Things To Do in Jacksonville That Do Not Cost Money
Jacksonville, Florida is a vibrant city that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. While some of the city’s most popular attractions may come with a price tag, there are plenty of free things to do in Jacksonville as well. Here are just a few of the things to do in Jacksonville that do not cost money:
1. Visit the Beach
One of the biggest draws of Jacksonville is its beautiful coastline. Miles of soft, sandy beaches line the city’s coast, and many of them are free to visit. Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach are all popular destinations for locals and tourists alike and they charge you nothing for admission. If you aren’t going to rent gear, boards, or other stuff for beach activities, then you can certainly enjoy the Jax beaches without spending a single dollar. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, take a dip in the ocean, or go for a run along the shoreline, the beaches of Jacksonville are a great place to go.
2.Tour the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
If you’re interested in art and history, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is a great place to visit. The museum features a collection of art and gardens overlooking the St. Johns River. With more than 5,000 works of art, the museum has something for every taste, from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces.
While admission is normally $10 for adults, the museum offers free admission on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., thanks to sponsors VyStar Credit Union and PNC Bank. Museums on Us also sponsors admissions every first Saturday of every month.
Address: 829 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville
Phone no: (904) 356-6857
Website: https://www.cummermuseum.org/
3.Stroll through Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market is an outdoor market that takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It features local artists, farmers, and musicians, and admission is free. Whether you’re looking to shop for unique handcrafted goods, sample some delicious local food, or listen to live music, the Riverside Arts Market is a great place to do it. The market is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, making it a unique and picturesque setting.
Address: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville
Operating Hours: Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 389-2449
4.Visit the Jacksonville Farmers Market
For foodies and fans of fresh produce, the Jacksonville Farmers Market is a must-visit destination. The market is open every day of the week and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and other goods. Admission is free, and the market is a great place to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as unique specialty items. Whether you’re looking to stock up on groceries or just take a leisurely stroll, the Jacksonville Farmers Market is a great place to go.
Address: 1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville
Operating Hours:
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- Monday – Saturday (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
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- Sunday (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 354-2821
Website: https://www.jaxfarmersmarket.com/
5.Walk along the Southbank Riverwalk
The Jacksonville Southbank Riverwalk is a scenic walkway that follows the St. Johns River and offers beautiful views of downtown Jacksonville. It’s a great place to take a walk, jog, or bike ride, and there are plenty of benches along the way where you can sit and take in the scenery. The Riverwalk is also home to several sculptures and public art installations, making it a great place to take in some culture as well.
Address: 1001 Museum Cir, Jacksonville
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone no: (904) 630-2489
Website: https://downtownjacksonville.org/poi/southbank-riverwalk/
6.Check out the Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library is one of the largest public library systems in Florida. It has several branches and offers a variety of free events, classes, and resources. The library also provides access to online databases, research tools, and other digital resources including books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, and more to everyone who has a library card. Don’t worry because library card registration is also free for Duval County residents and for those who work or attend school in Duval County.
Whether you’re looking for a good book to read, a place to work or study, or a fun and educational event for the whole family, the library is a great place to start.
Address: 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 255-2665
Website: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/
7.Visit the Kingsley Plantation
The Kingsley Plantation is a historic site located on the banks of the St. Johns River. It is one of the oldest surviving plantations in the state and is a reminder of the area’s complex history of slavery and agricultural production.
Today, the Kingsley Plantation is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve and is open to the public for tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the restored plantation house, which is the oldest standing plantation house in Florida, as well as the slave quarters, kitchen house, and barn. Interpretive exhibits and programs provide insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked on the plantation. And like many museums and historical attractions in Jax, it is free.
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave. Jacksonville
Operating Hours: Opens Wednesday – Sunday (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 251-3537
Website: https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/kp_visiting.htm
8.Spend a morning or an afternoon in the James Weldon Johnson Park (formerly Hemming Park)
This public park in downtown Jacksonville offers free events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, food trucks, and festivals. The James Weldon Johnson Park is currently being reinvigorated and transformed into a modern, urban space that engages diverse communities and restores vitality to downtown Jax. Playgrounds, open spaces, and picnic areas in the park are available to everyone for free and families are more than welcome to enjoy its amenities. However, while the park itself is free, concession stands and food trucks are not. So, if you plan to buy food or drinks in the park, remember to bring some cash with you.
Address: 135 W. Monroe Street Jacksonville
Operating Hours: Opens daily (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
Admission fee: Free when there is no event
Phone no: (904) 515-5098
Website: https://jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org/
These are just a few of the many free things to do in Jacksonville. There are also numerous parks, gardens, and other attractions that you can enjoy without spending a dime. Visitors can also check with the Jacksonville Convention & Visitors Bureau or local tourism websites for more information about free events and attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, beaches in Jax are free for the public to use. However, there are certain areas in beaches that are considered to be private, so these areas are not open to the public. Some beaches will charge for parking or for bringing in certain items.
There are free parks that are open for the public to use. Some of them include the James Weldon Johnson Park, Memorial Park, Oceanfront Park, Friendship Fountain, Castaway Island Preserve, and many more. Though admission to these parks is free, the food trucks or concession stands though are not. If you want to buy food or drinks, you will still have to use cash to buy snacks or beverages.
No, most of the parks that offer campgrounds charge fees for camping. This is to make sure that campers stay responsible in their use of the campsites and that security and regular maintenance for the campgrounds are funded and continued.
