19 Romantic Things to Do in Jacksonville

There's nothing more romantic than a relaxing massage for two. Book an appointment at The NOW in Jacksonville Town Center to unwind and decompress. Choose between the NOW, Stretch, or Healer massage, each designed to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and restore balance. If you want to spice things up, consider adding enhancements like cupping, heat therapy, or gua sha. You and your partner will leave feeling refreshed and reconnected.

Grab your tubes and head to the Ichetucknee River for a fun day of floating. Stop by the Ichetucknee Tube Centre at the north entrance of the river to get your rentals and a comprehensive guide map. Hop in at the north entrance or the midpoint launch, depending on how long you want your journey to last. As you float down the crystal-clear water, you'll see a variety of wildlife and lush forested areas. Sit back, take in the view, or jump in for a swim.

Located five miles northeast of downtown, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens features over 70 acres of wildlife from around the world. Stroll through the exhibits to see exotic species like big cats, monkeys, colorful birds, and more. You can even get up close and personal with the giraffes when you sign up to feed them and take photos. The zoo gives proceeds from every ticket sale to promote wildlife conservation, so your romantic adventure will give back to the animals who need it most.

Impress your special someone with your chef skills at JAX Cooking Studio. A master chef walks you through a night of cooking as you create anything from sweet treats to savory cuisine. They'll supply locally sourced, high-quality ingredients and guide you step by step as you create a delicious meal together. Sip on some complimentary wine throughout the evening.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a romantic date at Diamond D Ranch. Located 30 minutes outside Jacksonville, this 500-acre ranch offers guided trail rides from one to four hours. The one-hour ride takes you around the ranch as you learn about its history, while the two-hour ride offers a scenic journey through Jennings State Park. If you're looking to make a day out of it, opt for the four-hour ride for an adventure deep into the forest, where you'll stop for lunch and see the historic church that dates back to the 1800s.

Show off your creative side when you sign up for a couple's date night at Painting With a Twist. You and your partner are provided with painting supplies, canvases, and step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece you'll remember forever. Create individual pieces or make a shared piece on two canvases that come together as one.

The events calendar constantly rotates with various paintings to choose from, ranging from seasonal landscapes to DIY wood board signs. Bring along your favorite snacks and drinks to fuel your creative energy as you paint.

If you're looking for a free date night activity in Jacksonville, head down to the Southbank Riverwalk for a scenic stroll through downtown. As you walk the 1 ¼-mile stretch down St. Johns River, take in scenic skyline views, see colorful street art, and watch the riverboats. If you get hungry, stop at one of the many restaurants, bars, or lounges lining the walk. Make sure to bring your camera to snap a picture and create lasting memories.

There's no better way to enjoy a sunny day with your partner than at Jacksonville Beach. Grab your picnic blanket, basket, and a cold beverage, and head down to the white sand beach for a lunch with stunning ocean views. If you're feeling active, bring along your bikes and ride down the pier, or rent a kayak and paddle out into the water. With plenty of restaurants nearby, you can wrap up your day with a romantic dinner or stop in for a happy hour drink.

Spend a romantic day out on the water with Now and Zen Sailing Charters. Choose a day cruise, sunset ride, or private dinner service on the luxurious 42-foot catamaran. The boat is equipped with a full crew and captain, so all you have to worry about is relaxing and taking in the sights. Stretch out on the trampolines, connect under the stern ling seat, and learn about sailing at the helm. It'll be a day you and your partner will never forget.

Connect with your loved one in the beauty of nature at Little Talbot Island State Park. This undeveloped barrier island features over five miles of white sand beaches. Set up for the day and enjoy activities like scenic hikes, beachcombing, surfing, or biking through the many trails. Wander down to the eroding sun-bleached roots and fallen trunks of cedar to snap a picture of the driftwood forest. On your adventures, you'll encounter wildlife like shorebirds, turtles, and dolphins in the distance.

Take your date for a tasty treat at Sweet Pete's Candy. This 23,000-square-foot candy shop is one of the largest in the country and features three floors of candy, sodas, ice cream, and chocolates. It's located in a historic Victorian mansion that sits on Hogan Street in downtown Jacksonville. Explore the shop and pick out your favorites, or take a guided tour to learn about the candy and chocolate-making process. Every guest is treated to one of their legendary sea salt caramels—but be warned, they're addictive!

Topgolf is the ideal date night spot for couples who want to get competitive in a fun, high-tech atmosphere. This 65,000-square-foot space features hitting bays, a sports bar, and a restaurant, giving you everything you need for a night out with your partner. You're welcome to bring your own gear or use the complimentary clubs to aim at the large targets on the field. If you work up an appetite, you can order food, snacks, and drinks right to your bay. Every hitting bay has HDTVs, so you can catch up on the game between hits.

Sip tasty cocktails and learn about the process of spirit-marking at Manifest Distilling. Located in the heart of the Sports District, Manifest is Jacksonville's only full-scale organic distillery. They feature a core line-up of non-GMO potato vodka, organic gin, and 100% rye whiskey. Stop by The Cocktail Room for a quick drink, or take the Distillers Tour for a guided adventure through the spirit-crafting process. Get a look at the production space, see each step of the distillation process, and sample a flight of three signature spirits.

Take your partner to Wick Candle Bar for a romantic, scent-driven experience. In as little as 45 minutes, you can create custom candles featuring your favorite aromas. Begin by exploring over 90 scents to pick your top choice. Once you've chosen, head to the tables to mix your oils, melt the wax, and pour your candle into a custom jar. If candles aren't your thing, you can create sprays, reed diffusers, or body care products. The candles take 90 minutes to cool, giving you plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and pop into a local restaurant for a quick meal.

Take your partner on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at iFly in Jacksonville's St. Johns Town Center. This indoor skydiving experience is perfect for the adventurous couple wanting to add thrill to their weekly date night. Strap on a flight suit and helmet and enter one of the wind tunnels to fly high into the air. It's an adrenaline-boosting experience you and your partner will remember forever.

Traveling to Jacksonville? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.