Bounce To: The place To Keep in Jacksonville | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Ideas | FAQs
Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville could be a robust resolution. In any case, this can be a large metropolis within the USA. From stylish seashore cities to bustling nightlife vibes, the Jacksonville space really 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 completely different areas of town. However as soon as I did, I noticed simply how distinctive, enjoyable, and charming Jacksonville really is. Every neighborhood gives one thing completely different.
Jacksonville is the most important metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48 states, so there’s loads of floor to cowl. Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville can really feel overwhelming and complicated as a consequence of its measurement – however don’t fear, I’ve obtained you coated.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
Fast Look: Greatest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
The place To Keep in Jacksonville
On the lookout for nice meals? Jacksonville has a neighborhood for that. A soothing seashore getaway? You will discover that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed here are a few of the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville:
Jacksonville Seaside (Greatest for For-Time Guests)
If it’s your first time visiting Jacksonville, you’ll undoubtedly need to keep in Jacksonville Seaside – it’s by far one among my favourite areas in the complete metropolis. It’s obtained a bit little bit of every thing for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seashore is postcard-worthy.
You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and procuring in Jacksonville Seaside, 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 leisure – relying on the way you play it.
Execs of Staying in Jacksonville Seaside
- 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 Seaside
- 20-minute drive to downtown
- Will be noisy throughout peak months (summer time)
- Costly throughout peak months
- Will be crowded throughout peak months
- 40 minutes from the airport
Greatest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seaside
Listed here are a few of the finest resorts in Jacksonville Seaside – personal stays are additionally included:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Seaside Oceanfront: Positioned 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 every thing. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Jacksonville Seaside House: In your first time in Jax Seaside, 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’ll be able to even prepare your individual personal chef. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Margaritaville Jacksonville Seaside: Nothing says “Florida” greater than Jimmy Buffet (RIP) and Margaritaville. This tremendous enjoyable resort sits instantly between Jacksonville Seaside and Neptune Seaside. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Jacksonville Seaside
There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville Seaside – listed here are a few of my private favourite actions:
1. Journey Touchdown & Shipwreck Island Water Park: Generally you desire a break from the seashore for another water actions, and this water park is the place to go while you do. You’ll discover water slides, a wave pool, and cabana leases. It’s continuous smiles. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Seaside Life Leases: A keep on the seashore isn’t full with no bike cruise or a day practising your SUP expertise. At Seaside Life Leases, you’ll be able to lease 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 facet of Jax Seaside with a guided ghost tour. You’ll take a strolling tour of a few of the most haunted websites on this unassuming beachside city and study lots about its previous alongside the best way. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in Jacksonville Seaside
It doesn’t matter what you’re craving – Jacksonville Seaside has a restaurant or pub to fulfill it. Listed here are a few of the tastiest eating places I’ve tried to date (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 a few of the finest. Additionally they have a improbable 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 is likely to 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 a fantastic place to gas up for a day of exploration. Discover instructions right here.
Downtown (Greatest 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 decisions are top-notch as nicely.
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 may be costly (particularly throughout concert events, occasions, or recreation days)
- Bars and eating places are costly
Greatest Locations to Keep in Downtown
There are some nice choices for resorts close to Jacksonville nightlife. Listed here are those I at all times advocate to family and friends:
1. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: A stunning riverfront view? Sure, please! How a couple of rooftop pool? All day. This resort is completely located for all issues and locations downtown. Plus, they provide a free shuttle anyplace 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 improbable 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 a few of the spots that may’t be missed:
1. MOCA (Museum of Modern Artwork): Earlier than you head out in town at night time, 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 an alternative of an evening of bar-hopping, why not go to a Jaguars recreation? The followers have a few of 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 advocate it. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Downtown
Downtown is likely one of the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to search out mouthwatering meals and completely crafted cocktails. Listed here are my high picks for meals and drinks in Jax:
1. Cowford Chophouse: One of the crucial unimaginable meals I’ve had in Jacksonville was at Cowford Chophouse. It’s costly, however price 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 the complete downtown space. They make unimaginable handcrafted cocktails together with a fully good Outdated Long-established. Get instructions right here.
3. Fantasy Nightclub: Fantasy 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 Seaside (Coolest Place to Keep in Jacksonville)
Neptune Seaside is my FAVORITE space of Jacksonville. It boasts that tropical “beachy” really feel with palm timber lining the slim, cobblestone downtown streets. There are tons of nice eating places, cool bars, and stylish boutiques. Plus, the seashore itself gives the best place for sunbathing all day.
Execs of Staying in Neptune Seaside
- Numerous scrumptious meals choices
- Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that beneath)
- Stylish and hip boutiques and galleries
- Stunning seashore
- Quiet at night time
Cons of Staying in Neptune Seaside
- Not many locations open late
- Not a ton of resort choices
- 20-25 minutes to downtown
- Crowded throughout peak season (summer time)
- Exhausting-to-find parking
Greatest Locations to Keep in Neptune Seaside
With the larger Jacksonville Seaside as its neighboring group, most resorts are situated there. Nevertheless, listed here are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seaside (or inside strolling distance):
1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: If you happen to’re trying to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This beautiful beachfront resort includes a beautiful pool, improbable 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 might describe this resort. This five-star property is surprisingly inexpensive and has that good seaside really feel. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Beachfront Getaway: If you happen to’d desire to lease a complete dwelling, this beautiful rental is ideal for a gaggle. 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 Seaside
Though I don’t reside close to Neptune Seaside, 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 Seaside, I deliver my pup and head to BrewHound. This superb spot is a spot the place you’ll be able to let your canine run free on astroturf with different canine whilst you sip on a beer or kombucha. I might 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 Seaside is enjoyable simply to discover and cruise the seashore city streets – and Florida is mainly synonymous with golf carts. Lease a cart for the day and take a look at completely different spots within the space. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Jax Surf and Paddle: Lease a surfboard or paddleboard and hit the water for the day. And when you’re unskilled (like myself), you’ll be able to take classes for each. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seaside
Neptune Seaside is dwelling to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. If you happen to’re within the space and in search of 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 stylish 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 a bit 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 (Greatest 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 particular person, you’ll need to keep within the San Marco space of city – it’s a foodies’ paradise. It has cool road 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 road artwork and murals
- Historic neighborhood
- Numerous 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)
- Tough to search out parking
Greatest Locations to Keep in San Marco
Though San Marco is likely one of the hottest Jacksonville neighborhoods, it has a restricted quantity of native lodging. These are a few of the finest within the space:
1. Hilton Backyard Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank: Positioned within the coronary heart of San Marco, this resort is inside strolling distance of every thing chances are you’ll need to see throughout your keep. It additionally has a fantastic 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 a bit longer of a stroll to the middle of San Marco however continues to be very shut. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Farmhouse by the River: This lovely dwelling is ideal when you plan on visiting the San Marco space with your loved ones. This two-bedroom home is tremendous near the river and in a really secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in San Marco
In fact, meals is the principle focus of the San Marco space, but it surely additionally has much more to supply. Undoubtedly test these concepts out when you’re within the space:
1. Self-Guided Artwork Stroll Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is dwelling to plenty of lovely and eccentric road 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 journey by way of the neighborhood with a educated information. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
3. Savoring San Marco: A go to to San Marco could be a waste when you 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 most effective locations. Click on right here to study extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in San Marco
Now for the great things! San Marco is known for its foods and drinks, so it was onerous to decide on the most effective 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 superbly offered and scrumptious Spanish tapas dishes, alongside a improbable wine choice. Get instructions right here.
2. Rue Saint-Marc: French eating at its best is what you’ll discover at this pretty institution. Menu gadgets embrace Maine Scallops, Roasted Venison Loin, and Pistachio Cake. Additionally they have a formidable cocktail menu. Get instructions right here.
3. City Corridor: Recent native substances, considerate, elevated recipes, and a cocktail checklist to die for. Their blissful hour is one among my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get instructions right here.
Mandarin (Greatest Place in Jacksonville on a Price range)
Generally, it’s essential to journey on a price range. Fortunately, when occupied with the place to remain in Jacksonville, the Mandarin space has many wallet-friendly actions and lodging. It’s a quiet and clear neighborhood with loads of character, historic websites, and river actions.
Execs of Staying in Mandarin
- Close to the St. Johns River
- Lots of nature (massive 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
- Principally residential space
- Restricted actions
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mandarin
The most important perk about staying within the Mandarin space of Jacksonville is which you can keep on a price range. Listed here are some choices that received’t break the financial institution:
1. Tru By Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin: With rooms underneath $150, this resort is sort of an affordable place to remain in Jacksonville. They’ve a swimming pool and health heart as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Cush Jax Baymeadows Ranch: If you happen to’re touring with your loved ones or a gaggle, this home is spacious, inexpensive, and has a fantastic 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 principally residential space, Mandarin has some attention-grabbing and enjoyable issues to do on a price range. Try my high decisions when you’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 Warfare. 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 search out. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Breakout Video games: Check your puzzle-solving expertise in an escape room! My mates and I did this one night time and had such a blast within the “Runaway Practice” 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 attempt:
1. Julington Creek Fish Camp: I completely love going to a fish camp, and this is likely one of the finest ones in Jacksonville. Their inexpensive menu contains grilled octopus, sandwiches, seafood platters, and extra. Get instructions right here.
2. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: This native chain is a good selection while you’re on a price range. 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 recognized for his or her sandwiches but in addition have soups and salads as nicely. Get instructions right here.
Ideas About Staying in Jacksonville
After exploring Jacksonville for practically 5 years, I’ve realized some recommendations 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, nonetheless, the push hour site visitors may be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads when you can. It’s price checking on maps earlier than setting off to test for high-traffic volumes alongside your meant route.
Name for Seasonal Costs
Many resorts 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 e-book as far prematurely as you’re in a position to.
All the time Convey a Chair to the Seaside
Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is comfortable and excellent – however they may also be a bit windy. If you happen to’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you may get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or lease a seashore chair when you’ll be able to to make your expertise extra comfy.
Cautious to Keep away from Tolls
Numerous Jacksonville freeways provide expressways to bypass site visitors when you’ve got a selected cross. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the cross, 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, sizzling summer time months, remember to preserve some bug spray readily available. The mosquitoes round nightfall may 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 12 months 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 in your keep:
One of the best space of Jacksonville for vacationers really depends upon what kind of go to you’re attempting to have. I might extremely advocate Jacksonville Seaside if you wish to sunbathe, loosen up through the day, and exit at night time. 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; moreover, none of those neighborhoods provide something that may 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 based mostly 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 way of the character paths.
You must keep in downtown Jacksonville if you need entry to town’s well-known museums, structure excursions, and sporting occasions.
Jacksonville is a really walkable metropolis while you’re in every neighborhood. Jacksonville is the most important metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48, so it’s unattainable to stroll from neighborhood to neighborhood.
There isn’t any explicit place in Jacksonville to be near every thing. 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 Seaside.
The easiest way to get round Jacksonville is certainly by automobile. Because the metropolis is so huge, a automobile permits you to discover all of the completely different areas. Nevertheless, when you’re staying in a seashore city, you will get round by bike or golf cart.
Folks 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 the reason why I 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, contemplate the way you need to spend your time and resolve from there. You received’t be disillusioned with no matter space you select.
