Health & Wellness
Nurture Your Body, Mind and Soul
Beaches are like Northeast Florida’s outdoor wellness center. In the water, there’s surfing and paddle boarding, but self-care also extends to the shores. Locals stretch their bodies and minds with yoga on the beach (opens in new window) and joggers in JAX hit the sand for group runs (opens in new window). Here, everyone has access to the resources that meet their unique needs, whether you’re a gym rat or a busy professional looking for options that fit into your schedule.
From our waves to our wetlands, Jacksonville health and wellness extends to mind, body and soul. Water or sand, trail or gym, the First Coast is the place for your whole being’s well-being.
Facts & Rankings
Find Your Shore
From beachside communities to riverfront neighborhoods, JAX has a corner that's made for you. Explore Northeast Florida’s seven counties and find the place that feels like home.
Miles of seashore and a network of connected trails (opens in new window) make JAX a one-stop shop for runners. The Southbank Riverwalk in downtown JAX (opens in new window) is a great setting for a run, especially for professionals looking for a work break in the city’s core. Switch up your scenery with a jog on Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail (opens in new window), a railroad from the past where you can sneak peeks at local flora and fauna.
Feeling competitive? Jacksonville is home to several races (opens in new window) where you can challenge your friends or yourself. The Gate River Run is the country’s largest 15K and draws people from all over the world. The DONNA Marathon is held every February and is the only marathon in the country that donates 100% of its proceeds to breast cancer research and care for The DONNA Foundation and the Mayo Clinic to further health services.
Recharge your body and brain with one of many Jacksonville yoga classes. In Duval County, stretch before you shop on Saturday mornings at Riverside Arts Market’s community yoga (opens in new window). If you’re looking for something new, goat yoga and kitten yoga are relaxing ways to start your day in Clay County – you can try them out at the annual Clay County Fair (opens in new window). Say cheers to your chakras at breweries that offer yoga across the city of Jacksonville.
Loosen up limbs at Florida Yoga and Paddle (opens in new window) for an ultimate mind, body and “spirits” workout. The company provides the SUP boards for a water yoga practice and launches from Wicked Barley (opens in new window), a local gem on Goodby’s Creek. Each class is followed by a refreshing beverage at the brewery.
After refining your asana at M Body Yoga (opens in new window) in Neptune Beach or Seaside Power (opens in new window) in Jacksonville Beach, enjoy a kombucha at Fishweir Brewing (opens in new window), JAX’s only kombucha brewery.
For the perfect destination for relaxation, retreat to the Amelia Island Wellness Festival (opens in new window). The multi-day event is all about discovering a natural path to well-being with workshops on yoga, meditation, nutrition and cardio activity on beautiful Amelia Island.
Spin, CrossFit and everything in between, Jacksonville area gyms offer a range of possibilities to keep yourself in optimal health. Boutique fitness studios like Define (opens in new window), Power Pilates Plus and Rebel Studio (opens in new window) offer a variety of ways to spin, cross train and get moving.
Build your endurance, stamina and more with the top CrossFit studios in JAX (opens in new window). Each offers a unique experience and challenge whether you’re a beginner or seasoned athlete. For ClassPass users, these JAX fitness centers (opens in new window) provide a wide range of activities from personal training, state-of-the-art machines, martial arts training and more.
Just getting into fitness and need some guidance? The First Coast YMCA (opens in new window) is a staple in its community and provides healthy living, social responsibility and youth development programs for all. With locations across JAX, including Northside, Southside, Mandarin, Downtown Jacksonville and Orange Park, the YMCA is a reliable and accessible institution for all Jacksonville residents.
Discover the Unexpected Surprises
Elon Gordon moved to Jacksonville for his job and was surprised to find much more than he could have imagined between the surfing, trail biking and casual watering holes of his new city. How will you find your JAX?
Hear His Story (opens in new window)Resource Tiles
Recreation & Adventure
With 22 miles of beaches, 400+ parks, world-class golf, professional sports and one of the top zoos in the U.S. — adventure finds you in Northeast Florida.
Tips for Relocating
Get pointers on Northeast Florida’s top places for healthcare, education and more. Find a greater quality of life.
Get Involved
NE Florida’s thousands of nonprofits fuel a giving culture perfect for those who want to develop strong bonds with the community while developing their leadership skills.
Ally Steeg
"Jacksonville is the perfect place for young professionals looking to balance work and play. With stunning beaches, lush parks and year-round outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do. The city's vibrant festivals and live events offer plenty of opportunities to explore local culture, while the laid-back Southern hospitality makes it easy to feel at home. Plus, Jacksonville is home to strong, growing companies across various industries, making it a great place to build your career while enjoying everything this dynamic city has to offer."
The Current
Fall in JAX
While the summer heat may still be lingering, Northeast Florida is ready to embrace all things fall. From pumpkin patches and festive treats to haunted adventures and seasonal décor, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the Halloween spirit across the region. Ready to make fall 2026 your best one yet? Keep reading to […]
Who’s Hiring in Jacksonville Right Now?
Jacksonville and Northeast Florida’s job market is growing, with full-time and part-time roles opening across financial services, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, transportation and technology services. Some of that growth comes from homegrown companies expanding, and some from businesses that chose the region as a hub for new operations. Either way, it’s good news if you’re eyeing your next career move! The market shifts year […]
Why Jacksonville is the Best City in Florida for Young Professionals
Jacksonville is the strongest choice in Florida for young professionals building a career. On take-home pay, cost of living, commute and a job market with real depth, it holds its own against Miami, Tampa, Orlando and more, all without giving up what makes the Sunshine State worth living in! Those cities might have name recognition, […]