How to spend a weekend in Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville is Florida’s biggest city and as well as having 22-miles of beautiful beaches, this exciting destination is on the rise with sunseekers who want more than just surf and sand. Jacksonville, or ‘JAX’ as the locals call it, has a very different vibe to other cities in the sunshine state. In fact, they describe themselves as the ‘flip side of Florida’ As well as its bustling city and downtown areas, JAX has an interesting history and an abundance of outdoor space. From art galleries to local events, sports to speakeasys, there are so many things to do in Jacksonville, Fl.

What to do in Jacksonville Florida

If you’re going to be in town for a short visit, we have put together some top tips for the perfect weekend in Jacksonville, Florida:

Day one: FRIDAY

Explore downtown Jacksonville on a Go Tuk’n Tour

If it’s our first time in a city, we love to start with a tour to get a broad look around and learn a thing or two. There is no more fun way to do it than on a nippy little Tuk Tuk with a fun guide. Go Tuk’n offer a range of tours to explore Jacksonville, every bit as kooky as the city itself. Passers-by couldn’t help but wave as we giggled and whooped from our wacky ride and we got to stop at some key Jacksonville sites, like Treaty Oak, Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville Fire Museum and the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. (Tours start from $49 per adult). gotukn.com)

Treaty Oak

1207 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207

We stopped at Treaty Oak as part of our tour, but this monster tree is worth a visit! Treaty Oak is a fairy-tale-like southern live oak, with octopus branches that have spread across the park. Estimated to be more than 250 years old, it’s very impressive and an interesting part of Jacksonville’s history. In fact, the tree was here before the city – but the story is one of mischief. In the 1930s, a journalist named Pat Moran prevented the tree from being destroyed by developers after inventing a story that indigenous Floridians and early European settlers had signed a treaty to protect it. The story, and the tree still stands today. A real life fairy tale.

Go for lunch at Safe Harbor Seafood

4371 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Part of Visit Jacksonville’s Mayport Shrimp Trail, a collection of local restaurants who offer Mayport Shrimp, this casual diner is right on the water serving fresh fish and seafood from the day’s catch. When it comes to food in Jacksonville, Mayport shrimp is undoubtably Jacksonville’s signature dish. The juicy, tasty crustaceans are caught fresh every day off the coast of the nearby fishing village of Mayport, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the St. Johns River. They are supurb by themselves, lightly blackened or on top of a huge plate of nachos! safeharbor-seafood.com

Candle making class at Wick n Twisted

320 9th Ave N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

For something to do when it’s raining in Jacksonville, or as a unique experience to get out of the sun perhaps, Wick n Twisted is a great spot. This candle shop is not what it seems, with a secret door that leads into a fun bar and games room, complete with vintage arcade games and a pour-your-own-wine machine.

We took a candle making class, making our own personalised custom candles & scents. I went for a ‘Florida orange aroma, which came out smelling a bit like a Christmas, but that’s fine with me! Experiencing the process of making a candle was brilliant and we could sip wine and gossip while we worked. Perfect! (Classes from $18 (youth) and $22 adults. wickntwisted.com)

Go for drinks at a Speakeasy bar

1261 Mayport Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

You would never know this gorgeous, tropical bar was hidden behind an average row of shops, but through a secret gate you’ll find a tropical cocktail lounge called Mayport Garden Club. Inside is fabulous, with a lively atmosphere and excellent cocktails. The Rum Raisin Old fashioned was possibly the best cocktail I had all year and if you’re in a group, sharing the flaming volcano is a lot of fun! Open Thurs-Saturday evenings only and reservations are required mayportgardenclub.com

TOP TIP: Mayport Garden Club doesn’t sell food, but if you feel peckish, you can order dinner from Bones Pizza next door and they’ll bring it to your table.

Day 2: SATURDAY

Wander through Jacksonville’s Riverside-Avondale neighbourhood

This historic district makes for a beautiful morning stroll. Located along the St John’s River, this affluent neighbourhoods are wonderfully preserved with residential homes and buildings dating back to the 1800s. There is a mix of Prairie School (think Walt Disney Studios), Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Neo- Classical and Art Moderne, so architecture  lovers are in for a treat and you can do personalised walking tours.

Go for brunch at Biscotti’s

3556 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205

St John’s Avenue is a beautiful parade, worthy of a Hallmark movie. Browse some of the elegant boutiques and shops before brunch at the iconic Biscotti’s – a Jacksonville institution since the early 90s. As well as incredible homemade cakes, brunch is a win if you are there at the weekend. The Lump Crab Benedict paired with the famous house Sangria makes for the perfect Saturday in my opinon. On top of the great food and atmosphere, the friendly staff make you feel like you’ve popped round auntie Susan’s for lunch, too, which is the equivalent of a warm hug. biscottis.net

The Riverside Arts Market

Another Saturday staple in this part of town is the lively Riverside Arts Market, held under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Packed with local artists, makers and crafts, food vendors and live entertainment, it’s a fun atmosphere and a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and gifts. Still hungry? There might be a line, but join it and wait for a home-baked pastry from 1748 Bakehouse. You won’t be disappointed. riversideartsmarket.org

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Next door to the market is the fantastic Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. This striking art gallery was the former home of Ninah Cummer, a philatrapist who was very passionate about preserving the beauty of Jacksonville. The widow bequeathed her home and gardens, as well as her personal art collection to the museum. This, along with new collections and rolling exhibitions makes the Cummer one of the most celebrated museums in the country.cummermuseum.org

Join the Jax Ale Trail for dinner at Strings Sports Brewery

1850 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32206

Part of the Jax Ale Trail, a collection of 25 locally owned and operated craft breweries throughout Jacksonville. Strings Sports Brewery in the Springfield neighbourhood is a lively bar celebrating two of Jacksonville’s passions – sport and craft beer! 

TOP TIP: Download the Visit Jax app and check in at each location on the Jax Ale Trail to win prizes from Visit Jacksonville.

Go to see ‘the Jags’ play at EverBank Stadium

Sport is life in Jacksonville and you can’t walk a block without seeing a Jacksonville Jaguars fan proudly wearing a cap, jersey or car sticker with the beloved local team emblem. The Jaguars are an NFL team and any [American] Football fan will tell you that tickets to see NFL games are much more affordable than when the teams tour the international stadiums. They recently played two games in London and tickets sold out in 15 minutes. So, if you’re in Jacksonville, it’s a great time to take in the incredible atmosphere of a game at EverBank Stadium.

We saw Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Stadium and it was a brilliant day and a real ‘American’ experience. You can get tickets from $19 (right at the top, sure, but the vibe is vibing no matter how high you are).

Day 3: SUNDAY

Watch the sunrise at Jax Pier

It’s not a trip to Florida without some beach time and watching the sunrise on Jacksonville Beach is the ideal time to go. Head to Jacksonville Pier, where you can pay $3 to watch from the pier itself, along with early-rising fisherman, or just find a peaceful spot on the sand and take it in. It really is sensational.

Take a surfing lesson on Neptune Beach

Surfing in Jacksonville is perfect year-round, but the winter months are where you will find the best waves. Just along from Jacksonville Beach is the neighbouring community, Neputne Beach. Book a morning surfing lesson with Jax Surf and Paddle. Ideal for beginners, or if you want to improve your skills, typically laid-back teachers will get you riding a wave in no time. By the end, you might even be up on your feet, who knows?! jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com

Grab a donut on the Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail

Much like the Ale Trail, the Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail is a collection of more than 45 locally owned and operated coffee and donut shops throughout Jacksonville. In an effort to support the local businesses that give Jacksonville its distinctive small town feel – despite being Florida’s busiest city – Visit Jacksonville offer prizes via the Visit Jax app based on the number of places that you visit. There are some top options on the trail, including Sago Coffee (7th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach), Good Dough (1636 Hendricks Ave) and Old Soul Donut Co (1230 New Berlin Rd).

Rent bikes along the beachfront

A great way to get around the Jacksonville Beach area is to rent a bike from Beach Life Rentals. Work off those donuts from the Coffee and Donut trail and pedal down to Pete’s Bar in Neptune Beach, the oldest tavern in Florida. This friendly dive bar has been here since prohibition times and a rum and coke here does feel like sipping a bit of history.

Jacksonville street art murals

Jacksonville has over 60 murals on display, most of which are in the Downtown area, plus the Murray Hill, Springfield, Jacksonville Beach and Arlington Neighborhoods. If you are cycling through the beach area, you will spot some on route or Visit Jacksonville has a self-guided mural tour that you can follow if you want to travel further afield.

Lunch at The Bearded Pig

1808 Kings Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

You’ve got to sample some good Southern BBQ when you are in Florida and this casual fast-food restaurant has an excellent reputation and even better food. A brisket sandwich with a side of ‘slaw hits the spot, but get someone to share the mac and cheese with you as well, because it’s good. thebeardedpigbbq.com

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida, yet the abundance of outdoor space makes it feel so relaxed and I can see why this destination has been growing in appeal to Millennials moving in over the last few years. One space to take a breather from city life is the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which has more than 125 acres of gardens and trails to explore.

Born as part of a community project, this is an entirely peaceful rest bite after a busy weekend. Wander through a path of wildflowers with butterflies landing elegantly on the fence. It’s a stunning spot to unwind, knowing you still have the excitement of the city on your doorstep.

Take the Jacksonville River Taxi

Another way to see Jacksonville’s vast landscape is from the water. The St. Johns River Taxi is a casual sightseeing tour along the St. Johns River through Downtown Jacksonville. A charismatic guide talked us through some of Jacksonville’s interesting history and there is a small bar on board, so you can have a beer as you take it all in. As well as seeing some of the city’s key areas, we also spotted some playful dolphins swimming alongside our boat. Now we’re in Florida!

Where to stay in Jacksonville?

We were hosted by Visit Jacksonville at Springhill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront (465 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250). This breezy hotel is right on the beach with most rooms benefitting from that specular sunrise. There is a beachfront pool and restaurant / bar and the hotel is walking distance to Jax Pier and the lively beach nightlife.

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