Find family-friendly things to do around Jacksonville, from beach fun to NFL games

With its miles of beaches, upscale shopping, and loads of exciting entertainment, Jacksonville offers plenty of things to do during your stay at the Country Inn & Suites off I-95. Less than 15 minutes away in downtown, you can see the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in action at TIAA Bank Field or catch a touring music star at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Prefer the outdoors? Head about 20 minutes east to enjoy sun, sand, and surf at Jacksonville Beach. Families love the educational activities at Tree Hill Nature Center, about six miles from the hotel. If you need a break from business meetings, you can shop high-end brands at nearby St. Johns Town Center. Afterward, drop your finds off in your room or suite, and head back out for a shrimp feast at a seafood restaurant or fish camp along the St. Johns River.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

7.05 mi / 11.34 km from the hotel
Whether you want to see works from 2100 BCE or the 21st century, this museum has something for every art lover. Take a stroll through the beautiful flower gardens, and then admire works by Peter Paul Rubens, Norman Rockwell, and Winslow Homer.

Tree Hill Nature Center

5.99 mi / 9.63 km from the hotel
This 51-acre wilderness preserve offers fun, hands-on programming to teach visitors about the three ecosystems represented in the park. You can also take a self-guided tour of the butterfly house, natural history museum, and nature trails.

Downtown Jacksonville

7.08 mi / 11.39 km from the hotel
Spend time exploring downtown Jacksonville, a unique waterfront city with art galleries, nightlife, parks, and markets.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

11.52 mi / 18.53 km from the hotel
Home to more than 2,000 animals and lush gardens featuring plants from around the globe, this zoo is a great place to take a walk on the wild side.

Metropolitan Park

5.92 mi / 9.52 km from the hotel
Set along the St. Johns River, this downtown green space makes a picturesque spot for a picnic, complete with a playground and a marina. The park also functions as a venue for large outdoor events, including major music festivals.

St. Augustine

28.62 mi / 46.06 km from the hotel
Featuring charming cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and unique shops, the nation’s oldest city is brimming with culture and history.

St. Johns Town Center

3.86 mi / 6.22 km from the hotel
This landscaped open-air mall has more than 150 stores and restaurants, including Apple, Banana Republic, Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Tiffany & Co., P.F. Chang’s, and The Capital Grille.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

6.43 mi / 10.35 km from the hotel
Home of Jacksonville’s hockey and arena football teams, the Icemen and the Sharks, this venue also hosts other sporting events, big-name concerts, and family shows throughout the year.

121 Financial Ballpark

6.28 mi / 10.11 km from the hotel
Check out the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp minor league baseball team and treat yourself to some popcorn, peanuts, and nachos at this nine-acre stadium.

Dave & Buster's

0.16 mi / 0.25 km from the hotel
Enjoy great food and drinks while playing games or watching sports at this combination of a restaurant, a bar, and an arcade.

TIAA Bank Field

5.99 mi / 9.64 km from the hotel
Cheer on the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, which is located along the St. Johns River and seats more than 67,000 spectators.

Jacksonville Beaches

12.3 mi / 19.8 km from the hotel
These four city beaches (Jacksonville, Neptune, Mayport, and Atlantic) offer 22 miles of sandy shoreline along with great surfing and fishing opportunities. For a look at local history and culture, you can also visit the Beaches Museum.