27 Most Fun Date Ideas in Jacksonville for Romance in 2024
Date ideas in Jacksonville range from relaxed beach trips and cultural activities to exciting outdoor recreation and animal experiences. The Sunshine State’s northernmost city sits along the Atlantic Ocean and the Saint John’s River, making it a beautiful setting for active, romantic and unique date ideas.
If you’re searching for date ideas for teens, double date ideas or first date ideas in Jacksonville, FL, keep reading. We’ve gathered a variety of attractions and experiences to suit any interest and answer the question, “Where do people go out in Jacksonville?”
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- Romantic Date Ideas in Jacksonville for Adults
- Unique Date Ideas in Jacksonville for Couples
- Indoor Date Ideas Jacksonville
- Outdoor Date Ideas in Jacksonville
- Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Romantic Date Ideas in Jacksonville for Adults
1. Cooking Classes
Signing up for cooking classes in Jacksonville is an excellent way to bond with your significant other. Spend time sharing an interest in culture and cuisine while learning how to roast vegetables, grill sirloin steak, roll colorful tubes of sushi or bake a tray of buttery French pastries.
2. Ice Skating
What is there to do in Jacksonville, FL for adults searching for a romantic connection? Community First Igloo and Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex are indoor ice rinks where you can glide hand-in-hand across the ice. Encourage each other and bond while learning a new sport or showing off your stellar skating skills.
3. Hot Air Balloon Ride
How much more romantic can you get than a hot air balloon ride? One of the best romantic date ideas in Jacksonville, this experience allows you and your sweetie to soar high above the coastline. Whether it’s a first or a 50th date, this is one you’ll both remember.
4. Dinner Theater
Dinner and a show sounds like the perfect date idea in Jacksonville. The Alhambra Theater and Dining experience features a three-course meal and dazzling shows such as Boeing Boeing, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy, The Wedding Singer and more.
5. Spa Day
For a romantic date idea in Jacksonville, begin by planning a relaxing and rejuvenating spa day. Book couples’ massages, facials and body scrubs.
Moroccan Hammam & Day Spa, Aurspa and Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa offer packages for a variety of treatments and can even include chocolates and Champagne.
6. Drive-In Movie
Go old-school and take your sweetie to a drive-in movie. Pack a picnic or stock up on popcorn for fun first date ideas in Jacksonville, FL.
The Sun-Ray Cinema Drive-In Theater, located behind Ramona Flea Market, opened during the pandemic and continues to show first-run movies for a fun date night.
Unique Date Ideas in Jacksonville for Couples
7. K1 Speed Go-Karts
Are you searching for adrenaline-inducing date ideas in Jacksonville? Indulge your shared need for speed by zooming around a twisting track in thrilling go-karts. There’s an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite before or after your race.
8. Indoor Sky Diving
If you’re hoping for unique date ideas in Jacksonville, put indoor skydiving at the top of your list. Head to the state-of-the-art iFLY venue to soar high into the air without having to jump out of a plane.
You’ll receive step-by-step instructions and safety advice for a fun and thrilling experience.
9. Axe Throwing
If you’re looking for unique date ideas in Jacksonville, look no further than axe throwing. This fun and exhilarating experience is all the rage and perfect for first dates and double dates.
Cheer and challenge each other at locations such as Stumpy’s Hatchet House, Axe Champs or Class Axe Throwing.
10. Escape Room
One of the best first date ideas, an escape room allows you to work together to solve riddles, find clues and be the first to escape the room.
Breakout Games, The Escape Game Jacksonville and Escapology all offer fun and challenging escape games with themes like prison breaks, art heists, mystery mansions, the gold rush, runaway trains, island escapes and much more.
Indoor Date Ideas Jacksonville
11. Cummer Gardens and Museum
Are you looking for artistic date ideas in Jacksonville? The Cummer Gardens and Museum offer more than 5,000 pieces of art include fashion, paintings, textile art, prints and other items.
When you’re done with the indoor section, head outdoors to discover the perfectly landscaped gardens, sculptures and topiaries.
12. Concerts and Musicals
Venues such as the Florida Theatre, the Ritz Theatre and Museum or the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts are some of the best indoor date ideas in Jacksonville for couples who enjoy the music scene.
Consider the 1904 Music Hall for musical concerts of all genres. Annual events include the Jacksonville Symphony and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
13. Romantic Restaurant
Are you looking for things to do in Jacksonville, FL for couples at night? Go with the tried-and-true restaurant option but take it up a notch by choosing a truly romantic one with scenic views, flickering candlelight and impeccable menus. Cowford Chophouse, River & Post, Matthew’s Restaurant or Norikase are among the best in Jacksonville.
Enjoy fresh Atlantic Coast seafood, fresh vegetables, Italian specialties or organic beef while sipping local wines and craft brews.
14. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
Are you searching for indoor date ideas in Jacksonville with a creative twist? The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is one of the best indoor date ideas for couples who share a love of art.
Stroll through galleries while discovering and sharing your favorite paintings, photographs, sculptures and other artistic items. The museum holds a monthly movie night, making it one of the most perfect things to do in Jacksonville, FL for couples at night.
15. Brewery Tours
Exploring the Jax Ale Trail is an excellent date idea in Jacksonville for craft brew and cider fans. Visit craft breweries such as the Wicked Barley Brewery, Ruby Beach Brewing, Southern Swells and Congaree and Penn, which has an orchard, a restaurant and a working farm to go along with the brewery scene.
Outdoor Date Ideas in Jacksonville
16. Walter Jones Historic Park
Plan a day of exploring and walking past Spanish moss-draped oak trees at Walter Jones Historic Park. Located along the St. Johns River, the 10-acre park offers gardens, historic structures, picnic areas and a riverfront boardwalk for nature watching.
Check out the historic Mandarin Museum and Schoolhouse to learn about local history and the St. John River’s role in the Civil War.
17. Beach Day
Take advantage of Jacksonville’s geography and its 22+ miles of beachfront property by spending the day swimming, fishing or lounging along the beautiful beaches.
Pack a picnic for two and head to Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach or Fernandina Beach on nearby Amelia Island.
18. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Animal lovers will find the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to be the perfect outing for a fun date day. Whether you’re into lions, otters and eagles or turtles, birds and manatees, you’re sure to find a favorite on this fun date idea.
Go at dusk to experience an illuminated light exhibition. Other events and attractions include garden habitats, sculptures and behind-the-scenes animal encounters with black bears, flamingos, elephants and penguins. You can even participate in a wine and cheese with goats experience!
19. Sailing Charter
With Jacksonville’s coastal setting, the waterways are a given for fun date ideas in Jacksonville. Hop on a boat with First Coast Charters or Now and Zen Sailing Charters to explore the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway or the St. Johns River to celebrate a career milestone, honor a wedding anniversary, hold a reception or even get married. Look for local marine wildlife, learn to sail or just enjoy the views on a sunset cruise.
20. Horseback Riding
For fun date ideas in Jacksonville, such as first and second date ideas, explore your love of the great outdoors and equine life with a horseback riding experience.
Diamond D Ranch is a working ranch that offers one-hour, two-hour and half-day guided trail rides around the 500-acre ranch property and nearby Jennings State Forest.
21. Urban Kayaking
Is Jacksonville good for dating when you have a shared interest in the great outdoors? You bet it is! The St. Johns River is a terrific destination for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The St. Johns Marina has a convenient launching ramp. Paddle past the urban skyline for a twist on the typical mangroves, marshes and nature trails.
All Wet Sports has a kayak launch, lessons and events for interested paddlers. Nearby Amelia Island is another popular area for kayaking and paddle sports.
22. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Refuge
What are some date ideas in Jacksonville for couples who enjoy wildlife? That would be the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Refuge.
This non-profit provides a home, care and medical support for lions, tigers, pumas and other wild cats. The organization’s mission is to educate the public about exotic and endangered cats. The sanctuary is also home to horses, foxes and servals.
Free & Cheap Date Ideas in Jacksonville
23. San Marco Stroll
The historic San Marco neighborhood sits on the south bank of the St. Johns River. You’ll find cafes, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, bars and breweries. It’s a wonderful area for sunset watching. Check out historic mansions, San Marco Square, Ballis Park and the Three Lions Sculpture.
24. Chamblin’s Uptown
Are you looking for cheap date ideas in Jacksonville? Chamblin’s Uptown is an oasis of a bookstore and café. Spend the day perusing books, reading books, discovering classic and antique books and enjoying each other’s company.
The café offers a breakfast and lunch menu as well as coffee and baked items.
25. Riverside Arts Market
Riverside Arts Market is the perfect date idea in Jacksonville for couples who enjoy finding a deal or discovering local artists. Local vendors set up tables selling jewelry, apparel, woodwork, candles, glass items, food, photographs and much more.
The market is located under the Fuller Warren Bridge on the north bank of the St. Johns River. You can access the site by boat, bike, car or water taxi.
26. Riverfront Plaza Picnic
For fun and cheap date ideas in Jacksonville, you can’t go wrong with a picnic. Head to downtown’s Riverfront Plaza, a spacious layer of green along the St. Johns River.
This area was formerly the site of Jacksonville Landing, but it now offers a relaxing vibe with riverfront views.
27. Little Talbot Island State Park
Where can my boyfriend and I go on a date? If you’re into nature, Little Talbot Island State Park is an excellent choice. It’s one of the best date ideas in Jacksonville for couples who enjoy the outdoors and photography.
Go hiking, kayaking or nature and bird watching. The unique driftwood formations along the beach make interesting selfies and photo ops.
From active date ideas to chill date ideas and everything in between, this list was designed to offer a range of experiences and activities perfect for any date. Find a shared interest or discover a new activity by checking any of the
For even more fun date night ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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