Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Photo provided by Greg Downing
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Scott A. Drake
Photo by Tootie Talbot


Admire thousands of animals and plants across entertaining exhibits in this family-friendly zoo that also has a children’s play area and a 4-D experience.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 110-acre (44-hectare) park with a walking safari and a collection of more than 2,000 animals. Stroll through scenic botanical gardens spread throughout the zoo. The complex has about 1,000 types of plants. Among the zoo’s favourite attractions are the Range of the Jaguar, the 4-D ride and the garden tours.

Make your way to the Range of the Jaguar, which houses one of the largest collections of jaguars in the U.S. Get close to more big cats in the 2.5-acre (1-hectare) Land of the Tiger exhibit. Cross the arena below the tigers and look up at the majestic creatures. See elephants and rhinos in their own enclosures. Pet live stingrays in a touch tank and observe giraffes, reptiles and primates in African-themed exhibits.

Explore the array of botanical gardens in the park. Enjoy a break from the Florida heat in shady spaces. Examine Asian bamboo, futuristic horticulture and the Rivers of Colour Garden.

Let the kids romp in the Play Park and Splash Ground’s mazes, fountains and climbing areas. Take the little ones on the 4-D ride, which is a 3-D movie with water and wind effects to make you feel like you are part of the action.

The zoo was established in 1914. It opens daily from morning until late in the afternoon. There is an admission fee, with concessions for children and seniors and free entry for children under 2 years of age.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is located in northern Jacksonville, on the way to the city’s international airport. It sits on the point where the Trout River and the St. Johns River converge. For additional fun, take a 6-mile (10-kilometre) water taxi journey northeast to the attraction from the centre of the city. Alternatively, arrive by car and park for free. Visit some of the other landmarks in the region, including the St. Johns River, Turner Pond and several parks.

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Things to do near Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, visitors can immerse themselves in wildlife encounters and indulge in birdwatching amidst lush landscapes. Beyond the zoo, explore the surrounding area for delightful sightseeing opportunities and captivating art exhibitions that showcase local creativity. This combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes for a memorable visit in Jacksonville, Florida.

Shopping

At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, enjoy shopping at Gateway Town Center, just 4.8km away, featuring entertainment and family vibes. River City Market Place, 8.0km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Pecan Park Flea and Farmers' Market is 12.9km away, perfect for unique finds.

Recreation

EverBank Stadium, located 9.7km from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Daily's Place, also 9.7km away, provides a vibrant entertainment scene with live music. For relaxation, visit Bethesda Park, 8.0km from the zoo, featuring tranquil spaces for wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, located 12.9km from the zoo, offers stunning scenery and invigorating hikes. Adventure Landing, 25.7km away, is perfect for family fun with thrilling water rides. For a unique challenge, visit the Jacksonville Beach Tennis Center, situated 112.9km from the zoo, for a spirited game.

Nightlife

After a day at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife at the Florida Theatre, offering a mix of culture and romance just 8.0km away. Alternatively, enjoy the stunning shows at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, located 9.7km from the zoo.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers a delightful mix of urban parks, historic colleges, and entertainment arenas, making it a fantastic destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore diverse attractions that provide both outdoor adventures and enriching experiences, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with unique local charm.

  • Jacksonville University: This historic university, located 6.4km from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, offers a unique cultural experience with its beautiful campus and vibrant student life. Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, theatre performances, and various events that showcase local talent.
  • VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena: Situated 8.0km away, this entertainment hub features a variety of family-friendly events, including concerts, sports, and shows. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for unforgettable experiences with loved ones.
  • Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center: Located 9.7km from the zoo, this impressive venue hosts conferences and exhibitions, making it a key business destination. The architecture and spacious layout contribute to its professional vibe.

Best time to go to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

The best time to visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens falls in July and August. August has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

To save money on your visit to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January or October to November for lower accommodation prices. Booking your stay on a Monday can also help cut costs, while Saturday tends to be the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for a better deal. Additionally, explore free attractions and utilise public transport to navigate the area affordably, as Jacksonville's bus system is efficient and economical.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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