Typically eclipsed by neighbors reminiscent of Orlando and Miami, many individuals do not know simply how wonderful 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 numerous enjoyable, free issues to do in Jacksonville which might be nice for {couples}, households, and even solo vacationers.
The vacationer sights in Jacksonville are virtually limitless, and after residing right here for a yr, I used to be stunned to learn how many don’t price a dime. So, should you’re touring on a funds or simply need to save a buck or two, that is town for you.
Greatest Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville
Not solely have I been a resident of Jax for some time, however I visited the realm for 5 years earlier than shifting right here. There are occasions when funds have been tight, and I’ve needed to get artistic with concepts for locations to go in Jacksonville. I used to be delightfully impressed to find that there are dozens of issues to try this are fully free within the metropolis.
These are my favourite suggestions totally free issues to do and locations to go in Jacksonville, Florida. Who doesn’t like a free and enjoyable day trip?
1. Head to the Seaside
There are virtually limitless issues to do in Jax, however considered one of Jacksonville’s most blatant (and greatest) free issues to do is to move east to the seaside. This metropolis has a few of the most superb seashores I’ve ever seen, and I by no means get bored with going.
The seaside 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; nonetheless, in the case of free actions, sunbathing doesn’t get any higher than on these broad stretches of sentimental, white sand.
Packing a seaside towel and enjoyable together with your favourite guide doesn’t price a factor, (and also you’re certain to get a pleasant little tan!).
Handle: 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 option to save a buck whereas nonetheless having enjoyable.
Situated on the north financial institution of the St. Johns River, below the Fuller Warren Bridge, the market is house to loads of native distributors, stay music, and engaging meals. After all, any purchases will price cash, nevertheless it definitely doesn’t price 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.
Handle: 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
3. Go Mountain climbing
Despite the fact that Jacksonville doesn’t have any mountains, it doesn’t imply it doesn’t have some nice mountaineering. Among the best free issues to do in Jacksonville is to move 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 assumed 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 beautiful marshland, surrounded by big oak timber with hanging Spanish moss. There’s additionally an commentary tower with a ravishing view of the estuaries – hold a watch out for native wildlife.
Handle: 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 residing historical past exhibit positioned 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 your complete historical past of the plantation for these trying to discover out extra info.
It’s a humbling look again into the previous and is a good way to study in regards to the tradition of Jacksonville.
Handle: 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 a giant metropolis, I all the time love strolling via an arboretum, and Jacksonville has one of the crucial attractive grounds I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Known 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 luxuriate in being dwarfed by huge oak timber.
This spot is right for these occasions while you’re searching for a little bit of peace and tranquility amongst nature. It’s considered one of my favourite spots in all of Jacksonville.
Handle: 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 out of doors festivals – and lots of of them are free to attend. I’ve a calendar at house of probably the most enjoyable festivals taking place across the metropolis, and these are my favorites:
The Jacksonville Jazz Competition is held yearly throughout Memorial Day Weekend, and it’s fully free! The four-day pageant hosts a few of the most gifted jazz artists on the earth. Different free festivals embrace PorchFest, Springing the Blues, Jax Pleasure, and extra. Remember to seek for occasions held throughout your keep.
Handle: Varied places
7. Go to the Seashores Museum
Situated within the coronary heart of Jacksonville Seaside, the Seashores Museum is all the time 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 seaside 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 seaside, so you may 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”.
Handle: 381 Seaside Blvd, Jacksonville Seaside, FL 32250
8. Stroll Alongside the River
The St. Johns River is the center of Jacksonville, and it’s completely lovely. I by no means get bored with driving over the entire attractive bridges and taking within the views of town. Strolling alongside the banks of the river is a improbable option to see Daring Metropolis.
Whereas strolling alongside the south financial institution, ensure that to cease on the artwork set up referred to as “Mirrored River: The place Do You See Your self?”. It’s 64 ft of mirrors, tile, and pebbles that type a satellite tv for pc picture of the river. It’s completely beautiful at sundown so I like to recommend heading right here in direction of to finish of the day.
When searching for free issues to do in Jacksonville, that is all the time considered one of my favourite choices.
Handle: Various places – Artwork set up below the Most important Road Bridge
9. Go for a Household Bike Experience
Plenty of Jacksonville accommodations 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 perfect trails, in my view, are out at Camp Milton Historic Protect.
The blacktop path of the 14.5-mile Baldwin Path is just beautiful. You’ll peddle down the path whereas being sheltered by a tree cover with the gorgeous oak timber you discover throughout the south.
Pack a picnic as a result of the park gives loads of excellent spots to cease and luxuriate in a fast chunk earlier than persevering with with explorations.
Handle: 1225 Halsema Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32220
10. Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens
Fairly presumably the preferred museum in your complete metropolis, the Cummer Museum of Artwork and Gardens is among the prime vacationer sights 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 fully free.
The Cummer Museum is true 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 actually a particular expertise and is certainly price including to your itinerary.
Handle: 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 study and uncover right here. And, because it’s made it onto this record of free issues in Jacksonville, in fact, it’s fully 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 your complete time throughout my first go to. I had no thought this a part of Florida held a lot historical past.
In case you’d prefer to discover with an audio tour, that’s obtainable as effectively. Merely enquire upon arrival.
Handle: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
12. Get pleasure from Tranquility on the Castaway Island Protect
After I first visited Jacksonville, I had no clue how nature-centric town was. Now that I’ve lived right here for a yr, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to discover the entire parks within the space, and the Castaway Island Protect is considered one of my favourite spots to go for a peaceable stroll with my pup.
Situated alongside the Intercoastal Waterway, you may stroll alongside the boardwalk and have enjoyable recognizing the marshland wildlife. You’ll be able to take within the superb views from the commentary 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.
Handle: 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 may’t miss seeing St. John’s Cathedral. It’s going to 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 powerful congregation at present. Sadly, it was destroyed by a devastating hearth that leveled town in 1901. But it surely was rebuilt by the neighborhood on the identical basis.
At the moment, it’s one of the crucial attractive buildings in all of downtown and is definitely price a go to.
Handle: 256 E Church St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
14. Go to the Jacksonville Library
There’s one thing in regards to the odor of books that makes me really feel higher about all the things. I like popping into the Jacksonville Library each time I can for just a few causes: I can try a brand new guide, the structure is gorgeous, and it’s extraordinarily peaceable inside.
Not solely does the Most important Jacksonville Library have a number of flooring, full of each guide you might presumably think about, however in addition they host paintings and reveals as effectively. Previous exhibitions embrace The Jazz Jam Pictures Assortment, Observations of an Explorer, and Pure Narrative.
In case you’re , the library additionally gives guided excursions.
Handle: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
15. Admire artwork at MOCA
The Museum of Modern Artwork (MOCA) is one other fashionable museum within the coronary heart of Jacksonville. It additionally occurs to be proper subsequent door to the library, so it’s a superb cease to take a look at earlier than, or after, choosing 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 obtainable 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 up to date artwork museum within the nation and is house to hundreds of artistic endeavors that may’t be seen wherever else.
Handle: 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Free Issues To Do in Jacksonville: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on the very best free issues to do in Jacksonville, Florida:
Sure! There are dozens of issues to do in Jacksonville totally free. From museums to parks, there are tons of enjoyable choices to select from.
General, Jacksonville isn’t costly. After all, like every main metropolis, you could find costly eating places and outings; nonetheless, there are many budget-friendly actions as effectively. You’ll be able to 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 identified for its lovely seashores, improbable museums, and vibrant tradition.
The perfect time to go to Jacksonville is determined by your preferences in temperature and actions. The summer time months are sizzling and busy, whereas the winter months are chillier, and the shoulder months have delicate temperatures with fewer crowds.
Completely! Jacksonville is certainly price visiting. There’s a lot to do for guests of all ages.
You must spend a minimal of three days in Jacksonville; nonetheless, every week could be greatest.
General, Jacksonville is a secure metropolis to go to. Like all different main cities, there are particular areas to keep away from; nonetheless, no vacationer sights or actions are positioned in these areas.
The preferred free factor to do in Jacksonville is to move to one of many lovely seashores for some solar, sand, and surf.
My favourite seaside in Jacksonville is Neptune Seaside. Different fashionable seashores embrace Jacksonville Seaside, Atlantic Seaside, and Ponte Vedra Seaside.
Seafood is the preferred delicacies in Jacksonville. Situated proper close to the ocean, contemporary Mayport shrimp, grouper, and different seafood choices are on most menus.
Sure! Three days could be the minimal keep I might suggest.
Jacksonville is barely 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 effectively.
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!