This article collects the best date ideas and romantic things to do in Jacksonville for couples based on significant travel, blogs, reviews, and social media sites.
There are numerous romantic activities available in Jacksonville. The city’s biggest attractions are listed below, along with ideas for romantic dates. These activities, which range from fine dining to sightseeing throughout the city, are free to attend.
Imagine surprising your loved one with a last-minute trip to Jacksonville?
Imagine what it was like when you two first met.
Bring those emotions to the forefront as you read this article.
Here are 30+ romantic things to do in Jacksonville with your partner.
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Table of Contents
Outdoor / Adventurous Date Ideas in Jacksonville To Have Fun
Stroll at Southbank Riverwalk
- Cost: Free
- Address: 1001 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Phone: +1 904-630-2489
The 1.25-mile Southbank Riverwalk is a paved promenade that runs alongside the St. Johns River. It’s an excellent location for viewing art while strolling the river at dusk.
You may choose from a wide variety of restaurants, like Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Hightide, and Cowford Chophouse, at each end for a full-date experience, and you’ll also enjoy a great view of the city skyline.
In contrast to other river walkways along the water’s edge, this one extends across it and travels from Friendship Park to Prudential Drive. There is enough room to unwind while reclining beside a bench and conversing with your date. It’s fantastic for boat viewing as well!
Shop at The St. Johns Town Center
- Cost: Starts from $100-$500 (shopping)
- Address: 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
- Phone: +1 904-998-7156
The Southside of Jacksonville is home to the St. Johns Town Center, an outdoor shopping center with a wide variety of stores, high-end brands, eateries, and pubs.
The J. Turner Butler Boulevard and Interstate 295 East Beltway crossroads are where you’ll find the mall, which has over 100 shops, including big-name retailers like Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Nordstrom, and Tiffany & Co.
You may enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many eateries and cafés in the mall, like Seasons 52 and many others.
Explore the wilderness in Jacksonville Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
- Cost: Free
- Address: 12713 Ft Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
- Phone: +1 904-641-7155
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve were established in 1988 and now covers over 45,000 acres of wetlands, streams, salt marshes, and coastal dunes in northeastern Duval County. It also includes historic sites like the Kingsley Plantation and the Fort Caroline National Memorial.
Guided tours are also available, drastically enhancing this fantastic place’s overall appeal.
Meet & Greet animals at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cost: $15/person (ticketing)
- Address: 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
- Phone: +1 904-757-3603
“Great Sanctuary! There were lots of Tigers and other cats. The Bear look so friendly when the volunteer was feeding him. It’s a nice place and they are building bigger cages for the animals!” – Travis H
Do you love animals and enormous cats!!
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is where you can see all these animals and learn about their habits.
You’ll like seeing Tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, and bobcats among the ranch’s residents. Foxes and coatimundis, dubbed “honorary cats,” are also housed at the park.
Visitors can learn more about the facilities and the ranch’s inhabitants by participating in activities like witnessing the animals in their natural habitats and watching them feed during guided day tours and evening feeding tours of the sanctuary.
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Explore the stellar outdoor location of Castaway Island Preserve
- Cost: Free
- Address: 2885 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
- Phone: +1 904-630-2489
“Easy walk with lots of nature. Enjoyed the information designed for kids. Nice views of the water. Great place for all ages.” – Randi Faye
This wonderful gem of a location is just a few miles away from the Intracoastal waterway. The preserve’s most notable feature is a mile-long interactive and informative trail.
Animal prints on the route make it simple to follow, and there are informational signs along the way with fascinating tidbits. Take a stroll down to the dock for some breathtaking views of northeastern Florida.
While there, keep an eye out for the local marshland wildlife that calls the area home. The preserve is also a fantastic site to start a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure.
Music, Art, Historic, Cultural Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Take a walk full of art at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
- Cost: $20/person (ticketing)
- Address: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Phone: +1 904-356-6857
One of Florida’s most incredible galleries and home to one of the Southeast’s best art collections is the Cummer Museum of Art. The Museum is home to almost 6,000 pieces of art that span between 2100 B.C. to the 21st century and are divided into European and American painting genres.
The Museum is housed in a collection of twentieth-century structures facing the St. John’s River.
Admire the showcases at Riverside Arts Market
- Cost: Starts from $30-$100 (shopping)
- Address: 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
- Phone: +1 904-389-2449
“Small but packed with great vendors. Farmers market type offerings as well as art and food. There is lots to see. The bridge adds nice acoustics for the musicians. Pet and family friendly. Easy access downtown with police to assist in directing traffic. Overall, a pleasant way to spend a Saturday.” – Moore
The Riverside Arts Market draws prominent people every Saturday to browse the countless stalls where producers, farmers, and artists display wares.
More than 100 artists showcase the city’s creative side with various homemade goods, including paintings and sculptures, pottery, silkscreen shirts, fresh cheeses, and other delectable handcrafted treats, at the expansive farmers market.
Catch a show at The Florida Theater
- Cost: Starts from $100-$400 (ticketing)
- Address: 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
- Phone: +1 904-355-2787
Theater Jacksonville is a volunteer-run community theater and one of the country’s longest-running organizations. It is situated in the San Marco district of downtown Jacksonville.
Theater Jacksonville performs a variety of shows throughout the year, in addition to educational programs, workshops, and other things.
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Travel back in time at MOSH! The Museum of Science and History
- Cost: $17.95/person (ticketing)
- Address: 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Phone: +1 904-396-6674
The Museum of Science and History is the epitome of experiencing scientific and historical achievements. One of the major sights in the city is the Museum, which is situated on the well-known Southbank Riverwalk.
Traveling exhibits at the Museum include full-scale skeletons, fossils from all over the world, and Dinosaurs. Signature exhibits at the Museum include “Brain Teasers,” featuring brain-boosting skills to explore the mind’s innermost workings.
Indoor / Relaxing / Foodies Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Time to sip in some sweet breweries
- Cost: Starts from $15-$120 (beer)
- Address: 1461 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Phone: +1 904-301-0755
The Jax Ale Trail offers beer enthusiasts an extraordinary experience with self-guided tours of the city’s artisan breweries.
Most of the breweries in and around town, including Aardwolf Brewing Co., Bold City Brewery, Engine 15 Brewing Co., and others, are visited by two organizations that provide brewery tours: Brew Bus Jacksonville and Play Harder Tours.
Tours may also stop at establishments that produce beer, like Seven Bridges, and may include along-the-route tastings of regional craft beers and delectable local fare.
Get ready for a sweet retreat at Sweet Pete’s Candy
- Cost: Starts from $10-$50 (ice cream)
- Address: 400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
- Phone: +1 904-643-4172
“This place is an experience! Three levels of candy, ice cream, colorfulness, and many other Willy Wonka vibes. We only purchased ice cream and soda. However, we will return for the cavity makers.” – Phillip
There is also an ice cream counter, gourmet chocolate and candies, candy cocktails, specialty sodas, and games you can play at home.
Go ahead and get a few of your favorites from this candy paradise, then bring them back to the hotel so you can all enjoy them! Enroll in the factory tour for an extra dose of pleasure.
Have a drink in a laid-back atmosphere Salt Life Food Shack
- Cost: Starts from $7-$20 (drink)
- Address: 1018 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
- Phone: +1 904-372-4456
Salt Life Food Shack is the ideal location for a quick snack or drink in a laid-back atmosphere. The Shack is an outdoor café serving coastal delicacies like freshly produced sushi, nearby fried shrimp, and beer can chicken.
It is only a few blocks from the beach and offers a subculture of sun and water enthusiasts. Since flip-flops and bathing suits are the norms, there is no need to dress up. The Salt Life Food Shack also conducts private gatherings and parties with menus created specifically for you.
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Gear up for a cozy dining experience at Escape Restaurant and Bar
- Cost: Starts from $40-$120 (food)
- Address: 1023 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204, United States
- Phone: +1 904-801-3899
Try out Escape Restaurant and Bar’s global culinary delights with a new vibe.
They provide hookahs, dessert sampling, and wine pairings. Although the cuisine and ambiance are excellent, Escape excels in its hookah offering.
You can pick from various filters, such as milk, cranberry, orange, pineapple, grapefruit, rum, whiskey, tequila, and vodka. White or red wine is another option.
Unable to decide? Try one of their concoctions, such as the Fall Special, Tequila Sunrise, Southern Hospitality, or Around the World. Additionally, you can choose other pre-made flavors from the menu.
Ready to taste some Italian delights at Mellow Mushroom
- Cost: Starts from $10-$30 (pizza)
- Address: 9734 Deer Lake Ct Ste 1, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
- Phone: +1 904-997-1955
“The pizza at Mellow Mushroom was perfect! There were many different choices. We tried two of them, both were tasty and were made of fresh ingredients. I would order from here again, any day!” – Kathy
Mellow Mushroom in Jacksonville, which originated in the hippie culture of the 1970s, specializes in pizza but also provides a variety of delicious calzones, subs, appetizers, and garden-fresh salads. Nothing goes better with pizza than a cold, crisp craft beer.
You can select from a distinctive and varied selection of premium imports and regional favorites, or you can order a handcrafted cocktail created with only natural juices, syrups, and purees.
Taste spectacular French cuisine at Restaurant Orsay
- Cost: Starts from $16-$50 (food)
- Address: 3630 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205, United States
- Phone: +1 904-381-0909
If you are looking for a spectacular French restaurant with exposed beam work, comfortable seating, handcrafted cocktails, and melt-in-your-mouth food, then visit Restaurant Orsay.
Birthdays and anniversaries are only two occasions when it’s a local favorite. Beef Stroganoff, Steak Tartare, Filet Mignon, Escargots, Bouillabaisse, Roasted Oysters, and other dishes are available.
Enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine with a twist
- Cost: Starts from $30-$70 (food)
- Address: 10110 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257, United States
- Phone: +1 904-646-1478
The Asian eatery Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro is famous for serving fantastic eateries. Along with your favorite dishes like Crab Rangoon, Short Rib Tacos, Spring Rolls, Beef Chow Fun, and others, they also have a superb tea variety. They also offer a mouthwatering Crème Brûlée.
The menu is straightforward, but the ambiance is elegant. There are comfortable chairs, stunning table settings, beautifully plated meals, and a white/gold facade. It is the most acceptable option in Jacksonville if you enjoy Asian cuisine and want a romantic dinner experience.
Sooth your body at One Ocean
- Cost: Starts from $110-$440 (massage)
- Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States
- Phone: +1 904-249-7402
Escape the stresses of the outside world and relax at the spa at One Ocean Resort. Bring your date early so you may relax in the peaceful relaxation area while you wrap yourself in a plush robe and let your worries drift away.
Enjoy a relaxing massage following a glass of wine and refreshments. Find harmony and renewal for the senses as you take in the ocean’s vastness. Detoxify in a steam shower when your therapy is finished, or choose from various additional options on the spa’s treatment menu.
Chillax at Mathews Restaurant
- Cost: Starts from $10-$80 (food)
- Address: 2107 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, United States
- Phone: +1 904-396-9922
American cuisine and a sizable wine list are served at Matthew’s Restaurant, a fine dining establishment. The meal is excellent, and the upmarket décor creates a friendly atmosphere.
They provide fresh flower bouquets on the table upon request, a six-course chef’s journey tasting menu, optional wine pairings, and small plates.
It’s a must-try to order their Fall Squash Soup with Smoked Duck and Matignon and their Pasta Radiatore with Wagyu Beef Bolognaise, Shaved Parmesan, and Truffle Oil. They have a White Chocolate Bread Pudding and a Soufflé of the Evening as dessert options.
Time to try out some scrumptious seafood
- Cost: Starts from $15-$20 (food)
- Address: 12903 Hood Landing Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258, United States
- Phone: +1 904-268-3474
Enjoy some deliciously prepared fish at Clark’s Fish Camp with beautiful Julington Creek in the background.
Once a bait and tackle store, the restaurant has been transformed into a laid-back seafood eatery that offers a distinctive eating experience. A 5-meter North American alligator and a variety of fish and turtles are on display in the restaurant’s live alligator exhibit.
Enjoy a delicious selection of fresh seafood while sitting indoors or outside with a view of the creek.
Reserve a private table at Cowford Chophouse
- Cost: Starts from $48-$250 (food)
- Address: 101 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, United States
- Phone: +1 904-862-6464
“Very nice place, large rooms. Not noisy . Very nice bar downstairs . Great food and service ! A come back is mandatory .” – Milo M
Cowford Chophouse is a two-story restaurant, rooftop lounge, and private group dining space designed with flair and excellence. A perfect date night destination for you.
Cowford Chophouse serves up traditional steakhouse fare and the freshest local catch as a tribute to the River City’s rich heritage and Southern culinary roots.
Wine, dine, or place an order for handcrafted cocktails, fresh sides, and excellent steaks. Do not overlook the Cinnamon Roll Brulee, which will undoubtedly become a classic dessert in the future.
Finish off your enchanted romantic evening with a nightcap from the rooftop lounge, which offers breathtaking views of downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.
Fun and Entertaining Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Fun & entertainment with a twist
- Cost: Starts from $45-$125 (food+ticketing)
- Address: 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
- Phone: +1 904-641-1212
“The food and service was excellent but the show was soo much fun! The show changes so check out their calendar before you go. We’ve been several times and the show is always quality.” – Donna
The Alhambra Theater and Dining offers supper and entertainment options. Enjoy the fusion of both excellent food and entertainment at this venue.
Visit Alhambra Theater & Dining for the ideal occasion to dress up and enjoy Broadway-caliber performance and a great dining culinary experience.
Nature-Inspired Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Take a refreshing break at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
- Cost: $25/person (ticketing)
- Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
- Phone: +1 904-757-4463
“Such a fun zoo with lots to see & my kids enjoyed it. We actually didn’t even get to see the whole thing all in one day and had to go back a second time to complete it.” – Marissa C
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, located at the mouth of Trout River, are a great place to spend the day.
It has been operational since 1914 and occupies 117 acres. They have nearly 2,000 animals in exhibits, and a crew dedicated to animal wellbeing ensures they have happy lives.
You can identify the optimum time to visit when it isn’t crowded by doing some research. The Japanese Zen Garden is the ideal setting for a romantic picnic.
Come close to the nature at Big Talbot Island State Park
- Cost: $2/person (ticketing)
- Address: Big Talbot Island State Park, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
- Phone: N/A
Big Talbot Island is undoubtedly one of central Florida’s most stunning state parks. This natural preserve is a terrific location for birdwatching, nature studies, and photography and a great site to enjoy leisure activities.
Big Talbot Island State Park is located on a distinctive sea island off the northeastern coast of southwest Florida, which accounts for the preserve’s varied topography. Observe a breathtaking maritime forest by taking Jones Cut, the Blackrock Trail, or a boat tour of the salt marsh.
Reconnect with nature at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
- Cost: $3/person (ticketing)
- Address: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, United States
- Phone: +1 904-318-4342
“Beautifully curated with beautiful plants and well-maintained trails. Great for any age! A must see for visitors and wish we had something like this closer to my home!” – Nicole M
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are great places to find peace and develop a unique connection with nature. The nursery spans over a vast 120-acre site with seven lovely natural pathways and thirteen completely different ecosystems.
Spend a calming evening at Little Talbot Island State Park
- Cost: Free
- Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
- Phone: +1 904-251-2320
Little Talbot Island State Park, one of the top things to do in Jacksonville, Florida, is a beautiful oasis for leisure with miles of beaches like Fort Lauderdale, woodlands, unspoiled salt marshes, and dunes.
Northeast Florida’s remote barrier islands are home to various species, including marsh rabbits, river otters, and lovely birds. Numerous recreational pursuits are available in the park, such as hiking, beachcombing, surfing, and fishing. For a day at the beach, cozy picnic pavilions are excellent.
Enjoy some fresh air and healthy activities with your dog at Dog Wood Park
Dogwood Park – off leash dog park Jacksonville, FL
- Cost: $11/person (ticketing)
- Address: 7407 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256, United States
- Phone: +1 904-296-3636
DogWood Park, a private country club with distinctive and lovely environs for owners to exercise and socialize their dogs, is a must-see if you’re traveling with your dog.
Dogs can run free in a secure and monitored setting on the 42-acre off-leash park. The park also provides canines and their owners with a wide range of great fitness and leisure facilities, such as jogging and walking trails.
Moreover, there is a Lake Bow Wow, a 2-acre swimming lake for dogs, huge fields for Frisbee and ball-throwing competitions, shady areas for relaxation, and a dog shower for muddy paws.
Go for a picnic at Fort George Island Cultural State Park
- Cost: Free
- Address: 12241 Fort George Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, United States
- Phone: +1 904-251-2320
“The pathway and location is on beautiful grounds! It is tucked away in a unique location and the history here is very interesting.” – Alexander A
Fort George is located close to the Little Talbot Island State. The magnificently preserved Ribault Club, built in 1928 as a posh winter resort, is now used as a visitor’s center.
Moreover, tourists can visit the island to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and mountain biking.
Have some unforgettable fun at the seashore
- Cost: $30/person (kayaking)
- Address: Manhattan BeachJacksonville, FL 32233, USA
- Phone: N/A
A picturesque 60-acre lake at Hanna Park, once known as Manhattan Beach, is perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and even pedal boating. The park is so stunning that Adventure Kayak Florida even offers kayaking tours.
Instead, those who would remain on the dry ground can explore the 20 miles of diverse paths, including bicycle tracks, with varying degrees of difficulty.
The pathways are made up of soft sand, boardwalk, and dirt. Hanna Park is one of the top surfing sites on this side of southeast Florida for serious surfers.
Unforgettable Date Experiences in Jacksonville
Sail over the waters with Now & Zen Sailing Charters
- Cost: $50/person (ticketing)
- Address: 4234 Lakeside Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32210, United States
- Phone: +1 904-803-8843
Enjoy a calm and relaxing sailing over the waters in a 42-foot cruising Catamaran. On board, the fully-serviced and crewed Catamaran participates in various activities, such as day cruises, sunset cruises, private dinner cruises, and sailing vacations.
Additionally, the Catamaran can be rented for special events and can be customized to meet any requirements.
Wander the skies with hot air balloon ride
- Cost: $375/person (ticketing)
- Address: 103 Tuscan Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092, United State
- Phone: +1 407-897-5432
If your love knows no limitations, then take a hot air balloon ride to take it to new heights. Allow award-winning pilot David Fuller to guide you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the sky.
Each trip starts with a celebratory mimosa or beverage of your choice, followed by a “balloonist’s prayer” to calm any jitters.
Then, before you know it, you will be in the air for a memorable experience. Enjoy a beautiful one-hour trip that will impress your date for years to come as you get a bird’s eye view of the central Florida coast in the hours immediately past dawn. You’ll feel out of breath after this private outing.
Take a horseback ride at Kelly Seahorse Ranch
- Cost: $125/person (ticketing)
- Address: 9500 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States
- Phone: +1 904-491-5166
Feel the sea breeze blowing through your hair as you splash into the waves on horseback with Kelly Seahorse Ranch in Amelia Island State Park. With your special someone, cross off this legendary fantasy from your bucket list while seeing the grandeur of the sea, sky, and beach from a different angle.
After this horse riding fun, you can rent a bike from the ranch and have a spin through the park and down the beach. You will undoubtedly find yourself getting closer to one another as you experience nature’s splendor in a new manner, whether you travel by horseback or bicycle.
The Most Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, Florida
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville is a beautiful city in northeast Florida. The city’s attractions are museums, old structures, historic sites, historic buildings, romantic getaways, hiking trails, city tours, boat tours, amusement parks, food events, and renowned eateries.
We hope you will enjoy all the places on this list.
Have a beautiful time in Jacksonville.
Thanks for reading!
| Make your money go further with these resources for your next trip! – ✈️Flights, Hotel, Tours – I seek out Flash Sales to guide my planning 👉 Find good deals – 🛡️Travel Insurance – I like to go to the source like Travelex instead of paying a broker 👉Here – 🚗Car Rental – Rental will save you lots of headaches. Search, compare, and save first up to 30-50% on Discover Cars. 👉 Save Now Links from affiliated brands I like. |
