My meticulously curated travel recommendations for Jacksonville, Florida include local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places to stay.
When I have a layover in Jacksonville, I start my day with a run along the river downtown. If I am in Jacksonville on a Saturday morning, I stop by the Riverside Arts Market to pick up some fresh produce. After a run, I hit the juice bar at Natural Food Market in the eclectic Five Points neighborhood. I love cherry limeade. I like to peek inside Jane Doe, an adorable fashion boutique. Nearby is my favorite coffee shop, Bold Bean. Sweet Theory is my next stop to pick up gluten-free and vegan treats. Everything is made fresh daily. The next stop is Southern Roots, a great cafe for lunch. I love the vegan queso. Other popular spots for lunch include Whiteway Deli. It is the oldest deli in Jacksonville and where the locals dine for lunch. Order the Tabouli. Stop at Carmin’s Pie House if you are craving Italian food.
Avondale is another lovely neighborhood near Five Points. Check out Crave and the jewelry at Ellie Bing for designer trends. There are several antique and vintage shops. Moon River Pizza serves pizza by the slice.
San Marco is my favorite neighborhood for boutique shopping. For the latest fashion trends, stop by Rosie True and Reve. Wardroom LTD is an adorable gift boutique. A few notable restaurants in San Marco include Maple Street Biscuit Company and the Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille.
I also love checking out Chamblin Book Mine downtown. It is a treasure hunt for book lovers. Eat at Taco Lou if you spend the day at the beach.
EAT
Natural Food Market smoothies
Southern Roots vegan
Whiteway Deli local favorite for sandwiches
Carmin’s Pie House pizza
1748 Bakehouse
Community Loaves sandwiches and salads
Crave
Moon River Pizza pizza
Taco Lou tacos
Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille
Homespun Kitchen
Southern Grounds cafe and bakery
Brew Five Points
SWEETS
Good Dough donuts
Sweet Theory vegan bakery; locals line up for the donuts
Southern Roots vegan cafe and bakery
1748 Bakehouse
Jax Bread Company
Community Loaves
Brew Five Points
GLUTEN-FREE
Natural Food Market smoothies
Sweet Theory
Southern Roots
DRINK
Ground Level Coffee
Bold Bean Coffee
CRAFT BREWERIES
Bold City
Intuition Ale Works
Lemon street
Hyperion Brewing
Manifest Distillery
DO
Riverside Arts Market farmer’s market on Saturday mornings
Cummer Museum & Gardens
The Friendship Fountain
Jacksonville Zoo
BEACHES
Neptune, Atlantic, and Jacksonville Beaches: All are great, but parking can be an issue, so head over early to snag a spot in the morning. I recommend Neptune Beach because it has an adorable downtown area. You can also go south to Guana Preserve for more privacy.
MOVE
Hannah Park camping, fishing, mountain biking, and surfing
SHOP
Be sure to visit San Marco, a quaint walkable neighborhood located five minutes south of Downtown Jacksonville, with plenty of boutiques and antique shopping. Stroll the oak-lined avenues of historic Avondale, one of the nation’s largest National Register of Historic Districts. A variety of specialty boutiques, fine galleries, and gourmet eateries cater to the upscale shopper. Riverside’s funky, trendy 5 Points is considered Jacksonville’s arts and commerce district.
Jane Doe
San Marco Bookstore
Rosie True
Reve
Wardroom LTD
Chamblin Book Mine used book store
Fresh Jax organic spices
Crave
Ellie Bing
Wolfgang
Southern Crossing
Tenley Dietrich
Indigo Apparel and Accessories
Bonne Nuit
Willie’s Kids
Avonlea Antiques and Design Mall on the Southside is a must-see for antique enthusiasts
STAY
Hotel Palms
One Ocean Resort
GETTING AROUND
The Downtown Skyway will take you from downtown across the river to San Marco.
St. Johns River Taxi provides transportation to points on both sides of the St. Johns River in the heart of downtown if you’re staying in that area, you can walk from place to place.
Beach Buggy App provides free rides around the beach community.
Go Tuk’n also offers pay-to-ride shuttle services in the Downtown, Riverside, and Avondale neighborhoods. Download the app onto your phone.
What else would you add if you’ve been to Jacksonville or live there?
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