36 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL, for Couples

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If you live in Jacksonville or are visiting with your partner, you'll definitely be interested in this list of 37 fun things to do in Jacksonville, FL, for couples! It covers everything from fun daytime date ideas to the most romantic things to do and date night suggestions.

A few activities to enjoy together include attending a Jaguars game, seeing a show at the Florida Theatre, and taking a cooking class. Read on to find out all the cool things you can do on a date in Jacksonville.

Organizing a last-minute visit to Jacksonville?

When visiting Jacksonville, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Jacksonville

• Springhill Suites Jacksonville (relax by the pool)
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Jacksonville - Mayport Beach (rated highly)
• Candlewood Suites - Jacksonville - Mayport (under $100 USD a night)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Jacksonville

• CraigCat Boat Tour From Fernandina Beach (rated highly)
• Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek (rated highly)
• Electric Bike Guided Tour in Jacksonville Art & Architecture (rated highly)
• Guided Kayak Eco Tour - Real Florida Adventure
• The Escape Game Jacksonville - Epic 60-Minute Adventures

36 Couples Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL

Fun Date Ideas in Jacksonville, FL

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Look around the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is the largest fine arts museum in Northeast Florida and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also an excellent place to go on a daytime date!

During a visit, you can view artworks in the museum, which include paintings and sculptures from various eras. You can then go outside to stroll through the stunning gardens that include many plants and flowers, fountains, and more sculptures.

🏨 Accommodation close to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

• Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (soak up the sun poolside)

Try to break free from an escape room

Tackling an escape game is a laid-back and fun date idea that also makes for an excellent double date activity.

Whether you and your partner play the game alone or invite another couple, you'll have a great time solving puzzles to try and break free. Themed games available include a prison break challenge and a special ops mission.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to The Escape Game Jacksonville

• Extended Stay America Suites - Jacksonville - Southside - StJohns Towne Ctr (well-priced)

Wander around Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Going to Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is one of the top things to do in Jacksonville, FL, for couples. At the beautiful gardens, you can walk along seven trails that will take you through woods and grasslands and past lakes.

You'll get to see many plant varieties and wildlife, including lots of bird species. There are also picnic areas to have a meal together, surrounded by nature.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

• Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville East (unwind poolside)
• Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville I-Two95 East Beltway (rated very highly)

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Say hi to big cats at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique date location for couples that like animals. This non-profit rescue sanctuary is home to big cats, including tigers, leopards, and servals.

You can see some other animals as well, from foxes to coatimundis and horses. All residents are rescued from "serious situations," and the creatures are never bought or bred.

Visit Fort George Island Cultural State Park

There are many fascinating sites to visit together in Jacksonville, like Fort George Island Cultural State Park. The attraction has ties to both Native American communities and colonists who built a fort in the area. After learning about the park's history, you can go for a hike and kayak or canoe on the water.

Bike through Big Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park is another excellent state park to visit together. The outdoor attraction is located on a barrier island, about 30 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville.

Things to do include hiking, taking a romantic walk along the beach, and bird-watching. You could also go on an electric bike tour that starts at Big Talbot Island State Park and takes you around Amelia Island.

Go shopping at St. Johns Town Center

Whether you want to splurge or window shop, going to St. Johns Town Center will please most couples. The shopping center is home to luxury stores like Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton, as well as an Apple store and many other outlets. After shopping around, you can dine at one of many sit-down eateries.

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Learn new things at the Museum of Science and History

Is your date interested in science? Or do you want to learn more about Jacksonville's history? Then going to the Museum of Science and History is a must!

The attraction has various exhibits on topics like health and wellness, ecosystems, and space exploration. You can also learn about wildlife in Florida and events from the last hundreds of years through the present that shaped Jacksonville.

Race each other at Autobahn Indoor Speedway

Racing go-karts at Autobahn Indoor Speedway is one of the most fun things for couples to do in Jacksonville, FL. You and your partner can hop in electric go-karts to race around an exhilarating indoor track. You can also try axe-throwing during your visit!

🏨 Stay near Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events - Jacksonville, FL

• Extended Stay America Suites - Jacksonville - Lenoir Avenue South (well-priced)

Snuggle with cats at The Caffeinated Cat

Getting coffee is a fun date idea, but why not make it even more unique by going to a cat cafe for drinks? In Jacksonville, you can do just that with a trip to The Caffeinated Cat. While enjoying your drinks, you can pet and play with the cats that live at the cafe. Many of these kitties are also up for adoption!

🏨 Stay nearby Caffeinated Cat

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront (stunning waterside views)
• Hampton Inn Oceanfront Jacksonville Beach (chill out by the pool)

Explore Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a beachside park that offers visitors many things to do. You and your date can follow 20 miles of trails on foot or bike or take a romantic walk along the beach. You can also hang out on the sand, sharing a picnic and enjoying the waterfront views.

Other activities include kayaking or canoeing on the water, although swimming is prohibited. If you want to stay a while, you can camp overnight, with tent and RV spots as well as cozy cabins available.

Paint pottery at Color Me Mine

Painting a piece of pottery at Color Me Mine is a cute date idea for couples that like crafts. You can choose from various items, like mugs, plates, or vases, that you can paint with a one-of-a-kind design. Not only is this a fun couples activity, but you'll also have a handcrafted memento to remember your date.

Enjoy the outdoors at Castaway Island Preserve

Another of many excellent outdoor attractions to visit with your partner is Castaway Island Preserve. The wetland preserve features boardwalk trails that take you through salt marsh ecosystems that are home to an array of wildlife. Creatures you may spot during your visit include wood storks, herons, and turtles.

Shop at Riverside Arts Market

Going to Riverside Arts Market is a fun weekend date idea that will appeal to most couples. Hosted on Saturdays, the market features vendors selling all kinds of products, from produce and other food items to craft products, plants, and handmade jewelry.

As you shop around, you can enjoy entertainment like live music and even join a morning yoga session!

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Catch a Jacksonville Jaguars game at TIAA Bank Field

One of the best date ideas in Jacksonville, FL, for couples that like sports is going to a Jacksonville Jaguars game. The NFL team plays at TIAA Bank Field, which sits right next to downtown.

If you're not from the city, the best time to visit Jacksonville to catch a game is between September and the beginning of January, when the NFL regular season is in play.

Hang out at Huguenot Memorial Park

Huguenot Memorial Park is a scenic beachside park that's one of the best places for a date in Jacksonville. You can wander along the beach, relax on the sand, or bring a picnic to enjoy. Staying for sunset is recommended as well.

Bar hop on the Jax Ale Trail

Beer lovers will definitely be interested in following the Jax Ale Trail! The Visit Jacksonville website lists the 20 craft breweries on the trail and provides a Jax Ale Trail Passport that you can get stamped at each stop. You can go to as many breweries as you like or try different ones over a few weeks.

🏨 Places to stay close to Engine 15 Brewing Co

• Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront (well-regarded)
• Element Jacksonville Beach

Bowl and more at Bowlero

Bowlero is a laid-back place to head to for a daytime or evening date. At the entertainment venue, you can enjoy a few bowling games before trying some other amusements, like playing games in the arcade. You and your date can then get drinks and bar snacks in the lounge.

Romantic Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL

Stroll around Southbank Riverwalk by Saint Johns River

Walking with your loved one along the Southbank Riverwalk is one of the most romantic things to do in the city. This much-loved Jacksonville landmark is found downtown along the St. Johns River and offers stunning views. Going for a walk here is pleasant at all times of the day, but visiting at sunset is a must for couples taking a romantic stroll.

🏨 Place to stay close to Southbank Riverwalk

• Marriott Jacksonville Downtown (well-regarded)

Experience dinner and a show at Alhambra Theatre & Dining

One of the most unique romantic date ideas in Jacksonville, Florida, is going to Alhambra Theatre & Dining. This is one of the oldest continuously-running professional dinner theaters in the country and allows you to enjoy a fantastic musical while dining on dishes created by top chefs.

Take a couples cooking class at Jax Cooking Studio

Instead of going on a dinner date, why not learn to cook dishes at a cooking class? At Jax Cooking Studio, you and your other half can learn to make many dishes, including Italian, Japanese, and Thai classics. If you both have a sweet tooth, you can take a dessert class instead, like learning to make macarons.

Sail around Jacksonville at sunset

Taking a relaxing sunset sail is one of the most romantic evening date ideas to experience in Jacksonville. With Now and Zen Sailing Charters, you'll hop aboard a ​​42 ft cruising catamaran and be sailed through the water by your captain. You and your other half will be able to relax and take in the amazing surrounding views as the sun goes down.

Treat your date to candy at Sweet Pete's Candy

If your date has a sweet tooth, a cute and romantic thing to do is taking them to Sweet Pete's Candy. Products to purchase include sea salt caramels, chocolate truffles and filled chocolates, chocolate bars, and much more. You can even take a candy-making class here!

Date Night Ideas in Jacksonville, FL

Attend a show at Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts is a fantastic arts venue in the city and a great place for a date night. Performances to watch at the center include musicals, comedy shows, and concerts, including those by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. As the theater is right on the waterfront, you can take a romantic walk by the water before or after the show as well.

Watch a performance at Florida Theatre

Arts and culture enthusiasts will definitely want to plan a date at Florida Theatre. Opened in 1927, the theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a much-loved venue in the city to this day.

At Florida Theatre, you can see ballets, concerts, musicals, and much more; there's a performance to suit all tastes!

Dine at Black Sheep Restaurant

Are you planning a dinner date? If so, one of the best date night ideas in Jacksonville, Florida, is dining at Black Sheep Restaurant. The stylish eatery serves elevated Southern dishes made using fresh and local ingredients.

To finish your meal, you and your partner can share desserts like brown butter crepe cake or guava cheesecake. You could also come back for a brunch date on the weekend.

Go on a movie date at Sun-Ray Cinema Drive-In

Going to the movies is a classic date night idea, and Sun-Ray Cinema Drive-In is one of the best places to plan a movie date in Jacksonville. New releases, as well as some classic films, are shown at the theater, and you can buy movie snacks at an on-site concession before the film begins.

Sip craft beer at Town Beer Co

Town Beer Co is one of the best places to get drinks if you enjoy craft beer. In the cozy taproom, you can choose from various brews, with something for all tastes, from light to dark beers and everything in between. Cider is also available, as are some non-alcoholic drinks if someone in your party wants a soft drink.

Fun Things to Do Near Jacksonville, FL, for Couples

Plan a trip to Orlando

Although there are many things to do in Jacksonville for couples, planning a day or weekend trip to a nearby destination is also a fun idea. If you want to check out a new city, Orlando is one of the best places to visit. You can reach the city in approximately two hours when driving.

Couples activities in Orlando range from visiting world-renowned theme parks to catching an Orlando Magic NBA game or wandering around Lake Eola Park. You can also book a unique Orlando tour, like a nighttime helicopter ride over the city.

🏨 Places to stay close to Orlando

• Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando Downtown (soak up the sun poolside)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Kayak around Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a beautiful island with white sand beaches and lots of tourist attractions. While there are many things to do with your partner on the island, kayaking around Amelia Island is one of the best options.

All equipment is provided, and you'll get to pass Lofton Creek and Fernandina Beach. You may even see wildlife like turtles, otters, and manatees.

Make memories in Savannah

Are you looking for more romantic weekend getaway destinations? If so, Savannah, Georgia, is a great option. Located about two hours away from Jacksonville when driving, the beautiful city has an array of attractions to check out.

Activities to enjoy in Savannah include exploring the Historic District, dining at the famous The Olde Pink House Restaurant, and taking a Savannah guided tour, such as a food and culture tour.

🏨 Stay near Savannah

• Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District (relax by the pool)
• Holiday Inn Express Savannah - Historic District (rated highly)

Have a relaxing stay at One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach

If you and your partner are visiting the area, you'll find many fantastic places to stay. For example, you could book a room at the One Ocean Resort & Spa.

Located in Atlantic Beach, around 25 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville, the luxury beachside resort has an outdoor swimming pool and a full-service spa. After a relaxing day, you can dine at Azurea, the resort's on-site restaurant, before heading back to your stylish room with beach views.

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Walk through Downtown Fernandina Beach on a historical tour

Fernandina Beach is a coastal town situated around 45 minutes from Jacksonville. It's a great place to go for a beach day; however, if you want to do something a little different, join a Downtown Fernandina Beach historical walking tour. Your guide will take you to the area's most famous landmarks and teach you more about Fernandina's interesting history.

🏨 Places to stay close to Fernandina Beach

• Blue Heron Inn (unwind poolside)
• Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (rated highly)

Check out the attractions in Gainesville

Another day trip destination located only an hour and a half away from Jacksonville is Gainesville, Florida. Fun things to do in Gainesville include tasting local wines at Bluefield Estate Winery, hiking the La Chua Trail, and visiting the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

🏨 Places to stay close to Gainesville

• Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville Downtown (relax by the pool)
• Hotel Eleo at the University of Florida (4-star rating)

Spend the day at Ponte Vedra Beach

Situated approximately 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach is the ideal place to spend the day in the sun with your other half. The coastal town has beautiful beaches where you can go for a walk by the sea or sunbathe on the beach. You can also visit some attractions, like Bird Island Park.

🏨 Place to stay close to Ponte Vedra Beach

• The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach (rated 4-stars)

Have a fun time in Tampa

Tampa is another destination to consider for a weekend getaway. Located about three and a half hours from Jacksonville, the coastal city has lots to offer.

Things for couples to do in Tampa range from riding roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to luxuriating at The Champagne Bar at Oxford Exchange. Fun Tampa tours are also available to book, and you can check out some places near the city, like Little Manatee River State Park.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Tampa

• Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District (highly rated)
• Aloft Tampa Downtown (relax by the pool)

In Conclusion

After reading this list of the top things to do in Jacksonville, Florida, for couples, you should have no problem planning a fun date! From watching a movie at a drive-in to catching a Jacksonville Jaguars game or cuddling with cats at a cat cafe, there's something for every couple in this Floridian city.

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