Jacksonville Weekend Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

The Perfect Guide

When people think of Florida, what usually comes to mind is white sand beaches, Disney World, and Spring Break. However, Jacksonville is anything but typical.

Over the next four days, you'll explore hidden beaches, paddle through peaceful salt marshes, discover fascinating museums, experience Jacksonville's thriving food scene, and visit some of the most beautiful state parks in Florida.

Located on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, Jacksonville combines everything you love about Florida with so much more - a vibrant art community, incredible natural resources and a rich, fascinating history. With the largest urban park system in the nation (over 80,000 acres to be exact), over 200 art murals, a dozen museums, and incredible downtown areas full of nightlife and fun, it’s unlike anywhere else in Florida.

Here’s the perfect itinerary for those who only have a long weekend to spend exploring its best spots and edgy arts and cultural scene.

👉 First time visiting Jacksonville? Before diving into this itinerary, check out my Ultimate Guide to Jacksonville, which includes an interactive attractions map, neighborhood guide, travel tips, and everything you need to get oriented before your trip.

Jacksonville Itinerary at a Glance

📍 Destination: Jacksonville, Florida

🕒 Length: 4 days (perfect long weekend)

🚗 Transportation: Rental car recommended

🏨 Where to Stay: Jacksonville Beach (Margaritaville recommended)

👟 Activity Level: Moderate

⭐ Perfect For: First-time visitors, couples, beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before You Go

Here are a few tips and things to know before visiting Jacksonville to help you make the most out of your trip.

🚗 Rent a Car – Jacksonville covers more than 840 square miles, and this itinerary includes beaches, downtown, and state parks that are easiest to reach by car.

🅿️ Parking – Most attractions on this itinerary offer free or inexpensive parking, though beach areas can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.

🌊 Check the Tide – If you plan to walk between Boneyard Beach and Black Rock Beach, check th before you go. At high tide, the route may not be accessible.

🛳️ Check the Ferry Schedule – The St. Johns River Ferry runs on a set schedule, so it's worth checking departure times in advance to keep your day running smoothly.

🦟 Pack for the Outdoors – Bring bug spray, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. If you're kayaking, quick-dry clothing is recommended.

📱 Save the Interactive Map – My Ultimate Guide to Jacksonville includes an interactive Google Map with many of the attractions featured in this itinerary, making it easy to navigate throughout your trip.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville

⭐ My Recommendation: Margaritaville Jacksonville

📍 Address: 715 1st Street N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

🏖️ Location: Oceanfront, steps from Jacksonville Beach Pier

🚗 Parking: Self-parking and valet available

🕒 Check-In: 4:00 p.m. (early check-in may be available)

🐾 Pet Friendly: Yes (if you verify this is still current)

🌐 Website: Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville

Just steps from the sand, Margaritaville is a vibrant boutique hotel anchored right in the heart of Jacksonville Beach just steps from its iconic pier, making it the perfect home base for your trip.

You need only to walk across the wooden bridge traversing the sand dunes where tall sea grass and reeds sway in the warm gentle breeze to get to the water’s edge.

Its ocean view rooms provide stunning views of the sunrise, and the open air upstairs bar looks out toward the pier making it a perfect spot for sunsets.

The hotel’s design embodies the spirit and soul of island life with a bohemian vibe and Mediterranean flare. It features 202 rooms and suites yet provides an intimate atmosphere that combines comfort and luxury. Many rooms have balconies offering sweeping views of the shore, and the deluxe ocean-front corner suites are truly incredible and worth splurging for.

How to Get to Jacksonville

Jacksonville is located along the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida and easy to get to.

✈️ Flying

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is located about 13 miles from downtown and 30 miles from Jacksonville Beach. The airport is served by most major airlines and is modern, easy to navigate, and typically less crowded than many other Florida airports.

🚗 Driving

Jacksonville is an easy drive from Georgia and much of the Southeast. Interstate 95 runs directly through the city, making it convenient for road trips up or down the East Coast. Once you arrive, having a car is the easiest way to explore the city's beaches, parks, museums, and neighborhoods.

👉 First time visiting Jacksonville? Before following this itinerary, check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Jacksonville, which includes an interactive attractions map, neighborhood guide, travel tips, and everything you need to get oriented before your trip.

Day 1 - Arriving in Jacksonville & Exploring Jacksonville Arboretum

🌊 Day 1 – Arrival, Gardens & Beach Relaxation

A relaxing first day designed to help you ease into Jacksonville without feeling rushed. Stretch your legs in a beautiful botanical garden, settle into your beachfront hotel, and end the evening watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

📍 Address: 1445 Millcoe Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

🚗 Drive Time: About 20 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport

🕒 Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (last entry 30 minutes before closing; seasonal hours may vary)

💰 Admission: $3 per adult; children 3 and under are free.

⏱️ Time Needed: 1–2 hours

✨ Pro Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. The paved Lake Loop is accessible, but the remaining trails are natural surfaces.

As you will most likely be flying into Jacksonville Airport and check-in at Margaritaville is not until the late afternoon, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens makes the perfect stop along the way. You can explore over 125 acres of beautiful gardens and trails including easy to navigate paved trails that are fun to explore even for weary travelers.

Check-in to Margaritaville Jacksonville

📍 Location: 715 1st Street N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

✈️ Drive Time from JAX: About 35–40 minutes (27 miles)

🚗 Drive Time from Jacksonville Arboretum: About 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

🕒 Check-In: 4:00 p.m. (early check-in may be available)

🅿️ Parking: Self-parking and valet.

✨ Pro Tip: If your room isn't ready yet, the hotel will typically hold your luggage so you can start enjoying the beach, pool, or grab lunch nearby.

Get settled in your accommodations at Margaritaville. Standard check-in time is 4 pm, but they are great about getting people checked in early so don’t hesitate to inquire by calling ahead or dropping by the front desk. The hotel has both self parking and valet parking. If you arrive early and need to pass the time, there is a lounge area in the main lobby as well as on-site grill and bar.

Catch the Sunset at Jacksonville Beach Pier

Margaritaville is located right on a long stretch of white sand beach just steps away from the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Although, the sun rises over the water, it still makes a beautiful spot to take in the sunset each night. Walk across the wooden bridge from the hotel to the sand where the tall grasses grow and put your toes in the warm sand as you catch the colors paint the sky.

Dinner at Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant

📍 Location: 13475 Atlantic Blvd. #32, Jacksonville, FL 32225

🚗 Drive Time: About 10 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

A great spot for dinner on your first night is the Blue Orchid located on Atlantic Boulevard near the hotel. They have incredible Thai food with a great bar. The walls are decorated with artwork that include small cards next to them containing interesting facts about Thailand, Thai history, or the works themselves.

Drinks at Landshark Lookout

📍 Location: Second floor of Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

🍹 Happy Hour: Typically Monday–Thursday, 4:00–7:00 p.m. (verify before visiting)

✨ Pro Tip: Grab a table on the outdoor patio before sunset, then head down to the beach afterward for an evening stroll.

As you will likely be tired from traveling, I suggest grabbing an after dinner drink at the Landshark Lookout conveniently located at Margaritaville. The open air bar looks out over the ocean and serves great cocktails as well as local beers. It is located directly above the Landshark Bar & Grill.

After dinner is also a great time to take an evening stroll on the sand or take a dip in the pool. There is a large fire table on the downstairs patio area to relax by as well as outdoor seating around the property.

Day 2 - Exploring Beaches Museum, St. John's River Ferry & Big Talbot Island State Park

🌿 Day 2 – Nature, History & Coastal Adventure

Today combines some of Jacksonville's most beautiful natural landscapes with its fascinating coastal history. Explore a charming local museum, ride Florida's oldest vehicle ferry, kayak through peaceful salt marshes, and discover one of the state's most unique beaches before ending the day in the vibrant Beaches Town Center.

Grab Coffee at Joe Merchant’s & Enjoy Sunrise at the Beach

Grab a cup of coffee at Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions located in the Margaritaville lobby and head outdoors. Margaritaville is a beachfront property located on a long stretch of white sand beach on the pristine shores of the Atlantic coast.

The sun rises directly over the water allowing you to take in the sunrise from the sand, or you can stroll down the Jacksonville Beach Pier located just steps away for a different vantage point.

Breakfast at Grumpy’s

📍 Location: Grumpy's Restaurant, 200 3rd St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266

🚗 Drive Time: About 8 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

🕒 Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

✨ Pro Tip: Arrive early or be prepared for a short wait. It's one of the area's most popular breakfast spots with both locals and visitors. The line moves quicker than it appears though and it’s well worth it.

Start your morning with breakfast at a local favorite, Grumpy’s Restaurant located on 3rd Street just a short drive from the hotel. This traditional Americana breakfast and lunch spot has been voted a Bold City Best every year since 2018, as well as being voted Jacksonville’s #1 Restaurant where “no one leaves grumpy.”

Explore Beaches Museum

📍 Location: 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

🚗 Drive Time: About 5 minutes from Grumpy's Restaurant

🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4:00 p.m.; Closed Monday.

💰 Admission: Free

⏱️ Time Needed: 45–60 minutes

✨ Pro Tip: Don't miss the historic buildings across the street, including the 1908 chapel, steam locomotive, and other restored structures that are all part of the museum campus. They add a lot to the experience and are easy to overlook.

After breakfast, head over to the nearby Beaches Museum. Although this museum is small, it is rich in history and fascinating exhibits. It houses both permanent and temporary displays of the region’s past and admission is free. Across the street from the main museum are a historic chapel, an old steam engine, and sculptures that are all part of the museum. Tours are available or you can explore on your own. It is definitely worth a stop.

Enjoy Some Beach Time by Jacksonville Pier

After the museum, head back to Margaritaville to enjoy a little R&R on the beach. Jacksonville is sunny year round so there is never a bad time to rent a beach chair and umbrella and relax on the sand. Chair and umbrella rentals are available daily from a concessionaire on the sand directly in front of the hotel.

Lunch at TacoLu

📍 Location: 1712 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

🚗 Drive Time: About 5 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

✨ Pro Tip: TacoLu doesn't take reservations and can get busy during lunch. Arrive a little before noon if possible to avoid the longest wait, and don't miss the signature fish tacos or one of their house-made margaritas. It is also closed on Mondays.

Grab lunch at TacoLu before heading out to kayak at Big Talbot Island State Park. This cute Mexican restaurant is known for its impressive selection of over 125 tequilas and fantastic fish tacos with an outdoor patio that has a colorful, artistic mural as a backdrop.

Take the St. John’s Ferry to Fort George Island

📍 Location: St. Johns River Ferry, 4675 Ocean St., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

🚗 Drive Time: About 20 minutes from TacoLu

💰 Fare: Pedestrians $1; vehicles have a separate fare.

⏱️ Crossing Time: About 5 minutes

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to kayak and explore Big Talbot Island afterward.

✨ Pro Tip: The ferry departs every 30 minutes from the Mayport side (on the hour and half hour), so check the schedule before leaving lunch to minimize your wait.

In the early afternoon, catch the St. John’s Ferry across the river from Mayport Village to Fort George Island. The passenger ferry is the quickest way to get there and transports pedestrians as well as vehicles. It departs every 30 minutes on the hour and is located at 4680 Ocean Street, Atlantic Beach, Florida. It will only take about 5 minutes to cross. They take both cash and credit cards.

Go Kayaking with PADL 

📍 Location: PADL at Big Talbot Island, 13030 Heckscher Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32226

🚗 Drive Time: About 10 minutes from the Fort George Island ferry landing

🛶 Rental Time: Plan on spending 1–2 hours on the water.

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Mid to late afternoon when the marshes are peaceful and wildlife is often more active.

✨ Pro Tip: Reserve your kayak online in advacne especially on weekends or holidays. Bring sunscreen, water, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera.

Spend an hour or two renting kayaks from PADL and explore the unspoiled beauty of the Talbot Islands and the area around Amelia Island. The islands have a unique ecosystem and rich natural heritage. You will find towering oaks draped in Spanish moss and a lush green landscape.

Explore the quiet solitude of the salt marsh and wetlands as you will likely have the area all to yourself, a nice break from busy Jacksonville Beach. Time your paddle around sunset for even more stunning views as the area comes to life in shades of pink and crimson red. PADL is the sole concessionaire for the state park and is located at 13030 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida.

Explore Big Talbot Island State Park (Bone Yard Beach & Black Rock Beach)

📍 Location: Big Talbot Island State Park

🚗 Drive Time: About 5 minutes from PADL Kayak Launch

🕒 Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

💰 Admission: $3 per vehicle (covers all Big Talbot Island parking areas for the day).

⏱️ Allow: 1–2 hours

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Low tide and late afternoon are the best for photography and it’s the easiest time of day to walk between Boneyard Beach and Blackrock Beach.

✨ Pro Tip: Bring bug spray and wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy or wet. Check the tide chart before your visit if you plan to walk between Boneyard Beach and Blackrock Beach. Swimming is not recommended because of strong currents, submerged driftwood, and marine wildlife.

Either before or after kayaking with PADL, take some time to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding state park.

Be sure not to miss Boneyard Beach where weathered, sun bleached driftwood creates a unique scene along three miles of shoreline.

Park in The Bluffs Trailhead parking lot. Facing the beach with your back to the driveway entrance, take the hiking trail on the left. You will wander through the trees for about a mile down to the beach.

If the tide is low enough, walk from Boneyard Beach to Black Rock Beach - a little over a mile away. Feet may get wet.

Take the St. John’s Ferry back to Mayport Village

⏱️ Crossing Time: About 5 minutes

When you are done exploring, catch the St. John’s Ferry back across the river to Mayport Village. The ferry back departs quarter past the hour and quarter until the hour, and is located at 9618 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, Florida.

✨ Pro Tip: Ferries depart the Fort George Island side at :15 and :45 each hour. Check the schedule before leaving Big Talbot Island so you can time your return and avoid a long wait.

Explore Beaches Town Center

📍 Location: Beaches Town Center, 200 First St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266

🚗 Drive Time: About 25 minutes from the Fort George Island ferry landing

🕒 Hours: The Town Center is always open, though individual shops and restaurants have their own hours.

⏱️ Allow: 1–2 hours (or longer if you plan to linger for dinner and drinks)

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into the evening, when the shops, restaurants, and outdoor patios are bustling and the ocean breeze makes for a perfect stroll.

✨ Pro Tip: Park once and explore on foot. The area is compact and highly walkable, making it easy to browse boutiques, enjoy dinner, and finish the evening with a drink, all within a few blocks of the ocean.

After a short rest to refresh back at Margaritaville, head out for the night to Beaches Town Center in the heart of Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach.

Stroll through the streets paved with over 4,000 personalized bricks engraved with names and personal messages. You can even purchase your very own Town Center Brick. The funds raised through the Annual Brick-Paver Program are used by a local nonprofit, the Beaches Town Center Agency, to maintain beautification projects around the area.

Enjoy Dinner at a Local Favorite

Below are a few recommendations for dinner.

  • The Local - a wide variety of fresh, healthy dishes with unique twists in a modern atmosphere.

  • Coop 303 - modern cuisine with an upstairs cocktail lounge serving creatively concocted drinks.

  • Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar - a fusion of Latin American cuisine with live music in a fun atmosphere.

Grab a Drink at Pete’s Bar, the Lemon Bar, or both!

Pete’s Bar

📍 Location: Beaches Town Center, 117 First St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266

During Prohibition, Pete Jensen sold bootleg liquor from his nearby grocery store. In 1933, when Prohibition ended, his bar, Pete’s Bar, was the first bar to open in Duval County. Over the years, it’s had its fair share of famous patrons including Ernest Hemingway and John Grisham, who featured the bar in "The Brethren” and he even wrote part of it in the bar.

Lemon Bar

📍 Location: Beaches Town Center, 2 Lemon St., Neptune Beach, FL 32266

The world-famous Lemon Bar is a must visit of anyone visiting Jacksonville’s beaches with unbeatable ocean views and creative craft cocktails. Here you can also find the iconic ‘Welcome to Neptune Beach’ mural at the Lemon Street entrance to the bar by the beach access point.

Day 3 - Cummer Museum, Riverwalk, Treaty Oak & Friendship Fountain

🎨 Day 3 – Art, Riverfront Views & Local Favorites

Spend the day discovering Jacksonville's artistic and cultural side. Wander through beautiful gardens, cruise the St. Johns River, explore one of the city's most charming neighborhoods, and wrap up the day with incredible barbecue and a dazzling fountain show.

Catch Sunrise at the Beach

Catch another beautiful sunrise across the street from Margaritaville over the ocean or you can opt to sleep in and get a later start.

Breakfast at Jax Beach Brunch Haus

📍 Location: Jax Beach Brunch Haus

🚗 Drive Time: About 5 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

🕒 Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

✨ Pro Tip: Arrive early or be prepared for a short wait—this is one of Jacksonville Beach's most popular breakfast spots. The menu offers plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, and if you're a coffee lover, don't skip one of their specialty espresso drinks.

 Grab breakfast at this local hot spot that serves all the classics as well as breakfast cocktails if you’re so inclined. They have an extensive menu including gluten free and vegan options.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

📍 Location: 829 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204

🚗 Drive Time: About 30 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

🕒 Hours:

  • Tues., Wed., & Fri.: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

  • Thurs.: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

  • Sat.: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

  • Sun.: Noon–4:00 p.m. • Closed Monday.

💰 Admission: Adults $20 (free admission on select days).

⏱️ Allow: 2–3 hours

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Late morning, giving yourself plenty of time to explore both the galleries and the beautiful riverfront gardens.

✨ Pro Tip: Complimentary parking is available across Riverside Avenue from the museum entrance.

Around 11 am, head over to the nearby Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens located along the banks of the St. Johns River. There are numerous free admission days every month, otherwise it’s $20 to get in and well worth it.

The museum was founded in 1958 by visionary Ninah Cummer who had a deep passion for the arts and her community. The exhibits reflect this passion and her dream to provide a space where the beauty of dine art and nature could be shared by everyone.

It offers incredible displays of art across a wide range of styles and houses the impressive Wark Collection of Early Meissen Porcelain, one of the three finest collections of its kind in the world with over 700 pieces of work.

No visit to the Museum would be complete without exploring its tranquil, beautifully landscaped gardens with rows of stunning flowers and views of the river.

The historic gardens are proudly recognized in the National Register of Historic Places and are incredible.

Lunch at River & Post

📍 Location: 1000 Riverside Ave., Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32204

🚗 Drive Time: None. Located right across the street from Cummer Museum.

🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Monday: 4:00–10:00 p.m.

✨ Pro Tip: If the weather is nice, head to the rooftop lounge after lunch for panoramic views of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville. The rooftop is first come, first served, even if you have a restaurant reservation

After spending the morning immersed in art and history, it's time for one of Jacksonville's best lunch spots. Conveniently located right across the street is River & Post. They have a great restaurant on the ground floor with al fresco dining as well as a rooftop bar with scenic views. The menu consists primarily of seafood and steaks with regional twists as well as burgers, tacos and salads.

Take a Downtown Specialty Cruise with Jax River Taxi & Tours

📍 Boarding Location: Friendship Fountain Dock, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207

🅿️ Parking: 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 (additional paid parking is available nearby)

🚗 Drive Time: About 10–15 minutes from River & Post

🕒 Departure Times: Varies by date. Check the online schedule for the current Downtown Specialty Cruise schedule.

💰 Admission: Varies by cruise.

⏱️ Allow: About 1½–2 hours, including time to stroll the Southbank Riverwalk before boarding.

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or sunset for beautiful views of the Jacksonville skyline.

✨ Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore the Southbank Riverwalk before boarding. It's a beautiful area to stroll along the water.

After lunch, take a river taxi tour along St. Johns River, one of very few rivers in the country that flows northward. Most cruises take about an hour and provide a unique view of the city from the water. You will likely see dolphins and perhaps even a manatee. To spot manatees, look for circular water ripples or a snout breaking the water’s surface.

Visit Treaty Oak

📍 Location: 1123 Prudential Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32207 Treaty Oak

On your way to San Marco, be sure to stop by Jessie Ball DuPont Park to visit Jacksonville’s oldest resident, Treaty Oak. This magnificent octopus-like southern living oak is estimated to be 250 years old if not older.

Explore San Marco

📍 Location: San Marco Square, 1999 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207

After your river taxi ride and visit to Treaty Oak, assuming you stop by, visit neighboring San Marco and explore the shops along San Marco Boulevard. Here is where you will find the iconic San Marco Lions statue.

Grab a cup off coffee at Southern Grounds & Co., a delicious treat at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, an ice cream at Mayday Ice Cream, or a beer at Voodoo Brewing Company.

Enjoy Dinner at The Bearded Pig Southern BBQ & Beer Garden

📍 Location: 1808 Kings Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207

✨ Pro Tip: Try one of their smoked meat platters if you're dining with a group—it’s a great way to sample several barbecue favorites.

Before heading back, stop by The Bearded Pig for the best Southern BBQ in all of Florida. You will no doubt be greeted by staff as if your family in this trendy spot in the heart of San Marco.

The Bearded Pig is designed with a modern industrial motif of metal, wood and concrete. They have a great outdoor, open air seating area as well as indoor tables, and a full service, dual sided bar with big screen TVs. It even features a giant outdoor chalkboard and grass lawn area for kids to play.

Even more important, the food is undeniably the best BBQ in all of Florida. Everything is made fresh in house daily, slow cooked when needed (often 13 hours for the brisket), and all 5 of their sauces are proprietary blends. Even the baked beans are a 4-bean secret family recipe over 100 years old!

Stop by Friendship Fountain for a Water & Lights Show

📍 Location: Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207

🚗 Drive Time: About 5–10 minutes from The Bearded Pig

🅿️ Parking: 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207

🌈 Water & Light Shows: Nightly at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.

If you still have some energy after dinner, head over to Friendship Fountain for one of its nightly water and light shows before returning to your hotel. I didn't have the chance to see a show during my visit and honestly I regret missing it.

Opened in 1965, Friendship Fountain was once the largest and tallest fountain in the world, capable of shooting 17,000 gallons of water per minute up to 120 feet into the air. Today, it's still one of Jacksonville's most iconic landmarks and a beautiful way to end your Jacksonville getaway.

Day 4 - Visit Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park & Departure

🌞 Day 4 – One Last Taste of Jacksonville

Before heading home, enjoy one final morning soaking up Jacksonville's laid-back beach atmosphere. Savor breakfast at a local favorite and, if time allows, explore one last scenic park before making your way to the airport.

Breakfast at Southern Grounds at Neptune Beach

📍 Location: Southern Grounds & Co. – Neptune Beach

🚗 Drive Time: About 5 minutes from Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach

🕒 Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Before heading home, enjoy breakfast at Southern Grounds at Neptune Beach which is where they got their start. This ended up being one of my favorite breakfast spots in Jacksonville. Despite the long line, which pays tribute to the fact that is THE favorite spot for locals, it moved incredibly fast and I hardly had to wait. Even if I had, it would’ve been worth it. The food was fantastic, all made from scratch using all organic ingredients, and they even had gluten free fresh baked muffins, a rare treat for me since I am celiac!

✨ Plus, you can’t beat the al fresco dining area in a courtyard under a canopy of trees just steps from the beach.

Stop by Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

📍 Location: 500 Wonderwood Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32233

🚗 Drive Time: About 10 minutes from Southern Grounds – Neptune Beach

🕒 Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time (shorter hours during Standard Time).

💰 Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 6 people)

⏱️ Allow: 2–3 hours

⭐ Best Time to Visit: Morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

✨ Pro Tip: The park features hiking and biking trails, a freshwater lake for kayaking and paddleboarding, and one of Jacksonville's best oceanfront beaches for swimming.

If timing allows, spend some time exploring this park after you check out of your hotel before heading home. It’s a great spot to kill time if you have a later afternoon flight out of JAX airport. It features over 20 miles of trails, a 60-acre lake, and mile long stretch of coastline.

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Jennifer Curnutt
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