Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville has honestly become one of my favorite recurring…read moreexperiences in Jacksonville. I'll admit, I've only visited specifically on Wednesdays Art Walk nights when admission is free, but it's genuinely hard to pass up when the experience is this enjoyable. The atmosphere during Art Walk is always lively and welcoming. I love that they bring in small local vendors in the lobby alongside the bar setup, which makes the entire museum feel more like a full community event than just a gallery visit. And speaking of the bar, I feel terrible that I can never remember the bartender's name, but that's because every single visit we end up laughing, chatting, and having such a good time that by the end of the night, what sticks with me most is her kindness, energy, and incredible service. She's become part of the experience itself. The exhibits are consistently engaging, thought-provoking, and entertaining without ever feeling pretentious. I especially appreciate the descriptions accompanying the pieces; they add context in a way that makes contemporary art feel approachable and immersive instead of intimidating. There's always something new to notice or discuss. At this point, going to MOCA on Art Walk Wednesdays is easily one of the top activities I look forward to most in downtown Jacksonville. It's creative, social, inspiring, and just an all-around great way to spend an evening.

We are so lucky to have this amazing museum. I brought a pair of girls from Iceland that I was…read morewatching and they said it was the best museum they have ever went to. We went on a Saturday and admissions were covered which was such a deal. They loved the atrium and the interactive art. It's a great way to spend 45 minutes. Also, on Saturdays, you can group this activity with the Riverside Arts Market, (RAM) The artworks do get switched out from time to time. I recommend everyone coming twice a year.

The museum was having a plant market right in front of the museum a few weeks ago and that's what…read moredrew me into coming here. The vendor I bought from told me that it was free that day to go into the museum and Gardens so my family and I decided to look at the beautiful garden to welcome spring. Sadly, we didn't have time to explore the inside of the museum, but that will be for next time. The garden is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with a plethora of colors and the river in the back it's just so pretty. I loved how you could just walk around and see the different parts of the garden and then stand by the river as well. They had super unique flowers. I especially loved the ones that looked like little red lanterns and I loved all the beautiful trees. I was so happy to come here and I loved that they had a little plant market that drew you in to come and actually check out the garden. I can't wait to go back and explore the museum and make a whole day out of it. You definitely need to add this to your list if you haven't gone yet.

Another museum on us weekend as a BOA cardholder, and I'm so glad I finally got a chance to check…read moreout Cummer Museum. I stopped by Saturday around 12p and parking was pretty much non existent due to the Farmer's Market nearby. I highly suggest the earlier you get to the museum the better. I did find parking at the River and Post lot. This museum is known for it's beautiful garden and that was the first thing I hit. Now since it was a lovely day, there were a lot of people here visiting. I was amazed by the beautiful courtyard but even more breathtaking garden. I see why this is a hot spot for wedding/engagement photos. The garden has the backdrop of the St. John's River and the beauty of the botanical garden is so peaceful. I would've hung out a bit longer if it was not so hot outside. Inside, there are some great exhibits on display like the feature Art in Bloom, Norman Studios (black movie posters collection) Italian to Egyptian art and artifacts, to the Tudor Room. This room is a chance to learn more about the Cummer family and their art collection. The museum also has a cafe and offer a children's learning area. I look forward to coming back for an event day at the museum but I highly recommend stopping by to this museum.

Family went over memorial weekend. There were quite a few interactive exhibits that didn't work…read more The 3rd floor was closed down and the 2nd floor near the planetarium didn't make sense. You can tell the museum is closing down. The shows in the planetarium were great. They were very educational and entertaining. Other than that my other favorite part was the "Currents of Time." Seeing the evolution of the Jacksonville area. I definitely will check out the new location once it's done.

What a happy celebration day for the museum as they transition to a bigger and modern caliber for…read morethe city. I learned that the museum of science is expanding to a new home and it will take some years for the official move and space. Throughout my travels , looking for staples in the community that offer hands on learning, family friendly spaces, and a budgeted treat truly takes time to explore. Today I walked through showcases filled with history from the Victorian era; some relics were plants and photos from the 1970! I hadn't been inside a planetarium in a few years and you still appreciate the wonder when you hear children awe at the science and story telling in front of their eyes. All the staff were incredible , helping answer and questions they had- a major shout out to Vystar credit union as a volunteer partner making the day impactful for the masses. Go visit your museum- science centers- arts locations as we are continuously evolving in science and expanding our living history. Today was special!

Great time walking the halls and decks of "The Gray Ghost of the Vietnam War"…read more Cost was $22 for my wife and I combined to go on a self guided tour through the ship. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. You could be through and done in 20 min or take your time and be there a couple hours.

The USS Orleck Naval Museum is definitely a must when visiting Jacksonville!…read more This amazing museum is located at the old shipyard (pretty close to the baseball stadium). They have their own free parking for up to two hours. However, there's not many spots so I would recommend coming early. We visited on a Saturday morning and we were the first ones there. The people volunteering were amazing and gave us the full story behind the ship. After learning from them, I felt like we had an even better understanding of the things we were learning from the self-guided tour. One cool thing compared to other ships turned into museums, if that this one actually had a lot of interactive elements. However, keep in mind that some of the videos and sounds can be very loud, so if you are with someone sensitive to loud sounds, perhaps skip those. At the end of the tour they have a small gift shop with some cool items, included ship coins (in case there are any collectors out there). They also had the Navy 250th anniversary coin, which I thought was really cool.

The Harn Museum of Art is one of my favorite places in Gainesville when I want something calming,…read morebeautiful, and grounding. The galleries are thoughtfully curated, the space feels open and inviting, and there's always a good mix of contemporary pieces, cultural exhibits, and rotating collections that keep things interesting. Their Art After Dark events on Thursday nights are such a nice bonus, the museum feels even more alive, and it's a great way to enjoy art in a relaxed, social setting without it feeling overwhelming. Perfect for a solo night, a date, or something different to do after work. I also love the outdoor garden area; it adds to the peaceful vibe and makes the whole experience feel refreshing. I always leave feeling inspired and reset.

Stumbled upon the museum with a friend who goes to UF and I loved my experience! The people working…read morethere are so sweet and nice! From the gardens to the art, everything was so calming and relaxing! Spent a lot of time in the garden because it was a beautiful day! Great for a photoshoot! The art of display is stunning! Worth a visit!

I went on a free tour of Sally Dark Rides and left feeling like my mind was blown. First of all - I…read morehad no idea this was a huge warehouse in Downtown Jacksonville. Nor did I realize most of the dark rides across the whole world are created and developed here! It was amazing!! Our tour guide led us through the building while showing us all of the stages of creating an epic dark ride. This made me think about amusement parks in a whole different way. The tour was about an hour and was very informative. We asked lots of questions and met people from different departments along the way. Highly recommend booking a free tour and checking this out. It would be great for kids as well!

I need to start b my saying that this part of our trip to Florida was not planned! My 11 yo LOVES…read moreanimatronics, most especially, Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF). He originally wanted to visit a much smaller place in Orlando, which is a one man operation charging $375. It was a bit too far and too expensive for what it was so I decided to do my own research of places he would love, Sally Corporation became the place. I filled out the reservation form online and was told there were no spots available during our time in Florida. I couldn't take no for an answer. I emailed back explaining how much my son wants to be a Robotics Engineer and that we would wait as long as we needed to snag a spot. We got an email back the next day that two spots opened up!!! We made our way downtown and parked for free in the back. We entered to learn that the tour was also FREE...FREE! This facility is HUGE! They are arguably the largest producer of Dark Ride Amusements in the US and don't just make the robotic aspect of the animatronics, but they handle EVERY aspect of the creation and completion. From make up, costumes, design, voices, all of that! We were thrilled to see they had a...yep...FIVE NIGHTS OF FREDDY'S attraction! If you've ever been to he Ripley's in San Antonio, you will see one of their biggest sellers there, a ginormous T-Rex, that's their baby that sells for $90,000! The tour takes you to each department and you are truly immersed in their production. It is an working operation so you get to see the people behind the scenes at work, which was SO DAMN INSPIRING for my 11 yo who has told me for 4 TM years that this is what he wants to do in life. He got to see what his future could be like, which is absolutely priceless. The staff, facilities, location, displays, animatronics, all were 5 stars! Hands down a MUST when in Jacksonville! Come for a 10 or 11am tour and then take the FREE Skyway (Tram) to Hemming Park and Check our Sweet Peet's. Your kids will have the best day ever!

A tour of a personal collection of Automata that includes movie memorabilia of Robots, robot toys,…read morearcade rides and games, fortune tellers, and more. Family run family fun while learning the history and stories of collecting.

From the owner: Historic Business, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Corporate Sponsor, Retro Futuristic Vibes…read more

Add the Lightner Museum as a stop when visiting St. Augustine! The museum is located in the heart…read moreof the city in what use to be the Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age Resort. The building architecture and the gardens are beautiful. There were many collections to peruse, which were housed on 3 levels. It took us about two hours to make our way through, but you could easily spend 3 if you take your time and read everything. The floors all have a front and rear. The best suggestion we were given is to start on the 3rd floor an make our way down. The staff on hand were friendly and readily available to answer any of your questions. You can make a reservation for lunch at the Cafe, which is located on the lower level of what was once a pool.

Love coming here! The history of the museum is fascinating and the exhibits are amazing! If you…read morelove art this is a place you'll not want to miss! You might even want to continue to support them by becoming a member. TIP: You can become a member of the museum for as little as $50. per year. Membership supports everything they do at the museum, from exciting new exhibitions and engaging programs, to the preservation of their historic building and collections. According to their website, every membership to the Lightner Museum includes: * Unlimited free admission to the museum's permanent galleries and exhibitions for a full year * Invitations to Members-only previews of special exhibitions * Discounts on select events and programs There are many more perks and additional levels of membership. For additional information and to purchase memberships online, go to lightnermuseum.org Support your local arts.

If you're looking for a midweek pick-me-up, Jacksonville Downtown Art Walk is the place to be. Held…read moreevery first Wednesday of the month, it brings such a fun, creative energy to downtown Jax that's hard not to love. The streets come alive with local artists, live music, food vendors, and just an overall vibe that feels like the city showing off in the best way possible. It's the perfect mix of casual stroll and cultural experience; whether you're browsing art, grabbing a bite, or just soaking it all in. Bonus: it's super kid-friendly, so it's a great outing whether you're bringing the whole family or just meeting up with friends. One of my favorite parts? You can pop into downtown art galleries for free, which makes the whole experience feel even more immersive and accessible. Last month, my husband and I stopped by the ScribbleMatic booth and got a custom doodle of the two of us. I'm still obsessed! Such a fun, unique keepsake and honestly one of the highlights of the night. Between the creativity, the community, and the chance to discover something new each time, Art Walk has definitely earned a spot in my monthly routine. Highly recommend if you're looking to fall a little more in love with Jacksonville.

I truly feel that Jacksonville is America's sleeping giant and next great big city. The events like…read moreArt Walk are the reason why. Vendors, food trucks, great artists, lively Christmas decor this time, entertainment...it's just a fabulous showcase of what this city has to offer. If I have any constructive advice to make this even better it's simply that it's tough to navigate. I'm sure we missed some of the locations that featured artists because it's just not apparent. We'll be back, but it would be great to have signage and guides to find out where everything is.

Always worth the time to visit - great people and cool cars with interesting history...read more

This stunning 35,000 sq. ft. interactive museum is a time capsule in itself, showcasing some of the…read moreworld's finest vehicles dating back to the 1890's to present day. Tours are self led. As you walk around, you'll notice touch screen kiosks near each vehicle. Here, you can learn about the story behind the vehicle and its specs as peruse through a gallery of archived photos. Being able to see what was once "cutting edge technology" for its time was pretty neat. The museum is mainly split into two parts: 1.) Forerunners- These cars set the stage for automobile innovation and racing. 2.) Frontrunners- These are modern Porsche designed vehicles made for racing. There is a third section in the back which is an active open garage. They housed some pretty neat Porches, including a diesel tractor from 1959. I'm not a car enthusiast and am hardly knowledgeable about automobiles, but this place was pretty cool. If you're into cars or are a gearhead (or maybe you're just like me and enjoy trying new things), you'll want to check this place out!