Jacksonville boasts of having the youngest population in Florida. Known by the locals as “Jax”, it is famed for having a hippie and fun atmosphere. Jacksonville is without a doubt brimming with the natural beauty of the environment. It has 22 miles (35 kilometers) of shoreline as well as an abundance of national parks and reserves. On the other hand, Jax also has a variety to offer the young at heart. Streets bustling with creative graffiti and modern art, sumptuous and luxurious feasts in coastal restaurants, and fun-filled nightlife are all part of the modern wonders of Jax. Those planning a trip here will also find many options for accommodation, from awesome Airbnb rentals to hotels with in-room kitchens.
There are so many activities to indulge in that couples might find it difficult to choose ones that are both romantic and fun. If you’re still undecided, keep reading for our list of romantic things to do in Jacksonville, Florida.
1. Walk down River Road in the evening
Date night in Jacksonville? The River Road is a long street overlooking St. John’s river. Along the route are three public parks: Riverfront Park, Largo Park, and Lillian S. Davin Park. In the evening, the entirety of the street is enveloped with the orange hue of the setting sun. This provides the perfect opportunity and atmosphere for a romantic walk with a couple of sweet exchanges between beloveds. If cheesy and sweet is not your type, then the road may also serve as a good jogging site for couples. The cool gentle breeze from the river is a definite plus.
River Road
Address: River Rd Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA
2. Trail walk in Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
The Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park is the largest city-maintained park in Jacksonville. It boasts 500 acres or around 200 hectares of land. The park is complete with a dog park, a playground, a barbeque area, walking and biking trails, and a nature education center. For the couples seeking a bit of adventure, a short hike will take you to a three-story high lookout. Just perfect for those who might have a question to pop!
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Address: 7000 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244, USA
Website: Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Opening hours: Monday- Sunday 5:00am-9:00pm
3. Have a fancy dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Looking for things to do in Jacksonville for couples? Take your date on a romantic dinner! Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is a famous culinary facility scattered around America. The branch in Jacksonville, however, is a little more special. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and atmosphere created by the St. John’s river, while eating a sumptuous serving of their esteemed New York Strip. It is a whole new experience altogether. Partaking in a romantic dinner for two of this caliber would undoubtedly ignite a spark or two in your relationship.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Address: 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32207
Website: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:00pm-10:30pm, Sunday 5:00pm-9:00pm
Average price for two people: 31-60 USD
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4. Visit Cummer Museum and Gardens
One of the most romantic places in Jacksonville, the Cummer Museum and Gardens showcases elegance and beauty with its collection of both modern and classical art. It boasts of a big permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects. Exploring the pieces in the Museum will not only enrich your relationship but your historical knowledge as well. The oldest object in the museum dates back to 2100 BC. After exposing yourselves with the rich bounty of history, the Cummer Gardens will soothe your minds and save you from the recent information overload. A total of 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of historical gardens complete with unique 20th-century design, reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculpture. One of the main attractions of the gardens is the majestic Cummer Oak, one of Jacksonville’s oldest trees. It boasts a 150-foot (45 meters) canopy.
Cummer Museum and Gardens
Address: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, USA
Website: Cummer Museum and Gardens
Opening hours: Tuesday 10:00am-9:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm, Monday closed
Price: 10 USD for adults
5. Watch a show at Theatre Jacksonville
If you need a fun date idea in Jacksonville, how about catching a performance? Theater Jacksonville is a community theatre that aims to enrich the lives and broaden cultural understanding through community participation in theatre arts. The shows featured in the theatre vary depending on the schedule of events. Nonetheless, it does not limit itself to any specific genre. It varies from tear-jerking dramas to laughter inducing comedies. Their ongoing event for January is entitled “Silent Sky.” It is an act following the adventures of the astrologist, Henrietta Leavitt. To complete the experience, you and your loved one may take a walk downtown. Since the theatre is situated in San Marco, lines of restaurants, dessert shops, and food stalls are a walk away after the final curtain falls.
Theatre Jacksonville
Address: 2032 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA
Website: Theatre Jacksonville
6. Relax at One Ocean Resort & Spa
Taking pride with its sky and ocean theme, One Ocean Resort & Spa provides various services that relax both the tired body and the restless mind. The spa offers a whole set of packages, from facial treatments to general massage therapy and down to pedicuring your stressed toenails. They have various offers laid down for patrons, as well as, soon-to-be patrons. Couples that are soon to walk the aisle and exchange their “I do’s” may indulge in their ‘Beauty Bliss’ promo. Meanwhile, the men can enjoy themselves under the 'Men’s Defense’ promo.
One Ocean Resort & Spa
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, USA
Website: One Ocean Resort & Spa
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm, Friday-Saturday 9:00am-7:00pm
Price: 130 USD and above
7. Tour Beaches Museum
Museum tours are a must when visiting a new place, especially if you don’t know much about it. If you and a loved one are visiting this part of Florida for the first time, consider adding Beaches Museum to your itinerary. Some exhibits showcase Jacksonville’s indigenous past, while others are a nod to modern art. The temporary exhibitions change every two to three months, so be sure to check their website for more details on current displays and events.
Beaches Museum
Address: 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
Website: Beaches Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
8. Visit Kingsley Plantation
On the outside, Kingsley Plantation looks like your typical Floridian house - two stories tall and surrounded by palm trees and green grass. In fact, it was once home to a slave trader named Zephaniah Kingsley. Now, the property is preserved and the site labeled a national park. Anyone interested in seeing this piece of history should plan a visit. When you tour the grounds, you’ll be able to check out former slave quarters, the plantation house, the kitchen, and the barn, among other areas. If you’re looking for a unique - and definitely not boring - date idea, this is a good one.
Kingsley Plantation
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Romantic things to do in Jacksonville, Florida
From prim and proper romantic dinner dates to hippie and free couple trails, Jacksonville offers a wide variety of activities that will surely satisfy any couple’s wanderlust, as well as, nourish their relationship. Exert your energy by doing physical activities in regional parks, roads, and gardens. Relaxing while receiving a massage or enjoying a glamorous theatre act is not a bad option as well. Being hungry will also not be a problem since Jacksonville is filled with restaurants and food stalls of different variations. Nourishing a relationship comes in different forms and gestures. Visit Jax and find the perfect method of strengthening your relationship with your loved one.