Duval County - 51 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

The zoo occupies approximately 117 acres (47 ha) and has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants in its collection. Since 1999 the zoo has been home to a large breeding colony of wild wood storks.

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is the perfect way to explore Duval County, Florida! Spanning 13 miles, this scenic trail begins on the south side of Jacksonville and passes through rural neighborhoods and fields before extending into the heart of Yulee. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along this level surface past many offerings such as bird watching, paddling, or fishing, until you reach beautiful views of the Nassau Sound, native wildlife and broad marshlands.

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.

Jessie Ball DuPont Park, is a stunning 42-acre sheltered nature park nestled beneath the canopy of live oak trees. It is home to hundreds of species and features a wealth of pathways that provide visitors with peaceful opportunities to take in the sights. From art to bird watching, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The park also offers special programs such as guided walks or kayak tours, where visitors can learn more about Duval County's diverse ecology and rich history.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

5.85-acre (23,700 m2) public park, located on the St. Johns River in Riverside, one of the most historic neighborhoods near downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

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.

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.

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

The Museum of Southern History invites guests to explore and learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Interactive exhibits showcase iconic artifacts from notable individuals who have shaped the local area and enriched the Southern lifestyle. The museum also features life-size dioramas that highlight important figures from the Civil War, World War II, and more. Additional exhibits featuring film and media representations bring the history to life for visitors.

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.

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.

Riverside Park is one of the city's most treasured public spaces. With a picturesque view of the St. John's River, the park offers visitors many recreational possibilities such as fishing, picnicking, leisurely strolls and bike rides. The park has recently been renovated to include new playground equipment for children, a 45 foot zip line and four swingset. Nature enthusiasts also have twenty-three acres of wetlands and woods to explore with over 200 species of birds visiting each year.