Marjorie MillerThere are many must-see picturesque places in the city that are great for aspiring photographers (photographers Jacksonville) — or just casual onlookers — who need interesting cityscapes as subjects.
Whether it’s your first time in the area or you simply want to discover new gems, there’s surely a place for you. I’ve gathered the best attractions in Jacksonville to guide you in your city exploration, and who knows, you might just keep coming back to the city for more!
- 1. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
- 2. Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- 3. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- 4. Little Talbot Island State Park
- 5. Big Talbot Island State Park
- 6. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
- 7. Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
- 8. Kingsley Plantation
- 9. Friendship Fountain
- 10. Riverside and Avondale Districts
- 11. St. Johns Town Center
- 12. Huguenot Memorial Park
1. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Media credit: cummermuseum
Website: https://www.cummermuseum.org/
Address: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19043566857
Operating Hours:
- Mon: closed
- Tues: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Wed–Fri: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Sun: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Members: Free admission
- Adults: $20
- Children (ages 5 and under): Free admission
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a great place to relax any day of the week. With their wide variety of works from different periods in art history, you can never run out of corners to explore.
The museum has an impressive collection of artworks such as those from the Renaissance and the Ancient Mediterranean period. They also house Japanese prints and other works on paper.
Consider swinging by the museum if you’re in the mood for a lovely garden, too, that feeds that soul. The place overlooks the river, so it’s perfect for weddings, special events, and photography.
Apart from their exhibitions, they also lead art classes, field trips and school tours, and adult tours as well.
| Pro tip: It’s good to experience the garden in the evenings, too, since the lights can give off a different sense of romance. |
2. Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Media credit: jacksonvillearboretum
Website: https://jacksonvillearboretum.org/
Address: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19043184342
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Members: Unlimited visits per year
- Adults: $3
- Children (3 and under): Free admission
For those in need of a dose of relaxation and meditation, Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens deserves a spot on your list of go-to places in the city. With its quiet and scenic gardens, you’re sure to experience calmness and peaceful solitude.
It’s safe to walk along their trails where you can get your steps in and reconnect with nature after busy days in the bustling city. If you bring binoculars, you can also try your hand at birdwatching which can also be a relaxing activity.
Teachers, including homeschooling parents, can also book the place for field trips to provide an immersive and engaging learning experience for kids.
| Pro tips: Avoid wearing open-toed shoes to make your visit more comfortable. Check out their packages for weddings and other events. It’s a serene venue to hold your special day. |
3. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Media credit: jacksonvillezoo
Website: https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19047574463
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Adult (ages 13–64): $35.95
- Children (ages 3–12): $30.95
- Children (under 3): Free admission
- Seniors (ages 65+): $33.95
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is an educational and recreational place not just for kids but also for the kids-at-heart, so don’t sleep on this one! It has over 2,000 animals and extensive botanical gardens for visitors to enjoy.
Its many attractions include a big playground and a 4D theater, both of which are definitely kid-approved. There is also an opportunity to feed animals if you book the Total Experience package.
Their most popular features are the Land of the Tiger and the Range of the Jaguar, so this is your sign to tap into your animal-loving self. You can also integrate educational opportunities if you’re with kids who are inquisitive.
| Pro tips: They provide a wheelchair-accessible train exclusively for those using mobility equipment like wheelchairs, so make sure to take advantage of this to fully enjoy the day with convenience. Buy tickets in advance, so you can easily get inside without the hassle. If you’re early, you can also get the chance to witness the animals’ feeding time. |
4. Little Talbot Island State Park
Media credit: paqg2007
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-talbot-island-state-park
Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042512320
Admission Costs:
- Per vehicle (up to 8 people): $5
- Single-occupant vehicle: $4
- Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass: $2
Add this to your list of must-see places if your city-dwelling heart needs a quiet escape. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, wildlife photography, and beachcombing.
Its peaceful beach is a great place to spend the afternoon paired with a stroll and a good conversation. You’d enjoy the clean shore, and can even see small fish at times.
The scenic trails are also perfect, especially when the park isn’t very crowded. Bring your friends or family along for a hike in an immersive nature trip.
If you’re interested in camping, the park has a campground near the water, so you can enjoy the beautiful view from your tent.
| Pro tips: Wear water shoes or sandals if you’re planning on taking a long walk by the beach. Shells can irritate your feet, so it’s best to wear something to protect your soles. You can bring binoculars if you’re interested in observing sailboats on the beach. |
5. Big Talbot Island State Park
Media credit: candyw55
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-talbot-island-state-park
Address: Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042512320
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 7:00am – 8:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Per vehicle (up to 8 people): $3
Big Talbot Island State Park has incredible charm because of its trees’ ethereal vibe. It’s famous for the driftwood-covered Boneyard Beach that is perfect for photography.
The park is an example of a place where you can both play and heal your inner self at the same time. There are activities like kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking, but you can also simply enjoy the mild waves and chill for a few hours.
The stunning and silky-soft sand is comforting in this secluded beach. It’s ideal for walking around to look for spots for beautiful photo opportunities.
| Pro tip: Bring an insect repellent and a net to avoid insects if you’re camping. |
6. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Media credit: cattyshackranch
Website: https://cattyshack.org/
Address: 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19047573603
Operating Hours:
- Sun–Thurs: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Fri–Sat: 1:00pm – 3:00pm and 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Admission Costs:
- Adults: $15
- Children (ages 3–11): $20
- Children (ages 2 and under): Free admission
The energy at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is absolutely warm as it houses rescued big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards. The sanctuary focuses on conservation and animal welfare, so you’re sure that the animals are in good hands.
It has a friendly and caring environment as the big cats are well-loved by the sanctuary. During your visit, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff who you can engage with to learn more about the animals.
Going to the sanctuary is a rich experience for visitors of all ages as you might even chance upon the animals’ feeding time, too. It’s an amusing treat that allows visitors to support a good cause at the same time.
You can also join their guided tours to maximize your visit.
| Pro tips: Wear shoes that you’re okay with getting dirt on as the paths can stain your shoes.Stay for night feedings to see the animals active. |
7. Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
Media credit: vystarvetarena
Website: https://arena.jaxevents.com/
Address: 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19046303900
Office Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Sat–Sun: closed
Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena has the perfect mix of spaciousness and security. Imagine a big arena for concerts where you can scream your lungs out with minimal fear of potential dangers around you — while still remaining vigilant, though!
Apart from concerts, the arena hosts sporting events and expos. It’s the home of the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team, so you’re sure that the venue is well-maintained.
You’d be happy to know that it’s just the right size to get a great view from almost any seat in the arena. That’s why it’s perfect for watching various shows.
They have efficient features, too, like their metal detector scanning and electronic ticketing entry process which provide a hassle-free experience.
| Pro tip: Arrive at least an hour early before a show so you can get decent parking. The place can get incredibly crowded during events. |
8. Kingsley Plantation
Media credit: lady_van_buren
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042513537
Operating Hours:
- Wed–Sun: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Mon–Tues: closed
Admission Costs:
- Free admission
Visitors are sure to have an educational experience at Kingsley Plantation, a historic plantation site that provides a deep look into 10th century Florida history. It serves as an artifact of a tragic but important part of the past.
It’s a beautifully preserved place with knowledgeable park rangers who are effective in assisting visitors toward a full experience.
If you’re an educator, a visit to this place is a great way to teach young ones. The plantation can host educational and homeschool trips where kids can be exposed to historical narratives and experience the weight of the stories.
| Pro tip: Listen to the audio tour as it may have tidbits of information that are not included on their signage. |
9. Friendship Fountain
Media credit: friendshipfountainjax
Address: 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19046302489
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 8:00am – 10:00pm
- Performances: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
The Friendship Fountain will remind you of a fairytale. It’s an iconic feature that has a view of the St. Johns River as its backdrop.
You need to experience the scenic view of this fountain especially if you’re a hopeless romantic who particularly likes evening walks. The fountain is best experienced when it’s lit up at night during its light show but it also has its unique charm during the day.
Consider capturing its picturesque surroundings through not just photos but also videos.
Take note how they have food trucks on some days as well as live music for everyone. Don’t skip on the rhythm against the beautiful view.
| Pro tips: Bring a personal fan and water to keep you comfortable. Wear sunscreen, too, if you’re dropping by during the day. It’s best to arrive before sunset to get the best spot in the area for a view of the light show. |
10. Riverside and Avondale Districts
Media credit: hiddenjacksonville
The Riverside and Avondale districts are historic neighborhoods with early 20th-century architecture.
The neighborhood has the kind of energy that calms your nerves. And the best part is how it’s a walkable district, so you can take in the surroundings during your leisurely stroll.
During your exploration, you can spot boutique shops, cafes, and tree-lined streets along the neighborhood.
They have bars like the Keg and Coin arcade bar, which has vintage games, craft beer, and a laidback vibe. This is also where they hold the Riverside Arts Market every Saturday where they sell local food and goods.
It’s a pretty and fascinating district that can be enjoyed even for a brief trip.
| Pro tip: Put your comfortable shoes on, as it can be exhausting walking around the neighborhood. When you’re having fun, you won’t realize you’re tired until you get home! |
11. St. Johns Town Center
Address: 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19049987156
Operating Hours:
- Mon–Thurs: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Fri–Sat: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Sun: 11:00am – 6:00pm
St. Johns Town Center is the definition of a good fashion and food combo. You and your family can spend an afternoon just exploring the open-air shopping and dining destination.
If you’re into high-end items, you’re in luck because the place is home to luxury brands. However, they have affordable shops, too, so it’s a wide spectrum and there’s surely something for everyone.
When it’s time to eat, there’s plenty to choose from among the local eateries and national chains. Your options range from casual dining to fine dining restaurants, so you can opt for whatever suits your taste buds — and your budget!
The vast shopping center is a nice place to relax on weekends with friends and family, so drop by when you’re in the area.
| Pro tips: Dress for the weather to keep you comfortable as it’s an outdoor area. Go early even before the stores open to get a convenient parking slot. Otherwise, budget extra time for traffic. |
12. Huguenot Memorial Park
Media credit: donronricosuave
Address: 10980 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville
Contact Details: +19042554255
Operating Hours:
- Daily: 6:00am – 7:00pm
Admission Costs:
- Pedestrian and bicycle entry: $3
- Vehicle entry (up to 6 people): $5
- Annual pass: $99.46
If you’re in the city, grab the opportunity to visit Huguenot Memorial Park. It’s an oceanfront park with drive-on-beach access, so it’s a great weekend trip for friends and family.
The beach provides a recipe for making precious memories with loved ones. You can engage in various activities at the park like fishing, kayaking, and camping.
You can also spot wildlife in their natural habitat like shorebirds and dolphins.
The park offers convenience, too, as it provide accessible bathrooms near the camping site.
| Pro tips: Schedule your visit when a full moon is out to get a higher chance of seeing a beautiful night sky. Try to go on weekdays to avoid potentially large crowds. |
