The best things to do in Jacksonville

“Spanish-style beachfront hotel dating from 1925 offering a top-floor restaurant & entertainment.”

“Whether you’re chasing friendly bragging rights or a legit league spot, Bowlero Southside keeps the fun rolling with slick lanes, an action-packed arcade, and lane-side eats and drinks. Reserve a lane online, grab your crew, and trade another meh group chat for actual strikes and high-fives.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Make Pine Royale your this-week sanity saver with an illuminated par-3 on premium synthetic turf, a nostalgic 18-hole mini golf course, and a solid cocktail, beer, and food lineup. Rally the crew, track shots with ball tech, then hang out under dark-sky-friendly lights.”

From the Nassau County newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Need an easy weeknight hang this week that makes everyone happy? Topgolf Jacksonville lets you tee off at giant targets while the high-tech balls keep score, then refuel with food and drinks, and even switch it up with a laid-back mini golf round... zero golf expertise required.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 4, 2026

“North Florida’s first muscadine farm winery and venue, Tuscan Rose Vineyards blends Italian elegance with hometown charm, pouring estate-grown muscadine wine right here in our backyard.”

From the Nassau County newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Whether you’re squeezing in a quick loop or actually working on that short game, Brentwood Golf Course keeps it friendly with a true 9 that plays fast and a legit practice facility. Home base for The First Tee of North Florida, it’s a low-key spot to knock the rust off and feel good doing it.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Bent Creek Golf Course keeps locals happy with well-kept fairways and smooth greens, a Bobby Weed design with Mark McCumber consulting. Add the Toptracer-powered Range at Bent Creek and a GolfPass Top 25 Most Improved nod in 2023, and you’ve got a reliable round any week.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Upscale, semi-private 18-hole course featuring a casual bar & grill as well as a snack bar.”

“Blue Sky Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer Signature Design with 9 or 18 holes when you want a quick loop or a full spin. Hit the Toptracer range day or night, then hang at the bar and grill with cornhole and a bunch of TVs, all with a come as you are, no dress code vibe.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Sunflower Mural in Murray Hill is a 25-foot, spiral-vortex tribute to Van Gogh painted by local artist Brenda Kato, with shimmering glass by Mary Allegretti. It’s become a neighborhood landmark and selfie magnet, part of the 2017 MHPA beautification project... tag your snap #brendakato.”

“EPIC Theatres at Oakleaf pairs comfy reclining seats with Epic XL and 3D showings, plus a self-serve concessions setup and a legit arcade for pre-movie bragging rights. When you want a no-fuss watch with maximum screen, this is the spot.”

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“When the group chat needs a plan, Batt Family Fun Center delivers with 32 lanes, a private 8-lane VIP area with couches, Wizard Glow Mini Golf, 40+ arcade games, a full service snack bar, and cosmic bowling that flips the lights and cranks the music. All smoke free.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bravoz Entertainment Center is the go-to when the kids need to bounce it out and you want to actually sit for a minute, whether the forecast is Florida rain or relentless heat. Think trampolines, arcade, ninja course, laser tag, mini-bowling, plus a legit Eats Cafe with 16 beers on tap, all under one roof.”

“If your crew wants wall-to-wall sports and an arcade that actually slaps this week, Dave & Buster's Jacksonville has massive screens for every big play, a packed lineup of new and classic games, and a menu that covers everything from burgers to mocktails so everyone’s happy.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Pops Hole In One Challenge turns a 110-yard swing into a legit adrenaline rush, with a Pot-O-Gold that starts at $1,000 and grows, plus giant whiskey barrel targets for $100 gift cards. Golfer or not, it’s pure Jax bragging rights waiting to happen.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 26, 2026

“At Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, the vibe is relaxed, member-owned, and very Jacksonville: championship golf, lively racquets, a pool scene for actual summer survival, plus solid dining, fitness and kid-friendly events. If you're after community as much as tee times, this place delivers without the pretense.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Swing by this week for a quick nine or a full 27-hole day at Casa Linda Oaks Golf Club, where tree-lined fairways, blue-water views, and a legit practice setup await. PGA pros can tighten up your swing, and the Blue Angel nine is perfect for a speedy tune-up.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 30, 2026

“If you want a round with real Jacksonville roots, Hyde Park Golf Club is Jacksonville’s oldest public course, a Donald Ross 18 rolling since 1925. Minutes from downtown, it blends vintage charm with a proper range and a stocked pro shop, plus that walked-by-Ben-Hogan-and-Babe-Zaharias aura you can actually feel.”

From the Palm Coast newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Hidden Hills Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer signature design with real elevation, rolling fairways, and greens that actually reward good shots, and membership is no longer required. Hit the range to dial in your short game, then refuel at Hills Grill while PGA pros stand by if your slice needs an intervention.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 17, 2026

“25 miles of paved riverfront with art, benches, and city views along the St. Johns, ideal for a jog, coffee walk, or decompressing after work. Stick around for sunset, because the skyline really shows off.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Games and a bar featuring American eats like wings and burgers.”

“Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.”

“With the brand-new Manatee River habitat, over 100 acres of exhibits and gardens, and kid-pleasers like the train and play zones, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an easy local reset that somehow still surprises. And your visit supports more than 45 conservation programs in Florida and beyond.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Whether you want concerts with soul, line-dancing nights, or a self-guided museum tour that spotlights Jacksonville’s African American story, Ritz Theatre & Museum, Jacksonville keeps the calendar stacked.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Quietly tucked in Jacksonville, Pablo Creek Club is that invite-only, Tom Fazio design locals whisper about, all walking tradition, flawless TifEagle greens, and zero fluff. If you get the nod, expect immaculate conditioning and a clubhouse that keeps the focus on the game, not the scene.”

From the Jacksonville newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Indoor go-kart racing center offering 2 tracks & modern, Italian-made karts, plus parties & leagues.”