Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Jacksonville, United States

1. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary dedicated to big cats, offering tours and educational programs.

Rare Species: Home to endangered species like the Amur leopard and the Serval.
Hands-on Experience: Offers unique opportunities for up-close encounters with these magnificent animals.
Education and Conservation: Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and public education about big cats.

A museum featuring an extensive collection of art from ancient times to the present.

Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Showcases over 90 sculptures, providing a unique blend of art and nature.
Riverfront Views: Offers stunning views of the St. Johns River and historic district.
Educational Programs: Provides various programs for all ages, making art more accessible and engaging.

A museum housing the world's largest private collection of original manuscripts.

Historical Documents: Features original documents like the Gutenberg Bible, Magna Carta, and Constitution.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits to engage visitors with history.
Rare Artifacts: Showcases rare artifacts like Leonardo da Vinci's manuscripts.

A zoo featuring over 2,000 rare and exotic animals in naturalistic habitats.

Stingray Bay: Allows visitors to touch and feed stingrays in a shallow water environment.
Safari Train Ride: Provides a unique opportunity to view animals up-close in their habitats.
Garden of Ziz Zag: A beautiful and peaceful garden showcasing over 1,000 plant species.

A museum dedicated to contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibitions and educational programs.

Changing Exhibits: Showcases new and diverse exhibitions regularly.
Community Engagement: Hosts workshops, lectures, and other events to engage the community.
Artist-in-Residence Program: Provides opportunities for local and international artists to create new work onsite.

A waterfront entertainment complex offering dining, shopping, and live music.

Waterfront Location: Offers stunning views of the St. Johns River.
Live Music Venues: Hosts a variety of live music events, including concerts and performances.
Diverse Cuisine: Features restaurants offering a wide range of food choices.

A lively celebration featuring parades, live music, and festive foods during the Mardi Gras season.

Unique Culture: showcases the unique Louisiana-inspired culture of Jacksonville.
Colorful Parades: Features vibrant parades with elaborate floats and costumes.
Festive Atmosphere: Creates a lively, energetic atmosphere perfect for enjoying the celebrations.

A stretch of beautiful beaches offering sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports.

Pristine Beauty: Features pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Water Sports: Offers various water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Diverse Beach Communities: Features diverse beach communities, each with its own charm and character.

A vibrant neighborhood filled with local art galleries, vintage shops, and unique eateries.

Local Art Scene: Supports local artists and offers a variety of art exhibits.
Vintage Shops: Features vintage clothing stores and antique shops.
Unique Dining Options: Offers a variety of unique restaurants, cafes, and bars.

A weekly outdoor market featuring local artists, musicians, and food vendors.

Local Artisans: Showcases the work of over 150 local artists.
Live Music: Features live music performances by local musicians.
Fresh Food Options: Offers fresh, locally-sourced food from various vendors.

A peaceful oasis featuring over 2 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems.

Nature Trails: Offers over 2 miles of trails, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Picnic Areas: Features picnic areas for a relaxing outdoor lunch.

A unique nature preserve featuring wetlands and diverse wildlife.

Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for observing a variety of local wildlife.
Educational Tours: Offers guided tours to learn about the preserve's ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Nature Photography: Ideal for photographing diverse plants and wildlife.

A multi-purpose facility offering ice skating, roller hockey, and fitness classes.

Ice Skating: Offers public skate times, figure skating lessons, and hockey programs.
Roller Hockey: Features roller hockey leagues and pick-up games.
Fitness Classes: Offers a variety of fitness classes, including yoga and pilates.

A venue hosting events like concerts, festivals, and the annual Jacksonville Fair.

Variety of Events: Hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year.
Annual Jacksonville Fair: Features carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Concert Venue: Hosts concerts by popular artists from various genres.

A guided tour exploring the city's haunted history and legendary ghost stories.

Haunted History: Explores the city's mysterious past, including its infamous pirates.
Ghost Stories: Shares local legends and ghost stories, providing a unique and spooky experience.
Guided Tour: Offers guided tours led by knowledgeable guides.