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From historic sites to pristine beaches, riverside strolls, and a thriving arts scene, Jacksonville in northeastern Florida has it all. This action-packed itinerary highlights just a handful of what this Floridian gem offers, including everything from world-class surf spots and mouth watering seafood to iconic cultural institutions. Here’s how to spend a long weekend exploring the ins and outs of Jax.
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Start your morning the right way: with coffee and homemade pastries from Urban Grind Coffee Company, a local cafe that serves coffee made from locally roasted beans. Then, hop in the car and cruise along the stunning Heckscher Drive on Jacksonville's Northside. This journey will take you on a picturesque route between St. John’s River and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Here, you can soak up the sights and sounds of this unique sliver of the First Coast until you reach Kingsley Plantation.
This former cotton plantation on Fort George Island offers visitors a glimpse into the history of slavery in the region. At the centre of the plantation is the Kingsley Plantation House, which stands as one of the oldest plantation homes in Florida. Spend a couple of hours walking around the grounds to learn about how life was lived here. It's a place of historical significance that sheds light on the resilience and contributions of those who had to live there.
Morning
Evening
How to spend a long weekend in Jacksonville
Since you’re already at Jacksonville Beach, settle down for dinner at Dockside Seafood Restaurant Jax Beach. This laid-back, beach-front spot is a beloved local favourite, often nicknamed "Dockside." It’s renowned for its delicious seafood paired with unrivalled waterfront views. Chow down on fresh seafood, like fish-stuffed po’boys, tacos, a dozen steamed oysters and classic crab cakes, while taking in the scenic sights.
When you can’t face any more seafood, Jax Ale Trail is a must for beer lovers. Jacksonville has a booming craft beer scene, and the Ale Trail offers the chance to explore over 20 local breweries on a self-guided tour. Collect a ‘passport’, and sip on hoppy IPAs and rich stouts as you collect stamps at each brewery, learning all about the scene along the way. A full passport can be traded in at the end for little gifts.
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When it comes to waterways and shorelines, Jax trumps a lot of other cities. Just a stone’s throw away from the beating heart of Downtown, 22 miles of perfect beaches beckon, many of them uncrowded. Drive for a late afternoon at Jacksonville Beach, the most popular of the beaches in the area. It’s set within a bustling beach town with a lively boardwalk lined with waterfront restaurants, beachwear boutiques, bars and watersport rental shops — since the beach is a hot spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing and fishing.
If you’re peckish, grab lunch from Angie’s Subs, a local favourite that’s been around for almost 30 years. They serve loaded Peruvian-style sub sandwiches with off-beat names like ‘My Wife Kicked Me Out’.
Afternoon
FRIDAY
The Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville is an iconic institution built during the 1920s. It’s a cherished part of Jacksonville's heritage and a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene, set in a beautifully restored venue. It’s one of the most popular places to watch talent take to the stage, from live music performances and comedy to theatre shows. It features an elegant interior with a starlit ceiling – a perfect setting for the arts.
Finish your evening with night-time tipples from The Volstead in Adams Street, a trendy cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The bar is named after the Prohibition-era Volstead Act, blending a speakeasy vibe with a modern twist. Sip on expertly mixed cocktails, including seasonal options and contemporary creations, all served in a cosy and dimly lit setting. There are also regular live jazz performances, adding to its romantic allure.
Evening
The St. Johns River winds through the heart of downtown Jacksonville, and the calm waters make it an ideal spot for both beginner and seasoned kayakers. Glide past iconic local landmarks and lush riverfront parks, admiring the city from a different point of view. It’s a lovely way to kickstart the day before heading over to Riverside Arts Market.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the St. Johns River, Riverside Arts Market is a hotspot for local artists, artisans, food vendors and performers. It comes to life every Saturday when visitors swing by and stock up on handmade arts and crafts, try the local cuisine, and enjoy live music and street performances. It’s a great way to experience the city's arts scene and soak up the scenic views of the river.
Afternoon
Morning
SATURDAY
For tequila and tacos, sit down for dinner at TacoLu, a local Jacksonville Mexican restaurant serving a tasty menu that ranges from carne asada tacos to freshly caught Mahi-Mahi. Inside, it’s bright and lively, with murals pasted on the walls and an energetic atmosphere. Try a Oaxaca Old Fashioned made with Mezcal, cherry, orange, hellfire bitters and agave nectar.
Evening
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a stunning 120-acre natural preserve offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Hike through any of the four miles of winding trails that meander through woodlands, pine flats and wetlands, keeping your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna along the way.
Make your way north of Jacksonville Beach to Neptune Beach, a sun-beaming hideaway popular amongst out-of-town beach-goers and locals. It’s a little more laid-back and less touristy than its big sister, Jacksonville Beach, and makes for the perfect spot to lay down a towel and bask in the sun for the day. You can also surf here or try something more relaxing, like paddle boarding or boating in the nearby inlets.
You’ve also got Atlantic Beach, the furthest north of Jacksonville’s beach communities, home to miles of chilled coastline and close to lush picnic-perfect parks. There’s a thriving surf culture here, and the swells attract wave riders of all levels. Rent a board or opt for a lesson – surf schools are peppered along the coast. It’s also an ideal spot to watch the sunset, and depending on the time of year, the sun can set over the ocean.
Afternoon
Morning
sunday
Fuel up for the day at Cool Moose Cafe, a beloved local café known for its cosy atmosphere and comfort food with a side of Southern hospitality. The menu is chock full of hearty dishes, like chunky French brioche toast slathered in warm syrup, Nashville-style hot chicken and waffles, and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
Spend the second half of your morning at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, a cultural gem and a testament to the city's appreciation of art and nature. Perched along the banks of St. Johns River, the museum houses an impressive art collection spanning eclectic styles and periods. There are pretty landscaped gardens surrounding the museum where you can wander and admire the greenery.
Morning
Monday
Heckscher Drive
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Urban
Grind Coffee
Jacksonville Beach
Angie's Subs
Downtown
Jax Ale Trail
Dockside Seafood Restaurant
St. Johns River
Arts Market
The Volstead
Florida Theatre
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
Atlantic Beach
Neptune Beach
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Cool Moose Cafe
From indoor football and basketball to hockey, soccer and NFL Football, Jax is a hot spot for any sports fanatic. Watch the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp hit home runs or get rowdy with the locals at a Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game, where the atmosphere is passionate and electric inside and outside the stadium. Whatever the season, there’s always something happening in the Jacksonville sporting world.
Jacksonville Jaguars
AFTERNOON
Unwind and reflect on your trip by watching the sunset from Riverfront Park, one of the best spots to catch the sun going down. It has views over St Johns River and is close to Posting House, a cosy neighbourhood wine bar in San Marco that serves craft beer and wine on tap alongside cheese and charcuterie. They also host live jazz music if you swing by on a Sunday.
If you’re not overly fussed about chasing sunsets, you could spend the evening exploring the nearby neighbourhood of Avondale. Renowned for its well-preserved historic homes and diverse architectural styles, including Tudor, Mediterranean Revival, Neoclassical and Georgian design. This area is a shopping haven, boasting numerous independent boutiques and speciality shops. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Five Points, another historic neighbourhood home to excellent restaurants, cafes and bars. Check out Brew Five Points for coffee, pastries and beer.
Evening
Avondale
Riverfront Park
Taco Lu
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