Typically eclipsed by neighbors reminiscent of Orlando and Miami, many individuals don’t know simply how superb Jacksonville is. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Florida. There’s a lot to do on this lovely metropolis, and what’s extra, there are lots of enjoyable, free issues to do in Jacksonville which might be nice for {couples}, households, and even solo vacationers.
The vacationer points of interest in Jacksonville are nearly countless, and after dwelling right here for a yr, I used to be stunned to learn how many don’t value a dime. So, should you’re touring on a funds or simply need to save a buck or two, that is the town for you.
Finest Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville
Not solely have I been a resident of Jax for some time, however I visited the world for 5 years earlier than shifting right here. There are occasions when funds have been tight, and I’ve needed to get inventive with concepts for locations to go in Jacksonville. I used to be delightfully impressed to find that there are dozens of issues to do this are utterly free within the metropolis.
These are my favourite suggestions free of charge issues to do and locations to go in Jacksonville, Florida. Who doesn’t like a free and enjoyable time out?
1. Head to the Seaside
There are nearly countless issues to do in Jax, however one among Jacksonville’s most evident (and finest) free issues to do is to go east to the seashore. This metropolis has among the most wonderful seashores I’ve ever seen, and I by no means get bored with going.
The seashore cities in Jacksonville embrace Ponte Vedra Seaside, Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, and Atlantic Seaside. Every one has one thing distinctive to supply, together with a selection of eating places and the vibe; nevertheless, in terms of free actions, sunbathing doesn’t get any higher than on these vast stretches of soppy, white sand.
Packing a seashore towel and enjoyable along with your favourite ebook doesn’t value a factor, (and also you’re certain to get a pleasant little tan!).
Tackle: Ponte Vedra Seaside, Jacksonville Seaside, Neptune Seaside, Atlantic Seaside
2. Riverside Arts Market
One other enjoyable, free factor to do in Jacksonville is to get pleasure from a day by the river with meals, music, and native crafts on the Riverside Arts Market. Occurring each Saturday from 10 a.m. to three p.m., come rain or shine, it’s the proper approach to save a buck whereas nonetheless having enjoyable.
Positioned on the north financial institution of the St. Johns River, underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, the market is house to loads of native distributors, reside music, and attractive meals. In fact, any purchases will value cash, but it surely actually doesn’t value something to admire artwork, people-watch, and benefit from the environment.
I attempt to make it as much as this market each Saturday; I discover one thing distinctive and funky each time I go to. It’s additionally an important outing for households.
Tackle: 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
3. Go Mountaineering
Despite the fact that Jacksonville doesn’t have any mountains, it doesn’t imply it doesn’t have some nice mountaineering. Probably the greatest free issues to do in Jacksonville is to go out to the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Protect.
I’m initially from Oregon, so mountaineering is principally in my blood. When first I moved to Florida, I believed I’d be leaving my mountaineering days behind. I used to be over the moon to search out this attractive, sprawling pure wonderland.
Stroll the paths as you discover the gorgeous marshland, surrounded by large oak bushes with hanging Spanish moss. There’s additionally an remark tower with a good looking view of the estuaries – preserve an eye fixed out for native wildlife.
Tackle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
4. Go to the Kingsley Plantation
Plan a cease on the Kingsley Plantation on the identical day as mountaineering within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Protect. It’s a dwelling historical past exhibit situated within the oldest intact plantation home within the state of Florida.
Admission is completely free, and the exhibit contains the plantation home, plantation gardens, a kitchen, a barn, and 20 completely preserved tabby slave cabins. There’s additionally an audio tour that gives you with the whole historical past of the plantation for these trying to discover out extra info.
It’s a humbling look again into the previous and is an effective way to be taught concerning the tradition of Jacksonville.
Tackle: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
5. Wander By way of a Backyard
A must-see attraction in Jacksonville is the Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Every time I go to an enormous metropolis, I at all times love strolling via an arboretum, and Jacksonville has probably the most attractive grounds I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Referred to as the “hidden jewel” of Northeast Florida, these gardens cowl over 120 acres and supply 7 trails via 13 distinct ecosystems. You’ll stroll via forest and marshland, stroll round lakes, and revel in being dwarfed by huge oak bushes.
This spot is good for these occasions once you’re in search of a little bit of peace and tranquility amongst nature. It’s one among my favourite spots in all of Jacksonville.
Tackle: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
6. Go to a Free Competition
The sunny and heat climate of Jacksonville makes it the proper location for outside festivals – and plenty of of them are free to attend. I’ve a calendar at house of essentially the most enjoyable festivals occurring across the metropolis, and these are my favorites:
The Jacksonville Jazz Competition is held yearly throughout Memorial Day Weekend, and it’s utterly free! The four-day pageant hosts among the most gifted jazz artists on the earth. Different free festivals embrace PorchFest, Springing the Blues, Jax Satisfaction, and extra. Make sure you seek for occasions held throughout your keep.
Tackle: Varied areas
7. Go to the Seashores Museum
Positioned within the coronary heart of Jacksonville Seaside, the Seashores Museum is at all times free to go to, and I am going right here each time I’ve guests. They’ve occasions, reveals, and archives that take you thru the colourful historical past and tradition of the gorgeous seashore cities.
The factor I like most about this museum is that it’s excellent for individuals of all ages, and also you’re proper by the seashore, so you’ll be able to go for a swim after your go to. My favourite reveals within the museum embrace “Tourism on the World’s Best Seaside” and “Coastal Forest”.
Tackle: 381 Seaside Blvd, Jacksonville Seaside, FL 32250
8. Stroll Alongside the River
The St. Johns River is the guts of Jacksonville, and it’s completely lovely. I by no means get bored with driving over all the attractive bridges and taking within the views of the town. Strolling alongside the banks of the river is a incredible approach to see Daring Metropolis.
Whereas strolling alongside the south financial institution, make certain to cease on the artwork set up referred to as “Mirrored River: The place Do You See Your self?”. It’s 64 toes of mirrors, tile, and pebbles that type a satellite tv for pc picture of the river. It’s completely gorgeous at sundown so I like to recommend heading right here in direction of to finish of the day.
When in search of free issues to do in Jacksonville, that is at all times one among my favourite choices.
Tackle: Diverse areas – Artwork set up underneath the Primary Avenue Bridge
9. Go for a Household Bike Trip
Numerous Jacksonville resorts supply free bike leases, which is nice as a result of Jacksonville is house to tons of bikeable trails which might be enjoyable to discover with the household. The very best trails, in my view, are out at Camp Milton Historic Protect.
The blacktop path of the 14.5-mile Baldwin Path is just gorgeous. You’ll peddle down the path whereas being sheltered by a tree cover with the gorgeous oak bushes you discover throughout the south.
Pack a picnic as a result of the park affords loads of excellent spots to cease and revel in a fast chunk earlier than persevering with with explorations.
Tackle: 1225 Halsema Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32220
10. Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens
Fairly probably the most well-liked museum in the whole metropolis, the Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens is likely one of the prime vacationer points of interest in Jacksonville. Each the artwork museum and gardens are equally spectacular and are perfect for all ages.
Though they don’t supply free admission on a regular basis, the museum has six free admission days a month. The second and third Tuesdays, fourth Fridays, first Saturdays, and first full weekends of every month are utterly free.
The Cummer Museum is correct close to the north financial institution of the river, with over 5,000 artistic endeavors, and overlooks 2.5 acres of historic gardens. It’s really a particular expertise and is unquestionably value including to your itinerary.
Tackle: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
11. Return in Time at Fort Caroline Nationwide Memorial
A go to to the Fort Caroline Nationwide Memorial is like touring again in time. Memorializing the short-lived French presence right here in Florida within the sixteenth century, there’s a lot to be taught and uncover right here. And, because it’s made it onto this record of free issues in Jacksonville, after all, it’s utterly free.
You’ll see tales of exploration, spiritual disputes, battles, and even the primary contact between American Indians and Europeans. I used to be in awe the whole time throughout my first go to. I had no thought this a part of Florida held a lot historical past.
For those who’d prefer to discover with an audio tour, that’s out there as nicely. Merely enquire upon arrival.
Tackle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
12. Get pleasure from Tranquility on the Castaway Island Protect
Once I first visited Jacksonville, I had no clue how nature-centric the town was. Now that I’ve lived right here for a yr, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover all the parks within the space, and the Castaway Island Protect is one among my favourite spots to go for a peaceable stroll with my pup.
Positioned alongside the Intercoastal Waterway, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the boardwalk and have enjoyable recognizing the marshland wildlife. You may take within the wonderful views from the remark deck, take the children alongside the interpretive nature path, or use the kayak launch to discover by water.
The park is free to enter and is open from dawn to sundown.
Tackle: 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225
13. St. John’s Cathedral
If visiting church buildings and cathedrals is one thing you love to do in new cities, then you’ll be able to’t miss seeing St. John’s Cathedral. It’ll cease you in your tracks with its magnificence, and it has a historical past that’s past fascinating.
Holding its first service on Easter Sunday in 1877, this cathedral nonetheless has a robust congregation at the moment. Sadly, it was destroyed by a devastating hearth that leveled the town in 1901. Nevertheless it was rebuilt by the group on the identical basis.
Right now, it’s probably the most attractive buildings in all of downtown and is actually value a go to.
Tackle: 256 E Church St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
14. Go to the Jacksonville Library
There’s one thing concerning the scent of books that makes me really feel higher about all the pieces. I like popping into the Jacksonville Library every time I can for just a few causes: I can try a brand new ebook, the structure is gorgeous, and it’s extraordinarily peaceable inside.
Not solely does the Primary Jacksonville Library have a number of flooring, full of each ebook you possibly can probably think about, however in addition they host art work and reveals as nicely. Previous exhibitions embrace The Jazz Jam Pictures Assortment, Observations of an Explorer, and Pure Narrative.
For those who’re , the library additionally affords guided excursions.
Tackle: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
15. Admire artwork at MOCA
The Museum of Up to date Artwork (MOCA) is one other in style museum within the coronary heart of Jacksonville. It additionally occurs to be proper subsequent door to the library, so it’s a wonderful cease to take a look at earlier than, or after, selecting out some books.
This museum isn’t free all of the time, however they do supply free admission days all through the month. There’s free entry out there each Saturday from 11 a.m. to five p.m., in addition to the final Friday of every month with a legitimate library card.
MOCA is the second oldest modern artwork museum within the nation and is house to 1000’s of artistic endeavors that may’t be seen anyplace else.
Tackle: 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to essentially the most generally requested questions on the most effective free issues to do in Jacksonville, Florida:
Sure! There are dozens of issues to do in Jacksonville free of charge. From museums to parks, there are tons of enjoyable choices to select from.
General, Jacksonville isn’t costly. In fact, like all main metropolis, you’ll find costly eating places and outings; nevertheless, there are many budget-friendly actions as nicely. You may spend as a lot or as little as you’d like.
Some museums are free in Jacksonville, just like the Seashores Museum. Many different museums supply free admission days all through the month.
Jacksonville is most recognized for its lovely seashores, incredible museums, and vibrant tradition.
The very best time to go to Jacksonville will depend on your preferences in temperature and actions. The summer season months are scorching and busy, whereas the winter months are chillier, and the shoulder months have delicate temperatures with fewer crowds.
Completely! Jacksonville is unquestionably value visiting. There’s a lot to do for guests of all ages.
It is best to spend a minimal of three days in Jacksonville; nevertheless, every week can be finest.
General, Jacksonville is a secure metropolis to go to. Like all different main cities, there are specific areas to keep away from; nevertheless, no vacationer points of interest or actions are situated in these areas.
The most well-liked free factor to do in Jacksonville is to go to one of many lovely seashores for some solar, sand, and surf.
My favourite seashore in Jacksonville is Neptune Seaside. Different in style seashores embrace Jacksonville Seaside, Atlantic Seaside, and Ponte Vedra Seaside.
Seafood is the most well-liked delicacies in Jacksonville. Positioned proper close to the ocean, contemporary Mayport shrimp, grouper, and different seafood choices are on most menus.
Sure! Three days can be the minimal keep I’d advocate.
Jacksonville is just as costly as you need to make it. There are many costly eating places and outings in addition to many budget-friendly and free choices as nicely.
In Closing
You’ll discover loads of free issues to do in Jacksonville should you’re attempting to be budget-conscious in your journey to Florida. From seashores and parks to museums and festivals, having enjoyable in Jax doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution. I hope this information has helped encourage some pocket-friendly enjoyable in my house metropolis – get pleasure from your journey!
