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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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.