Best things to do in Jacksonville

See Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, where rescued wild cats are cared for. Animals seized due to illegal or poor ownership are permanent residents of this sanctuary. You can interact with volunteers and meet about 40 animals, among which are tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, bobcats, arctic foxes, and coatimundis. Take a guided tour, usually scheduled in the afternoon and evening and find out about the species currently at the sanctuary, their habitats, activities, and life stories. Because this is a volunteer operation, tour times and hours can vary, so double-check the website before going.

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is the home of an award-winning exhibit "Range of the Jaguar." This exhibit shows the species, which live in the neotropical rain forests. Other environments include the African Savannah, Great Apes, and the Plains of Africa. Habitats are large and open, and the animals roam through the recreated plains and jungles. Save your feet by touring the zoo on the small train that carries visitors.

Taste handcrafted spirits and see the preparation and distillation process at St. Augustine Distillery. The distillery produces small batches of vodka, gin, rum, and Florida's only brand of small-batch bourbon. After the tasting tour, you can buy the distillery's products and memorabilia at its store. Children are welcome to take a tour, but visitors under 21 won't be able to taste the drinks. While the distillery doesn't serve food, the building has a restaurant. Tours and tastings are free. If you arrive by car, you can use the distillery's free parking.

The history of Florida begins at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Constructed by the Spanish in 1672, over a century after the city's founding by the Spanish conquistadores, the fort came under British control in 1763. Twenty years later, the fort went back to Spanish hands. It was a U.S. army base between 1821 and 1924, when the U.S. government declared it a national monument. The fort became part of a national park after nearly 250 years of military service. The deactivated fort now attracts tourists with its storied history and well-preserved military architecture. Explore the history of this structure by walking among its stone walls, or join a guided walk with one of the park's rangers. 

Located next to the impressive 50 m (165 ft) lighthouse at the oldest port in America, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. aims to preserve local maritime history with dozens of exhibits dedicated to marine sciences. Tour the lighthouse keeper’s house, the historical home of Major William Harn, or learn more about the shipbuilding industry and view artifacts of shipwrecks at the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program Boatworks. Make the 214-step climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and surrounding coastline. Take advantage of the museum’s free audio guides to get the most out of the exhibits.

St. George Street is a center of leisurely seaside social activity. The pedestrian street is jam-packed with shops and bars that offer souvenirs of the nation's oldest city, which was founded in 1565. Many of the restaurants serve food that gets high praise from visitors, and some were around before the street became a tourist attraction, such as St. George Tavern. Be sure to refer to the attraction by its full name because George Street is another street in town.

With a collection of different environments, Fort Clinch State Park is both a natural and historical landmark. The actual fort, which was founded in the 18th century, is open daily for touring. You can experience a variety of outdoor activities here, such as pier fishing, hiking, and shelling. The Amelia River runs through the park, and a campground with full facilities rests near its banks. Another campground is near the Atlantic Ocean. The first weekend of every month military reenactments fill the fort with performances of historical battles.

Stretching the length of the city and beyond, St. Augustine Beach offers miles of sandy coastline with numerous public beaches. Spend the day along this coast at Vilano Beach, St. Augustine Beach, or Crescent Beach. In the middle of this long shoreline, you can discover Anastasia Park, a beautiful region where no cars are allowed, leaving the park pristine and unspoiled. At the end of the day, enjoy a nice meal or drink at one of the venues on U.S. Highway A1A, known as "Beachfront Avenue" to locals and visitors. Just remember that all pets must be kept on leashes while visiting the beaches.

Take a guided tour of St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a rescue center for abandoned and confiscated exotic animals, from tiny birds to African lions and tigers. You'll be introduced to each of the species through basic biology facts and individual life stories. You'll have a chance to get up close with most of the animals, including wild cats, wolves, hyenas, numerous bird species, and a very rare golden tabby tiger. Depending on the tour, you may witness animal feedings, tiger bubble baths, or both. Reserve your spot as early in advance as possible to ensure availability.

First opened in 1893, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park houses every species of crocodilian, including American alligators and crocodiles. The farm has become a full zoological park, displaying many exotic species of birds, primates, and reptiles. You can explore the park's expansive grounds as you wander through different habitats, including albino alligators, lemurs of Madagascar, and reptiles native to Florida. The daily wildlife shows are a highlight--each one showcases a certain species or group. Alligator shows sometimes include a feeding session.