Bounce To: The place To Keep in Jacksonville | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Suggestions | FAQs
Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville could be a powerful choice. In any case, this can be a huge metropolis within the USA. From stylish seaside cities to bustling nightlife vibes, the Jacksonville space actually has all of it. It’s good for households, {couples}, adventurers, and everybody in between.
Once I first moved to Jax, it took me a couple of months to get my bearings and wrap my head across the totally different areas of the town. However as soon as I did, I noticed simply how distinctive, enjoyable, and charming Jacksonville actually is. Every neighborhood affords one thing totally different.
Jacksonville is the biggest metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48 states, so there’s a number of floor to cowl. Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville can really feel overwhelming and complicated resulting from its dimension – however don’t fear, I’ve received you lined.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
Fast Look: Greatest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
The place To Keep in Jacksonville
On the lookout for nice meals? Jacksonville has a neighborhood for that. A soothing seaside getaway? You’ll find that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed below are a few of the greatest neighborhoods in Jacksonville:
Jacksonville Seashore (Greatest for For-Time Guests)
If it’s your first time visiting Jacksonville, you’ll positively wish to keep in Jacksonville Seashore – it’s by far one among my favourite areas in the whole metropolis. It’s received slightly little bit of all the things for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seaside is postcard-worthy.
You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and purchasing in Jacksonville Seashore, and it’s only a brief drive to downtown Jacksonville if you wish to spend a day on the museums or a Jags recreation. This little part of city affords each continuous enjoyable or whole leisure – relying on the way you play it.
Execs of Staying in Jacksonville Seashore
- White sandy seaside simply steps away
- Nice number of eating places and bars
- Nightlife and dancing
- Household-friendly actions
- Cute clothes boutiques
Cons of Staying in Jacksonville Seashore
- 20-minute drive to downtown
- May be noisy throughout peak months (summer season)
- Costly throughout peak months
- May be crowded throughout peak months
- 40 minutes from the airport
Greatest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seashore
Listed below are a few of the greatest resorts in Jacksonville Seashore – personal stays are additionally included:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Seashore Oceanfront: Situated immediately on the seaside, this resort is an absolute dream for first-time guests. There are additionally two swimming swimming pools and a restaurant, and it’s inside strolling distance of all the things. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Jacksonville Seashore Residence: To your first time in Jax Seashore, why not deal with your self to a whole house? This beautiful house is only a brief stroll to the seaside, eating places, and bars. When you’re on the lookout for an additional layer of luxurious, you’ll be able to even prepare your personal personal chef. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Margaritaville Jacksonville Seashore: Nothing says “Florida” greater than Jimmy Buffet (RIP) and Margaritaville. This tremendous enjoyable resort sits immediately between Jacksonville Seashore and Neptune Seashore. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Jacksonville Seashore
There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville Seashore – listed here are a few of my private favourite actions:
1. Journey Touchdown & Shipwreck Island Water Park: Typically you need a break from the seaside for another water actions, and this water park is the place to go whenever you do. You’ll discover water slides, a wave pool, and cabana leases. It’s continuous smiles. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Seashore Life Leases: A keep on the seaside isn’t full and not using a bike cruise or a day training your SUP expertise. At Seashore Life Leases, you’ll be able to lease seaside cruise bikes, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and even seaside chairs. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: After a day within the solar, expertise the spooky aspect of Jax Seashore with a guided ghost tour. You’ll take a strolling tour of a few of the most haunted websites on this unassuming beachside city and study loads about its previous alongside the best way. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in Jacksonville Seashore
It doesn’t matter what you’re craving – Jacksonville Seashore has a restaurant or pub to fulfill it. Listed below are a few of the tastiest eating places I’ve tried thus far (there are such a lot of!):
1. V Pizza: It’s by no means lengthy earlier than I get a hankering for scrumptious pizza. Fortunately, V Pizza makes a few of the greatest. In addition they have a improbable cocktail bar that makes a deliciously good Manhattan. Discover instructions right here.
2. Salt Life Meals Shack: If it’s your first time in Florida, you’ll discover that tons of vehicles have ‘Salt Life’ bumper stickers, and persons are carrying ‘Salt Life’ t-shirts on each block. It’s a model that represents a lifestyle right here in Florida, they usually even have a killer restaurant with nice meals. Discover instructions right here.
3. Maple Road Biscuit Firm: So far as breakfast goes, this spot could be the tastiest within the metropolis. You’ll discover a wide range of biscuits and gravy, in addition to biscuit sandwiches, waffles, grits, and extra. It’s a fantastic place to gas up for a day of exploration. Discover instructions right here.
Downtown (Greatest Space for Nightlife)
If it’s late-night drinks, dancing, reside music, and DJs that you just’re after, you’ll wish to base your self downtown. There are some unimaginable bars and nightclubs that may’t be missed. The restaurant selections are top-notch as effectively.
Execs of Staying in Downtown
- Strolling distance to bars and eating places
- Near museums, venues, and the stadium
- Scrumptious eating places and cafes
- Near the riverfront
- Quick access to different cool neighborhoods
Cons of Staying in Downtown
- Many locations are closed throughout the day
- 20-minute drive to the seaside
- Parking could be costly (particularly throughout live shows, occasions, or recreation days)
- Bars and eating places are costly
Greatest Locations to Keep in Downtown
There are some nice choices for resorts close to Jacksonville nightlife. Listed below are those I at all times suggest to family and friends:
1. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: A beautiful riverfront view? Sure, please! How a few rooftop pool? All day. This resort is completely located for all issues and locations downtown. Plus, they provide a free shuttle anyplace inside a 3-mile radius. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: When you’re questioning the place to remain in Jacksonville for nightlife, that is one other nice possibility within the “Brooklyn” space of downtown. They’ve a pool, and it’s inside strolling distance of the Florida Theater and the Cummers Museum. Click on right here for particulars.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront: This improbable possibility is positioned simply over the walkable bridge from downtown. They’ve an out of doors pool, a riverfront view, and two eating places. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Downtown
Downtown Jacksonville is a mecca for all issues arts, tradition, and nightlife. Listed below are a few of the spots that may’t be missed:
1. MOCA (Museum of Modern Artwork): Earlier than you head out in town at evening, you’ll wish to spend a couple of hours at MOCA. With greater than 500 artists representing over 1,000 artworks, it’s positively a deal with for the eyes. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: As a substitute of an evening of bar-hopping, why not go to a Jaguars recreation? The followers have a few of the greatest power, and the stadium itself is unimaginable. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Half-Day Metropolis Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: Hop in a tuk-tuk and discover the town’s structure and historical past on this enjoyable guided tour. I took my household on this tour, and everybody was in awe; I extremely suggest it. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Downtown
Downtown is among the greatest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to search out mouthwatering meals and completely crafted cocktails. Listed below are my high picks for meals and drinks in Jax:
1. Cowford Chophouse: One of the crucial unimaginable meals I’ve had in Jacksonville was at Cowford Chophouse. It’s costly, however price each greenback. Strive the roasted bone marrow and filet with foie gras and bacon jam. Get instructions right here.
2. The Volstead: This speakeasy-style bar is my favourite in the whole downtown space. They make unimaginable handcrafted cocktails together with a completely good Outdated Customary. Get instructions right here.
3. Fantasy Nightclub: Fantasy is your best option for late-night dancing and drinks. They’ve a quiet cocktail bar for dialog, an out of doors terrace, and a high-energy membership. Get instructions right here.
Neptune Seashore (Coolest Place to Keep in Jacksonville)
Neptune Seashore is my FAVORITE space of Jacksonville. It boasts that tropical “beachy” really feel with palm timber lining the slender, cobblestone downtown streets. There are tons of nice eating places, cool bars, and classy boutiques. Plus, the seaside itself affords the best place for sunbathing all day.
Execs of Staying in Neptune Seashore
- Numerous scrumptious meals choices
- Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that beneath)
- Stylish and hip boutiques and galleries
- Lovely seaside
- Quiet at evening
Cons of Staying in Neptune Seashore
- Not many locations open late
- Not a ton of resort choices
- 20-25 minutes to downtown
- Crowded throughout peak season (summer season)
- Laborious-to-find parking
Greatest Locations to Keep in Neptune Seashore
With the larger Jacksonville Seashore as its neighboring neighborhood, most resorts are positioned there. Nonetheless, listed here are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seashore (or inside strolling distance):
1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: When you’re seeking to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This beautiful beachfront resort contains a beautiful pool, improbable restaurant, and spa with indulgent remedies. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Salt Air Inn and Suites: Tremendous cute and charming is how I might describe this resort. This five-star property is surprisingly reasonably priced and has that good seaside really feel. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Beachfront Getaway: When you’d want to lease a whole house, this beautiful rental is ideal for a bunch. It’s steps from the seaside and is inside strolling distance of loads of nice bars and eating places. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Neptune Seashore
Despite the fact that I don’t reside close to Neptune Seashore, I make it a degree to go to the realm no less than as soon as a month. Listed below are a few of my favourite suggestions:
1. BrewHound Canine Park and Bar: Every time I go to Neptune Seashore, I deliver my pup and head to BrewHound. This wonderful spot is a spot the place you’ll be able to let your canine run free on astroturf with different canine whilst you sip on a beer or kombucha. I might nonetheless love to hang around right here, even when I didn’t have a canine! Click on right here for instructions.
2. Southern Breeze Cart Rental: Neptune Seashore is enjoyable simply to discover and cruise the seaside city streets – and Florida is mainly synonymous with golf carts. Lease a cart for the day and take a look at totally different spots within the space. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Jax Surf and Paddle: Lease a surfboard or paddleboard and hit the water for the day. And in case you’re unskilled (like myself), you’ll be able to take classes for each. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seashore
Neptune Seashore is house to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. When you’re within the space and in search of out elevated and artistic delicacies – you place these spots in your radar:
1. Hawker’s: I swoon each time I get to eat bao, dumplings, or noodles. This stylish location affords all that and extra. I additionally love their saké flight. Get instructions right here.
2. Mezza Luna: When you’re on the lookout for one thing slightly extra upscale, this Italian restaurant is a divine selection. Strive their recent pappardelle with braised brief rib ragu and the wild mushroom pizza. Get instructions right here.
3. Pete’s Bar: This historic dive bar was the primary to legally open in Duval County after the prohibition. It has laidback vibes with pool tables and bar sports activities however stays open late for reside music and DJs. Get instructions right here.
San Marco (Greatest Space for Foodies)
I don’t find out about you, however generally I base my journey plans solely round meals. When you’re that sort of particular person, you’ll wish to keep within the San Marco space of city – it’s a foodies’ paradise. It has cool avenue artwork, lovely structure, and a few critically wonderful eating places. It’s additionally one of many extra upmarket areas of Jacksonville.
Execs of Staying in San Marco
- Very walkable
- Superior avenue artwork and murals
- Historic neighborhood
- Numerous noteworthy eating places and cafes
- Up-and-coming breweries and cocktail bars
Cons of Staying in San Marco
- 25-Half-hour from the seaside
- Not a ton of lodging choices
- Crowded throughout peak season (summer season)
- Tough to search out parking
Greatest Locations to Keep in San Marco
Despite the fact that San Marco is among the hottest Jacksonville neighborhoods, it has a restricted quantity of native lodging. These are a few of the greatest within the space:
1. Hilton Backyard Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank: Situated within the coronary heart of San Marco, this resort is inside strolling distance of all the things chances are you’ll wish to see throughout your keep. It additionally has a fantastic pool. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Southbank Lodge by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk: My household stayed right here throughout their final go to, and it’s beautiful. It’s slightly longer of a stroll to the middle of San Marco however remains to be very shut. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Farmhouse by the River: This lovely house is ideal in case you plan on visiting the San Marco space with your loved ones. This two-bedroom home is tremendous near the river and in a really secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in San Marco
In fact, meals is the principle focus of the San Marco space, nevertheless it additionally has much more to supply. Undoubtedly test these concepts out in case you’re within the space:
1. Self-Guided Artwork Stroll Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is house to numerous lovely and eccentric avenue artwork and murals. Spend the day cruising across the neighborhood and taking Instagram-worthy footage. Click on right here to obtain the artwork map.
2. Structure and Historical past Tour in San Marco: With roots courting again to 1793, San Marco has a wealthy historical past. This 3-hour tour will take you on a tuk-tuk experience by the neighborhood with a educated information. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
3. Savoring San Marco: A go to to San Marco can be a waste in case you didn’t check out a strolling meals tour. This 3-hour tour will cease at 5 of the neighborhood’s greatest eating places. I liked this tour as a result of it was like a pattern platter of all the perfect locations. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in San Marco
Now for the good things! San Marco is legendary for its food and drinks, so it was onerous to decide on the perfect locations – however these are my favorites:
1. Bar Molino: I ended in right here for dinner earlier than a live performance and was blown away. They provide some fantastically offered and scrumptious Spanish tapas dishes, alongside a improbable wine choice. Get instructions right here.
2. Rue Saint-Marc: French eating at its most interesting is what you’ll discover at this pretty institution. Menu objects embrace Maine Scallops, Roasted Venison Loin, and Pistachio Cake. In addition they have a formidable cocktail menu. Get instructions right here.
3. City Corridor: Contemporary native components, considerate, elevated recipes, and a cocktail record to die for. Their completely happy hour is one among my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get instructions right here.
Mandarin (Greatest Place in Jacksonville on a Funds)
Typically, you’ll want to journey on a price range. Fortunately, when fascinated with the place to remain in Jacksonville, the Mandarin space has many wallet-friendly actions and lodging. It’s a quiet and clear neighborhood with a number of character, historic websites, and river actions.
Execs of Staying in Mandarin
- Close to the St. Johns River
- Loads of nature (massive oak timber with Spanish moss)
- Lovely parks
- Historic neighborhood
- Good restaurant choices
Cons of Staying in Mandarin
- About 25 minutes from downtown
- 30-35 minutes to the seaside
- Principally residential space
- Restricted actions
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mandarin
The most important perk about staying within the Mandarin space of Jacksonville is which you can keep on a price range. Listed below are some choices that received’t break the financial institution:
1. Tru By Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin: With rooms below $150, this resort is kind of an inexpensive place to remain in Jacksonville. They’ve a swimming pool and health middle as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Cush Jax Baymeadows Ranch: When you’re touring with your loved ones or a bunch, this home is spacious, reasonably priced, and has a fantastic patio. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows: This resort has lovely rooms, and an indoor swimming pool, and is conveniently positioned, only a brief drive to Mandarin and different neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Mandarin
Regardless of being a principally residential space, Mandarin has some attention-grabbing and enjoyable issues to do on a price range. Take a look at my high selections in case you’re within the neighborhood:
1. Walter Jones Historic Park: Get some recent air whereas taking within the magnificence and tranquility of this park. Cease by the Mandarin Museum to study in regards to the space’s historical past within the Civil Battle. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Sugar Bear Antiques Mall: Spend an hour or two perusing my favourite vintage store in South Jacksonville. There are such a lot of enjoyable trinkets and collectibles to search out. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Breakout Video games: Take a look at your puzzle-solving expertise in an escape room! My mates and I did this one evening and had such a blast within the “Runaway Prepare” room. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Mandarin
There are some tasty locations to eat on this quiet space of Jacksonville. These are some nice choices to strive:
1. Julington Creek Fish Camp: I completely love going to a fish camp, and this is among the greatest ones in Jacksonville. Their reasonably priced menu contains grilled octopus, sandwiches, seafood platters, and extra. Get instructions right here.
2. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: This native chain is a good selection whenever you’re on a price range. My favourite objects are the chargrilled lamb, lemon hen soup, and the spicy hen gyro. Get instructions right here.
3. Clara’s Tidbits Restaurant Mandarin: One other native chain, this cafe is critically scrumptious. They’re identified for his or her sandwiches but in addition have soups and salads as effectively. Get instructions right here.
Suggestions About Staying in Jacksonville
After exploring Jacksonville for almost 5 years, I’ve realized some tips on the place to remain in Jacksonville and methods to navigate and discover the Daring Metropolis. Learn on to learn how to make your journey run as easily as attainable.
Keep away from Rush Hour
Jacksonville has an expansive freeway system, nevertheless, the frenzy hour visitors could be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads in case you can. It’s price checking on maps earlier than setting off to test for high-traffic volumes alongside your meant route.
Name for Seasonal Costs
Many resorts and points of interest change their costs per season. Name round on to see if there’s a seasonal distinction, and plan your journey accordingly. Attempt to e-book as far prematurely as you’re capable of.
All the time Deliver a Chair to the Seashore
Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is mushy and excellent – however they may also be a bit windy. When you’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you would possibly get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or lease a seaside chair when you’ll be able to to make your expertise extra comfy.
Cautious to Keep away from Tolls
Numerous Jacksonville freeways supply expressways to bypass visitors you probably have a selected cross. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the cross, or you can find yourself with an undesirable invoice.
Summer time Bugs Are No Joke
When you’re visiting throughout the moist, scorching summer season months, you should definitely preserve some bug spray available. The mosquitoes round nightfall could be relentless.
FAQ’s About The place To Keep in Jacksonville
Listed below are some generally requested questions that I typically hear from my family and friends. After spending 5 years as a vacationer and one yr as a full-time resident of Jacksonville, I do know the town just like the again of my hand. I hope these solutions assist put together you on your keep:
The perfect space of Jacksonville for vacationers actually is dependent upon what sort of go to you’re making an attempt to have. I might extremely suggest Jacksonville Seashore if you wish to sunbathe, loosen up throughout the day, and exit at evening. If you wish to expertise extra arts and tradition, like museums and structure, I’d counsel staying downtown.
Vacationers ought to keep away from staying within the neighborhoods of twenty ninth and Chase, Mid-Westside, and Springfield. These areas are inclined to have greater crime charges; moreover, none of those neighborhoods supply something that might be of curiosity to vacationers.
The most secure locations to remain in Jacksonville are the areas of Baymeadows (Southside), Mandarin, and Eagle Bend (Northeast Jacksonville).
It would matter the place you keep in Jacksonville based mostly in your curiosity and trip targets. Town affords museums, eating places, structure, and historical past, whereas the seaside cities supply white sandy seashores, pubs, eating places, and festivals.
The a part of Jacksonville that I discover probably the most lovely is in Northeast Jacksonville on the Timucuan Ecological Protect. It’s peaceable and completely beautiful, I extremely counsel a stroll by the character paths.
You need to keep in downtown Jacksonville if you’d like entry to the town’s well-known museums, structure excursions, and sporting occasions.
Jacksonville is a really walkable metropolis whenever you’re in every neighborhood. Jacksonville is the biggest metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48, so it’s unimaginable to stroll from neighborhood to neighborhood.
There isn’t any specific place in Jacksonville to be near all the things. Because it’s the biggest metropolis by land mass within the contiguous U.S., it’s very unfold out. I’d counsel staying downtown or in Jacksonville Seashore.
The easiest way to get round Jacksonville is unquestionably by automotive. Because the metropolis is so large, a automotive lets you discover all of the totally different areas. Nonetheless, in case you’re staying in a seaside city, you will get round by bike or golf cart.
Individuals go to Jacksonville for its 22 miles of seashores, lovely park system, historic neighborhoods, attention-grabbing museums, and thriving arts scene.
In Conclusion
Every neighborhood of Jacksonville has one thing distinctive to supply – it’s one of many many explanation why I like this metropolis a lot. It’s enormous and sprawling, however that solely permits for various communities in every nook. There’s at all times someplace enjoyable to find.
When deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville, take into account the way you wish to spend your time and resolve from there. You received’t be disillusioned with no matter space you select.
