The list of things to do in Jacksonville on a small budget may come as a surprise if you know the Florida city mostly for its outstanding shopping scene. From Jacksonville Beach and the Atlantic Ocean to stunning natural areas and more, though, the choice is pretty good.

Take a few hours and stroll The Riverwalk along St. John’s River, soak up the sun, or get out on the river or ocean in a kayak and see for yourself what the largest city in Florida has to offer. Here we show you some of the great options and why holidays in Jacksonville don't have to be expensive.

  • 1

    Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

    Cast a line and satisfy your shopping needs in one place

    Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is an iconic attraction and extends almost a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an ideal place to cast a line in (though there’s a small fee for doing so) and there are also concessions, a bait and tackle store, and public restrooms on-site.

    Whether you’re here to capture the sunrise or just to stare out across the water at the city, don’t miss this option. Note that there is no saltwater license required to fish from the pier, but there is a tiny fee to stroll the pier as a spectator.

    Location: 503 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, USA

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Phone: +1 904-241-1515

    Map
  • 2

    Tree Hill Nature Center

    Get your hands dirty and learn about the stewardship of nature

    Tree Hill Nature Center
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo

    Tree Hill Nature Center is where you can get back to nature in Jacksonville. This wilderness preserve was established in 1971 to “teach stewardship naturally”, and does so with a museum, miles of walking trails, and more spread across 51 acres of pristine wilderness within the heart of the city.

    Visitors can explore guided trail tours, the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, and a tortoise colony among other features. The Loretto Nature Center is one of the most popular attractions.

    Location: 7152 Lone Star Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32211, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +1 904-724-4646

    Map

    photo by Ebyabe (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    The Riverwalk

    Stroll the promenade along the beautiful Saint John’s River

    The Riverwalk
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Photo

    The Riverwalk is an excellent option if you’re looking for a great way to experience Jacksonville from a different perspective. Specifically, the Southbank Riverwalk offers 1.25 miles of concrete and brick walkway set directly on the water. It’s lined with benches and canopies ideal for sitting and watching the boats on the water.

    While there are no shops on the Riverwalk itself, you’re close to a wide range of shopping, dining, and drinking options, including Chart House and River City Brewing Co. Kayak rentals and a water taxi launch are also close by. Note that the Riverwalk is free of charge, and it can be crowded during peak times of the day.

    Location: 1001 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA

    Phone: +1 904-630-2489

    Map
  • 4

    Jacksonville Farmer’s Market

    Explore an open-air, festive market with over 100 stalls

    Jacksonville Farmer’s Market
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    Jacksonville Farmer’s Market was established in the 1930s and offers the chance to visit over 100 stalls and purchase locally grown, fresh produce and handcrafted products. You’ll also find seafood, ice cream, and plants and trees for sale.

    In addition to vendor stalls, the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market is home to events throughout the year. It’s just 1 mile from the historic downtown area and puts you in a good position to visit both the Riverside and Avondale areas in mere minutes.

    Location: 1810 W. Beaver St., Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 904-354-2821

    Map

    photo by MikesMegapixels (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 5

    Little Talbot Island State Park

    Experience an undeveloped, pristine island

    Little Talbot Island State Park
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Little Talbot Island State Park occupies the entire island, offering over 2,500 acres of undeveloped, pristine nature to experience. Visitors will find many attractions here, including 5 miles of incredible beach to enjoy, as well as several miles of biking trails.

    In addition to white sands and blue waters, visitors can explore native plants, such as cedars and palms. It’s also possible to rent kayaks and journey along Myrtle Creek, go fishing, head out into the surf, or enjoy hours of birdwatching. Camping is also available but campsites are at an additional cost.

    Location: 12157 Heckscher Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA

    Open: Daily from 8.15 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 904-251-2320

    Map
  • 6

    Big Talbot Island State Park

    Big Talbot is big on natural beauty and enjoyment

    Big Talbot Island State Park
    • Adventure
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    • Photo

    Big Talbot Island State Park, just west of Little Talbot Island State Park, gives you access to one of the most diverse island habitats in the world. Some of the top attractions here include Boneyard Beach, where you can explore the skeletons of long-dead oak trees, Blackrock Trail for hiking, and Blackrock Beach, which is unique in the state and home to many tidepool creatures.

    You’ll find plenty of other things to experience here, including exploring the marsh, taking a kayak tour, renting a boat, and visiting the bluffs for a picnic. There’s also the Timucuan Trail, which is a paved multi-use site designed for bikes, skating, and other activities.

    Location: State Road A1A North, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to sunset

    Phone: +1 904-251-2320

    Map
  • 7

    Museum of Science and History

    Engage your curiosity and discover amazing things at MOSH

    Museum of Science and History
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History

    Jacksonville's Museum of Science and History (or MOSH for short) is a popular attraction for both kids and grownups. Located in the heart of the city, it offers access to many core exhibits, including Health in Motion, Atlantic Trails: Coastal Creatures of Northeast Florida, JEA PowerPlay; Understanding Our Energy Choices, Currents of Time, and the Hixon Native Plant Courtyard.

    Visiting exhibits here include a celebration of the Timucuan Parks Foundation, Creation Station, and others. The museum features outreach programmes, as well as discovery camps, home-school days, and camp-ins designed to help younger learners connect with the amazing world around them.

    Location: 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 904-396-6674

    Map

    photo by MOSHJacksonville (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 8

    Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens

    Step into nature with stunning gardens and winding trails

    Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo

    Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens are owned by the city and provide adults and kids with an affordable way to connect with the natural world. You’ll find miles of trails here, including Deer Moss Trail, Rosemary Trail, Sandridge Trail, Live Oak Trail, and more.

    If hiking isn’t your thing, take a stroll through several garden areas or relax at the lake. The water garden is especially impressive, but there are plenty of other options for enjoyment. This park also holds several events throughout the year, including live painting classes, yoga, and Discovering Nature Nearby, which focuses on local flora and fauna.

    Location: 1445 Millcoe Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 8 am to 7 pm, Friday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 904-318-4342

    Map

    photo by wilB (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Castaway Island Preserve

    Spot unique wildlife from the boardwalk

    Castaway Island Preserve
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo

    Castaway Island Preserve, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, offers a wooden boardwalk and observation platform ideal for spotting wildlife in Jacksonville. The preserve is adjacent to a salt marsh, which is home to many unique birds, plants, and animals. From the observation platform, you can also get a view out over the Intracoastal Waterway, to view seabirds, dolphins, and boats.

    In addition to the boardwalk and platform, you’ll find an interpretive nature trail designed for children, and there’s also a kayak launch that lets into the salt marsh. Make sure to explore the education centre, which is home to scheduled programmes throughout the week.

    Location: 2921 San Pablo Rd. S, Jacksonville, FL 32225, USA

    Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +1 904-630-2489

    Map
Valerie Mellema | Contributing Writer