10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Jacksonville

The Ichetucknee River is a short trip outside of Jacksonville, but it’s well worth the drive. The pristine waters of the river sprout from natural springs, keeping the temperature at a refreshing 70°F year-round. Take your innertube to the northern entrance and you will enjoy a 2-hour slow float down the crystal-clear river, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and your special someone.

Feel free to lay back and take a nap or jump off the tube for a chilled swim in the water. You can find tube rentals at the Ichetucknee Tube Center, where they’ll also give a comprehensive guide map of the favorite trails and river entrances.

The Escape Game Jacksonville is an excellent way for an exciting date – you can even make it a double date by bringing your favorite couple with you. You’ll be put in different scenarios where you must test your wit and follow the clues to find your way to freedom.

The Penitentiary Break game puts you in a 1955 penitentiary cell, or you can play a spy capturing a fine-art masterpiece in The Heist room. You can race the mob to find hidden gold in the Gold Rush game. All games are safe and exciting, leaving your team with an accomplished mission and a date to remember.

First Coast Charters will broaden your horizons when considering a romantic getaway with your significant other in Jacksonville. Put on your boat shoes and prepare to set sail the St. Johns River to Mayport or Ft. George Island, enjoy an onboard picnic of fresh cuisine and beverages under the sails, and watch the Atlantic waters reflect cotton-candy skies when you book a sunset cruise.

If you’re up for a hands-on experience, you can spend the evening hours learning to sail under the professional instruction of their ASA accredited teachers at First Coast Charters.

Kelly Seahorse Ranch is the definition of a fairytale date for any couple. Have you ever dreamt of riding horseback on the open beach with the one you love? It’s a scene that has been played in movies that you can now experience for yourself.

The ranch is home to several friendly and well-trained horses, and you will find that the staff are knowledgeable and very attentive to riders of any experience level. Amelia Island will give you an alluring backdrop for your couple’s photos, and a cool souvenir for this bucket-list date.

Be Still Float Studio puts a twist on a romantic date in Jacksonville. Who says you have to dance and party to enjoy time with your partner? Take a mental journey as you meditate, weightlessly floating together in the highest quality sensory deprivation tank in Florida. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long weekend or kicking off your Florida vacation, Be Still Studio will melt away the stress and chaos of the outside world.

From mood lighting and champagne service to massage and spa, every aspect of the studio offers absolute relaxation. Once your cell phones are tucked away, you will find that an hour of floating together in the couple’s tank is the holistic treatment you have always needed.

The Florida Theater is a historical icon in Jacksonville, where you can take in the ambience of 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture while enjoying modern-day entertainment. The Florida Theater is the permanent resident theater for the Florida Ballet, but it also hosts several events such as concerts, comedy sketches, exhibitions and food tastings.

The design offers a clear view of the stage from any seat in the house. Get your beverages and popcorn ready as you take your date back in time for a romantic evening in Jacksonville.

A hot air balloon ride is a unique opportunity to take your relationship to new heights. After a safety briefing by the friendly crew, grab your partner's hand and prepare to find yourself drifting with the winds over the majestic Florida terrain. Smelling the orange blossoms, and spotting wildlife from high above is one of many inspiring experiences on this 2- to 3-hour journey through the sky.

You can shout down at grounded onlookers and communicate with remarkable clarity as the balloon is a near-silent mode of flight, and certainly a most peaceful one. To conclude your journey, pop a bottle of sparkling and toast your captain for this once in a lifetime date in the clouds.

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is the perfect escape from the concrete jungle. As you enter the gates, it becomes clear that this zoo is like no other in Florida, boasting an array of local and exotic animals, plus offering many firsthand experiences. Capture your partner's face smile on camera when they feed the giraffes or share an ice-cream cone on the zoo train as you coast to the next exhibit.

Not only does the zoo make for a special date, but they also do their best to promote wildlife conservation and safety by donating a portion of ticket sales toward protecting the natural animal habitats across the globe. 

Aprons Cooking School at Publix will bring out your inner Gordon Ramsey. Put on your chefs’ apron and grab your cutting boards for a couples’ cook-off under the watchful eye of the master chef as you are instructed how to prepare and cook some of your favorite dishes, from dinner to desserts.

The classes are fun, interactive and educational, plus you’ll gain skills together and foodie knowledge such as beer and wine pairings to different dishes. To put the cherry on top of a great date, you can enjoy your kitchen creations at the end of class.

Aardwolf Brewing Company hits the spot for a casual date in Jacksonville. The exposed brick brewhouse is divided into several separate spaces, such as the Lounge & the Tap Room where you will choose from a wide selection of beers, including lights, stouts, lagers, and ales. 

The outdoor seating is a great spot to catch the summer breeze and a silly buzz with your partner. Put on your comfy clothes and get ready to drink hand-crafted brews with your favorite person.