Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2026, and the 904 has some seriously good ways to celebrate dad this year. From free zoo admission and oceanfront ice cream to steakhouse dinners, scenic trails, tee times, fishing piers, and Father's Day weekend events around town — we mapped out 8 great moves so you don't have to.
Whether dad's the outdoorsy type, the steak-and-bourbon guy, the soccer fanatic, or the "just give me time with the family" kind, there's something here.
Free Admission for Dads at Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens
370 Zoo Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32218
The Jacksonville Zoo is celebrating Father's Day with FREE admission for dads, grandfathers, and father figures on Sunday, June 21 — when visiting the Zoo with their families.
- How it works:
- - No advanced ticket needed for dad
- No promo codes
- Just arrive together as a family and dad's entry is taken care of at the front gate
- Offer valid June 21 only, in person
- One complimentary admission per paid admission purchase
- Total Experience tickets available for purchase in person
A perfect family-friendly way to spend Father's Day morning or afternoon — wander the gardens, hit the wildlife exhibits, and let the kids run the show.
Treat Dad to a Cone — Two 904 Ice Cream Picks
After a day at the Zoo, the park, or just hanging out, ice cream is a Father's Day staple. Here are the two 904 spots worth the drive.
Gator Ice Cream
Jax Beach: 1010B 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Lakewood: 5043 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Hours: Daily 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Known for 125+ flavors made fresh daily, Gator has become a Jacksonville staple in record time. Everything is homemade — no artificial colors or preservatives — and they cover the full spectrum from classic American flavors to exotic Asian and Mexican imports to dairy-free and sugar-free options.
- What to try:
- - Chocolate Dubai Strawberry Cup — the best-selling viral flavor
- Banana splits, brownie sundaes, milkshakes
- Boozy flavors at the Jax Beach location (for dads who deserve it)
Whit's Frozen Custard
7 Jacksonville-area locations — Atlantic Beach, Avondale, Jax Beach, Kernan Square, Mandarin, South Jax, and Oakleaf
Locally owned and operated since 2014 by Michael and Jessica McKinley, Whit's has been voted #1 Ice Cream in Jacksonville by Void Mag, Jax Mag, and Folio Weekly. Superior frozen custard made fresh daily in three flavors — vanilla, chocolate, and a rotating daily flavor — paired with mix-ins for sundaes or a Whitser (blended custard with toppings).
- What to grab:
- - Daily flavor calendar at whitsfrozencustard.com
- Pints & quarts to-go from the freezer
- Custom custard cakes (24-hour notice)
Take Dad Out for a Standout Father's Day Dinner
Four picks across the 904 — from steakhouse classics to Orange Park country club, rooftop Southern in Atlantic Beach to upscale coastal in Ponte Vedra.
Chophouse Thirteen — Mandarin's Father's Day Classic
11362 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223
A locally owned Jacksonville favorite serving up elevated steakhouse classics, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails in a refined yet welcoming setting. 100% Certified Black Angus chops, house-made breads and desserts, and the signature Oak Bar. Open Mon-Sat, 4-9 PM (closed Sunday) — so plan for a Saturday night dinner with dad.
The Grove at OPCC — Orange Park's Dad-Approved All-In-One
2525 Country Club Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073
The Grove at Orange Park Country Club is Father's Day in one place — community, food, and basically every activity dad would want. Their restaurant serves up a full menu with weekly chef specials, and on-site you'll find an expansive driving range for golf-loving dads, the Citrus Club lounge for catching the big game on multiple screens, and live music on Friday nights. Sunday Brunch with the family is one of the most underrated moves on the Westside.
- Why it works for Father's Day:
- - On-site driving range — let dad get a few swings in
- The Citrus Club for sports + cocktails
- Live music on Friday nights to kick off Father's Day weekend
- Sunday brunch with a family-friendly atmosphere
- Easy access for Westside locals (Orange Park, Argyle, Oakleaf — no downtown traffic)
Coop 303 — Rooftop Southern Charm in Atlantic Beach
303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Coop 303 brings rooftop views, Southern charm, and cocktails that hit just right to the heart of Atlantic Beach. Whether dad wants a relaxed Sunday brunch on the rooftop or an evening dinner with drinks, Coop checks all the boxes. Their downstairs Living Room offers a chill lounge-style vibe for after-dinner cocktails too.
Argyle — Upscale Coastal in Ponte Vedra
254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (The Yards at Sawgrass)
Chef Jonathan Blackford's contemporary American restaurant inside The Yards — a casual California coastal-style space with chef-driven, seasonal dishes. Open Sunday for both brunch (10 AM-3 PM) and dinner (4-9 PM), making it one of the most flexible upscale options for Father's Day.
Get Outside with Dad — Four of the 904's Best Outdoor Spots
Jax-Baldwin Rail Trail
A nearly 15-mile paved path once part of the CSX railway line — now one of Northeast Florida's favorite thoroughfares for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. A dense tree canopy shelters most of the route. Wildlife along the way includes hawks, wood storks, stilts, belted kingfishers, and friendly farm animals.
Bring: Water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, headphones
Hanna Park (Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park)
500 Wonderwood Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32233
The 904's all-in-one outdoor escape — beach access, biking trails, fishing, kayaking, and camping all in one 1.5-mile-long park. Surf, swim, ride the trails, or just spread out on the sand for the day. A great pick for the dad who wants a little of everything.
Walter Jones Historic Park
11964 Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223
Tucked along the St. Johns River in Mandarin, Walter Jones Historic Park is one of the 904's most underrated peaceful escapes. A working historic farm site dating back to the 1870s — restored barns, gardens, and a pavilion — set against riverfront views and shaded paths perfect for a slow morning walk with dad. Free admission, no crowds, picture-perfect setting.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
For dads who want real wild Florida, head south to GTM Research Reserve — 76,000 acres of protected coastal habitat stretching from Ponte Vedra Beach down to Palm Coast. Choose from 10+ miles of nature trails winding through hammock, scrub, and flatwoods, or hit the pristine coquina sand beaches along A1A. Bird-watching, kayaking on Guana Lake, fishing at the Dam, and horseback riding are all on the table.
Heads up: The Visitor Center is closed Sundays — but the trails, grounds, and beaches are open daily 8 AM-sunset. Parking is $3/vehicle.
Tee Time with Dad — Hit a Course Around Town
Northeast Florida is one of America's true golf destinations, and Father's Day weekend is the perfect excuse to book a round. Whether dad wants to play where the pros play or just hit a bucket of balls with the family, here are six picks across the 904. Book early — Father's Day weekend tee times go fast.
TPC Sawgrass — Ponte Vedra Beach
110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
The bucket-list round in the 904. Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, the Stadium Course is Pete Dye's most famous creation — featuring the iconic island green at the par-3 17th. Ranked the #2 best golf course in Florida by Golf Digest in 2025. The sister course, Dye's Valley, is more playable and equally memorable. Public play available via a 14-day booking window — book early, summer rates are lower.
World Golf Village — St. Augustine
1 World Golf Pl., St. Augustine, FL 32092
Home of the World Golf Hall of Fame and two of the area's most celebrated resort courses: the King & Bear (the only Palmer/Nicklaus co-design in the world) and the Slammer & Squire (Sam Snead/Gene Sarazen design, more forgiving and scenic). Tour the Hall of Fame, hit two championship courses in one trip — make a Father's Day weekend out of it.
The Yards — Ponte Vedra Beach
254 Alta Mar Dr., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
An innovative, social-driven 12-hole course just minutes from TPC Sawgrass, The Yards blends a championship-style 9-hole "Front Yard" with a fun par-3 "Backyard." Originally designed by Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay, reimagined by David Miller & Mike Miles and reopened in 2020 — it's quickly become a favorite for casual rounds, group outings, and quick play. Grab the famous "Beer Loop" for a social pace round.
Bonus: Same facility as Argyle (see Section 3) — make it a full day with tee time in the morning and dinner after.
Blue Sky Golf Club — Arlington
1700 Monument Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
An Arnold Palmer Signature Design public course with one of Jacksonville's best practice setups — lighted driving range with Toptracer technology, Power Tee automatic tees, and day-and-night practice. Flexible booking (3, 6, 9, or 18 holes) and no dress code make it the perfect "fit dad's schedule" course. On-site bar & grill, cornhole, and 20+ flat-screen TVs round it out. Formerly Mill Cove, fully renovated in 2014.
Jacksonville Beach Golf Club — Jax Beach
605 S Penman Rd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
The 904's best muni value — less than 10 miles from TPC Sawgrass but weekend rates top out around $67. Located blocks from the beach, this unassuming public course punches well above its weight. Great junior and senior rates make it the move for multi-generational Father's Day tee times.
Topgolf Jacksonville — Southside
10531 Brightman Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246
For the dad who'd rather hang with the family than play 18 — Topgolf brings climate-controlled bays, gamified play, and food + drinks all in one. The most kid-friendly golf option in the city, perfect for dads who want to introduce their kids to the game.
Cast a Line with Dad — 904 Fishing Spots
For dads who'd rather hold a rod than a club, the 904 has some of the best public fishing in Northeast Florida. Here are four picks across pier, surf, lake, and bridge.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
503 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
One of the longest fishing piers in Florida at nearly a quarter-mile long, stretching out into the Atlantic. No state fishing license required to fish from the pier, rod rentals available on-site, and a low day pass ($2 non-locals / $1 locals). Catch redfish, kingfish, whiting, and other Atlantic species.
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM daily
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Florida A1A (via Amelia Island State Park)
A mile-long pedestrian fishing bridge spanning Nassau Sound — one of Northeast Florida's best fishing areas. Catch jack, whiting, drum, flounder, speckled sea trout, and tarpon. On-site tackle shop, bait cleaning table, and a walk-up window for snacks and drinks. Entry fee: $2/person. Note: night fishing not permitted.
Hanna Park — Freshwater Lake & Offshore Reefs
500 Wonderwood Dr., Atlantic Beach
Hanna Park doubles as a Father's Day fishing destination. The 60-acre freshwater lake is stocked with bass, bream, and catfish. For more adventurous dads, offshore artificial reefs just off the Atlantic Beach coast hold cobia, snapper, and amberjack — bring the boat or charter one.
Guana Dam at GTM Reserve
505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
The Guana Dam is open daily 4 AM - 9 PM specifically for fishing — offering both saltwater (Guana River) and freshwater (Guana Lake / Lake Ponte Vedra) access. Catch redfish, seatrout, croaker, black drum, and flounder. $3 parking. Florida fishing license required for both freshwater and saltwater.
Catch the World Cup with Dad
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing on Father's Day weekend, and the USA is playing the day before:
USA vs Australia | Friday, June 19 at 3:00 PM
Best spots to watch with dad:
- Lemon Bar (Neptune Beach) — Oceanfront patio + 13-ft LED video wall
- Pour Taproom (Downtown) — 80 self-pour taps + 40-ft projector
- Casbah Cafe (Avondale) — Brand-new dedicated outdoor viewing setup, every match shown, plus great food, drinks, and hookah
Full World Cup Watch Guide: bit.ly/WorldCupJax
Father's Day Weekend Events Around Town
Josie's Summer BBQ — Saturday, June 20
Where: Josephine (@josephineavondale) | 3563 St Johns Ave.
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Tickets: $35 adults / $15 kids on Resy
Josephine is transforming the front of the restaurant into a lively daytime BBQ experience with chef-driven food by @zachpreece, cocktails + Morgan's Monster Bloody Marys, and live vinyl by DJ @doily_parton. Back rooms are family-friendly with games and activities. Bring your dad to hang out with the coolest team in Jacksonville.
Sporting Jax vs Charleston Battery — Saturday, June 20
Where: Hodges Stadium | 7:00 PM
bit.ly/SportingJaxTickets
Claypool Gold at St. Augustine Amphitheatre — Friday, June 19
The Amp, St. Augustine
For the music-loving dad: Primus + Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade + The Claypool Lennon Delirium taking over the Amp for one unforgettable night.
However you celebrate — over a steak dinner, on the trail, at the Zoo, on the green, on the pier, or in front of the TV cheering for USA — make it count. Dads in the 904 have built this city alongside the rest of us. Sunday, June 21, is theirs.
Have a Father's Day plan we missed? Tag @904happyhour and we'll share it.
