kaili cochran
Words by Kaili Cochran
Now you may be thinking you’ve heard it all, especially if you’ve spent countless summers in Jacksonville. But, this is your guide to hidden things to do, see and eat during the summer of 2025 that even locals may not have tried before.
Card and Board Game Hangouts
Throughout Jacksonville, many locations offer tabletop games and some of them don’t even require sign-up or fees to join in.
Dan’s Sports Cards & Games is a small shop that sells numerous collectibles tied to sports, comics and TV nostalgia. While they don’t host board game competitions, it’s worth stopping by if you’re into collectibles.
Vortex Cards and Games has a more active community feel. They buy, sell and trade cards and hold regular competitions and open play. It’s an easy place to meet other players and learn something new.
In St. Augustine, just off Marketplace Drive, there’s BestBet. Offering various poker games and table games like Omaha Hi-Lo and Three Card Poker for those looking for something a bit more competitive.
Books, Coffee, and Community
Bookstores like Literary Lounge and Happy Medium Books Café are community-oriented and offer much more than a reading selection. Literary Lounge hosts events like bingo, book bedazzling, journal sessions, and craft workshops.
Happy Medium Books Café serves handmade pastries and custom coffee selections in a cozy space that also hosts book clubs, crochet classes and local author signings. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find someone crocheting in the corner while sipping cold brew.
Local Bars with More to Do
Stop by Ink Factory Brewing in Jax Beach to participate in events like music-based trivia, and there’s usually a local food truck outside.
Tucked away in Riverside, Keg and Coin brings together craft beer and throwback arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s. Despite the bar vibe, the space is family-friendly. From movie marathons to open mic nights, there’s always something going on for all ages to hang out (until 9 p.m. when it’s 21+ only).
Beachy Things Without the Crowds
We know what you’re thinking, Jax Beach is definitely a touristy spot and doesn’t belong on this list.
Instead, check out Micklers Landing. It’s a quieter beach experience and if you look closely, you might spot a few shark teeth to add to your collection.
North Beaches Town Center is a great way to spend a day near the ocean without setting foot in the sand. A lot of the shops are locally owned, and it’s a cheaper alternative to walking through the Town Center. If you’re walking around in the heat, there are plenty of spots to cool off with an ice cream cone.
Other Fun to Try This Summer
Every Friday night, Hush Hush Jax hosts a silent disco on the Jacksonville Beach Pier and is first-come, first-served, so bring your dancing shoes and a $10 bill to get in, then watch the sunset as you dance the night away.
Just south of St. Augustine, Aragon Park has a 9-hole disc golf course. Closer to Jacksonville, New World Sports Complex offers three courses with a variety of baskets. Disc golf is a fun alternative to regular or mini-golf and you don’t need experience to participate.
Whether you’re a local or here for the summer, there’s always something new hiding in plain sight. So try something different this summer while spending your time in Northeast Florida.
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