Come for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Stay the Weekend to Celebrate the New Year

Get ready to celebrate in Jax

Welcome football fans! Jacksonville is a sports town and we love football. If you’re traveling here to watch your team play in the annual TaxSlayer Gator Bowl football game on Friday, December 30, make a New Year’s celebration weekend out of your trip and explore Jacksonville’s beaches, food scene, attractions and more.

How to Get to Jacksonville

Jacksonville is nestled in the northeast corner of Florida at the intersection of I-10 and I-95, making it easy to access by car. Prefer to fly? Jacksonville International Airport offers more than 30 nonstop flights from places throughout the country.

Where to Stay

EverBank Stadium is located Downtown in the Sports Complex. If you’re looking for accommodations near the field, or a short drive away, consider:

Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Jacksonville Beach

Things to Do

Once you’re in Jax, you’ll find plenty of things to do before and after the game.

Jacksonville’s top attractions: Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, historic places, museums, or shopping Jacksonville has something for you. Check out the list of the top 22 attractions.

Self-guided tours: Spend some time on a self-guided tour exploring nearly 100 displays of public art in Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, or learn about Jacksonville’s Black Heritage Trail, visiting points of interest and landmarks, like the Ritz Theatre & Museum. Interested in architecture? Try the historic buildings tour.

Sports, sports and more sports: If you’re interested in keeping a sports theme for your weekend, check out TopGolf, iFly, Autobahn Indoor Speedway, or one of our local public golf courses. Ready to try a new sport? Learn axe throwing at Stumpy’s Hatchet House or Axe House. Sign up for a surfing lesson from Jax Surf & Paddle. Jax is one of the best places to learn how to surf in Florida.

Riverside Arts Market: Rain or shine, the Riverside Arts Market takes place under the Fuller Warren Bridge on New Year’s Eve from 10 am to 3 pm. Visit with local makers, enjoy live music and spend a fun morning next to the St. Johns River. You can also explore the nearby Cummer Museum & Gardens and head to the Five Points area for lunch.

Have some beach time: Don’t leave Jacksonville without a trip to our 22 miles of beaches. Enjoy some relaxing time on the beach or go for a bike ride. Businesses like Beachlife Rentals offer chair, beach umbrella and bike rentals. If you get hungry, head over to the Beaches Town Center for delicious local dining spots like The Local, Coop 303 and Sliders Oyster Bar.

Explore historic neighborhoods near Downtown: Head to San Marco, Springfield, Riverside Avondale and Murray Hill. Enjoy the local food scene in each neighborhood, the historic vibes, colorful public art and more just a short 5-minute ride away.

Stop by one of Visit Jacksonville's Visitor Centers for more recommendations and information:

Thursday, December 29:

  • Visitor Information Booth at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, 10 am-7 pm
  • Seymour Jax Mobile Visitor Center at the Pep Rally at Deck the Chairs, 5:30-7 pm
  • Downtown Visitor Center, 9 am-5 pm

Friday, December 30:

  • Visitor Information Booth at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, 8:30 am-2:30 pm
  • Seymour Jax Mobile Visitor Center at EverBank Stadium, 9 am-4 pm
  • Downtown Visitor Center, 9 am-5 pm

Where to Eat and Drink

Post-game dinner: Celebrate your team's victory (or eat your feelings if it’s an unfortunate defeat) at one of Jacksonville’s locally owned restaurants. Try Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar in Springfield, The Bearded Pig BBQ in San Marco, Taqueria Cinco in Riverside, or Indochine Downtown. For more restaurants in each neighborhoods see our full list of recommendations.

Local coffee shops: Make your plan now to get some fresh coffee New Year’s Eve AND New Year’s Day. Jacksonville’s locally owned coffee shops have specialty drinks, artisan baked goods and more. Crazy Beans Coffee, Vagabond Coffee, Setlan Coffee Co. and Social Grounds are all great spots for a good cup.

Jax Ale Trail: Get your Ale Trail passport and enjoy a local brew at one of Jacksonville’s 25 craft breweries. Intuition Ale Works is in the Sports Complex, Bold City Brewing Company and Ruby Beach Brewing are in Downtown’s core, Hyperion, Historically Hoppy and sports-themed Strings are in nearby Springfield, and Aardwolf and Tepeyolot Cerveceria are in San Marco. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped so you can turn it in after your trip for some Ale Trail swag.

Rooftop bars and restaurants: Watch a stunning sunset while enjoying a creative craft cocktail and delicious local meal at one of a dozen rooftop bars and restaurants in Downtown, Riverside, the Beaches and Southside areas.

Sunday brunch: Before hitting the road to head back home, a mimosa or a large cup of coffee are in order. Jacksonville has some great options for brunch, including Cool Moose Coffee Co., Southern Grounds and Uptown Kitchen and Bar.

Fireworks over the St John's River Downtown

Celebrate New Year’s

Send off 2022 and welcome 2023 at the New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Downtown Jacksonville over the St. Johns River. Pick your viewing spot along the Riverwalk on the North or Southbank of the river, at Riverfront Plaza or at one of the restaurant rooftops, including Cowford Chophouse. Fireworks will begin at midnight.

We look forward to welcoming you to Jacksonville soon. Plan your trip at visitjacksonville.com.

Author

Andrea

Local Expert