Charlize Theron filmed the movie Devil’s Advocate in Jacksonville, and told her agent she “loved the city, the people are very friendly, and the southern food is so delicious, I will come back.”
Jacksonville is a wonderful place to visit in Florida. It has great beaches, but not with the 100-degree temperatures of South Florida. It has Riverwalk, a great strolling area overlooking the scenic St. Johns River, and a very popular destination for viewing a multitude of artworks.
The most sensational of the five museums I recommend seeing on your next visit to Jacksonville is the Heist Museum. In fact, the Heist Museum is so new that it is not open yet; it is currently searching for a location. Its daring name reveals its exhibit: worldwide stolen masterpieces of art that have never been seen publicly since their theft have been brought back to life. These museum-quality hand-painted reproductions reveal what the world lost. The museum is open online at www.heistmuseum.org
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens blends world‑class art with breathtaking riverfront gardens, offering a serene escape where masterpieces and nature meet. It’s the perfect place to slow down, wander, and experience Jacksonville’s most elegant cultural landmark.
https://www.cummermuseum.org
Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville - MOCA is the hub for bold, contemporary art — a place where innovative exhibitions, thought‑provoking installations, and creative energy collide. If you want to see what’s new, daring, and conversation‑starting in the art world, MOCA delivers. https://mocajacksonville.unf.edu
The Art Center Cooperative (TAC) is a member‑run, nonprofit art organization in Jacksonville that gives local artists a place to create, exhibit, and sell their work. It’s built around community rather than formality — artists share studio space, collaborate on projects, and rotate exhibitions so visitors always see something new. TAC also hosts classes, workshops, and events, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience Jacksonville’s grassroots art scene. It’s essentially the creative heartbeat for emerging and established local artists who want a supportive, collaborative home. https://www.tacjacksonville.org
After museum strolling, it’s time for a little rest and relaxation. Jacksonville has 3 great beaches, each with its own personality. Atlantic Beach is the most peaceful and residential of the three, known for its quiet streets and wide sandy shoreline. It has a refined, small‑town feel with tree‑lined neighborhoods and a slower pace that appeals to people who want beach living without the crowds. The Beaches Town Center sits right at the border with Neptune Beach, giving Atlantic Beach walkable access to boutique shops, cafés, and some of the area’s best restaurants while still keeping its calm, coastal charm.
Neptune Beach blends the calm of Atlantic Beach with a lively, walkable energy centered around the Beaches Town Center. It’s stylish without being flashy, social without being overwhelming. Locals love strolling or biking to dinner, grabbing drinks near the ocean, and enjoying the beach just steps away. It’s the perfect middle ground: relaxed enough for everyday living, but vibrant enough that you always feel connected to the community.
Jacksonville Beach is the most energetic and activity‑packed of the three, offering a classic beach‑town atmosphere with restaurants, bars, live music, and a long stretch of public beach. It’s great for people who want easy ocean access, a lively nightlife scene, and plenty of things to do — from the pier to festivals to beachfront dining. Jax Beach has a youthful, upbeat personality and is the go‑to spot when you want the beach with a bit more buzz.
A trip to Jacksonville would not be complete without a visit to Riverwalk. One of the city’s most scenic escapes — a waterfront path that lets you experience the St. Johns River up close while surrounded by skyline views, public art, and breezy open space. It’s perfect for a relaxed stroll, a sunset walk, or grabbing food and drinks along the water. Whether you want peaceful views, photo‑worthy spots, or an easy way to explore downtown, the Riverwalk gives you a front‑row seat to Jacksonville’s best natural and urban scenery. Enjoy your visit.
Written by Bruce Scher, rev.bruce@heistmuseum.org
