5 Things To Do: Jacksonville Florida (Back To Travel Series)

As the world slowly opens up and we begin to travel again, we thought it might be a fun to ask our editor’s to share 5 of their favorite things to do in their respective hometowns when it comes to travel. First up, is Jacksonville Florida.

I grew up in Jacksonville in Northeastern Florida, and returned after college. As a sun lover, it’s hard to stay away from a place that boasts over 200 days of sunshine per year. It’s also one of the most visited places in Florida, so I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Here are 5 of my favorite things to do in Jacksonville, or Jax as it’s known to the locals.

Jacksonville River Walks

The Jacksonville River Walks network of multi-use trails and open spec developments that extend both sides of St Johns River. While taking in the beauty of the scenery around you, make sure to keep your eyes peeled on water too. There have been known sightings of dolphins in the river.

Atlantic Beach

In Jacksonville's "Beaches" neighborhood, Atlantic Beach is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you're going for a relaxing day. Atlantic Beach is also just a short drive from downtown Jacksonville and not too far from Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

Atlantic Beach has so many great restaurants as well as one of the most beautiful sandy beaches. It’s ideal for surfing and kayaking, but it is also perfect for relaxing waterside too.

Big Talbot Islands State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park is a sandy state park beach with wetlands, marshes, bike paths, and hidden beaches. Its most notable features are Blackrock Beach and Boneyard Beach.

The 3-mile-long Timucuan Trail is paved and a decent, comfortable hike. Much of the trail is shaded by the dense forest, meaning it stays cool in the summer, which is why it’s one of my favorite places to hike or walk with friends.

Museum of Science and History

One of the best things to do with kids in Jacksonville, FL, is to visit the Museum of Science and History. The Museum of Science and History is known for its outstanding permanent and temporary exhibits on science and local history.

The museum is one of the city's top attractions and is located on the famous Southbank Riverwalk. The museum's signature exhibits include 'Brain Teasers,' which feature brain-boosting skills to explore the mind's innermost workings. Traveling exhibits include full-scale skeletons, fossils from around the world, and 'Dinosaurs Unearthed,' an interactive exhibition featuring life-sized dinosaurs. And it’s not just fun for the kids, trust me on that one.

Jax Ale Trail

The Jax Ale Trail provides beer enthusiasts with a one-of-a-kind experience - a self-guided tour of the city's craft breweries. Brew Bus Jacksonville and Play Harder Tours operate the brewery tours, which visit most of the breweries in and around town, including Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bold City Brewery, Engine 15 Brewing Co., and others. Visitors are given a Jax Ale Trail Brewery Passport, which they can stamp at each brewery they visit to win various prizes and giveaways.

Tours also include stops at restaurants and bars that brew their own beer, such as Seven Bridges, as well as samplings and tastings of local craft beers and delectable local cuisine. In my day job, I work with celebrity chefs and we often include this tour as team building for employees and peers. It’s a great time for anyone who appreciates beer, but also just the gastropub experience all around.

People are often shocked by how many different things there are to do in Jacksonville. You’ll definitely enjoy your time during your trip.