Exciting & Fun Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Jacksonville

Disclaimer: This is a paid advertorial yet all opinions are my own

Now that areas in and around Jacksonville are starting to open, you may be wanting to have a date night out with your partner out on the town, since keeping yourself busy at home is no longer on your to-do list. Or, maybe you’re ready to get back into the dating pool and looking into online dating. Either way, there are many budget-friendly places around Jacksonville that will make for the perfect date.

Since moving to Jacksonville I have found some fun, exciting, and educational date night (or day!) spots all over the area; inside & outside of downtown Jacksonville. Jacksonville is rich in history, sports, and has beautiful areas for outdoor fun, scenic tours, and of course the beaches!

Jacksonville isn’t just a “couples city.” There are plenty of individuals that move here for work, the weather, or just a change of scenery and are now, looking for love. Visiting a local dating site, such as Jacksonville Personals, is a sure-fire way to meet local individuals with the same interests as you.

Below, discover some budget-friendly date ideas in Jacksonville, and start planning your next epic date! *Please note, some places may have new guidelines and restrictions in place. Please visit their website or call to find out more info.

Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Jacksonville

The Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens

Located in the historic Rivertown district in Jacksonville, The Cummer Museum sits on the bank of the St. Johns River and offers over 2 acres of gardens, in addition to indoor galleries, and many different events for adult couples that will make a great date for couples, especially for first dates.

On the first Saturday of every month, the Museum offers FREE admission, as well as the option to partake in art-making activities, a guided tour, and even live music! Due to visitor’s safety, all admission tickets should be purchased online in advance.

What makes The Cummer Museum a great date idea? Budget-friendly, and FREE! Plus, art is a great discussion topic for you and your date to discuss. The gardens make for excellent photo ops, and did I mention free?

The Jacksonville Riverwalks

There are two Riverwalks in Jacksonville; North & South. Each side is a network of open space developments with benches, artwork, nice grassy areas for a picnic, and amazing views of Jacksonville.

The Northside, which is about 2 miles, trails alongside Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and extends into the Brooklyn district. On the Southside, it’s just over 1 mile and connects to local landmarks such as Friendship Fountain, MOSH (Museum of Science & History), and a dock for the ferry taxi; which gives tours of downtown Jacksonville via ferry. There’s also a distant but great view of TIAA Bank Field.

Both areas are FREE to walk along and offer amazing views of the River. This is a perfect spot if you’re new to dating in Jacksonville and great for first dates as it’s open and public!

Loving 😍 this post? Save for Later!

The Beaches

Of course, I can’t share a few places where to have a fun date without mentioning the amazing beaches! With over 22 miles of beaches in Jacksonville, you are sure to find something to do for an amazing date.

Just a short drive outside of downtown Jacksonville, you can visit one of the four main beaches: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach, and Atlantic Beach. Each beach is unique with activities, such as the Pier at Jacksonville Beach, surfing, beach museums, scouring the sand for shark’s teeth and shells, and so much more.

If you are looking to make it an all-day date event, or you’re just wanting to visit at night, there are some pretty amazing restaurants and breweries along the beaches, and nightlife options as well.

A few places I personally recommend for meals, or evening drinks you should definitely consider checking out:

1. Poe’s Tavern – Atlanta Beach
2. Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill – Atlantic Beach
3. Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market – Jacksonville Beach
4. Brix Taphouse – Jacksonville Beach
5. Lemon Bar – Neptune Beach

Jacksonville Parks

With Jacksonville having the largest urban park system in the nation, it’s no wonder I added them as a great date idea. Quiet walks on the river, water sports, biking and hiking trails, the affordable date options in one of the many parks in Jacksonville is something to consider, even if you’re new to outdoor activities.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacksonville, FL based foodie (@natedoesfood)

Hemming Park, which is Jacksonville’s first park, has a lot going for it from an Artwalk, many festivals, live music with two stages, and food trucks. There is plenty of outside seating and a perfect place for a picnic.

In addition to city & state parks, Jacksonville is home to three National Parks. If you want a more educational experience while enjoying wetlands and natural wildlife, these are a great budget-friendly date idea to consider, and keep going back to!

Let’s Chat

Do any of these budget-friendly dates in Jacksonville sound appealing to you? Share a place around town you think would be the perfect place for a date. Not in Jacksonville? Share a place in your city/town!