20 Attractions to Explore Near Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Henry J. Klutho Park is a public park situated on 5 acres of land with walking trails, playground equipment, and an environmental education station. There are plenty of benches to relax on while enjoying the natural beauty of the park or listening to the sounds of nature echoing through the trees. The park was established in 2003 and is named after Jacksonville's renowned early 20th century architect, Henry John Klutho.

The Karpeles Manuscript Library is an incredible resource for students and history buffs alike. The library houses 12 original documents of significant historical importance from a variety of periods and cultures. Inside the building's climate-controlled interior, visitors can view first-hand some of the most influential pieces of writing ever created – including America's first draft of the Declaration of Independence and the earliest known medical treatise on smallpox.

Springfield Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities and relaxation. Situated along the shores of the St. Johns River, this family-friendly park provides a beautiful backdrop for picnics or just taking in the sights of nature. You'll find an array of outdoor recreating options here such as biking, portable boat rentals and kayaking. There are also plenty of shaded trails perfect for a quiet stroll or jog to admire the river or riverside wetland regions and native wildlife habitats.

The beautiful Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is an awe-inspiring sight. Built in 1873,which boasts two magnificent towers at its entrance and a stained glass window depicting Mary’s ascension into Heaven. Inside, visitors find soaring columns and intricately designed walls, featuring the fruits of decades of inspired artistry. The heart of the basilica is a stunning dome, framed with vibrant murals set against detailed mosaics. Here pilgrims can light candles in an offering of prayer.

St. John's Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral with a unique significance. It has served as not only a place of worship for the region since 1831 but also a gathering spot for historical and social events. The building itself is a strong symbol of architecture from the late 19th century; its exterior features several Grecian-style columns and a brick façade adorned with stained glass windows. Inside, visitors can appreciate intricate wooden structures and artworks spanning several centuries.

This is an incredible place to view and appreciate art from a wide range of periods. From classic Modernism to cutting-edge contemporary styles, MOCA consistently offers ambitious and thought-provoking exhibitions to spark dialogue and inspire reflection. With its robust collections, outstanding installations and dynamic educational programming, MOCA Jacksonville is an essential part of the cultural landscape in the area.

James Weldon Johnson Park is a beautiful spot to explore. Full of flowers, trees and various other verdant foliage, this 16 acre park offers respite from the hustle and bustle of life and the perfect place to take a morning jog or enjoy an afternoon picnic. With benches scattered throughout the area, visitors can take time to relax and admire nature before they head out on one of several marked trails through the scenery. Plus, there's even a basketball court and playground for kids.

Jacksonville Historical Society works to preserve and promote the city's rich historical narrative.This non-profit organization collects documents, buildings and other artifacts that reveal the story of Jacksonville for today's generations. The society offers educational classes about local history, guided tours led by experienced docents who share anecdotes about pivotal figures from Jacksonville's past and access to an expansive research library that holds primary sources.

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.

Florida Theatre is an independently-operated performing arts center that has been welcoming guests to its doors ever since its grand opening in 1927. This beautiful and historic theater offers year-round performances, ranging from concerts and plays to film screenings, comedy shows and more. Visitors of all ages have a wonderful time marveling at the awe inspiring architecture within this Duval County space, including balustrades, chandeliers and proscenium archways.

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

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.

This is a one-stop destination for arts enthusiasts of all backgrounds. It offers a wide range of performances and events designed to inspire, entertain and educate guests. The JCPA proudly hosts world-renowned Broadway show tours, local theatre and dance performances, comedy acts and interactive art classes. Its “School of Performance" curriculum provides instruction in music, drama, dance and vocal performance, allowing aspiring artists to hone their skills under the guidance of professionals.

The USS Orleck Naval Museum honors the 65-year service of the USS Orleck, a decommissioned destroyer escort ship operated by the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1983. Visitors can explore the ship and its various sections, including engineering spaces, living compartments, deck structures, armament systems and more. Through interactive displays and programs such as battle simulations and “leadership challenges” visitors will gain an appreciation of what it was like to serve aboard this vessel.

The John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge,is an important part of the transportation system in the area and offers a convenient journey for thousands of drivers every day. Originally opened in 1957, the bridge spans across 4.1mi over St. Johns River and offers individuals a connection to intersecting highways such as I4 and SR90 that lie on either side of the river. The original design was meant to last up to 50 years and since then it has undergone numerous repairs and upgrades to keep in top shape.

Metropolitan Park is a nature lover's paradise. Whether you want to explore the rocky coastline along the St. Johns River, search for some of the region's native animal species, or take part in a variety of outdoor activities. A 0.8-mile trail wraps around the park's wetlands and offers opportunities to observe a variety of waterfowl and passerine birds. The park also provides visitors with a selection of educational programming that features art and nature classes.

The Acosta Bridge is a bridge spanning the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville, it connects San Marco to Southbank. Illuminations of colorful lights decorate the bridge at night, making it an iconic night-time landmark. At over 320 feet long and 70 feet tall, This Bridge offers spectacular views of the river waterfront below and an array of activities along both sides. In addition to foot traffic, large ships can easily pass beneath its large openings that accommodate rising river levels.

The Southbank Riverwalk is a magnificent, 1.5-mile long walkway along the St. Johns River providing beautiful views. As one of the most beloved destinations in the county, it offers plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy such as shops, restaurants, and outdoor areas. It's easy to spend an entire day at Southbank, where in addition to dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities are live music events on Thursdays during Summertime and holiday-related festivities throughout the year.

The MOSH is a great place to spend the day with friends and family. This museum has many interactive exhibits that all ages can enjoy, from dinosaurs and space exploration to an exploration of local history. The planetarium at MOSH offers educational programs and shows that make learning about astronomy fun for everyone. In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts events throughout the year such as lectures, movies, workshops, craft classes and more

An octopus-like Southern live oak estimated to be 250 years old and may be the single oldest living thing in Jacksonville, predating the founding of the city by Isaiah Hart during the 1820s.