Jacksonville is THE Place for Sports

Surfing

It’s been a well kept secret, but we’re ready to share – Jacksonville’s beaches offer prime surfing all year long. It’s the perfect place to try surfing if you’re a beginner or to master your moves if you’re a pro. And you can find plenty of pro’s here.

Each year, Jacksonville’s beaches take center stage as the host for numerous surfing competitions. In 2021 alone, there was the Sisters of the Sea Surf Classic, Red Bull Night Riders, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold PRO/AM and Super Girl Surf Pro.

Red Bull Foam Wreckers returns March 26 and Super Girl Surf Pro is scheduled for November 11-13, both in Jacksonville Beach.

Skateboarding

The Arlington area of Jacksonville is home to the iconic Kona Skate Park, the last of the original private-owned skateparks in the world. It has snake runs, pipes, walls, bowls and pools that generations of skateboarders from across the globe have enjoyed for years.

In 2021, the skateboarding world gathered in Jacksonville for the Street League Skateboarding Super Crown Championship that featured 25 of the world’s best skateboarders.

Running

Everywhere you go in Jacksonville, you’ll find runners zipping along sidewalks, trails and beaches. With an average of 270 days of sunshine each year, the weather practically invites you to get outdoors. Dozens of races take place in Jax each year, including:

The DONNA Marathon Weekend. The renowned marathon weekend includes a family fun run, 5K, 15K relay, 110 ultra marathon, half marathon and full marathon, all to raise awareness and money for breast cancer patients and research. Stay tuned for the 2023 date.

Spartan Races. An obstacle race designed to push a runners abilities, Spartan races are unlike any other physical or mental challenge participants will face. Spartan weekend includes a variety of race distances and challenges. Stay tuned for the 2023 dates.

Gate River Run. More than 20,000 participants make their way to Jax every March for the Gate River Run, the nation’s largest 15K, to experience first-hand the beauty of the city and the fun of this race. In addition to the 15K, there is also a 5K for charity, a challenge mile, a junior river run and a diaper dash. Stay tuned for the 2023 date.

Fishing

With the great year-round weather and more than 1,110 miles of interior shorelines another great sporting option is Jacksonville is fishing. Anglers love the area’s convenient access and the fresh and saltwater fishing options.

The annual Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournamentis one of the largest kingfish tournaments in the southeast. In addition to the tournament, the event also includes a Junior Angler Offshore Tournament, a food festival and live entertainment.

College Football

If you’re a college football fan, Jacksonville has exciting options for you. Did you know the sixth oldest college bowl, and the first one to ever be televised nationally, takes place in Jacksonville? The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl was first played in 1946 and continues each year at TIAA Bank Field with a SEC and ACC team going head-to-head. Stay tuned for the dates of the next bowl game.

If a bowl game isn’t your style, Jacksonville is also home to the historic University of Florida and University of Georgia rivalry each year at TIAA Bank Field. In addition to the game, the weekend features the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the fall baseball game between the two universities and of course, tailgating. The two teams will compete October 29.

Whether your favorite team is playing here or if your favorite athlete is competing, you’ll find plenty of destination sports options in Jax. Ready to plan your trip to Jacksonville for one of these events? Visit our Travel Tools section to get started today.