Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
When you need an escape from Jacksonville’s urban hustle, head over to this 120-acre paradise nestled along the shores of Jones Creek. As one of the region’s largest arboretums, these immaculate gardens showcase an astonishing variety of plants, from vibrant tropical flowers to ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Wander along shaded trails to discover tranquil ponds, scenic overlooks, and peaceful meditation areas. The real highlight, though? Climbing to the top of the arboretum’s observation hill for a breathtaking, panoramic view. With over 6 miles of nature trails to explore, you’ll want comfy shoes and plenty of water for your visit. After working up an appetite, stop by their TreeHouse for a light bite or sip cool drinks at the Maple Terrace Café. Better yet, pack your own picnic basket and enjoy an outdoor feast while basking in the natural beauty. Your Party Bus Jacksonville charter bus can drop you right at the main entrance so you won’t have to deal with Jax traffic on the way there.
Address: 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: (904) 318-4720
Riverside Avondale Historic District
Jacksonville’s trendiest neighborhood didn’t get its charm overnight. The Riverside Avondale area has been cultivating its vibrant culture and architectural beauty for well over a century, boasting one of the largest concentrations of historic homes in the entire state. Take an afternoon strolling down tree-lined avenues to admire grand old oaks, charming bungalows, and Mediterranean Revival mansions that transport you to another era. After marveling at the homes, spend some time exploring the district’s thriving shopping and dining scene along King Street and Park & Stockton. You can easily spend hours bouncing from trendy boutiques and artisan shops to lively bistros and craft breweries. Don’t miss spots like Bitter Bottoms Comedy Club, Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, and the iconic Riverside Arts Market held every Saturday morning under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Just let your Party Bus Jacksonville team know where to drop you off, then meet back up whenever you’re ready for the next hidden gem.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
One of Jacksonville’s true cultural treasures, The Cummer houses an impressive collection of European and American paintings, historic furniture, decorative art objects, and more spanning over 5,000 years of civilization. Lose yourself wandering through world-class exhibits and contemplating renowned works like Rodin’s Fallen Caryatid and Norman Rockwell’s Study for Willie Gillis: Package from Home. Once you’ve soaked in all the art indoors, be sure to explore the museum’s flourishing English and Italian gardens. Designed in the early 1900s, these scenic grounds feature reflecting pools, tranquil alcoves and terraces, and even the country’s largest adolescent plant collection maintained in the state-of-the-art greenhouse. In the evenings, visitors can attend stimulating programs, performances, and events held on the grounds. Let your Party Bus Jacksonville charter bus team drop you at the museum’s entrance for some classy cultural immersion.
Address: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 356-6857
Friendship Fountain
Friendship Fountain is a Jax landmark you seriously can’t miss – this epic centerpiece shoots over 17,000 gallons of water per minute, reaching heights up to 120 feet with choreographed lights and music. Yup, it lives up to its title as the world’s largest and tallest fountain! Head to St. Johns River Park at night for the best light shows, when park visitors can even request specific songs to sync with the fountain’s mesmerizing water dances. During the day, Friendship Fountain’s surrounding parklands offer plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Rent bikes, kayaks or paddleboards to explore the river, break out the fishing rods, or just lounge on the riverfront dock to soak up some Florida sunshine. You can even host events like weddings, concerts, and festivals on the spacious riverwalk or in the Dasha Gazebo. Just have your Party Bus Jacksonville charter bus drop you right at the waterfront so you won’t miss a minute of this can’t-miss Jacksonville attraction.
Address: 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: (904) 630-4100
The Root Underground Speakeasy & Brewery
For a blast from Jacksonville’s Prohibition-era past, head underground (literally!) to discover one of the coolest hidden bars in town. The Root Underground Speakeasy & Brewery is housed in the former holding cells and basements of an 1890s jail, featuring brick archways and iron bars that’ll transport you to a 1920s speakeasy…but with way better drinks. Sip award-winning craft brews at the “drunk tank” bar or grab a cozy booth with old friends. When hunger hits, dig into Root’s modern takes on comfort food classics like burgers, mac & cheese, and brick oven pizzas. Just be warned – this place stays hoppin’ til the wee hours and tends to have long waits, so slide into those cozy booths while you can! Your Party Bus Jacksonville team would be happy to stick around St. Augustine to shuttle you back after a night of revelry at this truly unique hideaway.
Address: 1513 1/2 King St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 900-7414
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
This 46,000-acre coastal preserve near downtown Jax gives you a taste of Florida’s primordial natural beauty, protecting one of the last remaining salt marshes on the Atlantic coast. Lose yourself hiking the Timucuan’s nature trails to spot native wildlife, cast a line from scenic fishing spots, or kayak through tranquil saltwater creeks. For a local’s adventure, time your visit for low tide and take a leisurely stroll across miles of exposed coquina sand to explore undeveloped barrier islands. The Timucuan preserve isn’t just about natural splendor, though – it also encompasses historic sites like the Kingsley Plantation, Fort Caroline, and Indigenous shell middens (trash heaps) used by Northeast Florida’s native Timucua people. Immerse yourself in the area’s rich cultural history through the preserve’s interpretative trails and visitor centers. Let your Party Bus Jacksonville shuttle pick you up from this rugged escape just in time for your next stop in Jacksonville.
Address: 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: (904) 251-3537
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
No visit to Jacksonville is complete without meeting the city’s most beloved (and ferocious) residents – the big cats of Catty Shack Ranch! This one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary provides a forever home for endangered felines like tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats, and more. Take the popular “feeding tour” to watch these majestic hunters chow down while learning about the ranch’s conservation efforts from knowledgeable keepers. For an even wilder experience, visitors can book “ina-cub-ator” encounters to hang out with furry cubs, play with baby lions, or even train adolescent big cats with the ranch’s staff. The ultimate bucket list item for animal lovers is Catty Shack’s signature Tiger Tunnel – you’ll go inside an acrylic tunnel surrounded by adult tigers mere inches away! No worries, your Party Bus Jacksonville bus will keep distance to ensure you return in one piece after meeting these ferocious felines.
Address: 1938 Moniac Way, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Phone: (904) 379-3217
Okefenokee Swamp Park
Explore one of Georgia’s most stunning natural wonders just across the state border from Jacksonville at the Okefenokee Swamp Park. This 600-acre wildlife preserve offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the largest blackwater wetlands in North America. For breathtaking scenery, opt for the park’s 90-minute boat tours to drift along ancient waterways lined by towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. You might spot alligators, black bears, sandhill cranes, and other native creatures! Adventurous souls can discover even more of the swamp’s magic by booking guided kayaking, hiking, and camping excursions led by the park’s seasoned naturalists. Before heading out, stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Okefenokee Pastimes shop and museum to learn all about this mind-blowing ecosystem. Just let your Party Bus Jacksonville team handle the roughly 1-hour trip from Jacksonville – you’ll want to save your energy for navigating the swamp!
Address: 5582 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd, Waycross, GA 31503
Phone: (912) 283-0583
Plan Your Trip With Party Bus Jacksonville
With so many extraordinary attractions tucked away in Jacksonville and its surrounding areas, you’ll definitely want to maximize your time exploring every hidden gem. Don’t spend your outing cramped in an Uber or dragging luggage on public transit – treat your crew to the ultimate party bus rental from Party Bus Jacksonville! We’ve got luxurious coaches decked out with plush seating, flat-screen TVs, bumpin’ sound systems, coolers stocked with refreshments, and even dance poles to turn your group’s travels into an epic rolling celebration. Just give us a call at 904-574-4038 – your party bus is waiting to whisk you away to Jacksonville’s must-see hidden treasures in style!