17 Jacksonville, FL Landmarks You Must Visit

Located in St. Johns River Park, Friendship Fountain is one of Jacksonville's most popular landmarks. It opened in 1965 and was designed by Jacksonville architect Taylor Hardwick. At the time of opening, it was the world's largest and tallest fountain. Significant renovations over the years include updates to the lighting and water displays.

Water shoots up to 100 feet in the air from the main geyser, with several smaller jets surrounding it. Visit during the evening to be treated to a colorful LED light show that synchronizes with the water jets. The fountain is a popular sport for events, festivals, and celebrations, and the surrounding area features picnic tables and walking paths.

Visit the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium. Built on the original Gator Bowl site from 1995, this stadium can seat up to 82,000 fans. It features some of the largest video boards in the world, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, murals made by local artists, and 88 luxury suites. Fans can enjoy two sparkling swimming pools in the north end zone.

You can visit Everbank Stadium for a guided tour every Saturday or buy tickets to one of its many events. In addition to Jacksonville Jaguars games, fans can attend the annual Florida-Georgia game, concerts by top artists, soccer matches, monster truck shows, and more!

Explore 73 acres of wildlife at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. As the only walking safari in Northeast Florida, this attraction offers a unique experience for the entire family. Get up close and personal with over 1,000 plants and 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, elephants, birds, reptiles, and more!

The zoo is one of seven in the United States with an animal wellness team, ensuring every animal thrives in its new home. It features a Manatee Critical Care Center that rescues and rehabilitates Florida's manatees. Visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens provides a fun activity and gives back to the area's wildlife.

Completed in 1989, the Dames Point Bridge carries six lanes of traffic from the Arlington area to the Oceanway and Northside neighborhoods of Jacksonville. It's one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the nation, with 21 miles of supporting cable designed on vertical planes in a harp stay arrangement.

Dame Point Bridge is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a stunning photo op with a scenic view of the river as your backdrop.

Located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, the Greenleaf/Jacobs Clock stands fifteen feet tall outside the Greenleaf & Crosby Building. It was initially manufactured in 1901 for $1200 by Seth Thomas Clock Company. The four-faced clock stood tall throughout Jacksonville's history and acts as a beloved reminder of the city's preservation.

The clock is covered in ornate details, including intricate ironwork, a green patina, decorative motifs, and a turn-of-the-century base design. Capture a memorable photo at the golden hour when the light hits just right.

Stroll down the St. Johns River on the Southbank Riverwalk. This 1.24-mile boardwalk is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a quick jog, or a scenic bike ride. The boardwalk is accented with benches, pavers, and other amenities where you can take a break on your journey. As you make your way down the riverwalk, check out the restaurants, parks, cultural sites, and a water taxi dock where you can travel across the river.

In the Southbank area of downtown Jacksonville lies the Treaty Oak. This famous tree is estimated to be 250 years old and has a trunk circumference of over 25 feet. It stands 70 feet tall and spreads out over 145 feet, with twisting branches that resemble an octopus. The Treaty Oak is a protected piece of Jacksonville's history, with cables and a lightning protection system shielding it from damage. It's estimated that the tree could live for another 400 years.

Stop by the Treaty Oak to admire its beauty and snap a picture, then move on to explore the surrounding park and picnic tables.

Big Talbot Island State Park is located on one of Northeast Florida's sea islands and offers 1,600 acres of outdoor activities. Whether you want to bird-watch at the nature preserve, hike Blackrock Trail, or take a boat from the island's north end, there's something for everyone. Set up for the day at the pavilions overlooking the water, or explore Boneyard Beach for the skeletons of live oak and cedar trees.

Whether you bike, skate, boat, or stroll through this state park, it's a must-visit landmark in Jacksonville.

If nature isn't quite your thing, explore Jacksonville in an urban way at St. Johns Town Center. This 1.2 million square foot open-air shopping center features nearly 200 retailers and over 20 restaurants. Shop well-known brands, including Dillard's and Abercrombie & Fitch, as you fill your suitcase with souvenirs. With budget-friendly bargains and splurge-worthy stores, there's something for every shopper.

A busy day of shopping works up an appetite, so stop in for lunch or dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, CAVA, or any of the other tasty restaurants.

Get a taste of Jacksonville's history at the Fort Caroline National Memorial. This historic site features a rebuild of the fort settled by French colonists in 1564. The replica features cannons, flags, and authentic touches that depict what the original fort would have looked like. Explore the fort to discover what the French colonists would have seen, then head to the top for a picture-worthy view of the St. Johns River.

Outside the fort, explore the 1.3-mile nature trail, the museum, a Timuca hut replica, and an in-progress canoe.