Jacksonville is the most populous city in the state of Florida, with a population of over 900,000 residents. The city is located on the northeastern coast of Florida, along the St. Johns River, and is known for its beautiful beaches and waterways. Jacksonville is home to several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and the ABA’s Jacksonville Giants. The city is also known for its rich cultural history, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing a wide range of art and performances. One of Jacksonville’s most popular attractions is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which features over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species. Additionally, Jacksonville hosts several major events each year, including the Florida-Georgia football game and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world.
15. Big Talbot Island State Park
(image via Adobe)
Big Talbot Island State Park is a state park located on a barrier island off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. The park features hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as the unique Boneyard Beach, known for its striking driftwood formations. The park is also home to the historic Ribault Club, a popular venue for weddings and other events.
14. Florida Theatre
(image via Wikimedia)
The Florida Theatre is a historic theater located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Built in 1927, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its unique Mediterranean Revival architecture. The theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and other performances throughout the year.
13. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
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The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra based in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1949, the orchestra performs a wide range of classical and popular music, including concerts, opera, and ballet. The orchestra performs at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Jacksonville.
12. Friendship Fountain
(image via Wikimedia)
The Friendship Fountain is a large fountain located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, at the St. Johns River. It was built in 1965 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, known for its beautiful displays of water and lights. The fountain was designed to symbolize the friendship between Jacksonville and its sister city of Nantes, France.
11. St. Johns Town Center
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The St. Johns Town Center is an outdoor shopping mall located in Jacksonville, Florida. It features over 150 stores and restaurants, including high-end retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Apple.
10. Little Talbot Island State Park
(image via Wikimedia)
Little Talbot Island State Park is a state park located on a barrier island off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. The park features five miles of undeveloped beach, as well as hiking and biking trails, fishing, and wildlife watching.
9. TIAA Bank Field
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TIAA Bank Field is a football stadium located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL) and also hosts a variety of other events, including concerts and college football games.
8. Jacksonville Landing
(image via Wikimedia)
The Jacksonville Landing is a shopping and dining complex located on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. It features a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as outdoor entertainment and events. The complex is also home to a marina and riverfront park.
7. Kingsley Plantation
(image via Wikimedia)
Kingsley Plantation is a historic site located on Fort George Island in Jacksonville, Florida. The plantation was once a working plantation and home to the wealthy Zephaniah Kingsley and his family. Visitors can tour the plantation house and slave quarters and learn about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation.
6. Museum of Science and History
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5. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization located in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to rescuing big cats and providing them with a safe and healthy environment. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and see tigers, lions, cougars, and other big cats up close.
4. Riverside Arts Market
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The Riverside Arts Market is an open-air market located under the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida. It features over 100 local artists and vendors selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food. The market is open every Saturday and also hosts live music and other events.
3. Jacksonville Beaches
(image via Adobe)
The Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida, are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. There are three main beach areas: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach. Each beach has its unique charm and offers a variety of activities, including surfing, fishing, and beach volleyball.
2. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
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The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a museum and historic site located in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida. The museum features over 5,000 works of art, including pieces from the Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary periods. It is also home to one of the most extensive collections of Meissen porcelain in the world.
1. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
(image via Instagram)
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 117-acre zoological park located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to over 2,000 animals and features a wide range of exhibits, including African savannas, Asian bamboo forests, and South American rainforests. The zoo also has a variety of interactive experiences and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Summary
As you can see, Phoenix has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking to do more in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Phoenix, Arizona.
These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.
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