Jacksonville blends riverfront charm, sun‑kissed beaches and rich history, offering a laid‑back vibe with a growing foodie scene; spring and fall bring mild temps and fewer crowds, making them the ideal times to visit.
Top Things to Do in Jacksonville
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Getting Around Jacksonville
From the Airport
Rideshare. Uber and Lyft operate at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX); pick‑up zones are on the ground‑level curbside, rides cost $20‑$35 to downtown and take about 20‑30 minutes. Bus. JTA Route 101 – JAX Airport Express runs every 30 minutes from the airport to downtown Jacksonville; the trip is ~25 minutes and costs $2. Taxi. Yellow cab services are available at the airport’s taxi stand; a flat rate of $35‑$45 gets you to the Riverwalk area.
Once You're There
Rideshare. Uber and Lyft are the most convenient way to hop between neighborhoods; coverage is city‑wide and prices are moderate. Bus. Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates extensive bus routes, including the First Coast Flyer BRT line that connects downtown, Riverside and the Beaches. Car Rental. Major agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) have desks at JAX; a rental is recommended for visiting the zoo, beaches and Timucuan Preserve. Walking. Downtown and the Riverwalk area are pedestrian‑friendly, with wide sidewalks and plenty of shaded paths.
Where to Stay in Jacksonville
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Where to Eat in Jacksonville
Orsay★ 4.7 (2,367)A French bistro in Avondale famed for its steak frites and expertly crafted soufflés.
Metro Diner★ 4.6 (4,289)Classic diner near the Riverwalk famous for its fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfast platters.
Biscottis★ 4.6 (2,021)Cozy Italian‑American venue in Riverside praised for its wood‑fired pizzas and tiramisu.
Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant★ 4.5 (5,996)Waterfront eatery on the St. Johns River known for ultra‑fresh grouper sandwiches.
4 Rivers Smokehouse★ 4.5 (3,417)Barbecue joint in the Beaches district serving award‑winning smoked brisket.
Taverna★ 4.5 (2,011)Greek tavern in Mandarin offering authentic lamb souvlaki and a standout baklava.
River & Post★ 4.4 (6,316)Upscale Southern restaurant on the St. Johns River known for its duck confit and craft bourbon list.
The Brick★ 4.4 (2,111)Southern comfort food in Riverside, home of the legendary shrimp & grits plate.
The Bread & Board★ 4.4 (1,561)Artisan sandwich shop in San Marco that crafts a must‑try roasted turkey club.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Jacksonville
Downtown Riverfront & Avondale
Morning. Stroll the St. Johns Riverwalk from the Main Street Bridge to Friendship Fountain, snapping photos of the iconic water jet.
Afternoon. Explore the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, admiring European paintings and strolling the river‑front gardens.
Evening. Wander the historic Avondale streets, browsing boutique shops and enjoying a cocktail at a local bar.
Beach Day & Mandarin Wildlife
Morning. Walk the Jacksonville Beach boardwalk, dip your toes at the Jacksonville Beach Pier, and grab a coffee at a beachfront café.
Afternoon. Drive to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Mandarin; see the African Savanna and the new Asian Forest exhibit.
Evening. Relax at a beachfront bar in the Beaches district, watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
History & Culture Southside
Morning. Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial to learn about the 16th‑century French settlement, then hike the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve’s nature trails.
Afternoon. Head to the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) downtown for interactive exhibits on local history and natural science.
Evening. Dine in San Marco’s vibrant square, sampling creative dishes at Black Sheep Restaurant.