Jacksonville, Florida Attractions & Things To Do
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Here you’ll find quiet beach towns, bustling cities, family attractions, and cultural sites. No matter what your interests, the knowledgeable staff at Best Western Oceanfront will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Mayo Clinic Hospital.
The Mayo Clinic Hospital - Jacksonville campus was established in 1986. The renowned medical facility supports advanced studies in medical research and education for exceptional patient care and the advancement of medical science. St. Luke’s Hospital, located near Mayo Clinic, provides practical clinical care opportunities for medical students. The new Mayo Clinic Hospital, currently under construction, represents Mayo Clinic's long-awaited dream of creating a fully integrated medical campus with inpatient and outpatient services under one roof. This will make Jacksonville one of only three places to combine a hospital with outpatient, research and educational facilities focusing first and foremost on the patient. Completion is expected in early 2008. Visit www.mayo.edu.Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fans near and far come together each football season to cheer for their favorite NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. Catch a thrilling game at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Visit www.jaguars.com. [Top]
Jacksonville Beach.
Jacksonville Beach is a quaint resort town located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Jacksonville Beach offers miles of unobstructed beaches, a 1,300-foot pier, shopping and dining, and is home to the annual Springing the Blues music festival. You can also rent various items from Rent Beach Stuff to make your visit even more enjoyable and unique. Visit www.jacksonvillebeach.org or www.visitjacksonvillebeaches.com and www.rentbeachstuff.com.Springing the Blues.
Springing the Blues is a free outdoor music festival held each year over the first weekend in April. The three-day concert takes place at the Oceanfront SeaWalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. This festive family event attracts today’s top blues performers such as Willie Smith, Nora Jean Bruso, Greg Baril and many more. Visit www.springingtheblues.com. [Top]Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville Brewery.
Complimentary tours of the Anheuser-Busch brewery are offered year-round at the Jacksonville facility. Learn how the famous beer is brewed and packaged for worldwide consumption. At the end of the tour, guests age 21 or older can taste free samples of select brews. Visit www.budweisertours.com.Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass.
The Stadium Course at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass is the ultimate championship golf experience. Here, recreational golfers can challenge themselves to a round of golf on an elite course designed specifically for PGA Tour professionals. The Stadium Course at Sawgrass, designed by Pete Dye, is the flagship golf course of the TPC enterprise. Visit www.tpc.com. [Top]Association of Tennis Professionals.
Northeast Florida is home to the men’s professional tennis organization, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Visit www.atptennis.com.Gator Bowl Classic.
Each January, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium plays host to the Gator Bowl Classic football championship that pits two of the nation’s top college football teams against the other. The Gator Bowl Classic has been a Florida favorite since its inception in 1946. Visit www.gatorbowl.com. [Top]Adventure Landing.
Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach is an exciting amusement park for the entire family. Enjoy hours of fun with miniature golf, laser tag, roller coasters, video arcade, batting cages, adventure speedway go-karts, and the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Visit www.adventurelanding.com.The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Located along the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is known for its extensive collection of American and European paintings, and an impressive collection of early Meissen porcelain. The museum is framed by two acres of historic English and Italian gardens. Visit www.cummer.org. [Top]Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville opened its doors in 2003 in the renovated six-story Western Union Telegraph Building. Original artworks are displayed in permanent collection galleries, five rotating exhibition galleries, an interactive children’s center, and the Atrium Gallery. Visit www.mocajacksonville.org.Jacksonville Urban Parks.
Jacksonville operates the largest urban parks system in the United States. More than 80,000 acres of public space is open for year-round enjoyment. Explore wetland habitats at various nature parks like Westside Regional Park; play at the sea or rent a paddleboat for the freshwater lake at Kathryn Abby Hanna Park; or enjoy the outdoors at the barrier-free Bethesda Park. The list of opportunities is endless. Visit www.coj.net/departments/Parks+and+Recreation/default.htm. [Top]St. Augustine.
Also known as the “Ancient City,” St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Today, St. Augustine is a bustling tourist town with charming boutiques, historical landmarks, restaurants, marinas, and 43 miles of pristine beaches. Visit www.oldcity.com.Alhambra Dinner Theatre.
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre is a Jacksonville tradition for the whole family. Enjoy live theatre performances and a delicious buffet dinner or lunch. Alhambra Dinner Theatre has staged such popular productions as Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Hello Dolly, and Fiddler on the Roof. Visit www.alhambradinnertheatre.com. [Top]World Golf Village.
World Golf Village in St. Augustine is a golfer’s fantasy. At the World Golf Village is the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA TOUR Golf Academy, distinguished King & Bear and Slammer & Squire golf courses, PGA TOUR Spa Laterra, and an IMAX Theater. Visit www.wgv.com.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers exciting animal exhibits and innovative approaches to zoological conservation. The zoo is currently exploring the addition of botanical gardens throughout the grounds to further explore the world’s natural resources.New animal exhibits such as Range of the Jaguar and Giraffe Overlook continue to captivate audiences of all ages. Visit www.jaxzoo.org. [Top]
Marineland.
Marineland, located in St. Augustine, is the world’s first oceanarium. Today, visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about dolphins in interactive programs at the Dolphin Conservation Center. Various programs are offered throughout the year that allows people to swim with, touch, and learn about dolphins while in the water. Visit www.marineland.net.The Jacksonville Landing.
Located along the St. Johns River, The Jacksonville Landing is the social hot spot in and around Jacksonville. Shop, dine, visit museums, listen to live music, dance the night away, or stroll the walkway. Visit www.jacksonvillelanding.com.Jacksonville Museum of Science & History.
The Jacksonville Museum of Science & History (MOSH) offers an exciting glimpse into prehistoric times, space travel, underwater worlds, and much more. Interactive exhibits encourage learning for all ages. In addition to exhibits, MOSH is home to a fascinating planetarium. Visit www.themosh.org. [Top]
