Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Amusement Parks & Rides • Jacksonville, Florida United States

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida is a delightful destination that offers a harmonious blend of wildlife adventure and tranquil botanical beauty. This popular attraction sprawls over vast acres, inviting visitors to explore a diverse array of animal exhibits, lush gardens, and interactive experiences. The zoo showcases a wide variety of exotic creatures from around the world, including towering giraffes, playful primates, majestic big cats, and colorful tropical birds.

Guests can wander through immersive habitats designed to mimic natural environments, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the animals. The award-winning botanical gardens within the zoo enchant visitors with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, serene ponds, and winding paths that lead to hidden treasures. Educational opportunities abound, with informative talks, feedings, and behind-the-scenes tours that offer deeper insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts.

Families can enjoy a day filled with fun and learning, as children delight in the interactive play areas, animal encounters, and hands-on activities scattered throughout the zoo. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot to relax and refuel amidst the excitement. Whether seeking a peaceful stroll through vibrant gardens or an up-close encounter with wild creatures, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens promises a memorable experience for nature lovers of all ages.


Tours for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

$145 Tour Provided by Viator

CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach

Jacksonville, Florida

CraigCats are like a go-cart on water. You get the opportunity to drive your own boat on a guided tour while also getting to see the waterways of Amelia Island and the surrounding area. You could see dolphins, manatees, wild horses and birds specific to the area. *please note conditions vary and you may get splashed with bumpy conditions **you must be 18 years old to drive and if born after Jan 1, 1988 you must complete the FL Boaters Safety. ***Meeting location: 251 Creekside Drive Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (C Dock)

$350 Tour Provided by Viator

Private Guided Boat Tour up to 6 passengers in Fernandina Beach

Jacksonville, Florida

Sit back, relax and let a motor do the work on one of our exciting boat tours. We offer a variety of private charter boat tours of Amelia Island, Cumberland Island and many surrounding areas. Our local USCG certified captains will show you the diversity of our southern treasure we call Amelia Island on one of our guided boat tours.

$140 Tour Provided by Viator

1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Jacksonville, FL Evolution Jetsports

Jacksonville, Florida

Exclusive Ortega River Exploration Enjoy a 1-hour jet ski adventure on Jacksonville’s scenic Ortega River, perfect for both beginners and thrill-seekers. Premium Jet Skis Ride top-of-the-line Yamaha VX WaveRunners, offering comfort, reliability, and high performance. Tailored Adventures Cruise at your own pace—relax and enjoy the view or kick it up for an adrenaline rush. Safety First We provide a detailed safety briefing and operational lesson, so you’re confident on the water. Hassle-Free Fun Our convenient location and quick rental process make it easy to get on the water and enjoy.

$145 Tour Provided by Viator

90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure

Jacksonville, Florida

This is a unique experience that allows you to get behind the wheel of a fully electric Arcimoto FUV. Exclusive to Amelia Island, you’ll cruise through the island viewing the rich nature of Amelia. Back seat guest has to be at least 10 years old and or would have to be able to touch the floor of the Arcimoto FUV. Bluetooth sound systems so you can jam your favorite tunes while you ride. If not just enjoy the quietness of the island and take in all that it offers. (Car seats and boosters aren't allowed for safety reasons) This is a self-guided ride. "Tour stops" are suggestions and optional. You may cruise the island at your leisure. **We have 6 FUV's available. If you have any trouble booking the number of vehicles you would like, please reach out and we will assist!**

$65 Tour Provided by Viator

Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek

Jacksonville, Florida

The Lofton Creek Kayak Tour is perfect for paddlers of any level, including children and beginners. It’s an intimate nature experience in which participants can expect to get up close and personal with turtles, alligators, snakes, otters, and occasionally, manatees. The terrestrial nature of the forest attracts pileated woodpeckers, red shoulder hawks, and the curious anhinga, sometimes referred to as the “water turkey.” The protected makeup of Lofton Creek means paddling here is “weather resistant” to tumultuous coastal conditions. A south-bound paddle on Lofton Creek provides picturesque marsh views, whereas a north-bound paddle is a more remote, forested experience. The Lofton Creek Kayak Tour is a guaranteed good time for everyone in your group!

$75 Tour Provided by Viator

Amelia Island Floating Tiki Boat Cruise with BYOB Option

Jacksonville, Florida

Cruise the stunning waterways of Amelia Island aboard your very own floating tiki boat! This fun and relaxing BYOB cruise offers the perfect way to explore the Florida coast, spot local wildlife like dolphins, and enjoy a social cruise with friends or family. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise, a laid-back booze cruise with a small group, or a private boat charter, this customizable experience delivers unforgettable views and good times on the Intercoastal Waterway. Our party boat is fully equipped with comfortable seating, a Bluetooth sound system, and a cooler with ice for your drinks. Bring your favorite beverages and snacks, and enjoy a unique Amelia Island boat tour with a local captain who knows the best spots—including possible dolphin sightings and serene sandbar stops.

$115 Tour Provided by Viator

Electric Bike Tours in Amelia Island

Jacksonville, Florida

A Pedego Electric Bike is the best way to experience all that Amelia Island has to offer. A Pedego is just like a regular bike - only better. You can pedal normally (or not) and get power when you want it. It feels like being a kid again! If our tour times don't work for you, give us a call to inquire about self-guided tours. Note: All participants must be able to ride a bike. You will need to certify before departure that you have safely ridden a bike in the last 5 years.

$96 Tour Provided by Viator

Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

In 1901, the great fire of Jacksonville quickly swept through the area and destroyed our downtown. Thankfully architects from around the world heard about our plight and came to help us design our buildings. On this wonderful tour, you will also experience several memorials and the oldest living thing in our city, the great Treaty Oak. A fun addition is being able to ride in our luxury tuk tuk over our historic Main Street bridge. History, Business Architectural Achievements, Memorials and more. Your Downtown Jacksonville City tour has it all – plus hidden gems locals don’t even know about! Explore beautiful city landscape of Downtown Jacksonville and learn about the region’s rich and varied history at the beach and along the banks of the St. John’s River.

$60 Tour Provided by Viator

Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Travel & Leisure Magazine recently named Art Bikes a "Top Pick"! This guided tour will take you through Jacksonville's historic neighborhoods, exploring our parks, public art and the St Johns River. We cross over the St Johns River on a brand new pedestrian bridge giving breathtaking views of downtown Jacksonville! Explore several historic districts including Avondale, Riverside, 5 Points, San Marco and downtown. All while riding one of our custom electric Art Bikes, each bike has been created by a local artist. The tour is led by experienced locals who will add entertaining, educational commentary to connect riders with the beauty and history of historic Jacksonville which is home to more buildings on the National Historic Register than any other city in Florida. On Sundays we do Sunday Funday Tours which feature local weekend festivals, breweries and other unique stops.

$8 Tour Provided by Viator

20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Get the scoop on all things Sweet. A candy expert leads each tour on a sweet trip through the company's history. Learn about candy, chocolate, our business, and the features of the one-hundred-year-old candy mansion. Participants will view the different rooms throughout our building and our production facility. After the whimsical tour experience, enjoy a decadent chocolate bar made your way! Choose from over sixteen toppings, and our candy makers will create a bar exactly the way you want.

Interesting Places Nearby

Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.