Summer isn’t over, were just getting started! Time to grab your friends and family and check out all that Jacksonville has to offer, especially during the summer months. The month of July features all sorts of events, concerts, festivals, and of course plenty of sunshine in the 904 area. Check out 904 Happy Hour’s Bucket List of the top things to do and see before summer comes to a close! 

1. Spend a Day on the Beach

What better way to spend a day off then sitting in the sunshine and catching some rays? From reading a book to taking a swim, you can’t go wrong with a day at one of Jacksonville’s beaches. Check out Atlantic Beach or Neptune Beach right along the Atlantic Coast, each with plenty of public beach access points and white sands perfect for relaxing. Heading a little further south? Right down A1A you can find Mickler’s Beach in the beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach. 

2. Learn to do Yoga

Getting in shape for beach season is a must do! With studios new and old all over Jacksonville, yoga is a great workout for both the body and the mind. Places such as Big Fish Power Yoga and Yoga Mix offer classes for every skill level and specials for new customers as well! Namaste!

3. Watch the Fireworks On The 4th Of July

This year we have compiled a list of 8 places around North Florida to watch fireworks. From Fernandina Beach to Keystone Heights, theres something probably happening in your community. To view the list, visit: 2015 Fireworks

4. Check out the Local Night Life

Every weekend in Jacksonville holds new places to see! If you’re looking to get some sand between your toes and sip on something sweet, head to Lemon Bar in Neptune Beach, then make your way down for a night of good times and good music at The Ritz Cocktail Lounge or The Pier Cantina and Sandbar. Big fan of beer? Well Brix Tap House and Zeta Brewing have you covered with weekly tastings and weekend specials.

5. Stroll a Local Market

Every Saturday from 10-4 at Riverside Arts Market there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for good food or to buy some local artwork, this is the place for you. The market features live music all day, local produce vendors, specialty foods, handmade crafts, and so much more! 

6. See a Summer Movie

The Florida Theatre features their summer movie classics that are great for the whole family. The month of July includes favorites such as The Goonies and Batman. Visit www.floridatheatre.com for more information and show times!

7. Cheer on the Jacksonville Suns!

With over 15 games in the month of July, spend it in the stands cheering on your own Jacksonville Suns! With affordable ticket prices and weekly events, taking a trip to the ball game has never been better. Thursday nights even feature a beer specials and student ID discounts!

8. Learn to Kayak

 Feeling adventurous? Check out All Wet Sports and learn how to SUP (stand up paddleboard), kayak, windsurf, and even wakeboarding. Not only do they offer instruction, but also rentals for all your needs. If you’re looking to take a little day trip up the coast, Kayak Amelia in the beautiful Amelia Island, Flordia is a great place to go on a kayak day trip with friends and a water tour guide. Time to face your water fears and get out there! 

photo courtesy:​ @kayakamelia 

9. Explore a Park

Mother Nature wants you to come and enjoy some quality time outside, time to get lost! The beautiful summer months of Florida are the perfect time to get out and run, take a bike ride, or find a good trail to hike. There is no better place to hit than one of the many parks of the northeast Florida area. Hanna Park includes public beach access, bike trails, and even campgrounds if you decide to pack your tent. Little Talbot Island is completely undeveloped and features white beaches, wildlife viewing, and plenty of trails to hike.

10. Get a History Lesson

We know school is out for summer but why not do a little learning on your days off. There is so much history along the northeast Florida coast line to dive in to! Taking a day trip down to the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, is a must do. It features the Castillo de San Marcos which is open to the public from 8:45 to 5:15 and offers a wonderful historical perspective on the city. Tours are held daily that feature informational sessions and full access to the fort. Kingsley Plantation offers another great opportunity to learn about the history of the area with tours of the plantation house, gardens, and slave quarters as it is the oldest plantation house still standing in Florida. 

photo courtesy: @clave.desol

11.  Do Some Local Shopping

Day or night, grab your wallets and get ready for some finds. Check out the The Shoppes of Avondale for lots of local flavor with restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. The historic Avondale neighborhood is one to see in itself with its pedestrian friendly small scale shopping strip nestled under the trees. Five Points is a local favorite with is chill vibes, coffee houses, and unique shops. Definitely worth a day of strolling around and grabbing a bite to eat! 

12. Jump Around, Play Laser Tag and Bowl A Game

Rebounderz located on Old St. Augustine Rd. offers over 40,000 square foot and a newly-expanded facility, here are some fun activities you and your friends can enjoy.

• JUMP - Over 10,000 Square Feet of trampoline jumping space. Open Jump, In-the-air Dodgeball, Flip in the Foam Pit, Basketball Slam Dunker.

• LASER - State of the art combat style laser tag. Simulated combat experience with realistic weight weaponry.
• ARCHERY - Come learn a new skill and be part of the latest craze for family friendly combat. Archery Tag - It's a hit!
• BOWL - Mini bowling under black lights in our club-themed lounge.
• ARCADE - Have a great time and use tickets for prizes.
• EAT - Visit our in-house pizzeria to grab a bite & a beverage. Enjoy beer &wine while watching our 120 inch projection screen.
• EXERCISE CLASSES - Air-Xercise is a trampoline -based boot camp total body workout!

13. Get Outdoors And Go For A Bike Ride

Just west of bustling downtown Jacksonville is the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail-Trail, one of north Florida's oldest, most unique trails. Once a part of the CSX railway line, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a thoroughfare for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. This unique park provides a 14.5-mile greenway between Imeson Road and County Road 121, just past the town of Baldwin. A dense tree canopy shelters much of the nearly 15-mile paved path, providing habitat for hawks, wood storks, stilts and belted kingfishers. You're also likely to encounter turkeys, alligators, rabbits, gopher tortoises and coral snakes. Beware the latter, a venomous species with wide black and red bands broken by narrow yellow rings.

14. Go Swimming In Crystal Clear Water

A must visit spot located just over an hour from Jacksonville is Blue Springs Park. The privately managed park is located in between Lake City & Gainesville. Swimming is always fun at Blue Springs! The 72-degree water is the same temperature year-round and provides a refreshing break in the hot weather. You can bring a tube and float down the spring run to the Santa Fe River. Snorkeling is permitted, but not scuba diving.

Visit one of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil's Den - an underground spring inside a dry cave in central Florida. The remains of many extinct animals from the Pleistocene Age (2 million - 10,000 years ago) were discovered at Devil's Den, including the bones of early man, dating back to 7,500 B.C.  Crystal clear water, year round 72 degree temperatures, ancient rock formations with stalactites, fossil beds, and much more. Devil's Den is truly a natural wonder. Bring the family and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Devil's Den.