The 7 Best Outdoor Activities In Jacksonville

Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s superb food and drink scene and finished exploring its cultural hotspots, be sure to dive into some outdoor activities in Jacksonville

There’s some brilliant things to do outside here, whether you’re into scenic day trips, thrill-seeking tours or family-friendly events. Take note of these seven unmissable activities that are popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Best Outdoor Activities In Jacksonville

1. Now & Zen Sailing Charters

What exactly is it? Sail on a 42 ft cruising catamaran, the ideal private sailboat charter or tour – from day trips, sunset cruises and sailing vacations.

How long does it take? Day tours last 4 hours.

How much does it cost? $449 for 4 hours ($499 on weekends) for up to 4 people, $75 per additional person with a maximum of 6, and $100 per additional hour.

2. E2ride Bike Tours

What exactly is it? Experience relaxation and fun on a super comfortable, easy to ride Trek comfort bike. Ride along safe, shady, scenic, historic back roads laced with sunlit Spanish moss, architectural gems, cool breezes, and spectacular water views. They offer a range in tours from a Coastline ride to the wharves and fisherman docks of Amelia Island to America’s ‘first city’ St Augustine.

How long does it take? The coastline tour is 4 hours, Amelia island is 2 hours and St Augustine is 3 hours.

How much does it cost? Depending on the tour prices range from $85-$95. The tour includes a bicycle, helmet, snacks, experienced guide, and suntan lotion!

3. Jacksonville Airboat Rides

What exactly is it? Take an airboat ride through the marshes and swamps of Florida, be on the lookout for Alligators, Manatees, and Birds. This tour also takes you to the mouth of the ocean, if you’re lucky you will see some Dolphins, Sharks, Whales, and Turtles! Tours are available 7 days per week by reservation only.

How much does it cost?

Thrill Ride Eco Tour- 1.5 Hrs, the regular price is $99 currently they are offering a discounted rate at only $49.99.

Thrill Ride Eco Tour and lunch- 1.5 Hrs and includes a fabulous lunch at a famous waterfront seafood restaurant. The regular price is $129.99 currently they are offering a discounted rate at only $69.99.

Shell Beach Tour- 1.5 Hrs the Airboat takes you to a mile-long white sand beach to collect seashells. The regular price is $99 currently they are offering a discounted rate at only $49.99.

4. Skydiving Jacksonville

What exactly is it? World Skydiving Center is the number one choice for skydiving in Jacksonville. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Jacksonville, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River without pulling you away from the conveniences of the city.

How long does it take? After completing paperwork and a 20-minute ground training session, your jump will be scheduled. The timing of your jump will depend on your arrival time, the weather, and the size of your group. On average people spend two to four hours.

How much does it cost?

Tandem Skydive – Jump from 10,000 ft (experience approx. 35 seconds of freefall) $179.

Tandem Skydive – Jump from 13,500 ft (experience approx. 60 seconds of freefall) $199.

5. Jacksonville Inshore Fishing

What exactly is it? Experience world-class fishing along Northeast Florida’s scenic inshore waterways and backwater tidal marshes. Explore the extensive network of bays, spartina islands, and tidal creeks that permeate the region. Roaming these waters are three of the state’s most sought after game fish, redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder available year-round.

How long does it take? Full-day and half-day options available.

How much does it cost? Enjoy a full day charter for a half-day rate ($150 discount). Contact Capt. Ron Schurr for special prices – [email protected].

6. Jacksonville Southern Bank Tour

What exactly is it? The Southern Bank neighborhoods are brimming with modern architecture, interesting attractions, exciting museums, and galleries. Don’t forget to check out the artsy-trendy San Marco neighborhood.

How long does it take? You can spend the whole afternoon wandering through the neighborhoods.

How much does it cost? Free, all you have to do is download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities”. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Photo via Instagram: @travel.addict.md

7. St. Augustine Wild Reserve

What exactly is it? Their mission is to provide a home for unwanted and abused exotic animals. In their 35 years of rescuing and caring for exotic animals, they have never bred big cats for sale or otherwise. Their educational objective is to create general (human) respect for all wild animals in the hope of eradicating exotic animals as pets.

How long does it take? Tours are approximately one and a half hours long, guided by an experienced wildlife professional.

How much does it cost? Tour fee is $30 per person. Children 10 years of age and under are admitted for $20. Children 2 years of age and under are free. Enjoy a V.I.P. tour on Fridays, tour costs $60 per person for all ages, by appointment only.