Black Travel Weekend Itinerary

Cultural Weekend Itinerary for the Black Traveler Visiting Jacksonville

Written by Katrice Shorter, Visit Jacksonville Local Ambassador

Jacksonville is proudly rich in diversity, being a melting pot of ethnicities. Black culture plays a major role in the history of the city and is celebrated in every corner. Whether you’re looking to explore Jacksonville’s deep-rooted Black history, dine in a restaurant that will feed your soul, or watch the sunrise on one of our beautiful sandy beaches, the possibilities are endless. With so much to see and do, this itinerary will guide you through a weekend rich with some of the best Black culture and history Jacksonville has to offer!

Day 1

Morning

• Check into your hotel for the weekend! Whether you are visiting with your family or friends, we have great hotels that will accommodate all your needs.
• Grab breakfast before heading out for your first Jax adventure. Cool Moose Café, Jax Bread Co., Social House Coffee are great Black-owned restaurants you can visit for a great breakfast.

Afternoon

• Today is the perfect time to visit the historical Black sites downtown: Ritz Theater & Museum, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Memorial, Edward Waters University, Durkee Field, Brewster’s Hospital.
• While downtown, stop by Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop to get a whimsical candy factory experience.
• Afterwards, stop by James Weldon Johnson Park across the street to enjoy a food-truck lunch.
• If you are a member of a Black fraternity or sorority, you can find Greek Apparel at Brothers and Sisters Greek Store.

Night

• Head back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation before getting your Friday night poppin’.
• Head to the River and Post for an early dinner then upstairs to the rooftop for the best views of downtown Jax. Upstairs enjoy cocktails, small bites and live music.
• If you’re still up for more partying, De Real Ting or Cuba Libre would be great places to stop next for Caribbean and Latin vibes before heading back to the hotel.
• Back to the hotel for the rest of evening.

Day 2

Morning

• What better way to start your Saturday started than with a great Trap Spin workout at JL Spinning. Burn those calories to the latest in Trap Music, Hip Hop and R&B.
• Enjoy the serene views of the St. John’s River as you stroll down the River Walk to the Riverside Arts Market (RAM). There, you’ll find artisanal treasures everyone can enjoy.
• Check out some of the amazing street art completed by local, emerging artists at Cork Art District, Phoenix Art District and College Park.
• Stop by and support a female and Black-owned business, Aura Plant Studio and The Closet at Aura.

Afternoon

• Time for lunch yet? Here are some Black-owned restaurants that would be great for lunch: Irie Diner, Mr. Potato Spread, Hangar Bay Café, Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen.
• Get some shopping in after lunch: Pretty Pieces Boutique, Meow & Barks Boutique, St. John’s Town Center.

Night

• Enjoy a beautiful evening of live jazz from some of Jacksonville’s best local talents, and national, award-winning artists at Breezy’s Jazz House. While enjoying the live jazz, enjoy dinner from the extensive food and drink menu.
• Back to the hotel for the rest of the evening.

Day 3

Morning

• Praise is what we do! Head to the Bethel Church or The Potter’s House for praise, worship and a word.
• Right after church service head over to The Potter’s House Soul Food Bistro to enjoy a classic Soul Food lunch/dinner with a contemporary flair.
• Sundays are also for Brunch and it’s a bonus when there’s live music. Head out to Blue Fish in Avondale. You’ll enjoy great food, great music, and their infamous $1 mimosas. If you’d prefer brunch with a view, the award-winning Sunday Brunch at Casa Marina on Jacksonville Beach would be the perfect start to a beautiful Sunday.

Afternoon

• After brunch head back to the hotel to change into your swimsuits to hit up the beach for a couple hours. (or visit the American Beach Museum)
• After the beach, head back to the hotel to clean up for the rest of your day.
• Head over to 5 Points Riverside to do some boutique shopping and to grab a slice from Biggie’s Pizza. Yes, Biggie’s as in Biggie Smalls! This will hold you over until dinner.
• Across the street you can grab dessert for later from Motion Sweets.
• A few doors down is a hidden gem called Root Down. They have the BEST champagne cocktails so do not miss out on those.

Night

• Before heading to dinner, stop by the site of Norman Studios in Arlington. The museum is currently being renovated but it is among the nation’s first to produce “race films” starring African American characters in positive, non-stereotypical roles.
• On the way to dinner, be sure to get a photo of the Ax Handle Saturday Mural. The history behind the mural has a dark past as it pertains to the violence that occurred during the 1960 sit-ins but the art work from young local artists is a must-see.
• Not too far from downtown is the San Marco area where you can go to have a lovely dinner at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar.
• Back to the hotel for the evening.

Thanks for visiting, don’t stay away too long!