Just a few of My Favorite things to do in Jacksonville, Florida! We had an amazing weekend visit and did a ton of things! Here are a few of the things you can’t miss if you visit!
I was thrilled to partner with Visit Jacksonville on this post!
My Favorite Things to Do In Jacksonville, FL
Kayak Amelia
One of my favorite adventures we went on in Jacksonville was Kayak Amelia. My Mom and I took a two-person kayak down the Amelia river together. I am going to admit, I thought I was a pretty good kayaker. I mean, we have kayaks and take them out on the lake when we camp.
This kayaking was a different experience, it was a little bit harder especially coming back to camp against the tide. There were a few times I wanted to give up and I think Mom wanted to push me in the water but we made it and even though it was difficult it was such an amazing feeling of accomplishment!
When you check in at Kayak Amelia, you decide if you want to take individual kayaks or the double like we took. They’ll give you a map and some direction on where to go, it’s really just a river and you cannot get too lost. After that, you get instructions on how to kayak and then you’re off!
There are several different sandy beach areas along that way that you can stop and get out at. We made it further than we expected and were out for about four hours. We had not planned to be out that long so we didn’t have a lot of snacks and drinks, I would recommend taking these things along with you just in case!
You can also rent a waterproof box from Kayak Amelia to keep your phone and camera in just to be safe. We left our keys behind at the office too, I just didn’t want to end up losing them in the water!
If you’re uncomfortable heading out on your own, there are guided tours as well. Also, guided tours are planned to go with the tide which will make them a lot easier! If you’re a new kayaker this may be a good option!
Jacksonville Zoo
If you’re someone that loves nature, animals or zoo’s in general, the Jacksonville Zoo is a not to be missed stop when you’re visiting. I remember the first time I went to the Jacksonville Zoo years ago with my boys when they were little guys. We had a blast! There were so many different exhibits for them to see.
Fast forward about ten years and I decided to visit with my Mom while we were exploring Jacksonville and we had almost as much fun as taking the kids. It was just a relaxing afternoon with so many different interesting animals to see.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. You can discover Earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals as well as 1,000 varieties of plans.
Sweet Pete’s
One of the recommendations I received when I was headed to Jacksonville was to make sure that I visited Sweet Pete’s and tried the Sea Salt Caramels. Guys, when I get a food recommendation, you better believe that I’m going to hunt it down and make sure to try it out!
Sweet Pete’s is an adorable little store, we visited a couple weeks before Christmas so it was beautifully decorated and full of delicious treats to try!
They have tours that run daily so you can see the behind the scenes on how the chocolates and candies are made. There’s also a restaurant and a dessert bar located in the building. We had a delicious coffee and brownie while we were shopping. I also left with a few bags full of my favorite caramels and chocolates. I think this was one of my favorite stops of the trip!
About Sweet Pete’s
Today, Sweet Pete’s manufactures a line of handcrafted quality chocolates and sells over a thousand different types of candies. The new location boasts a fully functioning factory with an interactive gallery, two large retail areas, a full restaurant and bar, rooftop patio and dessert bar. Sweet Pete’s also features an event center that offers space for children’s field trips, catered events and parties. Peter also finds joy in sharing his expertise with others by teaching the art of candy making. The fun-filled educational environment includes Sweet Pete’s Sweet Science Classes, hands-on interactive candy-making sessions, and birthday parties. Sweet Pete’s is run by a group of naturally fun people who are committed to creating the Sweetest Destination on Earth.
Riverside Arts Market
Our first morning in Jacksonville, we made our way to the Riverside Arts Market that’s located under the Fuller Warren Bridge. It’s a fun family-friendly event that attracts over 4,000 visitors every Saturday. They even have a riverfront amphitheater that seats 350 people and features live music for hours.
We decided to have breakfast at the Riverside Arts Market, we found a delicious little crepe food truck that made a breakfast crepe that was to die for! It was full of eggs, sausage and cheese with just a touch of honey on top!
RAM is one of several Florida markets that participates in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP recipients have an opportunity to purchase local produce from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and double their dollars through our partnership with Florida Organic Growers’ incentive programs.
Every first Saturday of the month, enjoy a brew while sitting along the St. Johns River or while exploring the market.
Cummer Museum
If you head to the Riverside Arts Market, you’ll be just a block from the Cummer Museum. We decided to pop in and check it out on our visit. The Cummer Museum has amazing art, beautiful grounds, and great education!
There’s free admission to the museum on the first Saturday of the month, which is the same time as the Riverside Arts Market!
The Cummer Museum holds one of the finest art collections in the Southeast, with nearly 5,000 objects in its Permanent Collection. The Museum offers world-class art spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century, features diverse special exhibits, and is home to the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain.
The Museum’s 2.5 acres of historic gardens are unique examples of early 20th-century garden design, featuring reflecting pools, fountains, arbors, antique ornaments, and sculptures. The majestic Cummer Oak has a canopy of more than 150 feet and is one of the oldest trees in Jacksonville.
Unfortunately just a short time before our visit the grounds at Cummer Museum was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. As beautiful as it was when we were there, I can only imagine how it was before the hurricane came through.
These are just a few of the things we did in Jacksonville, FL but they were on my favorite’s list and what I think are a must do if you visit! Make sure to check out the BEST SEAFOOD in Jacksonville for some delicious ideas on meals and restaurants!
NEVER MISS A TAYLOR HOUSE RECIPE OR POST:
FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / PINTEREST /
Leave a comment