here is a place called Art Connections, which is the museum’s nationally recognized interactive education center. Just a note: Every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m. Eastern, admission to the exciting museum is free of charge.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Address: 829 Riverside Ave, 32204 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

10. Riverside Arts Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time every Saturday, rain or shine, the area under the Fuller Warren Bridge and along the St. Johns River brings the local community together to buy farm fresh produce or check out what local artisans and artists have to offer. By the way, the Cummer Museum is nearby, so you can explore both places at one time.

Riverside Arts Market

Address: 715 Riverside Ave, 32204 Jacksonville, FL

Website: Riverside Arts Market

I love to visit Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida is a big town that offers a lot to do and see. This place will make you feel welcome in every way.