Jacksonville, Florida: Best Places to Take a First Date

It's easy to think of Jacksonville Beach as the perfect first date but there's much more to Jacksonville, Florida than the beach. Here are some ideas for first dates that are easy on the wallet and places that provide easy conversation when getting through that first awkward stage of getting to know each other.

Riverside Arts Market

Riverside Arts Market is perfect for a Saturday morning or afternoon date. If your date has never been to the Arts Market, they'll be wondering what's up when you lead them to these arts, crafts, and farmer's market booths under the Fuller Warren Bridge! However, keep them moving along until you reach the water's edge. Even if your date isn't interested in fresh vegetables, fresh bread, coffee, handmade necklaces, hats, purses, plants or about anything else you can think of, I bet they will enjoy the gorgeous view of the city from the banks of the St. John's river and the musical entertainment that is ongoing every Saturday.

There's no stress and plenty to see to strike up a conversation when perusing the stalls at Riverside Arts Market. There are always very interesting items - including seafood and international fare - for lunch at reasonable prices. You can while away a couple of hours here in a blink of an eye - then decide if you want the date to continue into evening.

Riverside Arts Market is a do not miss for me most every Saturday.

715 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-389-2449
Open Saturdays from March to December 10am - 4pm
riversideartsmarket.com

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

While the zoo may seem to be a lame choice for a first date, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is anything but. Notice the Gardens included in the name. One of the best things about Jacksonville's Zoo are the beautiful garden paths that you stroll from exhibit to exhibit on. There are beautiful lily ponds, an Asian garden with a huge koi pond, and many little side paths perfect for first kisses. If you would like to do something a little more formal - or enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo during the evening - check into joining the Wild Things group for young professionals age 21-44. As a member of this group, you can impress your first date with a behind the scenes tour or a Brew at the Zoo event.

370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218
Open Daily 9am - 5pm (until 6pm March 6th - September 7th Saturday, Sunday and holidays)
Charge: $13 per adult; reduced prices for children, seniors, and AAA members
Jacksonville Zoo website
Wild Things Membership

Fernandina Beach, Florida or St. Augustine, Florida - near Jacksonville
San Marco or Five Points - Jacksonville

If you think this first date has great possibilities, take a chance and take a trip out of town. St. Augustine to the south of Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach to the north of Jacksonville - both just 30 minutes out of Jacksonville - offer cohesive quaint village areas perfect for window shopping. St. Augustine is beautiful at night - particularly around the Christmas holidays - and Fernandina Beach has a small seaside town charm all its own.

Not quite so sure about this first date? Stay closer to home by walking through Jacksonville's Bohemian Five Points or the San Marco area. Pick an eclectic eatery or coffee shop to enjoy.

Sources:
Personal Experience