20 Attractions to Explore Near Jacksonville Beach

This Pier is one of the most iconic spots in the area. Stretching 750 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the best ocean fishing and sightseeing opportunities around. Anglers can find a wide variety of species here throughout the year such as tarpon, cobia, flounder, kingfish, Spanish mackerel and much more. This pier has a bait shop and tackle store so that you can remain fully equipped while fishing. In addition to this, you have access to stunning views.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is an outdoor recreation area like no other. Spanning over 500 acres, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, immaculate beaches, freshwater lakes and marshes, and lush natural areas. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or an area to explore outdoor activities like canoeing and kayaking, this park is ideal. Boasting nearby swimming pools and plenty of designated picnic spots perfect for a family outing, few places rival the sense of adventure.

Alhambra Dinner Theatre is a unique entertainment experience that blends the traditional components of live theater with the trappings of a classic dinner. Visitors to the theater are treated to a night out of fine dining and professional plays, skits and musicals. It offers a variety of hit plays throughout its season, ranging from Broadway-style revivals to beloved classics. Their renovated auditorium provides top-level acoustics and lighting system to enhance every aspect of the production.

St Johns Town Center is a prime shopping destination in the heart of Jacksonville, it's an outdoor mall with dozens of stores and countless amenities. This bustling new center has much to offer, from bistro-style dining to high end clothing stores. It's well connected too, being only a short drive from downtown Jacksonville. St Johns Town Center provides easy access to all sorts of activities like the latest movie releases at Regal Cinemas and relaxation at nearby beaches.

The Theodore Roosevelt Area is an area rich in history and culture. It was once the home of many native tribes such as the Timucua and Mocama that have since vanished. Visitors to the area can explore the forests and wetlands, guided by an interpretive habitat trail highlighting the unique habitats and their inhabitants. In addition to these natural features, visitors will also find historical markers commemorating important sites including Fort Caroline and Kingsley plantation.

Huguenot Memorial Park offers visitors a wide range of activities for the whole family. Located next to the St. Johns River, this park is perfect for swimming, fishing and exploring nature trails with plenty of wildlife around. It has beaches, picnicking areas and playgrounds as well as kayak and canoe launches where people can enjoy the views of the river. The park also features an Information Center that houses a variety of gatherings such as outdoor educational programs and exhibits.

The Ribault Monument is a tribute to French explorer Jean Ribault. Built in 1927 and designed by Jules Robert Roemers, it is a memorial to the 1562 French settlers that Ribault had brought to Florida 400 years ago. The Monument measures 24 feet tall and is composed of limestone blocks with a bronze tablet at its base inscribed with the explorer's name and the dates of his explorations. It was placed on the National Register Historic Places in 2012.

Fort Caroline National Memorial serves as a monument to the brief presence of French colonists along the St. Johns River in 1564 - 1565. Visitors to the Fort can explore a recreated 16th century French fort, witness Native American shell mounds, pay tribute to those that died at this colonial battleground including Spanish soldiers who replaced the French at the fort, and even spot some variety of threatened species in their natural environment such as gopher tortoises or bald eagles.

An attempted French colonial settlement. It was established under the leadership of René Goulaine de Laudonnière on June 22, 1564, as a new territorial claim in French Florida and a safe haven for Huguenots. The French colony came into conflict with the Spanish, who established St. Augustine in September 1565, and Fort Caroline was sacked by Spanish troops under Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on September 20. The Spanish continued to occupy the site as San Mateo until 1569.

The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a stunning 125-acre preserve bursting with Florida’s native flora and fauna. The arboretum offers visitors five trails which weave throughout seven distinct landscapes. From mossy forests to picturesque ponds, each trail showcases the essence of Northern Florida’s unique ecology. The preserve also includes a Native Plant Demonstration Garden, an 80-foot observation tower, butterfly garden, educational kiosks and programs, as well as public events

Site of a former estate that was named for an early owner, Zephaniah Kingsley, who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres (4.0 km2), most of which has been taken over by forest; the structures and grounds of the park now comprise approximately 60 acres (242,811.385 m2). The most prominent features of Kingsley Plantation are the owner's house—a structure of architectural significance built probably between 1797 and 1798 that is cited as being the oldest surviving plantati

Tree Hill Nature Center is a tranquil escape from our busy everyday lives. Nestled amongst the trees of native Florida woodland and wetlands, the center provides visitors with opportunities to view wildlife up close. The center features a one-mile loop of nature trails that wind through the surrounding forest, scenic boardwalks over the wetlands, and a butterfly garden where visitors can truly engage with their surroundings and observe hummingbirds, butterflies and various species of plants.

A cable-stayed bridge over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Construction began in 1985 and was completed in 1989. The main span is 1,300 feet (396.2 m), and is 175 feet (53.3 m) high.

The Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve offers many incredible experiences for visitors. Guests can explore the untouched estuaries of Big Talbot Island and Little Talbot Island, discovering native wildlife and over 6,000 years of history from the region's first inhabitants. At Fort Caroline National Memorial, visitors have the chance to learn more about French cultural influence in colonial America. The preserve also features an array of trails suitable for hiking and biking.

Little Talbot Island State Park is a natural wonderland with something for everyone! With miles of white sand beaches, nature trails, and observatories, visitors can explore and discover the local flora and fauna. The park has several picnic areas as well as campsites perfect for a weekend trip. The St. John's River provides unique opportunities to kayak, canoe or paddle board the salt marsh waterways. People come from all over to photograph the abundance of wildlife that inhabit the park.

Mathews Bridge is an iconic and beloved structure, which was built to connect the city of Jacksonville to Mandarin and San Jose Island, crossing the St. Johns River. This incredible bridge is supported by three steel arches and totals a length of 2,500 feet. Mathews Bridge was opened to traffic in 1953, making it one of the oldest and longest bridges in Florida. Not only does It serve as a significant transportation route for the city, but it is also popular among tourists for its majestic views

Big Talbot Island State Park, is a great destination for who wanting to explore the beauty of nature. It covers around 2,500 acres of salt marsh, maritime forest, and beaches along the Atlantic coast of Northeast Florida. It features opportunities to observe rare birds and marine life while kayaking or canoeing through the waters. There are also trails available to walk or bike, with options ranging from ancient shell middens to serene winding paths transporting visitors back through time.

The Hart Bridge is a monumental structure providing an easy route across the St. Johns River. Built in the late 1980s and stretching just over 1.5 miles, it is a vital link connecting Jacksonville to bustling downtown Atlantic beach communities. Over 20 million vehicles crossed through on the bridge in 2018, making it one of the most typically utilized bridges in the state of Florida. It stands tall as a distinct piece of the infrastructure network found in and around Jacksonville.

This State Park is a tranquil oasis located on the coast in Jacksonville, Florida. A unique ecosystem of salt marsh wetlands, upland forests and islands house an abundance of wildlife and small mammals. You can take advantage of plentiful recreational activities including hiking, biking, bird watching and kayaking. With over five miles of trails offering stunning views of coastal marshes and ancient magnolia trees, you'll be captivated by the sheer beauty of this untouched paradise.

TIAA Bank Field, is an outdoor football stadium that serves as home of the Jacksonville Jaguars professional football team. The stadium also hosts concerts, special events and other sporting competitions. Completed in 1995, the stadium has a seating capacity of 67,000 with 98 luxury suites and 10,000 premium club seats. With state-of-the-art sound systems and improved acoustics, TIAA Bank Field is capable of producing an electrifying atmosphere for all its guests.