6 Must-Do Activities in Jacksonville, Fla.

Jacksonville is a beautiful community that’s conveniently situated along the Atlantic Ocean in northeast Florida. Do you have a limited amount of time in J-ville? Or perhaps you live in this amazing city but haven’t yet enjoyed everything that it has to offer. That’s understandable as it can be easy to forget about these types of attractions when you’re here every day. Regardless if you’re here for a short stay or for the rest of your life, make sure that these activities are on your to-do list.

1. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

This museum is home to thousands of pieces of art with some of those dating more than 4,000 years ago. Most of the work found here originated in Europe and America. If you visit on the first Saturday of the month or after 4 p.m. on any Tuesday or Friday, admission, which normally costs $10, is free. The gardens, which include native Floridian plants, is comprised of nearly 1-1/2 acres of land.

2. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Another great place to enjoy the outdoors is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. More than a thousand animals and more than a thousand plants call this picturesque place home while a million people visit it every year. It’s spread out over 117 acres. Many visitors comment on how clean this zoo is while its beauty is often praised as well. Entrance costs $19.95 with discounts for children and seniors and added costs for a more complete experience.

3. Blue Sky Golf Club

Florida is also known as a golfing destination, and the best golf in Jacksonville can be found at Blue Sky Golf Club. If you’re looking to play 18 holes here, the rate will vary from $25.95-$45.95, depending on the day of the week and the time that day that you’re looking to get your swings in. Nine-hole options are available too. Many also enjoy relaxing in its golf club restaurant with some wings and beer with a sports event, oftentimes a golf tournament, playing on television.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The city’s NFL team needs to be included on a list of must-do activities in Jacksonville if a home game fits with your schedule. Resale tickets are always available, and they’re generally available at a reasonable price. The football season starts the weekend after Labor Day and runs through the end of the year, sometimes a few days into the new year. Any home playoff games would be played at 67,814-seat TIAA Bank Field in January. Note that this stadium also plays host to the annual Florida-Georgia college football game and the Gator Bowl.

5. Theatre Jacksonville

Are you looking to spend some time indoors? Perhaps a thunderstorm is coming through the area, or it’s just too hot outside. In that case, consider checking out a production at Theatre Jacksonville. These usually take place on or near the weekends, but some are held at other times of the week. Theatre Jacksonville is one of the nation’s oldest community theatres, and its building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

6. St. Johns Town Center

A great place to do some shopping is St. Johns Town Center. This open-air mall is home to nearly 200 stores, many of which are unique within the Jacksonville area. It’s home to a variety of outlets, so those looking for lower-end stores will have their fill, and so will visitors seeking higher-end places. St. Johns Town Center is also a great place for a walk with palm trees accentuating the scene. There are plenty of places to eat here too.