32 Things To Do In Jacksonville When You’re Bored And All Your Friends Are Busy
Your next solo act!
The problem: Your friends are busy; your Instagram feed is blowing up with #FOMO moments that you’re definitely missing out on; the boredom has fully settled in — and hitting the beach solo is not exactly your idea of fun.
The solution: This list. It has all the answers to this #FirstWorldProblem.
Whether you take yourself on a little outdoors-y adventure; chill out with some indoors-y fun; have a galactic experience; get your arts and culture on; or treat yourself to some #worthit splurges, the world (well, Jacksonville) is your oyster.
You may not even miss your posse of PICs (at least not for a while).
Go au naturel at Little Talbot Island State Park
Where: 12157 Heckscher Dr.
@fl.stateparksWith untouched natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, Little Talbot boasts more than five miles of pristine beaches and three miles of bike trails. It’s the perfect place to clear your head.
@girlswhohikeflCaffeinate at Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
Where: Multiple locations
@boldbeancoffee
Grab an iced coffee or a latte at this hip coffee shop. They have three locations: Riverside, San Marco, and Jacksonville Beach.
Rock on at The Edge Rock Gym
Where: 3563 Phillips Hwy., Suite #702
@theedgerockgymflWork on your climbing skills and get a good workout at the same time. It’s a win-win.
Treat yourself at Sweet Theory Baking Company
Where: 1234 King St.
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It doesn’t get sweeter than this place in Riverside that has all the treats you could want — and none of the troublesome ingredients. The bakery is egg, dairy, soy, and peanut free and also has gluten-free options. Let the sugar rush begin!
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@sweettheorybakingcoembedded via
Watch a flick at Sun-Ray Cinema
Where: 1028 Park St.
@tkmorrisonTake yourself to the movies at this historic-cool spot that dates back to 1927. Now, you can see a variety of movies here — from blockbusters to indie flicks to throwback goodies.
@karalindseyg
@ohgeejewelryHave a pie day at Moon River Pizza
Where: 1176 Edgewood Ave. S.
@devouringjaxThis funky joint makes pizza the right way: hand-made, hand-tossed crust slathered in tomato sauce, cheese, and anything else you might want. And, yes, you can get it to go. But, then you would miss out on the quirky pizza-making scene.
@thecoastaljax
Pop by for some popcorn at Peterbrooke
Where: 1301 Riverplace Blvd.
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If you’re going to insist on #NetflixAndChilling, then we have to insist you get some chocolate-covered popcorn from this chocolatier. It’s necessary.
Laugh it up at The Comedy Zone
Where: 3130 Hartley Rd.
@wv_brewedYou’ll be the one with the last laugh, even when you’re flying solo at this club the brings the best comedic acts to town.
Have your cake and eat it, too, at Biscottis
Where: 3556 St. Johns Ave.
@biscottisjaxThere’s no shame in dining alone, especially at this tucked-away gem of a place that has an amazing weekend brunch. But, with their decadent cake list, you should probably order dessert first.
Have a liquid lunch at Engine 15 Brewing Co.
Where: 1500 Beach Blvd.
@craig.toppingHave a beer flight — or a liquid lunch — meaning, a free beer to go with your lunch order; get the Frito pie! The original Jacksonville Beach location of this craft brewpub, named after owner Luch Scremin’s 1962 Ford Fire Engine, is the place to be. But, they also have a brewery and biergarten location downtown.
@niece_geeGo mod at MOCA Jacksonville
Where: 333 N. Laura St.
@julescannellaNo better place to get all artsy than at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the cultural institute of the University of North Florida that collects works from the 1960s to the present. So, there are plenty of mod moments to be had.
@caroline1298b
@xomzgigiSee a movie under the stars at Jacksonville Beach
Where: SeaWalk Pavilion
@intogoSure, you can hit the beach for the normal sun, sand, and surf. But, go after dark, for this periodic Moonlight Movie series.
Be a zookeeper for a day at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
Where: 370 Zoo Pkwy.
@jerrydavis_2Get up close and personal with the animals and find out what it’s like to take care of all the wildlife — from the elephants and giraffes to rhinos, zebras, apes, and more. Of course, you can just go to the zoo, too, and commune with the thousands of creatures from a distance.
Get theatrical at Theatre Jacksonville
Where: 2032 San Marco Blvd.
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This community theater has been around since 1919 — so, they’re definitely doing something right! With a diverse range of plays and productions, there’s always something interesting to see.
@tumarkwoodsJam out at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
Where: 3076 95th Dr.
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With karaoke every Thursday and live tunes on Fridays and Saturdays in the Music Hall, you can march to the beat of your own drum — and the band’s — at this one-of-a-kind music park and campground nestled on the shady banks of the Suwannee River. Of course, you could always embark on a solo camping trip for a night, too. You’ll probably make some new friends.
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@suwanneemusicparkembedded via
Have an out-of-this-world experience at Bryan Gooding Planetarium
Where: Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle
@skyler.tyneChannel your inner astronaut with an immersive experience at one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the U.S. with cutting-edge technology that brings deep space and the night skies to life. The rest of the museum is worth a look, too.
Indulge in retail therapy at St. Johns Town Center
Where: 4663 River City Dr.
@stjohnstownctrShopping can be your silver lining to a lackluster day — and there’s plenty of that here with stores galore and plenty of dining options, too, to fuel the shopping spree.
Be cheesy at The Happy Grilled Cheese
Where: 219 N. Hogan
@willworkforheelsClassic comfort food in the form of gooey, cheesy greatness, the yummy melts at this cute place are a must. Of course, you could always track down their food truck, too.
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Let the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra serenade you
Where: Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St.
@jaxsymphonyThe "Symphony in 60" series (60 minutes, that is) is just the right amount of time to get all classical, plus there’s a happy hour beforehand — or go to the pops series.
Enter the “secret” speakeasy at the Grape & Grain Exchange
Where: 2000 San Marco Blvd.
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It’s okay to drink alone at this place in San Marco Square — because it’s just that cool. The craft cocktail and “garden to bar” movement comes alive at this neighborhood-y spot, where you can also catch live music in the “Parlour” on Fridays and Saturdays.
Scream for ice cream at Dreamette
Where: 3646 Post St.
@beck_emChill out with the creamy soft-serve and dipped cones. It is all pretty dreamy here.
@westelmjaxPlay drag queen bingo at Hamburger Mary’s
Where: 3333 Beach Blvd.
@vallvalvallEat, drink, and be… Mary? This is the place for food, drink, and provocative fun. The real reason to go here is for HamBINGO, a weekly charity event, hosted by drag queens. All you have to do is make a $10 donation to play. The entertainment factor alone is worth the price of admission — plus it’s for a good cause.
Go boho in Five Points
Where: Riverside
@supremesaiStroll around the Five Points area and take in the vintage flavor that gives the neighborhood so much bohemian charm; there are plenty of unique restaurants and shops to pass a very non-boring afternoon. And, Memorial Park is close by, too.
@ladyy__lRelax at Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa
Where: 4236 St. Johns Ave.
@seventhwonderjaxEast meets West at this rejuvenating sanctuary that offers facials, massages, energy work, and Ayurvedic treatments inspired by authentic Indian culture. Because you deserve it.
Celebrate local artists and makers at Riverside Arts Market
Where: 715 Riverside Ave.
@coeurdepierre98Browse all kinds of finds with more than 100 artists, artisans, and farmers at this market hosted every Saturday along the St. Johns River.
Go biking through Boone Park
Where: 3700 Park St.
@daniellekeelerThis peaceful haven in Avondale is blanketed in shade trees and paved trails for a leisurely bike ride or walk around.
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Take in the sunset at Black Sheep Restaurant
Where: 1534 Oak St.
@yelpjaxSavor the skyline views with your drink on the sleek rooftop bar of this restaurant. You may even be feeling extra sassy and order the S’more Pops.
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Be outdoors-y at Fort George Island State Park
Where: 11241 Fort George Rd.
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The historic park area is a lush place for a picnic for one, hiking and biking, or taking a kayak out on the water.
@actionnewsjaxGet catty at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Where: 1860 Starratt Rd.
@cattyshackranchYou don’t have to be a crazy cat person to love this sanctuary that provides a loving, forever home to endangered big cats. Guided tours show off all the resident animals, including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, lynx, coatimundis, and foxes. You can also get in on a different kind of nightlife activity with the evening feeding tours that are especially fascinating.
@bellabouamoutPeople-watch on Southbank Riverwalk
Where: 1001 Museum Circle
@x106.5Soak in the beautiful waterside views and the downtown skyline — along with all the people — at this 1.25-mile art-filled boardwalk.
Find art and nature at Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Where: 829 Riverside Ave.
@bhartIt’s a toss-up which is more compelling: the 5,000-plus pieces of art or the beautifully manicured, historic riverfront gardens surrounding the museum.
@isabelleohcriner
@alexandriatorresNamaste with Kayak Amelia
Where: Talbot Islands State Park, 13030 Heckscher Dr.
@kayakameliaFind balance, strength, and serenity with a different kind of yoga experience. Kayak Amelia’s range of practices including stand up paddleboard yoga, kayak yoga, and meditation paddle. Namaste, indeed.
