JACKSONVILLE TRAVEL GUIDE

If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip, Jacksonville, Florida is a place you may want to consider! Jax, as the locals call it, is the largest city in the contiguous United States and has so many new restaurants, oceanfront parks, historic neighborhoods, local shops, and the best beaches. This was my first time visiting Jacksonville with Visit Jacksonville and I really enjoyed it, so if you’re looking for a relaxing and youthful weekend, Jacksonville is a new side of Florida that you should experience!

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Palms is a boutique beachside hotel that was transformed from a former motor court inn into a retro retreat. Just 3 blocks from the ocean Hotel Palms is the perfect location next to Atlantic Beach!

THINGS TO DO IN JACKSONVILLE

Go Tuk’n

Go on a Tuk’n, a three-wheeled, electric vehicle is a fun new way of exploring the beaches! Stop for local beers and cocktails that are part of the Jax Ale Trail.

Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

I’d highly recommend dedicating an early morning to rise with the sun for an oceanfront yoga or paddleboarding session with Jax Surf & Paddle. Nothing beats starting the morning with an ocean breeze as you connect with nature.

Kingsley Plantation/Kayak the Marshes

Jax is home to the largest urban park system in the nation and is part of the 46,000 acres Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Here you will see the state’s natural beauty and historical past. Get a tour of the Kingsley plantation, and then cool off with a kayaking tour, I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.

Spa Treatments at the One Ocean Resort & Spa

Treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at Jacksonville’s premier oceanfront resort at the One Ocean Resort & Spa. Enjoy the pool and beach amenities during your visit as well to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Downtown History & Art Walking Tour

Home to one of Florida’s oldest and most historic downtown neighborhoods, experience some of Jacksonville’s highlights on a walking tour. The City of Jacksonville is known for its murals so explore and take as many photos as you can!

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Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Visit and Cocktail Demonstration

The Cummer Museum is one of Jax’s most popular museums due to their world-class art and diverse special exhibits. The museum is also known for their 2.5 acres of historic gardens that you can walkthrough. During my visit, I was able to enjoy the museum’s latest exhibit and a cocktail demonstration by their mixologist.

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Boat Ride Downtown with Lambs Yacht Center

Enjoy a boat ride down the St. Johns River with Lambs Yacht Center! This leisure boat ride is the best way to see Jacksonville where you’ll be taken from Riverside to Ortega to Downtown.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN JACKSONVILLE

Southern Grounds

Southern Grounds is a popular coffee and breakfast shop located just steps to the beach. They offer direct trade coffee, baked goods, bread, sandwiches, and more!

Maple Street Biscuit Company

This is the spot for the best comfort food with a modern twist at this local restaurant in San Marco! This spot is also known for having the best biscuits in all of Florida, I recommend also trying the chicken and waffles!

Metro Diner

Metro Diner is located in Jacksonville Beach, Metro Diner is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality! It is one of Jacksonville’s best breakfast spots for both locals and visitors. Make sure to stop by during your trip!

Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant

A local restaurant located in Mayport boasts the freshest fish in town! Although fresh seafood can be found all over Jacksonville, this spot was voted the best seafood place in Florida.

The Bread & Board

Located in Five Points neighborhood, this independently owned casual restaurant is a fun-loving sandwich shop and fine dining kitchen. They serve sandwiches and sandwich boards made with their baked in-house bread drawing inspiration from classic deli sandwiches.

Black Sheep

Black Sheep is one of the best restaurants in Jacksonville so it’s a must! It is a modern American restaurant located in the Five Points district. They use fresh, local ingredients to create their handcrafted food and cocktails.

Azurea

Located at One Ocean Resort & Spa, this restaurant serves fresh seafood and is one of Atlantic Beach’s best restaurant. During my visit for dinner, I enjoyed the Chef’s five-course menu which was my favorite meal during our trip!

ABBQ Meat & Drink

Looking for some Texas-style barbecue? This locally owned and operated restaurant is located right by the beach. This restaurant offers a giant backyard that extends into an outdoor dining experience. The food is amazing so make sure you’re prepared to eat!

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Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails

Located in St. Johns Town Center. Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is one of the first locally-owned restaurants in Jax’s premier shopping district.

Jax is a great weekend getaway for friends, family, and couples. The food is amazing, the art scene is awesome and it’s a great destination to get away and relax.

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This post was sponsored by Visit Jacksonville. As always, all honest opinions are my own.