Recreation & Adventure

Beaches are more than a way of life in JAX – they are life. The Jacksonville region encompasses 87 miles of coastline that invites water lovers to swim, boat, dive, surf, play beach volleyball and go kayaking or canoeing.

Local favorites include Flagler Beach, Fernandina Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach. If you’re looking for the hottest surfing spot, head to Atlantic Beach in a place called “The Poles.” Of course, you can also find plenty of family-friendly and dog-friendly beaches perfect for a day trip!

From the sand, stroll the boardwalk at Jacksonville Beach. The mile-long oceanfront is bursting day and night with entertainment, dining and shopping. It’s also home to the Seawalk Pavilion, where on any given day, you can catch a concert, outdoor movie screening or festival.

Surfers and laid-back locals favor Atlantic and Neptune Beaches because of the towns’ peaceful vibes. In fact, the best location for surfing in the area, The Poles, can be found in Atlantic Beach’s Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. This area just south of NS Mayport is an ideal and convenient spot to catch some waves.

For something unique, visit both Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island State Park. One of the last barrier islands in Northeast Florida, Little Talbot teems with nature, white sand and surf. Hike the dunes, kayak Myrtle Creek or camp overnight.

With 130-plus natural and artificial reefs, Jacksonville beaches are a great launch pad for divers. Expect to discover hundreds of aquatic species, shipwrecks and beautiful coral.

There’s more to JAX’s waterways than ocean beaches. Another main vein is the beaches of Doctors Lake in Fleming Island, a great place to drop in a kayak or rent a boat with Boat Florida Rentals. Keep an eye out for a nexus of aquatic life, such as manatees and dolphins.

There’s more to enjoying outdoor activities in JAX than just beaches. Jacksonville is home to the largest urban park system in the United States. From camping spots to disc golf, JAX’s 400+ parks offer a welcoming environment for everyone.

James Weldon Johnson Park hums with food trucks, festivals, live music and heritage celebrations in Downtown Jacksonville. Stockton Park exudes tones of times past with its classic architecture and look. Launch your kayak for a trip on the St. Johns River and return for lunch or a snack at nearby markets and cafés. Over at Klutho Park, enjoy art in the park, which serves as an outdoor canvas for local sculptors.

Hanna Park is undoubtedly one of the area’s outdoor jewels. Spend the day or a few nights, with access to 1.5 miles of beach; 20 miles of hiking, walking and mountain biking trails; and a 60-acre freshwater lake for fishing or paddleboarding. Glamp instead of camp at the park’s cozy cabins.

Dutton Island Preserve at Atlantic Beach is classic Northeast Florida. Fish from the dock, keep an eye on wildlife from observation posts or take in views of the marshes, wetlands and waterway.

Professional sports is the name of the game in JAX, home to teams for football, hockey, rugby, baseball, basketball and soccer.

In the fall, tailgate with neighbors at Jacksonville Jaguars football games, or in the summer, follow the team’s progress at training camp near the team’s home, EverBank Stadium. “Revel in the Rivalry” at the Florida-Georgia game, one of college football’s biggest events since 1904, or attend the annual Gator Bowl.

Follow along with pro soccer team FC Armada or catch a U.S. national team when they hit the field. Practice your golf clap and enjoy a Sawgrass Splash before you watch the sport’s top professionals tee off at THE PLAYERS Championship. Feel the excitement on the field with the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp or on the ice with Jacksonville Icemen.

Feeling inspired by the pros? Get in the game or match or tournament when you register for any of the multitude of amateur sports events, on and off the water.

Home to Northeast Florida’s walking safari, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers adventure for everyone. More than 2,000 rare and exotic animals live at the zoo, which hosts special events and kids camps throughout the year.

Spend time among 100 species of plants and on three miles of rustic hiking trail at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. At 120 acres, the arboretum has plenty of room to explore at a price that’s nice – free.

Discover part of Jacksonville’s history at the Kingsley Plantation in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Built in 1814 and now a national park, the plantation is a collection of unique tabby houses, built and inhabited by the plantation’s slaves.

The region’s history is made up of the early settlers from France and Spain. Jacksonville’s Fort Caroline National Memorial was settled in 1564 by French Huguenots. The monument looks back at when the colony was raided and destroyed by the Spanish. A visit includes access to view of the St. Johns River and a 1.3-mile nature trail.

The oldest permanent settlement, St. Augustine, was settled in 1565 by Spanish explorers. The streets of the Old City and coquina forts of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas give a glimpse into the daily life of early American transplants. St. George Street, a cobblestone pedestrian walkway that serves as the artery of the Old City, is lined with cafes, bars, boutiques and attractions such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.