Florida Fun on a Shoestring Budget – Affordable Jacksonville Attractions
With 22 miles of beaches, more than 100,000 acres of parks, and dozens of world-class golf courses, this incredible city has a lot to offer. But what if you’re traveling on a tight budget? Without worries. With plenty of affordable Jacksonville hotels and reasonably priced attractions, you can still have the vacation of a lifetime:
or go to the beach. Bask in the sun on miles of uncrowded white sand beaches. Whether it’s Atlantic, Neptune, or Jacksonville Beach, you can play, swim, snorkel, or just work on your tan. Just minutes from the city’s beaches, you’ll find some of Florida’s best seafood, shopping, cafes, and more. With free moonlight movies, summer concerts, and other seasonal events, you really can have the time of your life for the price of sunscreen and snacks.
or Children’s Camps. Kids Campus at Metropolitan Park in downtown Jacksonville, definitely not your run-of-the-mill playground, it’s a magical place where kids can play on the colorful playground landscapes, try out climbing, digging and sliding equipment, experiment with solar energy, and more. In the summer months, the campus water park is king, with its exciting slides and water cannons. From “following the yellow brick road” to transforming into a raindrop, this is a fun, safe and FREE way for kids to spend the day, and it’s just minutes from many affordable Jacksonville hotels.
o Adventure Landing. This is THE place to play, whether you are an adult, a child, or something in between. Billed as Northeast Florida’s largest family entertainment center, you’ll find rides ranging from soft to melting, as well as miniature golf courses, a MEGA arcade, batting cages, a teddy bear factory, laser tag , motion simulators and many places. to enjoy an aperitif. When the temperatures rise, the Shipwreck Island Waterpark inside Adventure Landing is the place to be, with four extreme slides, Little St. John’s River, and Typhoon Lagoon, a half-million-gallon wave pool. The best deal is the all-day water park pass for $27.99, but if you’re only interested in a few attractions like miniature golf or laser tag, you can buy a la carte tickets for less than $7.
o Museum of Science and History. Known to most simply as “MOSH,” this exciting destination is a combination of cutting-edge, educational exhibits (worth 80,000 square feet) and pure fun. From its electrifying and explosive science shows to its planetarium where you can see the stars that dot the night sky, kids and adults alike can spend all day exploring and enjoying hands-on activities. Admission for adults is $9, while admission for children ages 3-12 is $7.
o Tram ride through the old town of San Agustín. Enjoy the historic sights, history and attractions of the oldest city in the United States, founded in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. About 35 miles from most Jacksonville hotels, this area is dotted with Spanish colonial neighborhoods, charming buildings, and a style all its own. Along the way, you can see more than 100 points of interest, in just a one-hour drive. From the Fountain of Youth, the Lightner Museum, Ripley’s “Believe It or Not”, the Oldest House in St. Augustine, the Florida Heritage Museum and much more, you’ll also end your experience near a host of great attractions, shops and restaurants. A $20 Old Town Trolley pass is good for three days of unlimited use and includes admission to multiple attractions.
o Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. With more than 5,500 objects in its permanent collection, Northeast Florida’s largest museum of fine arts is an incredible place. From European Masters to American Impressionists, this museum is home to some amazing collections, not to mention a unique collection of 18th-century Meissen porcelain. You really could spend days here, wandering the more than two and a half acres of historic gardens along the St. Johns River and taking in the views. The museum is also home to a nationally recognized educational center, Art Connections, offering visitors of all ages a hands-on educational experience. Admission for adults is $10. Children under 5 years old enter free.
Whether you want to be inspired by the area’s cultural offerings or just want to relax on the beach, you can have an amazing vacation in Jacksonville, even if you’re working on a tight budget. If you need more ideas during your stay at Jacksonville Marriott hotels, be sure to stop by the concierge desk or speak with our friendly staff.
