Soar To: The place To Keep in Jacksonville | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Suggestions | FAQs
Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville could be a robust determination. In any case, this can be a huge metropolis within the USA. From fashionable seashore 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 number of months to get my bearings and wrap my head across the totally different areas of town. However as soon as I did, I noticed simply how distinctive, enjoyable, and charming Jacksonville actually is. Every neighborhood gives one thing totally different.
Jacksonville is the most important metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48 states, so there’s numerous floor to cowl. Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville can really feel overwhelming and complicated because of its measurement – however don’t fear, I’ve bought you lined.
Finest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
Fast Look: Finest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
The place To Keep in Jacksonville
In search of nice meals? Jacksonville has a neighborhood for that. A calming seashore getaway? Yow will discover that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed here are among the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville:
Jacksonville Seashore (Finest for For-Time Guests)
If it’s your first time visiting Jacksonville, you’ll undoubtedly need to keep in Jacksonville Seashore – it’s by far one among my favourite areas in your complete metropolis. It’s bought just a little little bit of all the pieces for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seashore is postcard-worthy.
You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and buying 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 gives each continuous enjoyable or complete rest – relying on the way you play it.
Execs of Staying in Jacksonville Seashore
- White sandy seashore 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
- Could be noisy throughout peak months (summer time)
- Costly throughout peak months
- Could be crowded throughout peak months
- 40 minutes from the airport
Finest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seashore
Listed here are among the finest accommodations in Jacksonville Seashore – non-public stays are additionally included:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Seashore Oceanfront: Situated instantly on the seashore, 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 pieces. 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 complete dwelling? This beautiful house is only a brief stroll to the seashore, eating places, and bars. If you happen to’re searching for an additional layer of luxurious, you possibly can even organize your personal non-public 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 instantly 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 below are a few of my private favourite actions:
1. Journey Touchdown & Shipwreck Island Water Park: Typically you desire a break from the seashore for another water actions, and this water park is the place to go once 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 seashore isn’t full and not using a bike cruise or a day training your SUP expertise. At Seashore Life Leases, you possibly can hire seashore cruise bikes, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and even seashore 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 among the most haunted websites on this unassuming beachside city and study quite a bit about its previous alongside the way in which. Click on right here to study extra and ebook.
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 here are among the tastiest eating places I’ve tried to this point (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 among the finest. Additionally they have a incredible 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 automobiles have ‘Salt Life’ bumper stickers, and persons are sporting ‘Salt Life’ t-shirts on each block. It’s a model that represents a lifestyle right here in Florida, and so they even have a killer restaurant with nice meals. Discover instructions right here.
3. Maple Avenue Biscuit Firm: So far as breakfast goes, this spot could be the tastiest within the metropolis. You’ll discover quite a lot of biscuits and gravy, in addition to biscuit sandwiches, waffles, grits, and extra. It’s an awesome place to gasoline up for a day of exploration. Discover instructions right here.
Downtown (Finest Space for Nightlife)
If it’s late-night drinks, dancing, reside music, and DJs that you just’re after, you’ll need 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 through the day
- 20-minute drive to the seashore
- Parking might be costly (particularly throughout concert events, occasions, or recreation days)
- Bars and eating places are costly
Finest Locations to Keep in Downtown
There are some nice choices for accommodations close to Jacksonville nightlife. Listed here 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 wherever inside a 3-mile radius. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: If you happen to’re questioning the place to remain in Jacksonville for nightlife, that is one other nice choice 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 incredible choice is situated 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 here are among the spots that may’t be missed:
1. MOCA (Museum of Modern Artwork): Earlier than you head out in town at evening, you’ll need to spend a number of hours at MOCA. With greater than 500 artists representing over 1,000 artworks, it’s undoubtedly 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 among the finest 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 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 without doubt one of the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to seek out mouthwatering meals and completely crafted cocktails. Listed here are my prime picks for meals and drinks in Jax:
1. Cowford Chophouse: One of the unimaginable meals I’ve had in Jacksonville was at Cowford Chophouse. It’s costly, however value each greenback. Attempt 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 your complete downtown space. They make unimaginable handcrafted cocktails together with a fully good Previous Long-established. Get instructions right here.
3. Fable Nightclub: Fable is the only 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 seashore itself gives the best place for sunbathing all day.
Execs of Staying in Neptune Seashore
- A lot of scrumptious meals choices
- Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that under)
- Fashionable and hip boutiques and galleries
- Stunning seashore
- 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 time)
- Onerous-to-find parking
Finest Locations to Keep in Neptune Seashore
With the larger Jacksonville Seashore as its neighboring neighborhood, most accommodations are situated there. Nonetheless, listed below are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seashore (or inside strolling distance):
1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: If you happen to’re seeking to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This beautiful beachfront resort encompasses a beautiful pool, incredible 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’d 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: If you happen to’d favor to hire a complete dwelling, this beautiful rental is ideal for a bunch. It’s steps from the seashore 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 world at the least as soon as a month. Listed here are a few of my favourite suggestions:
1. BrewHound Canine Park and Bar: Every time I go to Neptune Seashore, I carry my pup and head to BrewHound. This superb spot is a spot the place you possibly can let your canine run free on astroturf with different canine when you sip on a beer or kombucha. I’d 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 seashore city streets – and Florida is mainly synonymous with golf carts. Hire 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: Hire a surfboard or paddleboard and hit the water for the day. And if you happen to’re unskilled (like myself), you possibly can take classes for each. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seashore
Neptune Seashore is dwelling to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. If you happen to’re within the space and searching for out elevated and inventive delicacies – you place these spots in your radar:
1. Hawker’s: I swoon each time I get to eat bao, dumplings, or noodles. This fashionable location gives all that and extra. I additionally love their saké flight. Get instructions right here.
2. Mezza Luna: If you happen to’re searching for one thing just a little extra upscale, this Italian restaurant is a divine selection. Attempt their contemporary 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 (Finest Space for Foodies)
I don’t find out about you, however generally I base my journey plans solely round meals. If you happen to’re that kind of individual, you’ll need 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 superb 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
- A lot of noteworthy eating places and cafes
- Up-and-coming breweries and cocktail bars
Cons of Staying in San Marco
- 25-Half-hour from the seashore
- Not a ton of lodging choices
- Crowded throughout peak season (summer time)
- Troublesome to seek out parking
Finest Locations to Keep in San Marco
Despite the fact that San Marco is without doubt one of the hottest Jacksonville neighborhoods, it has a restricted quantity of native lodging. These are among the finest 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 pieces it’s possible you’ll need to see throughout your keep. It additionally has an awesome pool. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Southbank Resort by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk: My household stayed right here throughout their final go to, and it’s beautiful. It’s just a little 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 dwelling is ideal if you happen to plan on visiting the San Marco space with your loved ones. This two-bedroom home is tremendous near the river and in a really protected neighborhood in Jacksonville. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in San Marco
After all, meals is the primary focus of the San Marco space, but it surely additionally has much more to supply. Undoubtedly verify these concepts out if you happen to’re within the space:
1. Self-Guided Artwork Stroll Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is dwelling 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 trip by means of the neighborhood with a educated information. Click on right here to study extra and ebook.
3. Savoring San Marco: A go to to San Marco can be a waste if you happen to didn’t check out a strolling meals tour. This 3-hour tour will cease at 5 of the neighborhood’s finest 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 ebook.
The place to Eat and Drink in San Marco
Now for the great things! San Marco is known for its food and drinks, so it was arduous 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 introduced and scrumptious Spanish tapas dishes, alongside a incredible wine choice. Get instructions right here.
2. Rue Saint-Marc: French eating at its best is what you’ll discover at this beautiful institution. Menu gadgets embrace Maine Scallops, Roasted Venison Loin, and Pistachio Cake. Additionally they have a powerful cocktail menu. Get instructions right here.
3. City Corridor: Contemporary native elements, considerate, elevated recipes, and a cocktail checklist to die for. Their glad hour is one among my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get instructions right here.
Mandarin (Finest Place in Jacksonville on a Finances)
Typically, that you must journey on a finances. Fortunately, when eager about the place to remain in Jacksonville, the Mandarin space has many wallet-friendly actions and lodging. It’s a quiet and clear neighborhood with numerous character, historic websites, and river actions.
Execs of Staying in Mandarin
- Close to the St. Johns River
- Loads of nature (giant oak timber with Spanish moss)
- Stunning parks
- Historic neighborhood
- Good restaurant choices
Cons of Staying in Mandarin
- About 25 minutes from downtown
- 30-35 minutes to the seashore
- Largely residential space
- Restricted actions
Finest Locations to Keep in Mandarin
The most important perk about staying within the Mandarin space of Jacksonville is you can keep on a finances. Listed here are some choices that received’t break the financial institution:
1. Tru By Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin: With rooms beneath $150, this resort is sort of an affordable 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: If you happen to’re touring with your loved ones or a bunch, this home is spacious, reasonably priced, and has a wonderful 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 situated, 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 largely residential space, Mandarin has some attention-grabbing and enjoyable issues to do on a finances. Take a look at my prime selections if you happen to’re within the neighborhood:
1. Walter Jones Historic Park: Get some contemporary air whereas taking within the magnificence and tranquility of this park. Cease by the Mandarin Museum to study concerning the space’s historical past within the Civil Conflict. 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 seek out. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Breakout Video games: Take a look at your puzzle-solving expertise in an escape room! My associates 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 without doubt one of the finest ones in Jacksonville. Their reasonably priced menu consists of grilled octopus, sandwiches, seafood platters, and extra. Get instructions right here.
2. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: This native chain is a superb selection once you’re on a finances. My favourite gadgets 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 practically 5 years, I’ve discovered 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 potential.
Keep away from Rush Hour
Jacksonville has an expansive freeway system, nevertheless, the frenzy hour visitors might be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads if you happen to can. It’s value checking on maps earlier than setting off to verify for high-traffic volumes alongside your supposed route.
Name for Seasonal Costs
Many accommodations 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 ebook as far upfront as you’re capable of.
All the time Convey a Chair to the Seashore
Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is comfortable and ideal – however they may also be a bit windy. If you happen to’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you would possibly get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or hire a seashore chair when you possibly can to make your expertise extra comfy.
Cautious to Keep away from Tolls
A lot of Jacksonville freeways provide expressways to bypass visitors you probably have a particular go. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the go, or you could possibly find yourself with an undesirable invoice.
Summer time Bugs Are No Joke
If you happen to’re visiting through the moist, scorching summer time months, remember to hold some bug spray available. The mosquitoes round nightfall might be relentless.
FAQ’s About The place To Keep in Jacksonville
Listed here 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 town just like the again of my hand. I hope these solutions assist put together you on your keep:
The very best space of Jacksonville for vacationers actually relies on what kind of go to you’re attempting to have. I’d extremely suggest Jacksonville Seashore if you wish to sunbathe, calm down through the day, and exit at evening. If you wish to expertise extra arts and tradition, like museums and structure, I’d recommend staying downtown.
Vacationers ought to keep away from staying within the neighborhoods of twenty ninth and Chase, Mid-Westside, and Springfield. These areas are likely to have greater crime charges; in addition to, none of those neighborhoods provide something that will 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’s going to matter the place you keep in Jacksonville primarily based in your curiosity and trip objectives. The town gives museums, eating places, structure, and historical past, whereas the seashore cities provide white sandy seashores, pubs, eating places, and festivals.
The a part of Jacksonville that I discover essentially the most lovely is in Northeast Jacksonville on the Timucuan Ecological Protect. It’s peaceable and completely beautiful, I extremely recommend a stroll by means of the character paths.
It’s best to keep in downtown Jacksonville if you would like entry to town’s well-known museums, structure excursions, and sporting occasions.
Jacksonville is a really walkable metropolis once you’re in every neighborhood. Jacksonville is the most important metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48, so it’s not possible to stroll from neighborhood to neighborhood.
There isn’t any explicit place in Jacksonville to be near all the pieces. Because it’s the most important metropolis by land mass within the contiguous U.S., it’s very unfold out. I’d recommend staying downtown or in Jacksonville Seashore.
One of the best ways to get round Jacksonville is unquestionably by automotive. For the reason that metropolis is so huge, a automotive means that you can discover all of the totally different areas. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re staying in a seashore 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 really 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 need to spend your time and resolve from there. You received’t be disenchanted with no matter space you select.
