From parks and museums to botanical gardens, there are many great opportunities for entertainment in Jacksonville, FL. When weighing your options, you may struggle to decide due to the number of activities you can choose from. Today, we’re looking at our favorite weekend activities in the Jacksonville area that we think you should make the drive over to.
Drive on Over: 3 Weekend Activities Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Visiting Catty Shack Ranch
One of the best things to do on a Saturday night in Jax is visiting Catty Shack Ranch at 1860 Starratt Road. Every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 7:30 PM, night feedings are held. After a brief introductory video, you can take a self-guided walking tour through the ranch. You can see the animals that live here, including foxes, bobcats, cougars, and lions.
At 7 o’clock, it is feeding time! The executive director of the wildlife sanctuary will share fun facts about the animals that live here. You can also go on an enrichment tour from 1 to 3 Sunday. Typically, this self-guided walking tour takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
2. Exploring Little Talbot Island State Park
We also recommend exploring Little Talbot Island State Park at 12157 Heckscher Dr. There are many great outdoor activities that you can enjoy here, including surfing, paddling, and swimming. There are also hiking and biking trails that can be enjoyed. Birding is another popular activity that can be enjoyed out here. Some of the species you may be able to see include:
- Painted buntings
- Snowy owls
- Great-horned owls
- Plovers
3. Touring Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Touring Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens at 370 Zoo Parkway is another great way to spend a Saturday in Jax. There are over a dozen exhibits housing mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians from around the world. One of the most popular exhibits is Stingray Bay. Here, you can get an up-close look at Atlantic guitarfish, cownose stingrays, Atlantic stingrays, and bluntnose stingrays.
The Land of the Tiger exhibit is also really popular. In this exhibit, you can find Malayan and Sumatran tigers. You can also find Visayan warty pigs and bluegills here. If you’re a fan of birds, you can’t miss the Emerald Forest Aviary exhibit. It is home to over a dozen bird species.
While there are many great ways to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Jax, you need a car you can count on, like a 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata. If you’re in the market for a new car, take one for a test drive by visiting us today at Tom Bush Mazda.
Connect with us
