Jacksonville, commonly referred to by Floridians as Jax, is one of the hippest cities for couples in Florida. Known for having the youngest population in the state, it is no surprise that this city has plenty to offer for an unforgettable couples retreat or a simple date night.

Whether you are embracing the summer sun by floating the river and setting sail or staying indoors with a couples cooking class and spa treatment, Jacksonville has it all. If you run out of things to do on land or sea, you can even get an aerial experience of the city via a hot-air balloon. Make it a date to remember with these enjoyable couples experiences.

  • 1

    Float down the Ichetucknee River

    Cool off, kick up your feet, and crack a cold one

    Float down the Ichetucknee River
    • Adventure
    • Couples

    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 favourite trails and river entrances.

    Location: 7354 SW Elim Church Rd, Fort White, FL 32038, USA

    Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 386-497-2929

    Map
  • 2

    The Escape Game Jacksonville

    Make it a double date at Jacksonville's Escape room

    The Escape Game Jacksonville
    • Couples
    • Families

    The Escape Game Jacksonville is an excellent way for an exciting date – you can even make it a double date by bringing your favourite 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 Prison Break game puts you in a 1955 prison 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.

    Location: 4720 Town Crossing Dr Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL 32246, USA

    Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 11.30 pm

    Phone: +1 904-595-1440

    Map
  • 3

    First Coast Sail Charter

    Set sail in the beautiful Atlantic

    First Coast Sail Charter
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    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.

    Location: 4585 Lakeside Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32210, USA

    Phone: +1 904-270-9463

    Map
  • 4

    Kelly Seahorse Ranch

    Trot down the beach on the most romantic date on 4 legs

    Kelly Seahorse Ranch
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families

    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.

    Location: 9500 1st Coast Hwy, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA

    Phone: +1 904-491-5166

    Map
  • 5

    Be Still Float Studio

    Find your inner peace as you enjoy a couple’s meditation spa

    Be Still Float Studio
    • Couples

    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.

    Location: 1050 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, USA

    Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 4 pm to 8.30 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm

    Phone: +1 904-619-9615

    Map
  • 6

    The Florida Theatre

    As romantic as it is historic

    The Florida Theatre
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    The Florida Theatre 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 Theatre is the permanent resident theatre 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 drinks and popcorn ready as you take your date back in time for a romantic evening in Jacksonville.

    Location: 128 E Forsyth St #300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 1 am

    Phone: +1 904-355-5661

    Map

    photo by Michael Rivera (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 7

    A hot-air balloon ride

    Drift away together and get a bird's-eye view of Jacksonville

    A hot-air balloon ride
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Photo

    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.

    Location: 103 Tuscan Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +1 407-897-5432

    Map
  • 8

    Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

    Feed the giraffes and snap some pics

    Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Photo

    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 first-hand 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 towards protecting the natural animal habitats across the globe. 

    Location: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 904-757-4463

    Map
  • 9

    Publix Aprons Cooking School

    Improve your kitchen skills together

    Publix Aprons Cooking School
    • Couples
    • Food

    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 favourite 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.

    Location: 10500 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257, USA

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 8 pm

    Map
  • 10

    Aardwolf Brewing Company

    Learn the science behind brewing

    Aardwolf Brewing Company
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    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 favourite person.

    Location: 1461 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 3 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 3 pm to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight, Sunday from noon to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 904-301-0755

    Map

    photo by Cuchullain (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Colby Murray | Contributing Writer