Military Family Itinerary

You’ve landed in Jacksonville—welcome to your new home base! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to explore your new home and make incredible memories as afamily.

Whether you’re fresh off the moving truck or you’ve been here a while and haven’t had the chance to check out the flip side of Florida, we’ve got the perfect itinerary to help your family settle in, explore, and have some fun along the way. From sandy beach days to must-visit local eats, get ready to experience the best of Jax like a true insider.

Mission Critical: Where to Stay

Before any successful mission, you need a solid HQ. So, ditch the moving boxes for a staycation. Jacksonville has a range of strategically located accommodations to keep you close to the action.

  • Beachfront Basecamp: Take your rest and relaxation to the next level at Margaritaville Beach Hotel. From beachside swimming pools and watersport rentals to spacious rooms and on site dining, Margaritaville has everything for every member of your family. Take advantage of midweek vacation deals or Government + Military rates for additional savings.
  • Urban Outpost: Is the city life more your speed? Hit the ground running at some of Jacksonville’s best attractions by staying at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. With spacious rooms and suites and a prime location for exploring attractions, it doesn’t get any better than this. Check out Hyatt’s Military and Government discounted rates.
  • Budget Friendly Bunk: Military families can take advantage of Navy Lodge Mayport or IHG Army Hotels on NAS Jacksonville for affordable, convenient stays right on base.
A veteran and his partner sit by the Veterans Memorial Wall in Jacksonville.
Veterans Memorial Wall

Mission Objective: Acclimate & Explore

  • Dive into Jax’s Military Heritage: Get to know your new city's deep-rooted military history at the Jacksonville Naval Museum, where you can tour the USS Orleck and step into the shoes of past sailors. Afterward, head to Veterans Memorial Wall to honor those who have served. If you're near the beach, make sure to visit the World War II Memorial at Oceanfront Park in Jacksonville Beach (429 1st St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250) which honors 22 Jacksonville Beach residents who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces or the Merchant Marine between 1941 and 1945.
  • Find Your Favorite Family Hangout: Explore lush gardens and encounter over 2,000 animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Just across the river, dazzle over Friendship Fountain - one of the city’s most iconic landmarks - offers a picturesque spot to relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the St. Johns River, especially when its colorful water displays light up the night.
  • Beach Day, Because… Florida: No move to Jacksonville is complete without a day at Neptune Beach. Pack up the beach chairs, let the kids build sandcastles, and soak up that ocean breeze. Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beaches. There is a beach for everyone!
The interior of Sweet Pete's with various treats on display.
Sweet Pete's

Mess Hall Intel: Where to Eat

Every great mission needs proper fuel, and Jacksonville has no shortage of places to grab a great meal.

  • Breakfast bites: Grab a breakfast sandwich, bowl or waffles at Jacksonville’s own Maple Street Biscuit Co for southern comfort food with a twist or start your morning on the sweet side with Jax Coffee & Donut Trail. Stop into Social Grounds Coffee Roasters to support a local veteran-owned business while checking a stop off the trail. Plus, visit them in uniform or bring your military ID to get 10% off.
  • Lunch bites: Why not tackle lunch and dessert at the same time? Sweet Pete’s is a local family favorite with savory lunch bites and desserts of epic proportions.
  • Dinner bites: Wrap up an epic day with BBQ at local favorite, The Bearded Pig. From mouthwatering BBQ and on tap selection in the beer garden to a playground and doodle board, this restaurant truly has something for every member of the family.

Mission Accomplished: Welcome to Jax!

With miles of beaches, a strong military community, and endless things to see and do, you’ll feel right at home in no time. Now, go forth and explore! Find a list of military discounted attractions, restaurants and more on our website.

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Lauren

Local Expert