Things to Do in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida

The official Visit Jacksonville guide to the city's best activities covers everything from outdoor adventures and arts & culture to family attractions and sports events across Duval County. The most comprehensive and up-to-date starting point for new residents and visitors exploring Northeast Florida.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Northside Jacksonville spans 115+ acres with over 2,000 animals, botanical gardens, and hands-on family experiences including giraffe feeding and a 4-D theater. One of only 7 zoos in the U.S. with an animal wellness team, a must-visit for families relocating to Duval County.

One of the largest urban national preserves in the U.S., Timucuan stretches across 46,000 acres along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville offering kayaking, hiking, and access to historic forts and wetlands. A beloved outdoor escape for active families in Duval County.

The Florida Theatre is a beautifully restored 1927 movie palace in Downtown Jacksonville hosting over 200 live events annually from Broadway touring shows and comedy to concerts and classic film screenings. A true cultural gem of Duval County that every new resident should experience.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on the St. Johns River in Riverside is Jacksonville's premier fine arts museum combining world-class European and American collections with breathtaking historic riverside gardens. Admission is free on Tuesday evenings, making it a beloved Duval County community resource.

The Jacksonville Jaguars play at EverBank Stadium in Downtown Jacksonville, and game days are a true community event that draws the whole city together. A major part of Jacksonville's identity and a fun introduction to Duval County culture for families new to Northeast Florida.

MOSH in Downtown Jacksonville has been a family favorite in Duval County for generations with hands-on science and history exhibits, a planetarium, and programming for kids and adults alike. One of the most visited family attractions in all of Northeast Florida.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in North Jacksonville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing a forever home for rescued big cats including lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars with guided tours that educate visitors of all ages. One of TripAdvisor's top-rated Jacksonville attractions in Duval County.

Jacksonville hosts some of Florida's best annual events from the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Gate River Run (the nation's largest 15K) to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Florida-Georgia game, and Beaches Oktoberfest. The official Visit Jacksonville events calendar keeps new residents in the loop year-round.