How to Spend a Long Weekend in Jacksonville
The Perfect Guide for First Time Visitors
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.
Located on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, Jacksonville combines all 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE TO STAY
A Vibrant Boutique Hotel on the White Sand Beaches of Jacksonville
Just steps from the sand, this boutique hotel is 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.
GETTING THERE
Jacksonville is located along the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida and easy to get to.
Jacksonville International Airport - The Jacksonville Airport is located just 13 miles from Downtown Jacksonville and under 30 miles to Jacksonville Beach. It services most major airlines and is well maintained and easy to navigate.
Driving - Jacksonville is an easy drive from the neighboring Georgia and just about anywhere else. The roadways are easy to navigate making driving a breeze. The main highway into Jacksonville is Interstate 95 which runs north through the city from a junction with US 1 which starts in Miami and heads all the way up to the Georgia state line.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL, JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - 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 - 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 - 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 – 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 - BEACHES MUSEUM, ST. JOHNS RIVER FERRY, PADL KAYAKING AT BIG TALBOT ISLAND STATE PARK, BEACHES TOWN CENTER
Sunrise – 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 - For your first day on the ground, enjoy 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.”
Beaches Museum - 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.
Beach Time – 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 - 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.
St. John’s Ferry to Fort George Island – 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.
Kayak with PADL - Spend an hour 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.
Big Talbot Island State Park - 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.
Pro Tip: Bring bug spray and dress in layers with shoes you won’t mind getting wet and dirty. Swimming is discouraged along Boneyard Beach due to strong currents and submerged debris. (Photo: courtesy Wikipedia.)
St. John’s Ferry back to Mayport Village – 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.
Beaches Town Center - 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.
Dinner –
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 - During Prohibition, Pete Jensen sold bootleg liquor from his nearby grocery store. In 1933, when Prohibition ended, his 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 - 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 OF ARTS & GARDENS, RIVER TAXI RIDE, TREATY OAK, FRIENDSHIP FOUNTAIN
Sunrise – 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 – 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 – 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 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.
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.
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.
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 - When you’re done exploring the museum head across the street to enjoy lunch at 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.
River Taxi Tour - After lunch, take a river taxi tour along St. Johns River, one of very few rivers in the country that flows northward. The cruise takes about an hour and provides a unique views 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.
Arrive early and take a walk along Riverwalk to take in views of the surrounding cityscape while you wait.
Pro Tip: Book in advance online as there may only be one cruise on the day you choose and you will need to time it exactly right. To book, go to Specialty Cruises and select the Downtown Specialty Cruise. Parking is available at 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida although it was under construction during my visit. If that’s the case when you arrive, do not give up. You can still easily find parking.
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.
Visit San Marco - 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.
Dinner at The Bearded Pig Southern BBQ & Beer Garden - 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!
Friendship Fountain - Be sure to stop by Friendship Fountain for a nightly water and lights show before heading back to the hotel if you aren’t too tired. I didn’t have the opportunity to do so and regret it. When it opened in 1965, the fountain was the world’s largest and tallest, capable of spraying 17,000 gallons of water a minute to a height of 120 feet. The nightly shows start at 7, 8 and 9 pm, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes to get there from The Bearded Pig. Parking can be found at 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, Florida.
DAY 4 - KATHRYN ABBEY HANNA PARK, DEPARTURE
Breakfast - Before heading home, enjoy breakfast at Southern Grounds at Neptune Beach which is where they got their start. This was the best breakfast spot around. 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.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park - 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.
Read More…
Jacksonville at a Glance - Everything You Need to Know
PADL - Full service kayak rentals, tours and lessons
Book Margaritaville Jacksonville at JAX Beach
Visit JAX - Your Official Guide to Jacksonville, “The Flip Side of Florida.” This is perhaps the most comprehensive, detailed website of any tourism board out there. The site contains a wealth of knowledge and they even have an app.
Best Restaurant in Jacksonville: The Bearded Pig - Southern BBQ & Beer Garden
