When you find yourself with nothing to do on a Saturday, but aren’t looking to break your budget on entertainment, Jacksonville, FL is a great spot to look for free things to do and places to go. With an abundance of parks and wildlife, as well as plenty of gorgeous beaches, there’s always something going on or someplace beautiful to be.
Drive on Down: Three Free Things to Do Near Jacksonville, FL
Neptune Beach
One of Jacksonville’s best assets is its wealth of beaches, most of which are accessible and free to the public. Neptune Beach, which has Handicapped Parking access points at Atlantic Boulevard, Lemon Street, Davis Street, and Hopkins, offers a strand of small local shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful stretch of clean beach.
You can ride bikes at low tide or explore higher ground when the tide is in. It’s a lesser-known beach, so you are much more likely to find a quiet spot away from the crowds and mess. This is an incredible place to watch the sunrise or hunt for seashells.
Timucuan Preserve
The National Park Service operates the Timucuan Preserve within the Jacksonville city limits at 12713 Fort Caroline Road. You can explore the visitor center and hike the trails with your leashed dog from the Fort Caroline entrance. Additionally, there is the historic Kingsley Plantation, a fort exhibit, and a wildlife observation platform.
You can start your exploration from your quiet and efficient BMW iX, and then branch out to go off the roads. There are boat ramps, RV paths, and bike paths to explore this vast park, and picnic tables at the Theodore Roosevelt Area, Cedar Point, and Kingsley Plantation if you’d like a covered spot to have your lunch. If you check the schedule, you may also find an event or reenactment you can enjoy.
Riverside Arts Market
If you want to see local artists and vendors, you should discover the Riverside Arts Market. Held at 715 Riverside Avenue on Saturdays in Jacksonville, the RAM is a showcase of art and culture in the area. There are food trucks and a farmer’s market, plus booths from local artisans and live music.
Polite dogs on leashes are welcome, and you can easily access the Jacksonville Riverwalk or explore the Cummer Museum (check their website to find free admission days). If you want to find the heart of Jacksonville, this is the place to do it. It’s a new experience every time you go, and you’ll just learn more to love about the area.
For a car you’ll love to drive as you explore the area, come by Tom Bush BMW of Jacksonville today to take a look at our exceptional lineup of luxury vehicles.
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