Things To Do in Jacksonville, FL: Jax Sports and Music Scene
Jacksonville’s charm goes beyond its stellar beaches. Venturing into the city reveals an engaging culture for artistic expression and sports fanatics. Whether you’re a native Jaxson hoping to uncover some of the city’s best-kept secrets or a visitor looking to explore all the Gateway to Florida offers, you’ll find local live music venues featuring up-and-coming artists and eclectic dining spots serving creative cuisine.
Read on to discover new favorites in this guide to the city’s most exciting yet often overlooked spots.
Jacksonville Concert Venues
As a city with a rich culture of music festivals, including the world-famous Springing the Blues Festival, the wind carries a tune everywhere you go in Jacksonville. If you’re looking for a spot to spend your Friday evening taking in the sounds of the First Coast, you’ll find hot spots and hidden gems around every corner.
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
The current home of the Jacksonville Icemen, this 15,000-seat arena had its premier concert in 2003 from none other than the Rocketman himself, Sir Elton John. Since then, the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has hosted acclaimed sporting events and musicians, including pop icons Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Justin Timberlake. A concert here is sure to be the main event of any weekend.
Daily’s Place Amphitheater
As the second-largest concert venue in Jacksonville, Daily’s Place is more than the home of All Elite Wrestling. This outdoor venue, connected to the south end of EverBank Stadium, was built to become a new entertainment hub for Jaxsons to enjoy. Daily’s Place hosts touring artists year-round, including big names like Machine Gun Kelly and AJR, and its events go on rain or shine.
The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
Located in the heart of beautiful Anastasia State Park, this outdoor amphitheater hosts up-and-coming artists and music legends alike in its 5,000-seat space. Nicknamed “The Amp,” the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre offers the Jax community more than just live music. The venue holds a Farmers Market and Night Market each week throughout the year, with live music and entertainment abound.
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Though this venue only seats 400 and allows for 900 bodies of standing room, its musical impact in Jacksonville is massive. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, built from the foundation of a historic Baptist church in 2011, proudly asserts itself as being owned, operated, and led by the community. It hosts internationally renowned musicians and comedians and local educational and community-tailored events.
Where To Eat in Jacksonville
If you’re hunting for delectable eats on the Atlantic coast, Jacksonville is the place to be. From seafood staples to fine American dining, here are our insider tips on the best restaurants in Jacksonville.
Breakfast in Jacksonville
- Cool Moose Café. This quaint cafe is a local favorite, whether you’re a fan of cheesy grits, grilled blueberry muffins, or accommodating vegan eats.
- The Fox Restaurant. The Fox is the go-to diner for an old-school American breakfast, from biscuits to omelets.
- Beach Hut Café. Hoping to start your day on the beach? This cafe boasts a bit of everything, pleasing lovers of sweet and savory breakfasts alike.
Casual Restaurants in Jacksonville
- Hawkers Asian Street Food. Enjoy tasty Asian fusion in an exciting atmosphere, featuring everything from basil fried rice to pad thai.
- Singleton’s Seafood Shack. When in Florida, enjoying freshly caught fish by the sea is essential, and it’s hard to beat the fried shrimp and daily catches at Singleton’s.
- Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro. If you want to dine somewhere that feels like cozy home cooking, the Soul Food Bistro is where to go. Try the oxtail rice and pork chops!
Fine Dining in Jacksonville
- Restaurant Orsay. From duck to oysters, Restaurant Orsay is the perfect place to spend special occasions, enjoying French foods with a Southern touch.
- Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. You might not peg Jax as a city to find exceptional steaks, but these Brazilian-style meats are nothing to scoff at.
- Julington Creek Fish Camp. Looking for delicious seafood right on the water? Julington Creek Fish Camp is ideal for everyone, with fresh mahi and delicious bread pudding.
Jacksonville Sports Teams
Jacksonville pride radiates through the streets of the River City, and nowhere is that more prominent than in professional sports. From the energy of Sunday night football to the excitement of minor league baseball, here are some of the best Jacksonville sports to follow.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaxsons, young and old, rally around the Cardiac Cats. The Jacksonville Jaguars are deeply integrated into the community, and fans have abundant opportunities to get involved with cheering for the Jaguars all over the city. The history and present of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while a shorter timeline than other NFL teams, permeates throughout Jax, so be sure to get your grill ready for some tailgating this football season.
Jacksonville Armada
There’s more than one kind of football here in Jacksonville. The Armada has celebrated a rich tradition of Major League Soccer since its inception in 1980. It cultivates a culture of collaboration with youth soccer programs and pro academies to give the sport a true home in Jax. While they currently play at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida, don’t miss out on their upcoming games at their brand new, state-of-the-art downtown stadium, which is now under construction!
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
Aside from major league teams, Jacksonville also has a thriving environment where minor league sports flourish. The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are no exception, and an afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark is a great summer activity for the whole family. Be sure to bring your kids to Sunday Family FUNdays to run the bases and play catch on the field while enjoying free face painting and balloon animals!
Jacksonville Icemen
Our great city may not be known for snowfall, but inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the Jacksonville Icemen keep it cool. This minor league hockey team was formed in 2017, and if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, the games and events hosted by the Icemen are a great way to spend your winter weekends.
Store Your Beloved Jacksonville Memorabilia at Atlantic Self Storage
With all the musical memorabilia and sports souvenirs you’re sure to gather over the years in Jacksonville, you may need to clear out additional space in your home. Not only is Atlantic Self Storage your premier spot for residential storage in Jacksonville—but we are also an official partner of several renowned local sports teams, including the Jaguars!
Beyond our broad selection of unit types and varieties in convenient locations all over Duval County, we offer Atlantic Self Storage fan lockers at EverBank Stadium to lock up your belongings before the big game.
Discover your ideal storage unit at an Atlantic Self Storage location near you, and contact us to find your space today!