Things You Have to Do In and Around Jacksonville, Fla.

Jacksonville, also known by locals  as “Jax,” is one of the hottest cities in Florida these days.

Why? Well, Jax, encompassing 840 square miles, is the largest city, by area, in the contiguous United States. That's plenty of room more than 20 miles of beach, plus a wealth of activities that'll keep you busy and entertained for days.

Jacksonville and the surrounding area has great attractions for the whole family, healthful outdoor activities, and fine and casual dining.

There’s no way to list all the great things to do and experience in Jacksonville, but here are some of our favorites.:

Outdoors Activities
 

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions

The popular tours are local 2-hour paddles on inland waterways, salt marshes, and the Amelia River. Experience peaceful, relaxing tours in natural settings for aquatic vegetation, birds, and wildlife.
Where: Amelia Island, FL
Web: ameliaislandkayak.com/

Kelly Seahorse Ranch

One of only a handful of beach-riding opportunities in the nation. About 40 minutes from the center of Jacksonville, you can enjoy the scenery of Amelia's fantastic white sand beaches and the beauty of the ocean by horseback.  Kelly’s family-owned ranch offers guided rides on gentle, well-trained horses and is a great way to take in these beautiful views.
Where: Amelia Island, FL
Web: kellyranchinc.net

Jax Area Attractions

The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass

The Stadium Course has been honored by multiple golf publications as a top golf destination. This is also the home of The Players Championship, with its par-3 17th island green, known as one of the world's most recognized and emulated holes.
Where: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Web: tpc.com/sawgrass-the-players-stadium-course

Castillo de San Marcos

The oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. originally was constructed by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. Proclaimed a national monument in 1924, the Castillo is now a prominent tourist destination where people of all cultures step back in time and reflect on the forces and events that have shaped world history.
Where: St. Augustine, FL
Web: nps.gov/casa

St. Augustine Ghosts and Gravestones Haunted Tours

Explore the darker side of the Nation’s Oldest City and let our ghost be your guide. Revisit the site of the tragedy that killed the lighthouse keeper in 1873 at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and enter the town’s most haunted building, the “Old Jail,” for an up close and personal encounter. Don’t miss this frightfully fun ghost tour.
Where: St. Augustine, FL
Web: ghostsandgravestones.com/st-augustine/

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

Lush, tropical wildlife surrounds you. See every crocodilian species, the rare white alligator, exotic birds, reptiles and monkeys.
Where: St. Augustine, FL.
Web: alligatorfarm.com
 

Catty Shack Rach Wildlife Sanctuary

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary's mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and captivity. Enjoy a leisurely guided tour by one of the volunteers and learn more about these incredible species.
Where: Jacksonville, FL
Web: cattyshack.org/

Jax Area Shopping
 

St. Augustine Premier Outlet Mall

Find impressive savings at Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, Converse, Gap Outlet, J. Crew, Movado, and more.
Where: St. Augustine, FL
Web: premiumoutlets.com/outlets

Dining in the Jax Area

Taverna

Taverna draws inspiration from the simplicity and warmth of Italian kitchens. Located in Jacksonville’s historic San Marco neighborhood, this rustic yet sophisticated dining destination has earned many accolades since opening in 2009.
Where: Jacksonville, FL
Web: taverna.restaurant/

III Forks

III Forks Steakhouse embodies the great American steakhouse. The finest USDA Prime steak, buttery lobster and ocean-fresh seafood are prepared to perfection, exactly to order.
Where: Jacksonville, FL
Web: 3forks.com/

Metro Diner

A "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" TV Alumnus, Metro Diner is the kind of place you’re proud to take out-of-towners for one of the several things to do in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s the kind of place where last night is recalled over pancakes.
Where: Jacksonville, FL
Web: metrodiner.com/

Seasons 52

Seasons 52 is a celebration of what’s good now, using seasonally inspired ingredients at their peak of freshness. Rustic cooking techniques bring out natural flavors and an ever-changing selection of global wines is featured, all in a casually sophisticated setting.
Where: Jacksonville, FL
Web: seasons52.com/

Verandah

Throughout the years, Verandah has established itself as one of Amelia Island's finest restaurants. Enjoy fresh, traditional seafood along with an extensive yet approachable wine list in a relaxing setting.
Where: Amelia Island, FL
Web: omnihotels.com/amelia-island/dining/verandah
 

Jax Nightlife
 

Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Core is known as the traditional city center of Jacksonville. Historic buildings and churches add charm to the neighborhood and corporate offices, restaurants, and bars bring in the crowd. High-rise apartments decorate the neighborhood with Italian Renaissance and Art Deco-style architecture. Residents are center stage for all the downtown action without the hustle and bustle.
Where: Dowtown Jax.
Web: https://www.neighborhoods.com/downtown-core-jacksonville-fl