San Marco Neighborhood
Tucked away just south of Downtown Jacksonville is the charming San Marco neighborhood. This historic area has a quaint European village feel with its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, and outdoor cafes. San Marco Square is the hub with its iconic lion statues and fountain in the center. Wander the square and surrounding streets to find independent shops selling antiques, books, home goods and more. Stop for a bite at one of the sidewalk bistros like Grape & Grain Exchange or M Shack. Don’t miss the San Marco Theatre, a single screen neighborhood cinema showing indie films and classics.
Address: San Marco Blvd & Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Kingsley Plantation
History buffs will appreciate this well-preserved plantation dating back to 1792. One of the few remaining plantation houses in Florida, Kingsley Plantation provides an insightful look into the lives of slaves and Florida’s agricultural past. Walk the grounds to see the historic cottages, barn, and gardens. Ranger-guided tours are available to learn more about the experiences of slaves on the plantation. Groups can request discounted admission by calling ahead.
Address: 11676 Palmetto Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Phone: (904) 251-3537
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
This fine arts museum located in the Riverside neighborhood houses a world-class collection of European and American paintings, as well as Meissen porcelain and antique furniture. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is set on a sprawling campus with beautifully landscaped gardens in an array of styles from English to Japanese. Groups can request docent-led tours of the galleries and grounds. Don’t miss the museum’s popular ARTventures program for kids and families.
Address: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 356-6857
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
For a truly unique experience, visit the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. This museum displays rare original manuscripts and documents from history. Exhibits change frequently and have included everything from medieval illuminated manuscripts to Einstein’s papers. You never know what treasures you might uncover! Karpeles also hosts exhibits of local artists. Best of all, admission is free.
Address: 101 W 1st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 356-2992
Friendship Fountain
This impressive fountain in Downtown Jacksonville is the world’s largest and tallest. The fountain shoots streams of water 120 feet into the air synchronized to lights and music. At night, the fountain puts on an incredible light show with colorful dancing waters. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to relax on the lawn and enjoy the spectacle. Friendship Fountain is located on the bank of the St. Johns River with postcard views of the Downtown skyline.
Address: 1 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Tree Hill Nature Center
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring this urban wilderness area along the St. Johns River. Tree Hill Nature Center features wooded hiking trails, an interpretive center with wildlife exhibits, and a butterfly garden. Groups can request guided tours focused on the area’s ecosystems, plant species and wildlife inhabitants like river otters, bald eagles and wood storks. Tree Hill also offers fun educational programs for kids.
Address: 7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 724-4646
Friendship Fountain – Majestic Waterside Display
At the heart of Jacksonville’s Downtown Southbank lies Friendship Fountain, one of the world’s tallest and most spectacular fountains. Towering 120 feet over the St. Johns River, the fountain features a majestic multi-tiered spray of water choreographed to lights and music.
Built in 1965, Friendship Fountain was constructed as a symbol of Jacksonville’s bold future. At the time, it was the world’s tallest fountain and remains among the most impressive. Seeing the fountain fully illuminated at night as jets of water dance in an orchestrated show is a breathtaking sight.
Surrounding the fountain, Friendship Park serves as a popular gathering place for riverfront events. On a nice day, you’ll find locals lounging on the sloping lawn and children frolicking in the fountain’s splash zone. Treat your group to front-row views of this Jacksonville landmark aboard a charter bus.
Friendship Fountain
1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Tree Hill Nature Center – Forest Tranquility in the City
For a serene urban wilderness escape, head to Tree Hill Nature Center. Tucked away in the heart of the city, Tree Hill spans 50 acres of tranquil woods and wetlands along the Trout River. Here, elevated boardwalks loop through lush forest and marsh habitats, home to a diversity of birds, plants, and wildlife.
In addition to immersing yourself in nature, you can participate in educational programs like archery, campfire building, and canoeing. The nature center also features hands-on exhibits in its Lodge building, including live animals like turtles, snakes, and birds of prey. Outside, kids delight in feeding the center’s goats and chickens.
For your group, the beauty of Tree Hill Nature Center is that it offers an outdoor adventure without leaving Jacksonville. Let your charter bus driver navigate you to this hidden forest sanctuary brimming with opportunities to explore and learn.
Tree Hill Nature Center
7152 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211
(904) 724-4646
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Company Jacksonville
Now that you’ve uncovered some of Jacksonville’s hidden gems, start planning your group trip! Charter Bus Company Jacksonville offers a variety of charter buses and minibuses to meet your group’s needs. Our experienced drivers know Jacksonville’s layout and traffic patterns to ensure prompt transportation between your destinations. Charter buses provide plenty of room for your group to ride together in comfort, with amenities like WiFi, TVs, power outlets and restrooms available. No need to worry about parking or navigating an unfamiliar city. Leave the driving to us while you focus on exploring Jacksonville’s treasures! Call 904-574-4038 for a free quote on your Jacksonville charter bus rental.