Travel Guide: 36 Hours in Jacksonville, Florida

It was surfing that brought Michael and me to Jacksonville one weekend.

Not what you expected, right? Perhaps a sporting event or convention or family or something, but not surfing. Yet there we were on a recent Saturday, standing on the beach in our swimsuits and wondering what we’d gotten ourselves into.

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you). Doing so helps keep this blog ad-free, so thank you for your support!

As part of our commitment to visit one place in our home state each month this year (you can read past Florida posts here), and after enjoying our last watersport adventures, we decided to give surf lessons a try. There are many surf schools and teachers in the state, but one in Jacksonville stood out to us above the rest. Since the idea of riding all the way home wet and sandy didn’t really appeal to us, we also decided to book an Airbnb and make a weekend of it.

Heading to Jacksonville, too? Lucky you! Here is my take on 36 hours in the largest city (by area!) in the lower 48:

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN JACKSONVILLE

Visit the beach

No, the beaches in the Jacksonville area may not be the kind you picture when you think of “Florida beaches” (you have to go south or west for those), but they’re still worth a visit if the day is right and the mood strikes. Florida’s northeastern beaches are busy but tend to be filled with locals rather than tourists. Simply cruise down A1A until you find a spot that strikes your fancy.

→Jacksonville Beach

—

Alyssa and Michael surfing in Jacksonville — Stills from our surfing videos (which you may have seen in my Insta stories!)

Surf something other than the web

Jacksonville Surf and Paddle offers beginner group surfing lessons each Saturday at noon over at Neptune Beach. Make your reservation in advance, and join a group of up to fifteen beginners as the instructors work closely to provide directions and tips both in and out of the water.

The instructors are passionate and eager to help novice surfers along, no matter their athletic ability (even me, who absolutely struggled). The price of a 90-minute class was a steal and made even better by a Groupon.

→Jacksonville Surf and Paddle // 241 Atlantic Blvd #102, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

—

Go ape

A visit to the Jacksonville Zoo is in order for any animal lover (particularly for the otters, who were also, uh, animal lovers during our visit). Don’t miss the Zoo’s many unique features, like the well-cared-for gardens or the tiger causeway looming over the sidewalk.

Save a little on admission by flashing a college ID – oh, the perks of working in Higher Ed! – or a AAA card. Not afraid of the heat? You can also take half-off of admission when it’s 92°F or higher during the summer months (2022 update: it appears this deal is no longer available).

→Jacksonville Zoo // 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218

—

Be artsy

The Riverside Arts Market, held every Saturday rain or shine beneath the I-95 overpass, is a true gem of the community. As you stroll through this vibrant market, you’ll encounter a delightful array of local farmers, mouthwatering food trucks, talented artists, and skilled artisans.

Allow yourself to be swept up in the atmosphere and take your time exploring the fascinating crafts and creations on display. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand how some of these unique items are made. Plus, there’s a convenient free parking lot just north of the market, making your visit even easier.

→Riverside Arts Market // 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204

—

A Vintage Pin Map — I spotted someone else’s travel map while exploring some of Jacksonville’s local shops

Alyssa is wearing an Ilia Lipstick in the car mirror — Trying out my new favorite lip color from Gloss Goods

Poke around Jacksonville boutiques

Five Points is a funky little area of town with a five-point intersection (gold star if you figured that out already!), and shops and businesses along its radiating streets. Our visit fell on a Sunday, which meant at least half of the shops were closed, but we enjoyed perusing Gloss Goods (permanently closed), APB, The Copper Closet, and 5 Points Vintage.

→Gloss Goods // Now Closed
→APB // 817 Lomax St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
→The Copper Closet // Now at 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256
→5 Points Vintage // 1046 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204

—

Get active

The YMCA’s Nationwide Membership program allows Y members from other groups to use their facilities for free, and we like to squeeze in a workout upon arrival, when we can, to set the tone for the rest of our trip (or at least burn a few extra calories before we eat everything!).

The First Coast YMCA’s flagship Winston Family YMCA provided a nice place for us to work out after our car ride to Jacksonville complete with with sweeping views of the St. John’s River. Check with your gym to see if they have affiliates before you travel.

→Winston Family YMCA // 221 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN JACKSONVILLE

Alyssa holds a cappuccino at BREW — A stunning cappuccino from BREW

The menu for Vagabond Coffee in Jacksonville — I approve of the menu *and* the travel-themed pennant banners at Vagabond Coffee

A display of plastic lions in a succulent bed at Vagabond Coffee — The eclectic decor at Vagabond Coffee made me smile

Fuel up at local coffee shops

Jacksonville has fewer local coffee shops than I expected, but as we all know, quality and quantity aren’t necessarily related. This visit brought me to three local spots for my caffeine fix, each with a different personality.

Vagabond Coffee on Edgewood Avenue has a nice, relaxed vibe with a hint of quirk for good measure. BREW Five Points rotates through a carefully curated selection of beans for their pour-overs, which I can’t recommend enough. There are several Bold Bean Coffee Roasters locations in Jacksonville, and their coffee was so good we visited twice. Chances are there will be one near you when you visit, so you have no excuse but to go.

→Vagabond Coffee // Now Pop-Up Only
→BREW Five Points // 1024 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
→Bold Bean Coffee Roasters // Multiple Locations

—

Two dishes from Bistro Aix: Duck and Dessert — Bistro Aix offers modern French fare

A platter of food from Ibex Ethiopian in Jacksonville — Dinner is a tactile affair at Ibex Ethiopian

Tour the city’s international dining options

Although menus throughout the city are pretty straightforwardly Southern, Jacksonville’s international dining options have slowly begun emerging in recent years. On this trip, Michael and I enjoyed two restaurants inspired by other continents without a passport.

We rolled up our sleeves for tibs and injera at Ibex Ethiopian (now closed), relishing the complex spices and flavors in front of us. And over at San Marco’s trendy Bistro Aix, I couldn’t resist the call of succulent duck and a sinfully delicious chocolate dessert.

→Ibex Ethiopian // Now Closed
→Bistro Aix // 1440 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

—

People drinking and hanging out at Aardwolf Brewery — Aardwolf Brewery

Beers from Bold City and Intuition in Jacksonville — L: Bold City | R: Intuition Ale Works

Bar snacks from BLK SHP — BLK SHP at Intuition

Relax at one of Jacksonville’s many breweries

Jacksonville has no shortage of breweries, and more magnificently, no shortage of good breweries. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back evening or a lively party, these breweries each have something special to offer:

Aardwolf Brewery is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening where you quickly feel like a regular. With its warm, neighborhood atmosphere, it’s a place where you can kick back, enjoy great company, and leave feeling like you’ve made new friends.

If you’re keen on seeing the magic of brewing up close, don’t miss Bold City Brewery’s Production Facility. It’s open only on select days, offering a fascinating glimpse into the beer-making process right in the heart of the action.

For a bit of industrial chic, head over to Intuition Ale Works. This spot has a cool, contemporary vibe that’s ideal for larger gatherings or late-night hangouts. Plus, they recently upgraded to their own full kitchen, so you can now enjoy delicious snacks beyond what BLK SHP offered before.

→Aardwolf Brewery // 1461 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
→Bold City Brewery // Multiple Locations
→Intuition Ale Works // 929 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

—

Good Dough Interior and the case of doughnuts — You’ll be tempted to lick the glass at Good Dough

The door to Good Dough and a doughnut — A Peach Strudel Doughnut was impossible to resist

Get them while they’re fresh

Good Dough offers a wide variety of delicious flavors of doughnuts, dough-oasts, and doughwiches, all made fresh throughout the day. I mean, is there anything better than a hot doughnut right out of the fryer?

My big tip for you is this: visit early for the best availability. Popular flavors tend to sell out early, and you want to be able to take home as many varieties as possible.

→Good Dough // 1636 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207

—

Alyssa sits outside of The Fox in Jacksonville — Dine on the patio of The Fox on a cool morning

Menu from The Fox and two breakfast plates — Top: Patty Melt | Bottom: Mini Fox Breakfast

Go with a Jax classic

Among the charming Shoppes of Historic Avondale, you’ll find a quintessential old-school diner experience. From the moment you walk in the doors at The Fox, you’ll notice the friendly, welcoming vibe that makes it feel like a home away from home.

We were truly impressed by how the staff seemed to know almost everyone by name—it’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like part of the community. We fueled up for our surfing lesson with their hearty, protein-packed meals, and let me tell you, their biscuits are an absolute must-try. They’re the perfect embodiment of a Southern biscuit—flaky, buttery, and downright delicious.

→The Fox // 3580 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205

—

Breakfast tacos from BREW Five Points — Breakfast tacos at BREW Five Points

Tacos and elote from Flying Iguana in Jacksonville — Flying Iguana’s elote + tacos

Tacos for every meal

I’m not entirely sure why Jacksonville has such an incredible taco scene, but honestly, I’m not questioning it—the city’s tacos are just that amazing. At BREW Five Points, you can enjoy a standout breakfast taco alongside your coffee every day, with options both for those who love eggs and those who prefer to skip them.

Over at Flying Iguana in Neptune Beach, the taco offerings are just as impressive, with a diverse selection of tacos and other delicious dishes. They even prepare their guacamole right at your table, adding a fresh touch to your meal.

→BREW Five Points // 1024 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
→Flying Iguana // 207 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

WHERE TO STAY IN JACKSONVILLE

Riverside Neighborhood

An Airbnb near Riverside and Avondale was the perfect launching point for our stay. There were restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores within walking distance, though it was simply too hot to go more than one block at a time. Thankfully Jacksonville’s heavy commuter traffic thins on the weekend, and we found the trek across the Fuller Warren Bridge to visit San Marco or traversing the full city to reach the beach to be quick and painless. Though we didn’t spend much time downtown or visit other areas like Southside or Baymeadows, I suspect the traffic would have been pretty manageable.

→Riverside Neighborhood

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: TRAVEL TIPS FOR JACKSONVILLE

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is about fourteen miles from downtown and is served by several major and budget airlines (it’s also our favorite departure airport!). Due to the city’s size, a car is essential unless you plan on staying in one neighborhood and/or using extensive rideshare services.

The heat during our late-July trip was nearly unbearable, and I highly recommend visiting outside of the summer months unless you plan on planting yourself at the beach the entire time. It’s also worth noting that most of Florida receives a near-daily afternoon summer rain, lasting for perhaps an hour before moving on.

Jacksonville boasts several sports teams, most notably the Jaguars. Our visit didn’t coincide with the NFL season, but I do know that traffic is congested on game days, as expected. There were a few things we missed out on during this trip that we hope to see on our next visit (we can’t review them, but in case you’re interested as well!), such as the Cummer Museum and the farm tour at Congaree and Penn.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A WEEKEND IN JACKSONVILLE

As a native Floridian, I’ve spent so much time in Jacksonville over the years, but this was the first time I felt like I was able to explore beyond the surface. This city has so much to offer visitors who are willing to brave the sprawling city and its notorious traffic, and this weekend has only left me wanting more. As always, if when! I return, I’ll share all about it with you here.

—

Questions for you

Have you ever visited the First Coast? Tell us what we missed!

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you picture Jacksonville?

Looking for more of the Sunshine State and beyond? You may enjoy these other guides:

Share this post: