Duval County - 51 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

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.

Betz-Tiger Point Preserve, is a 371-acre wild and scenic area. The area contains a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, mangrove forests and hardwood hammocks, and is home to many species of wildlife. It’s an ideal spot for nature observation and outdoor recreation such as birdwatching, fishing and boating. A boardwalk traverses the interior and entices visitors to explore the preserve's natural beauty and valuable ecosystems.

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.

Boneyard Beach, is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. With clear emerald waters and white sand, it's a paradise for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. The thousands of bleached-white trees gives this beach a unique look and serves as a great backdrop for any photograph. Visitors can relax on its shores or kayak in morning or at sunset for amazing views. Many shore birds also flock to Boneyard Beach to feed and nest, making it a great place for birdwatching.

Boone Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family and friends. It features a number of spectacular views perfect for bird-watching and nature appreciation. The park's trails give visitors opportunities to explore the natural beauty of North Florida, providing peaceful moments throughout their journey. Boone Park also has an outdoor pavilion offering plenty of space for groups to have picnics or gather around the firebowl for an evening under the stars.

Camp Milton Historic Preserve is a beautiful 36-acre nature park that contains the last surviving earthen works from the Civil War, making it an important historic site. Inside of the preserve visitors can observe historical monuments such as cannons and earthen walls, constructed to protect Jacksonville during the American Civil War. In addition to its fascinating history, Camp Milton is home to unique wildlife and many outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.

It was founded in 1961 after the death of Ninah Cummer, who bequeathed her gardens and personal art collection to the new museum. The permanent collection of the museum currently includes over 5,000 works of art dating from 2100 BCE to the twenty-first century. The museum's collection is especially strong in European and American paintings and also includes substantial holdings of Meissen porcelain.

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.

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.

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.

Friendship Fountain is an iconic, historical landmark that continues to captivate locals and tourists alike. Built in 1965 for the Palma Ceia Centennial Celebration, it remains one of Jacksonville's most recognizable symbols today. On a beautiful evening, visitors can take a peaceful stroll around the fountain and enjoy the colorful light displays and the sound of cascading waterfalls. The decorative tiled backdrop changes throughout the year with vibrant floral patterns.

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.

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.

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 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

Jacksonville Beach is a wonderful destination for beachgoers. With its miles of white sand, gentle surf, and exciting amenities, Jacksonville Beach has something to offer every type of visitor. Among the popular activities you can find along the coast are parasailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Families can enjoy long days at the beach building sandcastles and playing games or take a break at one of the numerous restaurants located close to the shoreline.

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.