3 Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Jacksonville
Tired of that run of the mill box of chocolates? Over the basic dinner date? Need more pizazz than a bottle of perfume?
Fret not. If you’re looking to make an impact this Valentine’s Day, there’s plenty of options for you in Jacksonville, Fla.
One of Florida’s largest cities, Jacksonville is a coastal town resting along the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city boasts plenty of museums, shopping, and cultural offerings. While many will jet to Miami or Orlando this Valentine’s Day, surprise your sweetie with a trip to Jacksonville.
Here are some great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Jacksonville:
Get on the Love Boat
Okay. So it’s not literally the love boat. But Jacksonville is a great port for cruises. Get some one-on-one time with your significant other by boarding one of the Carnival Cruise Lines that leaves from the port for the Bahamas. The 2,054-passenger ship Carnival Elation offers four and five-day cruises to the Bahamas all year long. It’s easy to get to Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Airport offers inbound flights from across the U.S. and there are affordable multiple hotel options. Check out The Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville Airport for a perfect place to reset and restore before setting sail. They offer a spacious room, two vouchers for round-trip transportation to the Jacksonville cruise port, and parking while you're gone.
Have a Spirited Experience
Over the past few years, Jacksonville’s local liquor distillery scene has gone from a bubble to a boil. There are more than a half a dozen craft distilleries in the city now, including Frequency Spirits, Four Fathers, and Manifest Distillery just to name a few of the more popular locations. Manifest Distillery, known for its signature vodka, rum, gin and whiskey made with locally sourced ingredients, offers distillery tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The tours are about 1-2.5 hours and include a close up view of how the spirits are made, the production area and a tasting. The tours are limited space and fill up fast. To book a tour, email nina@manifestdistilling.com.
Go for a Ride
Dinner at a fancy restaurant is great and all, but it’s been done. How about surprising your Valentine with a bike ride and a special picnic on the beach? It’s totally doable with a little planning. Stop by Beach Life Rentals and snag two beach cruiser bikes with baskets for your grub. Pick up great food from local favorite Larry’s Subs. Head over to the world-renowned Jacksonville Beach for an oceanfront picnic. No need to worry about driving home, get a newly-renovated room at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra Beach where you can snag a room during Valentine’s Day weekend for a great price. It’s a no-frills way to show your significant other they’re special.