Jacksonville Central Retreat Guidebook
Family Fun
Zoo and Gardens! Can easily spend half a day here with the whole family. Bring a quick picnic to sit near the bird sanctuary and have a picnic :)
ADVANCE, ONLINE PURCHASE ONLY
As of Oct 2021:
Adults (13 to 64)...............$24.95
Seniors (65+)......................$22.95
Children (3 to 12).............$19.95
Children (2 and under)........Free
https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/plan-your-visit
321 locals recommend
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo PkwyZoo and Gardens! Can easily spend half a day here with the whole family. Bring a quick picnic to sit near the bird sanctuary and have a picnic :)
ADVANCE, ONLINE PURCHASE ONLY
As of Oct 2021:
Adults (13 to 64)...............$24.95
Seniors (65+)......................$22.95
Children (3 to 12).............$19.95
Children (2 and under)........Free
https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/plan-your-visit
From $1 beer night, family movie night in the park, to parties and groups for a very low entertainment cost!
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are a Minor League Baseball team that is the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. They play in the Triple-A East league. The Jumbo Shrimp are located in Jacksonville, Florida, and are named for shrimp caught.
Advanced Pricing:
Wheelhouse Captain's Chairs^ $28
PNC Bank Home Plate Club* $25
121 Financial Crustacean Corner $20
Dugout Reserved (Sec. 102-113) $14
Field Reserved (Sec. 101, 114-120) $11
Bleachers / Jax Chrysler Jeep Arlington Trail Rated Territory $5
https://www.milb.com/jacksonville/tickets/
31 locals recommend
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Baseball Club
301 A Philip Randolph BlvdFrom $1 beer night, family movie night in the park, to parties and groups for a very low entertainment cost!
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are a Minor League Baseball team that is the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. They play in the Triple-A East league. The Jumbo Shrimp are located in Jacksonville, Florida, and are named for shrimp caught.
Advanced Pricing:
Wheelhouse Captain's Chairs^ $28
PNC Bank Home Plate Club* $25
121 Financial Crustacean Corner $20
Dugout Reserved (Sec. 102-113) $14
Field Reserved (Sec. 101, 114-120) $11
Bleachers / Jax Chrysler Jeep Arlington Trail Rated Territory $5
https://www.milb.com/jacksonville/tickets/
Free family fun just a short drive away! Cruise the historic A1A which runs the whole length of Florida!
86 locals recommend
Jacksonville Beach Pier
503 1st St NFree family fun just a short drive away! Cruise the historic A1A which runs the whole length of Florida!
Roughly the same distance as Jax Beach but enjoy being AWAY from the tourist crowds and even nicer beaches in most places.
98 locals recommend
Fernandina Beach
Roughly the same distance as Jax Beach but enjoy being AWAY from the tourist crowds and even nicer beaches in most places.
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal care ranch that provides a safe and loving environment for rescued and endangered big cats. The primary focus of the Ranch is to take care of animals that have been recovered from dire situations, and residents at the ranch include tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, and bobcats. The park is also home to foxes, and coatimundis, which have been named "honorary cats." The sanctuary can be explored with guided day tours and night-time feeding tours, during which visitors learn about the facilities and the residents of the ranch, and their natural habitats, as well as watch the animals being fed.
1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, Phone: 904-757-3603
72 locals recommend
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
1860 Starratt RdCatty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal care ranch that provides a safe and loving environment for rescued and endangered big cats. The primary focus of the Ranch is to take care of animals that have been recovered from dire situations, and residents at the ranch include tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, and bobcats. The park is also home to foxes, and coatimundis, which have been named "honorary cats." The sanctuary can be explored with guided day tours and night-time feeding tours, during which visitors learn about the facilities and the residents of the ranch, and their natural habitats, as well as watch the animals being fed.
1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226, Phone: 904-757-3603
The Fort Clinch State Park is a diverse 1,400-acre park that is based around the historic Fort Clinch, an important strategic fort dating back to the Civil War. The fort features numerous rooms which visitors can explore, art galleries and exhibitions which showcase living history programs about the lives of Union soldiers. Other amenities at the park include several paved and gravel multi-use hiking and biking trails that wind through massive arching live oaks with maritime hammocks, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, shelling, bird and wildlife watching. The park has beautiful beaches that provide good swimming, surfing, beachcombing, picnicking, and is renowned for its gopher tortoises, painting buntings and several other species of wildlife. A Visitor Center sells a variety of camping essentials and supplies, souvenirs, prepackaged snacks and refreshments, and a museum is located next to the center which provides an introduction into the history of Fort Clinch.
2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, Phone: 904-277-7274
73 locals recommend
Fort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic AveThe Fort Clinch State Park is a diverse 1,400-acre park that is based around the historic Fort Clinch, an important strategic fort dating back to the Civil War. The fort features numerous rooms which visitors can explore, art galleries and exhibitions which showcase living history programs about the lives of Union soldiers. Other amenities at the park include several paved and gravel multi-use hiking and biking trails that wind through massive arching live oaks with maritime hammocks, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, shelling, bird and wildlife watching. The park has beautiful beaches that provide good swimming, surfing, beachcombing, picnicking, and is renowned for its gopher tortoises, painting buntings and several other species of wildlife. A Visitor Center sells a variety of camping essentials and supplies, souvenirs, prepackaged snacks and refreshments, and a museum is located next to the center which provides an introduction into the history of Fort Clinch.
2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach FL 32034, Phone: 904-277-7274
The Hands On Children's Museum is dedicated to motivating children of all ages to learn through discovery and play with a variety of interactive and hands-on exhibits. The family-friendly museum promotes hands-on participatory learning through role-playing, observation, problem-solving, creative construction, inquiry, and free play. Interactive exhibits at the museum include a radio and television station, a grocery store, a castle, an emergency, and fire rescue station, and several play areas. The Hands On Children's Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and field trips for school children and groups and has a sizeable educational figure called ‘Stuffee’ who has soft removable internal organs and offers a fun and interactive for students to learn about the body systems.
8580 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, Phone: 904-642-2688
20 locals recommend
Hands On Children's Museum
8580 Beach BlvdThe Hands On Children's Museum is dedicated to motivating children of all ages to learn through discovery and play with a variety of interactive and hands-on exhibits. The family-friendly museum promotes hands-on participatory learning through role-playing, observation, problem-solving, creative construction, inquiry, and free play. Interactive exhibits at the museum include a radio and television station, a grocery store, a castle, an emergency, and fire rescue station, and several play areas. The Hands On Children's Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and field trips for school children and groups and has a sizeable educational figure called ‘Stuffee’ who has soft removable internal organs and offers a fun and interactive for students to learn about the body systems.
8580 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, Phone: 904-642-2688
Adventure Landing Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a family-focused theme park that offers a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family from arcade games and miniature golf to laser tag and go-karting. The popular venue promises fun for all with an array of amenities and attractions, including Adventure Speedway Go-Karts, fun themed rides such as the Frog Hopper, the Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, and a flight simulator, and two 18-hole miniature adventure golf courses. Visitors can try their hand at laser tag in a massive multi-level arena, play billiards on one of several tables, hit the gaming arcade and win some redemption prizes or head to the catting cages for some baseball practice. Food and drinks are served at two themed snack bars and several concessions around the park.
1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, Phone: 904-438-3787
17 locals recommend
Shipwreck Island Water Park
1944 Beach BlvdAdventure Landing Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a family-focused theme park that offers a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family from arcade games and miniature golf to laser tag and go-karting. The popular venue promises fun for all with an array of amenities and attractions, including Adventure Speedway Go-Karts, fun themed rides such as the Frog Hopper, the Wacky Worm Roller Coaster, and a flight simulator, and two 18-hole miniature adventure golf courses. Visitors can try their hand at laser tag in a massive multi-level arena, play billiards on one of several tables, hit the gaming arcade and win some redemption prizes or head to the catting cages for some baseball practice. Food and drinks are served at two themed snack bars and several concessions around the park.
1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, Phone: 904-438-3787
See the NFL team, Jacksonville Jaguars play!
https://www.jaguars.com/tickets/singlegametickets
24 locals recommend
Jaguar Football Stadium
Bankfield driveSee the NFL team, Jacksonville Jaguars play!
https://www.jaguars.com/tickets/singlegametickets
Food scene
THE BEST- Seafood boil in town- before all the other knock offs ;)
54 locals recommend
Maple Street Biscuit Company- JAX Beach
410 3rd Street NorthTHE BEST- Seafood boil in town- before all the other knock offs ;)
Only 10 minutes away and open every weekend!
The Jacksonville Farmers Market is the oldest operating outdoor farmers market in Florida and is home to over 200 vendors serving a wide variety of fresh produce, herbs, and vegetables, and handmade arts and crafts. Established in 1938, the historic market is located a few minutes away from downtown Jacksonville and features several sections with different stalls selling an array of farm-to-table fare, fresh produce, and handcrafted items in open air, festive ambiance. Head to Andy’s Farmers Market Grill for a sumptuous breakfast before shopping, and don’t miss a chance to taste the market’s famous Mayport shrimp. The Jacksonville Farmers Market is open daily from dawn to dusk.
1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32209, Phone: 904-354-2821
11 locals recommend
Jacksonville Farmers Market
1810 W Beaver StOnly 10 minutes away and open every weekend!
The Jacksonville Farmers Market is the oldest operating outdoor farmers market in Florida and is home to over 200 vendors serving a wide variety of fresh produce, herbs, and vegetables, and handmade arts and crafts. Established in 1938, the historic market is located a few minutes away from downtown Jacksonville and features several sections with different stalls selling an array of farm-to-table fare, fresh produce, and handcrafted items in open air, festive ambiance. Head to Andy’s Farmers Market Grill for a sumptuous breakfast before shopping, and don’t miss a chance to taste the market’s famous Mayport shrimp. The Jacksonville Farmers Market is open daily from dawn to dusk.
1810 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32209, Phone: 904-354-2821
Get some of the best BBQ in town (4 Rivers Smokehouse is pretty comparable) but I love the Kings sandwich- THE KINGS
Brisket, Pork, Sausage, Jalapeno Poppers, 'Slaw, + Cheese sauce ONLY $13
NEW HOURS FOR BOTH LOCATIONS
Mon: Closed
Tues - Thurs: 11am - 9pm
Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm
Thank you as always for all your great support.
– Chad & Michael
SAN MARCO
1808 KINGS AVENUE
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207
JAX BEACH
1700 3RD STREET SOUTH
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32250
49 locals recommend
The Bearded Pig
1808 Kings AvenueGet some of the best BBQ in town (4 Rivers Smokehouse is pretty comparable) but I love the Kings sandwich- THE KINGS
Brisket, Pork, Sausage, Jalapeno Poppers, 'Slaw, + Cheese sauce ONLY $13
NEW HOURS FOR BOTH LOCATIONS
Mon: Closed
Tues - Thurs: 11am - 9pm
Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun: 11am - 9pm
Thank you as always for all your great support.
– Chad & Michael
SAN MARCO
1808 KINGS AVENUE
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207
JAX BEACH
1700 3RD STREET SOUTH
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32250
Sightseeing
MOSH! The Museum of Science and History specializes in a variety of outstanding permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on science and local history. Located on the famous Southbank Riverwalk, the museum is one of the city's top attractions. Signature exhibits at the museum include ‘Brain Teasers,’ featuring brain-boosting skills to explore the innermost workings of your mind while traveling exhibits include ‘Dinosaurs Unearthed,’ an interactive exhibition that features life-sized dinosaurs, full-scale skeletons, and fossils from around the globe. The Museum is also home to the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens digital dome planetariums in the country. Watch live star shows, cosmic concerts, and pre-produced productions at the Alexander Brest Space Science Theater, as well as plays, presentations, and community events.
1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Phone: 904-396-6674
211 locals recommend
MOSH
1025 Museum CirMOSH! The Museum of Science and History specializes in a variety of outstanding permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on science and local history. Located on the famous Southbank Riverwalk, the museum is one of the city's top attractions. Signature exhibits at the museum include ‘Brain Teasers,’ featuring brain-boosting skills to explore the innermost workings of your mind while traveling exhibits include ‘Dinosaurs Unearthed,’ an interactive exhibition that features life-sized dinosaurs, full-scale skeletons, and fossils from around the globe. The Museum is also home to the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens digital dome planetariums in the country. Watch live star shows, cosmic concerts, and pre-produced productions at the Alexander Brest Space Science Theater, as well as plays, presentations, and community events.
1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, Phone: 904-396-6674
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 126-acre arboretum and public garden established as a unique natural attraction for the community of Jacksonville. Opened in 2008, the gardens feature a variety of attractions, including the Lake Loop, which encircles a two-acre lake surrounded by a variety of trees such as longleaf pine, black cherry, pignut hickory, laurel oak, and live oak. Other amenities include the Jones Creek Trail, which wanders through a range of flora such as bald cypress trees, swamp bay, American hornbeam, and several ferns, and the Ravine Trail, which follows the rim of a deep ravine with a bubbling stream flowing at the bottom. The Live Oak Trail winds through live oaks that are over a century old, and other trails include Lower Ravine, the Upper Ravine, Rosemary Ridge and Scrub, all of which offer plentiful exercise terrain.
1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, Phone: 904-318-4342
61 locals recommend
Jacksonville Arboreteum & Gardens
1445 Millcoe RdThe Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a 126-acre arboretum and public garden established as a unique natural attraction for the community of Jacksonville. Opened in 2008, the gardens feature a variety of attractions, including the Lake Loop, which encircles a two-acre lake surrounded by a variety of trees such as longleaf pine, black cherry, pignut hickory, laurel oak, and live oak. Other amenities include the Jones Creek Trail, which wanders through a range of flora such as bald cypress trees, swamp bay, American hornbeam, and several ferns, and the Ravine Trail, which follows the rim of a deep ravine with a bubbling stream flowing at the bottom. The Live Oak Trail winds through live oaks that are over a century old, and other trails include Lower Ravine, the Upper Ravine, Rosemary Ridge and Scrub, all of which offer plentiful exercise terrain.
1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225, Phone: 904-318-4342
Situated in Lone Star Road in the center of Jacksonville, the Tree Hill Nature Center is a 50-acre urban wilderness preserve and park that provides a perfect place for visitors to connect with nature. The preserve features several different ecosystems, including hilltop and wetland areas filled with a variety of fauna and flora, mixed hardwood swamps, southern mixed hardwood forests, and freshwater streams. Other facilities at the Tree Hill Nature Center include an indoor nature center with interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, nature trails, and wildflower gardens, and wildlife viewing areas. There is also an amphitheater and an outdoor laboratory, and the center is open from Monday through Saturday, year-round.
7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, Phone: 904-724-4646
19 locals recommend
Tree Hill Nature Center
7152 Lone Star RdSituated in Lone Star Road in the center of Jacksonville, the Tree Hill Nature Center is a 50-acre urban wilderness preserve and park that provides a perfect place for visitors to connect with nature. The preserve features several different ecosystems, including hilltop and wetland areas filled with a variety of fauna and flora, mixed hardwood swamps, southern mixed hardwood forests, and freshwater streams. Other facilities at the Tree Hill Nature Center include an indoor nature center with interactive exhibits, a learning laboratory, nature trails, and wildflower gardens, and wildlife viewing areas. There is also an amphitheater and an outdoor laboratory, and the center is open from Monday through Saturday, year-round.
7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211, Phone: 904-724-4646
Miles of white, sandy beaches, lush maritime forests, untouched salt marshes, and magical desert-like dunes make Little Talbot Island State Park a pristine haven for relaxation. One of just a few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the north-easter part of Florida, the island is home to a wealth of naturally-occurring wildlife, such as marsh rabbits, river otters, bobcats and a host of native and migratory birds. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, beachcombing, surfing and fishing, and inviting beachside picnic pavilions are ideal for a day at the beach with the family. There is a campground along the eastern salt marshes of Myrtle Creek, and the island’s shoreline can be explored with rented kayaks or a guided paddle tour.
12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, Phone: 904-251-2320
41 locals recommend
Little Talbot Island State Park
Miles of white, sandy beaches, lush maritime forests, untouched salt marshes, and magical desert-like dunes make Little Talbot Island State Park a pristine haven for relaxation. One of just a few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the north-easter part of Florida, the island is home to a wealth of naturally-occurring wildlife, such as marsh rabbits, river otters, bobcats and a host of native and migratory birds. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, beachcombing, surfing and fishing, and inviting beachside picnic pavilions are ideal for a day at the beach with the family. There is a campground along the eastern salt marshes of Myrtle Creek, and the island’s shoreline can be explored with rented kayaks or a guided paddle tour.
12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226, Phone: 904-251-2320