For those traveling to the Sunshine State for work, it is important to know what to see and do in Jacksonville, FL for those times when you find yourself with a little time away from the responsibilities of the office. This gorgeous city offers its residents and visitors a wide variety of sights to see and activities to do that are designed to delight people of almost any age. Be an important part of Jacksonville’s thriving business sector, but be sure to take some time to really discover what has many companies and their employees calling the city home.

Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida

On the eastern coast of Florida facing the Atlantic Ocean sits the lovely city of Jacksonville. With just less than a population of one million, this is one of the most populous cities in the South. Although the state is home to a bevy of beautiful beaches and nature parks, it is also a popular location for businesses, especially those which are bank and finance related.

While Jacksonville is home to the headquarters of banking and financial giants, the business sector is largely diversified and includes companies from a variety of industries including manufacturing, biomedical technology, information services, insurance, and more.

With the growth of business in Jacksonville has come the explosion of the corporate lodging industry. Business executives traveling for business can choose to work with a corporate housing company to facilitate their lodging arrangements so they can focus on work and exploring their destination.

What to See and Do in Jacksonville, FL

When it comes to business trips, Florida can be a dream destination. Here, business executives can blend the best of both work and vacation, whether they are on assignment for a few weeks or a few months.

When the workday is done or you have a free weekend while in town, know what to see and do in Jacksonville, FL before you ever arrive and have some fun with planning your itinerary. Some of our favorite spots in Jacksonville include:

1. Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This gorgeous one hundred twenty-acre property boasts a variety of beautiful ways to take in stunning natural surroundings. Spend an afternoon walking the quiet trails tucked away amidst the varying shades of greenery and color, babbling streams, and ponds. The arboretum can be a lovely place to escape and get some exercise. You may even want to consider packing a picnic and enjoying a meal or snack pond side.

2. Jacksonville Zoo

To take a walk on the wild side, visit this fantastic zoo that boasts more than two thousand exotic animals. Tour the wildlife exhibits to admire the animals in their habitats and learn more about conservation. The facility offers innovative and hands on experiences so visitors can appreciate the unique animal species of planet earth. While at the zoo, do not pass up an opportunity to feed the giraffes and visit the Land of the Tiger exhibit.

3. Museum of Science and History

More commonly referred to by the locals as MOSH, this museum offers a wide variety of exhibits spanning space, wildlife, and history. Guests can also enjoy hands on exhibits designed to encourage learning. While here, be sure to visit the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium for an out of this world experience. In addition to the museum’s core exhibits, other special and traveling exhibits will rotate through from time to time.

4. Riverside Arts Market

If you are feeling like soaking up a little bit of the local culture, check out this charming outdoor Saturday market. Plan for your visit to take an hour or two as you check out the food trucks, fresh vegetables for sale, hand crafted trinkets, yoga class, and even some live music.

5. Sports Venues

If in town during football season, catch the Jacksonville Jaguars taking the field at TIAA Bank Field. For those that prefer the baseball diamond, a trip to 121 Financial Park may be in order to see the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp minor league baseball team run the bases. If soccer is your sport of choice, go to Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida to watch The Jacksonville Armada FC in action.

6. St. Johns Town Center

If retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered, then set aside a morning or afternoon to frequent the large variety of shops in this outdoor mall. With more than one hundred and fifty stores to choose from, shops range from Dillard’s to Pottery Barn to Tiffany & Co. In between hitting the stores, take a break to dine at one of the delicious restaurants onsite.

7. The Beach

When visiting a place as beautiful as Jacksonville, a great way to spend the day is admiring the view of the Atlantic Ocean. Dip your toes in the sand, look for a few seashells on the shore, and get lost in the rhythm of the crashing ocean waves. Do not forget to pack a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen.

8. The Breweries

Many visitors may not realize that Jacksonville, FL is home to more than fifteen craft breweries. If staying in Jacksonville for a longer-term assignment, guests may want to participate in what the locals refer to as the Jax Ale Trail. This generally entails asking the first brewery you visit for a Jax Ale Trail Brewery Passport that will be stamped when you visit the breweries listed there. Depending on the amount of stamps an individual acquires, they may be eligible to receive prizes.

9. The Florida Theatre

It is worth noting that this is not your average theater. This historic facility originally built in the 1920’s seems to be frozen in the grandeur of that time period. With touches of old Hollywood glamour, the theatre is a popular venue for hundreds of cultural events that feature the performing arts, including country, opera and jazz music to comedy and more.

10. The Jacksonville Skyline

The skyline in this city is an impressive sight during the day or at night, but a favorite way to see it is from the Friendship Fountain not far from Main Street. This historic fountain puts on quite a show for spectators and is particularly beloved once darkness falls and colored lights make the water glow and bring the Jacksonville skyline to life.

Work may be what brings you here, but when it comes to what to see and do in Jacksonville, Florida—let that be what keeps you here just a little longer!