Experience Jacksonville's Charm in 2 Days

Discover the bold and beautiful side of Florida with a trip to Jacksonville.

22 April 2023

As a tourist vacationing in Jacksonville, visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational activities such as kayaking, hiking, and paddleboarding. The city also boasts several attractions, including the famous Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the vibrant Riverside Arts Market. Food lovers will enjoy the diverse culinary scene with an abundance of seafood restaurants and southern-style cuisine.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Southern Charm and Seafood Delights

  • Check into downtown hotel, Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, modern and quirky décor
  • Begin your day with a visit to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, see over 2,000 animals and 1,000 species of plants
  • Indulge in a delicious seafood lunch at Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant, try the shrimp and grits, and wash it down with a local craft beer
  • Spend the afternoon strolling through San Marco Square, explore boutique shops, art galleries and bookstores
  • Watch a movie under the stars at the historic Sun-Ray Cinema, an independent theater with vintage charm
  • End your day with a sunset dinner at River and Post, enjoy elevated Southern cuisine with breathtaking views of the St. Johns River
Day 2

History, Art and Craft Beer

  • Start your morning at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, stroll through beautiful gardens and galleries housing American and European art
  • Head to Bold City Brewery for a craft beer tasting and tour, try the Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale and Bold City Roar Imperial IPA
  • Have lunch at Maple Street Biscuit Company, indulge in flaky biscuits and Southern-style toppings, like fried chicken or pulled pork
  • Take a historic tour of Kingsley Plantation, see the ruins of slave cabins and the main plantation house
  • Finish your Jacksonville adventure with a visit to the Museum of Science and History, learn about local marine life, space exploration and hands-on exhibits
  • Celebrate your last evening in Jacksonville with a rooftop cocktail and live music at Black Sheep Restaurant, enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline while sipping on a specialty cocktail.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The most convenient way to get to Jacksonville is by plane. You can fly into Jacksonville International Airport, which is located just north of downtown Jacksonville. There are numerous airlines that offer direct flights to Jacksonville from major cities across the country, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, and New York.

Car

Driving is also a great option for getting to Jacksonville, especially if you're coming from nearby cities such as Orlando, Tampa, or Miami. Jacksonville is easily accessible by several major highways, including I-95, I-10, and I-295. If you're renting a car, you can pick it up at Jacksonville International Airport or at several locations throughout the city.

Train

While there is no direct train to Jacksonville, you can take an Amtrak train to nearby cities like Orlando, Tampa, or Savannah and then take a bus or rent a car to get to Jacksonville. The closest Amtrak station is in Palatka, which is about an hour's drive from Jacksonville.

Boat

Jacksonville is home to several marinas and is a popular stop for cruise ships traveling along the East Coast. If you have your own boat, you can dock at one of the many marinas in the area, such as the Jacksonville Landing Marina or the Sadler Point Marina. Alternatively, you can take a cruise to Jacksonville from other ports along the East Coast or the Bahamas.

Bus

Jacksonville is well-connected by bus, with several national and regional bus operators such as Greyhound, Megabus, and RedCoach offering direct services to Jacksonville from cities across the Southeast and beyond. The major bus station in Jacksonville is the Greyhound station, located in downtown Jacksonville.

Destination

Jacksonville

Welcome to the land of sunshine, warm beaches, and Jaguars...the football team, not the animal. Get ready for some southern charm, great food, and plenty of 'y'alls' in Jacksonville.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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