12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Jacksonville

By Laura Lee updated on 04/05/2019

Jacksonville Museum of Science and History

Stop by the Museum of Science and History for interactive fun indoors. (©Daron Dean)

If you're visiting Florida sometime between April and October, chances are you'll experience one of our world-famous thunderstorms. Sure, there are plenty of bowling alleys, movie theaters and indoor playgrounds, but for a truly unique and local experience, we've put together a few of our favorite indoor attractions from Amelia Island down to St. Augustine.

12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Jacksonville By Laura Lee updated on 04/05/2019

(©Daron Dean/Visit Florida)

Jacksonville

Museum of Science and History

This interactive museum, known by locals simply as The Mosh, is fun for adults and children alike. Whether you're into dinosaurs or dolphins, history or horticulture, you'll find intriguing exhibits throughout. Let the wee ones loose in the KidSpace tree house to let out some energy and open the imagination. Open daily.

(Courtesy MOCA)

Jacksonville

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

This fabulous museum in the hip district of downtown's Hemming Park is a must-see. The permanent collection includes 1,000 works of art, from painting and printmaking to sculpture and photography by such artists as Alexander Calder. The museum has a popular eatery called NOLA, or grab a bite at the nearby Candy Apple Cafe. Closed M.

Intuition Ale Works is one of the stops on the tour.

Jacksonville

Jax Ale Trail

Uber your way through all of Jacksonville's craft breweries, from Aardwolf to Zeta, where you can tour the taprooms, sample the beer and even get your ale trail passport stamped for cool prizes. Don't forget to pick up a six pack for your friends back home. A personal favorite is Intuition Ale Works in Riverside.

Jacksonville may have a burgeoning craft beer scene, but it's also a major hub to the King of Beers. Visitors can take free daily tours of the Budweiser Brewery, hear the story of Anheuser-Busch and fully immerse themselves in the brewing process ... which of course ends in tasting!

(©Ryan Ketterman)

Jacksonville

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

The Cummer Museum in Jacksonville is home to one of the finest art collections in the South, with 5,000 objects dating back to 2100 B.C. through modern art. A highlight is the Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain. When there's a break in the weather, head outside to enjoy the riverfront gardens.

(©Amelia Island TDC)

Jacksonville

Amelia Island Museum of History

On the north side of Jacksonville lies the resort area of Amelia Island and the quaint Victorian town of Fernandina Beach. Grab some ice cream or sweets at Fantastic Fudge in the heart of Centre Street then head two blocks to the history museum, where you'll learn about everything from Native Americans to pirates to real-estate barons.

(©Getty Images)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Tours

Don't let a little rain interfere with a great golf trip. Just 15 minutes south of Jacksonville Beach is TPC Sawgrass, home of the THE PLAYERS Championship, which offers free daily clubhouse tours where you'll walk in the footsteps of golf's greatest and check out PGA memorabilia.

(Courtesy World Golf Hall of Fame)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

World Golf Hall of Fame

For the ultra golf-obsessed, the nearby World Golf Hall of Fame just south of Jacksonville houses a history museum, golf simulators, a wall of fame and an IMAX screen.

Flagler College Rotunda (©Daron Dean/Visit Florida)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

Flagler College Legacy Tours

If it looks like rain all day, take a day trip to St. Augustine, just 45 miles south of town, to learn about the history of the United States' founding and admire amazing architecture. An architectural tour of Flagler College is the perfect place to start, offering a glimpse into Florida's gilded age.

The Lightner Museum during Nights of Lights ©Florida's Historic Coast

The Lightner Museum during Nights of Lights (©Florida's Historic Coast)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

Lightner Museum

Just across the street from Flagler is another spectacular building, constructed as a grand hotel in 1888 and now serves as a museum of Victorian artifacts, from furniture, porcelain and fine art to a large collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass.

(Courtesy St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

If the kids are in tow, head to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure museum. They can fire a cannon themselves, see a real treasure chest and check out authentic memorabilia from their favorite pirate movies.

(Courtesy Ripley's Believe It or Not)

Jacksonville St. Augustine

Ripley's Believe It or Not

Another fun and interactive place for kids in St. Augustine is the country's original Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Explore and play on three floors filled with 300 weird and wacky exhibits that will have you talking the whole way home.

Jacksonville

The Escape Game

Located in St. Johns Town Center, The Escape Game provides 60-minute adventures that are great for the whole family! Teams work together to find clues, overcome challenges, and ultimately complete a mission. The Escape Game Jacksonville features four escape rooms: Gold Rush, Prison Break, The Heist, and Special Ops: Mysterious Market.

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12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Jacksonville

Museum of Science and History

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

Jax Ale Trail

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Amelia Island Museum of History

TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Tours

World Golf Hall of Fame

Flagler College Legacy Tours

Lightner Museum

St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum

Ripley's Believe It or Not

The Escape Game

Map of 12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Jacksonville

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Where would you like to travel next?

United States

Canada

Europe

Asia

Australia

Africa

South America

Map of 12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Jacksonville

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