It’s no secret that there’s an unending stream of things to do in the city of Jacksonville. But if you’ve already blown your budget this month or you’re saving up for something special, here’s a few ways to keep yourself busy around town without spending a dime.
1. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
While it might look like just another park, Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens stands apart from the rest. If you’re wondering what an arboretum is, it’s a place where trees and plants are grown to be studied, and this particular arboretum has a history that dates back to the 1940s when the land was a mining strip for titanium. Totally 120-square feet, the arboretum, and gardens offer a two-acre lake, seven different walking trails, and a wide range of flora and fauna. And it’s pet-friendly!
Address: 1445 Millcoe Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday – Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
***A $3-donation is suggested upon entry
2. Downtown Riverwalks
Sandwiched between the St. Johns River and a variety of mouthwatering restaurants, the Southbank Riverwalk in Downtown Jacksonville offers a 1.25-mile boardwalk with some beautiful views. On the other side, the Northbank Riverwalk is even longer, clocking in around 2 miles, and often hosts city events, such as the Light Boat Parade, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and races.
Southbank Address: 1001 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Northbank Address: 56 West Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32202Hours: Open 24/7
3. The Beaches
Considering the entire east coast of Florida borders the Atlantic ocean, it’s no surprise Jacksonville offers a 22-miles stretch of beaches. At the far south, Jacksonville beach rests besides a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. A little farther north, see Neptune Beach and even farther up is Atlantic Beach, all of which provide white sand, a beautiful ocean, and unparalleled views. Not only are they gorgeous during the day, you can see a blazing sky at sunrise, cotton candy clouds at sunset and amazing stargazing at night.
Atlantic Beach Address:
800 Beach Avenue
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
Neptune Beach Address:
Strand Street
Neptune Beach, Florida 32266
Jacksonville Beach Address:
14 1st Street North
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240
Hours: Open 24/7
*** Parking can be tricky, so try to find free street parking on the weekends. Otherwise, there are plenty of pay-by-hour parking lots along the waterfront.
4. Cummer Museum
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a Riverside staple with a fascinating history. It was founded in 1961 after the death of Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her gardens and personal art collection to the new museum. The Cummer Museum has since expanded to include the property owned by Ninah’s brother-in-law, but it still includes her original garden designs and a portion of her home with its historic furnishing. The permanent collection of the museum currently includes over 5,000 works of art dating from 2100 BCE to the twenty-first century, in addition to an array of traveling exhibits. Although tickets aren’t free every day, selected days and times allow for free entry: Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., the first and third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for college students with a valid I.D., and the first full weekend of each month for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders.
Address:
1829 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday – 1 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Farmers Markets
Okay, we’ll admit, farmer’s markets aren’t technically free considering they consist mainly of local vendors selling their products. However, when the weather is nice, farmer’s markets offer a wonderful opportunity to get outside, people watch, and enjoy yourself. The title of Jacksonville’s oldest farmer’s market goes to the fittingly named Jacksonville Farmers Market, which has been running every day since 1938. The Riverside Arts Market (or RAM as it’s endearingly known) is much newer to Jacksonville at only about 12 years old. It’s held beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge in Riverside, meaning it’s fun to attend during all kinds of weather. Not to mention the amazing river view and variety of vendors selling crafts, food, produce services, and more.
Jacksonville Farmers Market
Address:
1810 West Beaver Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32209
Hours:
From dawn to dusk, 365 days a year
Riverside Arts Market
Address: 715 Riverside
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
Hours:
Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
6. Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Located in the midst of urban Jacksonville, along US 17 across from the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park protects just over 500 acres of land. Remnants of a 16-foot wide brick road linked Ortega to Jacksonville and can be found at several locations in the park. The road pre-dates 1917 but was heavily used when Camp Johnston was built as part of the preparations to train American troops during World War I when the parkland was leased from the Navy. And it boasts two dog parks, a playground, picnic tables, grills, an elevated platform from which to view wetlands, and lengthy hiking and bike trails! They’re even currently adding ramps and dirt berms for off-road biking! The park is named after Councilwoman Tillie Fowler, who later became a U.S. Representative. Fowler fought to get the land developed and advocated for many other local and national issues.
Address:
700 Roosevelt Blvd
Jacksonville 32244
Hours:
5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (until 9 p.m. during daylight savings time)
7. Stroll through Riverside/Avondale District
If you’re a lover of architecture and history, this one’s for you. Riverside and Avondale are both listed on the National Register of Historic Districts. Developed out of former plantation land in the early and late 1800s, these areas of Jacksonville are bursting with rich history and gorgeous historic homes. Some notable gems include the Bryson House, a 1927 mansion whose exterior is made of marble; Martha Washington Hotel, which was originally built in 1911 as a female-only hotel; the Jaudon Residence, 1857 civil-war era farmhouse; and so many more.
8. Downtown Jacksonville Art Walk
Since 2003, Downtown Vision has hosted its First Wednesday Art Walk to celebrate the city’s immense creative talents. The art walk features three main hubs: James Weldon Johnson Park, Vagabond Flea, and the Jessie DuPont Center, but art can be appreciated at all the businesses between. Not only can you view beautiful pieces by local artists, but you can also support small businesses and watch some amazing performances!
Address:
135 West Monroe Street
Jacksonville 32202
Hours:
First Wednesday of each month, 5 to 9 p.m.
9. Sally Dark Rides Tour
If you’ve ever ridden an indoor theme park ride and looked at an animatronic thinking, “how did that get made?” Sally Dark Rides is here to provide an answer. This company that has operated out of downtown Jacksonville for almost 50 years brings your favorite characters to life through story writing, mechanical animation, special effects, set design, soundtrack production, and media integration. And they offer free tours Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To reserve your spot, call (904) 355-7100.
Address:
745 West Forsyth Street
Jacksonville 32204
Tour Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(not conducted June through August)
10. Jacksonville Main Public Library
You don’t have to be a bookworm to enjoy Jacksonville’s Main Public Library. At 300,000 square feet, this massive hub in the center of downtown is home to beautiful paintings, exhibits, sculptures, interesting architecture, and a collection of more than 3 million books, audiobooks, compact discs, videos, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, and other items. Plus it offers a variety of programs for children, teens, adults, and members of the community with disabilities.
Address:
303 N Laura Street
Jacksonville 32202
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
***The Main Library is currently closed for construction.
That’s all! Thanks for reading! – Savanna 🙂
