24/48 Hours in Jax
Jacksonville is a big city, 840 square miles to be exact, but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of a 24-hour visit.
Whether you're passing through on a layover or making a quick stop, we've put together the perfect itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the northeast corner of the Sunshine State.
Know Before You Go:
- If you are planning to fly into Jacksonville, take advantage of direct flights from New York City, Los Angeles and nearly two dozen other airports into Jacksonville International Airport.
- Jacksonville is a great destination for a road trip! The city is at the intersection of I-95 and I-10.
- Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in the continental USA, so transportation is important for getting around. Uber is always an option and there are many other ways to get around town.
- Jacksonville is full of great hotels to stay at during your trip.
Day One
Morning:
- Start your day off right with a cup of coffee from a local Jacksonville coffee shop such as Brass Tacks, Southern Grounds or Brew Five Points.
- Head to the Riverside Avondale neighborhood for a hearty Southern breakfast at The Fox, a local diner with a vintage feel.
- Other breakfast options include Cool Moose Café and Social House Coffee.
- After breakfast, take a walk through Memorial Park and enjoy beautiful scenic views of the St. Johns River. Established in 1924, Memorial Park is the third-oldest park in the city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
- Explore the cultural side of Jacksonville at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and admire the impressive art collection.
- If you are visiting on a Saturday, stop by the Riverside Arts Market . It is a vibrant marketplace highlighting local artists, crafts and live music.
Afternoon:
- Get in the car and head over to Jacksonville’s Southside neighborhood for lunch. Midtown Table, an Italian-inspired restaurant and kitchen, serves delicious fresh baked bread, pizza, pasta, lasagna and sandwiches.
- More lunch options on the southside include El Agve Azuel and Green Papaya.
- If you have time, stop by the St. Johns Town Center for a bit of shopping.
- Head east to Jacksonville Beach and take a stroll along the sandy shore, collect seashells, enjoy the Florida sun and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Walk over to the Jacksonville Beach Pier, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Walk the pier and keep an eye out for some dolphins.
Night:
- Your trip to Jacksonville isn’t complete if you didn’t try some tasty Mayport shrimp. It’s Jacksonville’s signature dish. Dine on the water at Dockside Seafood for dinner and enjoy grilled shrimp, conch fritters and more.
- If seafood isn’t your thing, check out 1928 Cuban Bistro, Oaxaca Club, and Jax Spice.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dreamette in Atlantic Beach, an ice cream stand selling dipped cones and other cold treats.
- Finish your day by getting your Jax Ale Trail Passport stamped at Ink Factory Brewing.
This 24-hour itinerary is a glimpse of what Jacksonville has to offer. If you enjoyed your trip, extend it to a 48 stay!
48 Hours in Jax
Day Two
Morning:
- Wake up and get ready for another beautiful day in Jax!
- Fill up on a big breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company or Metro Diner. Both restaurants were founded in Jacksonville and have expanded to include regional locations.
- Head up to Jacksonville’s Northside neighborhood and spend some time on the wild side at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The zoo occupies approximately 122 acres and has over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant species in its collection.
- Take a short drive over to The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a tour of this non-profit sanctuary for rescued exotic cats such as tigers, lions and pumas.
Afternoon:
- Head Downtown and stop at Bread and Board for lunch. Bread and Board is an airy, modern joint offering unique sandwiches, charcuterie boards, beer and wine.
- After lunch, stop by the Visit Jacksonville Downtown Visitor’s Center to pick up brochures to start planning your next trip.
- Take a tour of a local candy store, Sweet Pete’s, and sign up for a candy-making class. Sweet Pete’s is the largest candy store in the southeast and offers thousands of varieties of candy and hand-crafted chocolates.
- Go on an adventure with Go Tuk’n. Offering tours in Downtown Jacksonville, Springfield, San Marco, and Riverside Avondale, Go Tuk’n offers popular tours including the One-Hour Jacksonville Sightseeing Tour, the Downtown Brewery Tour and for guests ages 21 and older, you can choose a Sip & Ride option during checkout.
Night:
- Visit the historic San Marco neighborhood and eat at Taverna for dinner. Taverna is a trendy wine bar serving brick-oven pizzas and seasonal Italian and Spanish eats in sleek yet warm digs.
- Other dining options for dinner include Pink Salt or Tepeyolot Cerveceria.
- Stop by Grape & Grain Exchange, a laid-back neighborhood bar & liquor store specializing in creative, seasonal cocktails, for a nightcap.
Jacksonville is an exciting city with adventure around every corner. With its diverse attractions and welcoming atmosphere, you'll want to return again and again to explore further. Enjoy your time in Jacksonville and make sure to visit us again soon!
