Top 10 Things to Do in Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Stay at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach

The Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach is the perfect combination of laidback and luxurious. Enjoy high-end guest rooms, extra comfy beds and so much more in our island inspired oasis. From retail therapy at LandShark Surfshack, to our oceanfront pool and spectacular dining options, it’s always paradise in Margaritaville! 

Soak Up the Sun on Jacksonville Beach

The town of Jacksonville Beach is named after the sandy strip of shoreline that is also known as Jacksonville Beach. Get active with surfing, boogie boarding and playing the waves. Anglers can also drop a line and try their luck fishing off the beaches and pier. Stay beachfront at Margaritaville for the ideal home base for all the exciting things to do at Jacksonville Beach. 

Test Your Fishing Skills at the Jacksonville Beach Pier

Just steps away from the Margaritaville Beach Hotel lies the Jacksonville Beach Pier. This structure juts a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s the ideal place to test your fishing skills or watch the sunrise.

Pop by Jacksonville Beach’s Many Breweries

Jacksonville Beach is home to a surprising number of breweries, and many of them are worth a visit. With 50 tap lines and beer making classes, Engine 15 Brewing is every beer lover's dream. Southern Swells has new beers every week and the largest taproom in town. Last but not least, Ink Factory Brewing serves up delicious coffee in the morning and incredible beer at night. See and taste it all with the ultimate Jacksonville beer tasting itinerary. 

Visit the Beaches Museum

If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss out on the Beaches Museum. This free museum focuses on the history of Jacksonville Beach and its surrounding communities. You can learn about the area’s connection to music, its Native American history, and everything in between. 

Go on a Hike in Cradle Creek Preserve

Cradle Creek Preserve is home to soaring birds, quiet turtles, Spanish moss-laden trees, and so much more. All you have to do is walk the easy 30-minute loop and keep your eyes wide open! Bring the whole family out, as the path is accessible for little ones and grandparents. 

Explore the Nature Spots Just Outside of Town

While Cradle Creek Preserve is a lovely nature spot, it’s the only one in town. Luckily, there are quite a few noteworthy nature destinations that are just outside of Jacksonville Beach’s borders 

Castaway Island Preserve is a calming wetland area filled with well-maintained trails. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park has opportunities for hiking, fishing, biking, boating, swimming, and surfing. And Little Talbot Island State Park is a stunning barrier island with loads of shells and crashing waves. All just a short drive from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach. 

Stroll on the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Jacksonville Beach, a sunrise stroll on the Jacksonville Beach boardwalk is a great idea. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the buildings on 1st Street, the boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels that are sure to keep you entertained.

Get a Hole-in-One at the Jacksonville Beach Golf Club or TPC Sawgrass

The renovated Jacksonville Beach Golf Club course is known for its great landscaping and challenging set-up, and has been voted among the Top 30 Places to Play Golf in Florida. Don’t miss a chance to tee-up on the greens on a visit to town. And once you’ve finished, pop by the round, you can pop by the course’s new restaurant for a bite to eat.

If one golf course just isn’t enough for you, you’ll definitely want to check out TPC Sawgrass as well. This championship golf course is often ranked as one of the best courses in the United States, thanks to its challenging design and impeccable landscaping. It is most well-known as the location of the esteemed THE PLAYERS Championship Tournament.

Embrace the Animal Kingdom at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

Bring the whole herd to the Jacksonville Zoo to roar with the tigers, play with the penguins and get to know over 2,000 animals from every corner of the globe. The Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in the city, and for good reason. Don't miss the African Forest exhibit with gorilla's and bonobos! Or the Giraffe Overlook, where the elevated viewing platform puts you eye-to-eye the gentle giraffe. And little one's will love the Stingray Bay, where they can pet and feed all sorts of stingrays. Hop aboard the zoo train for the best way to see the park, especially with a multi-generational group, and check out zoo events to plan your trip around a zookeeper chat or animal feeding.