Beasts to Brew

A full-day and evening

Begin the morning at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. See the biggest thatched roof building in North America. Stroll through the Birds of the Rift Valley exhibit. From the elevated walkway, observe dozens of exotic animals in the Plains of East Africa. Visit the reptile house but beware of sneaky snakes! Enjoy a snack at the Zambezi River Restaurant and explore the Mombasa Import-Export Company gift shop.

Following the zoo excursion, make a visit to the Budweiser Brewery. A world famous Budweiser Clydesdale replica greets visitors at the entrance. The newly renovated self-guided tour facility includes the history of beer brewing. Observe the processes of mashing, straining, brew kettle, cooling, primary fermentation, beechwood aging, final finishing and packaging. Marvel at the high-speed packaging lines that fill thousands of bottles and cans every minute. At the conclusion of the tour, relax in the Hospitality Room to enjoy complimentary snacks and samples of Anheuser-Busch products. Don't miss the gift shop.

The afternoon has more exciting activities in store. Visit Adventure Landing for Treasure Island and Buccaneer Bay miniature golf, go-karts, batting cove, Pirate's Quest Laser Tag and a fun-filled video arcade for young and old. During the spring and summer months head to the Jacksonville Beach location to cool off at Shipwreck Island Water Park and the new wave pool.

Still raring to go? Check out the greyhound dog races at the Jacksonville Greyhound Racing. Or enjoy the warm ocean breezes aboard Sun Cruz Casino for an evening of casino gambling and live musical entertainment.