The Ultimate 5-Day Jacksonville Adventure Guide

Discover the heart of Florida and explore Jacksonville's southern charm.

22 April 2023

Jacksonville is a vibrant city located in Florida's northeast, offering visitors an abundance of attractions, including beautiful beaches, cultural experiences, adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities, and delicious dining options. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the city's natural wonders through kayaking or hiking, while history buffs can get a glimpse of Jacksonville's past by visiting the museums and monuments. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse offerings, Jacksonville is an ideal destination for any traveler seeking a memorable vacation.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Jax

  • Check in at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, a luxurious oceanfront resort with stylish rooms and beach access.
  • Grab brunch at Maple Street Biscuit Company, where hearty Southern-style biscuits are served with inventive toppings like goat cheese and sweet potato mash.
  • Head to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which boasts an extensive collection of European masterpieces and a lush riverside garden.
  • Have dinner at bb's restaurant and bar, a trendy spot with globally inspired cuisine and an impressive wine list.
  • Watch the sun set over the St. Johns River at River City Brewing Company, a waterfront brewpub with live music and craft beer.
Day 2

Beach Day

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Metro Diner, a retro-style eatery that serves classic American dishes like chicken and waffles.
  • Spend the day soaking up the sun at Jacksonville Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand with a lively boardwalk.
  • Have lunch at Salt Life Food Shack, a beachside hangout that offers fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
  • Go shopping at St. Johns Town Center, a sprawling outdoor mall with upscale retailers and dining options.
  • End the day with dinner at Taverna, a cozy Italian restaurant that serves homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
Day 3

Historic Jax

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries at Vagabond Coffee Co., a hip roastery that sources beans from around the world.
  • Visit the Kingsley Plantation, a restored 18th-century estate that offers a glimpse into Florida's colonial past.
  • Explore the historic Riverside neighborhood, known for its charming architecture and boutique shops.
  • Have a late lunch at Southern Roots Filling Station, a vegan cafe that serves delicious comfort food.
  • Catch a show at the Florida Theatre, a beautifully restored vaudeville theater that hosts a range of performers.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventure

  • Grab breakfast at Metro Diner and pack a picnic lunch.
  • Spend the morning kayaking or paddleboarding the tranquil waters of the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve.
  • Take a guided tour of the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens, a 120-acre park with hiking trails and native plant species.
  • Have a picnic lunch on the grounds of the arboretum.
  • Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which features over 2,000 animals and a range of exhibits.
  • Have dinner at Orsay, a French bistro with a romantic atmosphere and expertly prepared cuisine.
Day 5

Farewell Jax

  • Grab breakfast at Beach Diner, a family-friendly spot that serves tasty breakfast fare all day long.
  • Spend the morning exploring the Museum of Science and History, which offers interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
  • Check out of the hotel and head to The Bread & Board, a gourmet sandwich shop that specializes in artisanal breads and meats.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides a home to rescued big cats like tigers and lions.
  • Have a final farewell dinner at Black Sheep Restaurant, a trendy eatery that offers farm-to-table New American cuisine with a Southern twist.

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.

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