Top 10 Jacksonville, Florida Attractions

Spend each and every moment of your Jacksonville, Florida vacation enjoying yourself by visiting the Top 10 Attractions in the city. Plan your getaway agenda in advance to take advantage of special "Stay and Play" offers as well as online promotions. Soak up some sun and fun along the Atlantic Coast by adding at the 10 best Jacksonville multi-generational attractions and museums. Beat the traffic and ride from your hotel to attractions and restaurants using the Jacksonville trolley.

1- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Get up close and personal with 160 animals and over 20 species of mammals and reptiles at "Jax" zoo. The Pinewood Trail leads to the petting zoo and Zoo Train station. The Silverback gorillas and massive alligators are among the highlights of the glimpse into the animal kingdom houses in northern Florida.

2 - Fort Clinch State Park

Visit the old oceanfront fort and view artifacts dating back to 1847. Wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters while traversing nearly 1,000 acres of hiking trails, beaches and fishing piers. You can pitch a tent or park an RV at the state park campground. The fort brings to life the duties, challenges and routine daily tasks of Union soldiers during the Civil War era.

3- Museum of Science and History

The "MOSH" features a host of both permanent exhibits and traveling displays with demystify the realms of history of science. Visitors from 10 to 99 will enjoy the hands-on interactive areas at the aquarium exhibit, the tour through a massive Body Within display which allows you to enter through the "mouth" and explore before exiting through the "rear."

4- Museum of Southern History

Turn the pages of history at visit the Antebellum period at the Museum of Southern History. Make your child the star pupil in civic class when he shares his first hand knowledge of Civil War medicine, artifacts, fashions and weaponry. A genealogical research library is also open for public use.

5- Kingsley Plantation

Walk back in time to a simpler era and discover what life was like in the late 1700's on a cotton plantation. Kingsley Plantation is the oldest known still standing in the "Sunshine State." You will tour the main home, 23 slave cabins, manicured grounds and experience breathtaking views of Fort Georgre Inlet.

6- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

A personal collection of 60 artistic works along the St. John's River was shared with public courtesy of Ninah and Arthur Cummer in 1961. The riverside museum collection has since grown to over 5,000 exhibits and includes the work of woodblock painter, Dennis C. Hayes.

7- Beaches Museum and History Center

The railroad themed historical park includes tours of structures dating back to 1903. Museum exhibits focus on the history of the Florida railroad and features a steam engine which was manufactured in 1911.

8- Southbank Riverwalk

There is no need to open your wallet to enjoy this Jacksonville attraction. A boardwalk stretches just over a mile along the St. John's river. If you visit during the afternoon or evening you can elect to dine inside at a cafe or pack a picnic at grab a table along the riverbank and watch the boats pass. Highlights along the riverwalk include the Friendship Fountain and Museum of Science and History. Special events, cultural programs and street performers are often on-hand to entertain visitors.

9- Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

Although the brewery tour is suitable for visitors of all ages, only those age 21 or older are permitted inside the "Tasting Room." The 30 minute tour encompasses the step-by-step process of beer brewing and bottling. You can follow the designated tour route on your own, or opt for a guided tour which leaves from the gift shop on every half an hour.

10- Jacksonville Maritime Museum

Spend an afternoon discovering the maritime history of the Jacksonville region and touring the Southbank River Walk. Displays and interactive exhibits focus on the naval ships of northern Florida. Artifacts and photos depict the transition of maritime technology and a scale model of the Titantic.