Labor Day is always bittersweet. The weekend is extra-long, but that first Monday in September marks the last day of summer. Still, we think you should honor those hard-working men and women that brought us Labor Day by making sure that you absolutely do not work. What better way to honor them than to check out a music festival or relax on a beach? Below are our recommendations on what to do in Jacksonville for Labor Day.
You spend so much time cooped up inside, why not spend a long weekend under the sky?
503 1st North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Jacksonville has 22 miles of coast that are begging for beach days. What makes Jacksonville beaches different from other sandy shorelines? For starters, grilling (charcoal or gas—we don’t judge) is permitted, so grab some grill-friendly favorites and make a day out of it. Fishing from the pier is allowed without a permit, so if you run out of hot dogs, you can always fry some fish. Plus, May through October is sea turtle nesting season, so you might see some shelled swimmers come ashore.
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
(904) 641-7155 This national park boats 46,000 acres of coastal wetlands, hiking and biking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. Hike or rent bikes, and make sure to bring binoculars and try to spot some wild boar, gray foxes, and the American Alligator—also known as the official state reptile! We suggest combining your trip with some history by reserving a tour at Kingsley Plantation, located within the park’s grounds.
These beer-based events are all about the craft
September 1st, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
715 Riverside Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32204
events@904happyhour.com
Sample brews from over 40 different local breweries and soak up those suds with food from more than a dozen food trucks and vendors. The best part? You can sample beers all day. Even if food and beer aren’t your thing, stay for the music. Headliners feature Taller Trees, The Fritz and Zach Deputy, and Florida favorite Bonnie Blue.
Various Locations
Grab your brewery passport at any of the 15 (and counting) local breweries and get tasting. Don’t forget to collect your passport stamps, as there are prizes depending on how many you collect (and it’ll help you remember where you were).We suggest hitting up Intuition Ale Works for their I-10 IPA and fantastic view of downtown from the rooftop bar. For sour fans, Aardwolf Brewing Company has plenty of pints that’ll make you pucker up.
When the music hits you, what else can you do?
September 1st – September 2nd, 1 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Check in at The Salt
333 1st Street
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
What’s better than a dance party? A dance party with an ocean view. This event branches off into three different beachside venues in the city. Besides booming beats by a dozen DJs like Q45, Charlie Hustle, and Two Wolves, The Salt also features delicious daily drink specials.
August 29th – September 2nd
1000 PGA Tour Blvd,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
So you think you can dance? No? Well, no problem–you can spend three days watching people who can. Besides lessons from seasoned pros, this is a competition where you can see professionals and amateurs compete for a place on the podium. Register early and take advantage of a pub crawl where you can meet and greet the competitors.
Why not send your summer off in style with something that truly celebrates the labor movement? Actually taking the day off and enjoying it the best way you know how. Use our picks to propel your Labor Day in Jacksonville to perfection, or get out there and see what comes your way.
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