Looking for cute places in Jacksonville? I got you covered! Below are 7 of my favorite cute places in Jacksonville.
1. Sweet Pete’s Candy
Photo Credit: Sweet Pete’s Candy
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t visit Jacksonville without stopping at Sweet Pete’s Candy while you’re there.
They’re the largest candy store in the Southeast and they’re located in a 22,000 square foot historic mansion. This is more than just your ordinary candy shop, it’s an experience!
Photo Credit: Sweet Pete’s Candy
Before you go, you can reserve a spot on one of their tours. They have a store tour where you’ll learn about the history and get to view all the different rooms throughout the mansion.
The other is their chocoholic tour which focuses more on the sweeter side of the business. You’ll watch how they make their chocolate and get to sample different kinds along the way. Whichever tour you pick, both let you create a custom chocolate bar to take home!
Photo Credit: Sweet Pete’s Candy
In addition to the tours, they also offer different kinds of hands-on candy or chocolate classes. From classes like lollipops or gummy candies to chocolate pizza and boozy truffles, there is something for everyone.
After your tour or class, if you’re feeling hungry, why not stop off at the onsite restaurant for a bite to eat. They serve a full menu with salads, sandwiches, and more.
If you still haven’t satisfied your sweet tooth you can order an over-the-top crazy shake or a unicorn sundae from their delicious dessert menu.
2. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Photo Credit: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Looking for a place to take cute Spring or Summer photos, the gardens at Cummer are a wonderful choice. There are four different gardens onsite; English Garden, Italian Garden, Olmsted Garden, and Tea Garden. Each has its own unique layout and architecture.
Photo Credit: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
If you visit in the early Spring you can catch the beautiful Azaleas in bloom in the English Garden. Also, there are vibrant purple Wisterias that have grown themselves along the pergola in the English Garden which overlooks the St. Johns River. Both of these would make for a gorgeous flower backdrop!
Photo Credit: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
The Italian Garden is an exquisite sight to see and photograph. It has reflecting pools on each side that lead up to a three-tiered fountain. The unique arched hedges make a great frame for your photos.
The Tea Garden that was once used by Mrs. Cummer for her afternoon tea parties now is a lovely serene garden where you can take in the beauty as you look out at the St. Johns River.
The Cummer gardens make up 1.45 acres of the property so you will have many amazing photo opportunities.
3. The Mini Bar
Photo Credit: The Mini Bar
The Mini Bar is so much cuter than your average donut shop and definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Jacksonville area!
As their name implies, you can order alcoholic beverages like wine and mimosas or choose between 6 different beers on tap to pair with your mini donuts.
Photo Credit: The Mini Bar
Have you ever heard of a donut cake? At The Mini Bar, you won’t have to choose between a donut or a cake again! This four-layered cake consists of 28 vanilla or chocolate cake donuts that are topped with buttercream and decorated.
Their cakes are all pre-order and they have 15 signature flavors and 4 pre-designed cakes to choose from. Have an idea of your own? They might be able to recreate it as well.
Photo Credit: The Mini Bar
If you’re just looking to stop in for some donuts, they sell 19 signature flavors daily. When you visit on a weekend you can try their “Weekend Special Donut” which is only available to buy that weekend.
Their miniature donuts are about one-third the size of a regular donut. How cute! The best part about these donuts is that they’re always made to order so you’ll get hot and fresh donuts every time.
4. The Club Continental
Photo Credit: The Club Continental
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay in Jacksonville, The Club Continental is a wonderful choice.
This luxury hotel and resort located on the St. Johns River offers amenities including a restaurant, a pub, three sparkling pools, a cabana, and seven tennis courts.
Photo Credit: The Club Continental
Stay in either their European-style mansion room or a romantic river suite. Whichever room you choose, a complimentary continental breakfast is included for all guests every morning.
When you’re not exploring the city, you can enjoy a meal on the dock of the pub and look out at the river. On select nights they even have live entertainment.
Make sure you spend time walking around the grounds as this place has many pretty spots to take pictures.
5. Secret Tiki Temple
Photo Credit: Secret Tiki Temple
Chinese and Hawaiian come together in this tiki-style speakeasy. Hidden inside Pagoda, a Chinese restaurant, you’ll find this cute and fun-themed tiki bar.
It’s open Tuesday through Sunday and you need a reservation to enter. But not to worry, it’s super easy to make a reservation, all you have to do is go to their website.
When you arrive you’ll tell the hostess about your reservation and give her the secret password; you’re now allowed to enter the tiki oasis.
The decorations in this bar are definitely over the top so if you want to come dressed for the occasion you can go all out. They even encourage customers to wear tropical attire.
Photo Credit: Secret Tiki Temple
The Secret Tiki Temple serves a full drink menu along with a secret drink menu. They also offer a limited food menu that includes appetizer-style Chinese dishes.
Their signature house drink is served in a SPAM can and comes to you lit on fire, as seen above. How cool!
6. Le Macaron French Pastries
Photo Credit: Le Macaron French Pastries
Feel like you’ve been transported to France when you enter Le Macaron French Pastries shop. Everything is handcrafted by French chefs so you know it’s going to taste authentic.
In addition to selling macarons, they also have French gelato, gourmet chocolates, classic French pastries, and homemade candies. Add a cup of their specialty European-style coffee to your order to pair nicely with your pastries.
Photo Credit: Le Macaron French Pastries
You won’t have to feel guilty when eating their macarons since each one is around 80 calories. They’re made with only the finest ingredients and every flavor is gluten-free.
There are 20 signature flavors of macarons to choose from and depending on the time of year you visit, they may also have seasonal flavors available.
Once you step foot into Le Macaron French Pastries shop you’ll be in awe by its cuteness. The pastries are beautifully displayed and their packaging is adorable. You won’t be able to resist snapping a few photos while you’re there.
7. Azurea
Photo Credit: Azurea
Enjoy a lovely meal while taking in the wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean at this fine dining restaurant.
Azurea is located in One Ocean Resort and Spa, but you don’t have to stay there to eat here. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The menu is fairly limited and changes with the seasons.
Photo Credit: Azurea
Azurea is well known for their fresh seafood, however, if you’re not a fan of fish they also offer salad, chicken, and vegetarian dishes to name a few.
What makes Azurea stand out is its plating. From their appetizers to their desserts every dish is a work of art.
I hope you liked my list of 7 cute places in Jacksonville. Let me know in the comments if there are any cute places I missed that you think belong on this list!
Lindsey is an Ohio native who loves exploring all the cute places she can find. While visiting other cities and countries, she tries to uncover their hidden and unique gems. When she’s not exploring, you can find her eating cute desserts and taking cat naps in her free time.