Bounce To: The place To Keep in Jacksonville | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Suggestions | FAQs
Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville could be a powerful determination. In any case, this can be a large metropolis within the USA. From fashionable 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 totally 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 totally different.
Jacksonville is the biggest 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 on account of its measurement – however don’t fear, I’ve acquired you lined.
Finest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville
Fast Look: Finest 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 could find that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed here are among the greatest neighborhoods in Jacksonville:
Jacksonville Seashore (Finest for For-Time Guests)
If it’s your first time visiting Jacksonville, you’ll positively wish to keep in Jacksonville Seashore – it’s by far considered one of my favourite areas in the whole metropolis. It’s acquired somewhat little bit of the whole lot for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seashore is postcard-worthy.
You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and buying in Jacksonville Seashore, and it’s only a quick drive to downtown Jacksonville if you wish to spend a day on the museums or a Jags sport. This little part of city gives each continuous enjoyable or whole leisure – relying on the way you play it.
Professionals of Staying in Jacksonville Seashore
- 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 Seashore
- 20-minute drive to downtown
- Could be noisy throughout peak months (summer time)
- Costly throughout peak months
- Could be crowded throughout peak months
- 40 minutes from the airport
Finest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seashore
Listed here are among the greatest motels in Jacksonville Seashore – non-public stays are additionally included:
1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Seashore Oceanfront: Positioned straight 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 the whole lot. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Jacksonville Seashore Dwelling: On your first time in Jax Seashore, why not deal with your self to a whole residence? This attractive house is only a quick stroll to the seashore, eating places, and bars. When you’re searching for an additional layer of luxurious, you may even prepare your individual non-public chef. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Margaritaville Jacksonville Seashore: Nothing says “Florida” greater than Jimmy Buffet (RIP) and Margaritaville. This tremendous enjoyable resort sits straight between Jacksonville Seashore and Neptune Seashore. Click on right here for particulars.
High Issues To Do in Jacksonville Seashore
There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville Seashore – listed below are a few of my private favourite actions:
1. Journey Touchdown & Shipwreck Island Water Park: Generally you need a break from the seashore for another water actions, and this water park is the place to go whenever you do. You’ll discover water slides, a wave pool, and cabana leases. It’s continuous smiles. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Seashore Life Leases: A keep on the seashore isn’t full with no bike cruise or a day working towards your SUP abilities. At Seashore Life Leases, you may hire 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 Seashore with a guided ghost tour. You’ll take a strolling tour of among the most haunted websites on this unassuming beachside city and be taught rather a lot about its previous alongside the way in which. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in Jacksonville Seashore
It doesn’t matter what you’re craving – Jacksonville Seashore has a restaurant or pub to fulfill it. Listed here are among 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 among the greatest. In addition 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 vehicles have ‘Salt Life’ bumper stickers, and individuals are carrying ‘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 Road Biscuit Firm: So far as breakfast goes, this spot may 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 (Finest Space for Nightlife)
If it’s late-night drinks, dancing, dwell music, and DJs that you just’re after, you’ll wish to base your self downtown. There are some unbelievable bars and nightclubs that may’t be missed. The restaurant selections are top-notch as effectively.
Professionals 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 in the course of the day
- 20-minute drive to the seashore
- Parking could be costly (particularly throughout live shows, occasions, or sport days)
- Bars and eating places are costly
Finest Locations to Keep in Downtown
There are some nice choices for motels close to Jacksonville nightlife. Listed here are those I all the time advocate to family and friends:
1. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: A stunning riverfront view? Sure, please! How a few rooftop pool? All day. This resort is completely located for all issues and locations downtown. Plus, they provide a free shuttle wherever inside a 3-mile radius. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: When you’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 positioned simply over the walkable bridge from downtown. They’ve an outside 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 among the spots that may’t be missed:
1. MOCA (Museum of Up to date Artwork): Earlier than you head out in town at night time, you’ll wish to spend a number of hours at MOCA. With greater than 500 artists representing over 1,000 artworks, it’s positively 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 sport? The followers have among the greatest vitality, and the stadium itself is unbelievable. 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 without doubt one of the greatest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to seek 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 unbelievable meals I’ve had in Jacksonville was at Cowford Chophouse. It’s costly, however value 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 whole downtown space. They make unbelievable handcrafted cocktails together with a completely good Outdated Original. Get instructions right here.
3. Delusion Nightclub: Delusion is your best option for late-night dancing and drinks. They’ve a quiet cocktail bar for dialog, an outside terrace, and a high-energy membership. Get instructions right here.
Neptune Seashore (Coolest Place to Keep in Jacksonville)
Neptune Seashore is my FAVORITE space of Jacksonville. It boasts that tropical “beachy” really feel with palm timber lining the slender, cobblestone downtown streets. There are tons of nice eating places, cool bars, and classy boutiques. Plus, the seashore itself gives the best place for sunbathing all day.
Professionals of Staying in Neptune Seashore
- A lot of scrumptious meals choices
- Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that under)
- Fashionable and hip boutiques and galleries
- Lovely seashore
- Quiet at night time
Cons of Staying in Neptune Seashore
- Not many locations open late
- Not a ton of resort choices
- 20-25 minutes to downtown
- Crowded throughout peak season (summer time)
- Onerous-to-find parking
Finest Locations to Keep in Neptune Seashore
With the larger Jacksonville Seashore as its neighboring neighborhood, most motels are positioned there. Nevertheless, listed below are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seashore (or inside strolling distance):
1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: When you’re trying to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This attractive beachfront resort incorporates a gorgeous 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 reasonably priced and has that good seaside really feel. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Beachfront Getaway: When you’d favor to hire a whole residence, this attractive rental is ideal for a bunch. 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 Seashore
Despite the fact that I don’t dwell close to Neptune Seashore, I make it some extent to go to the world a minimum of 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 Seashore, I carry my pup and head to BrewHound. This wonderful spot is a spot the place you may let your canine run free on astroturf with different canines 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 Seashore is enjoyable simply to discover and cruise the seashore city streets – and Florida is principally synonymous with golf carts. Hire a cart for the day and take a look at totally different spots within the space. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Jax Surf and Paddle: Hire a surfboard or paddleboard and hit the water for the day. And should you’re unskilled (like myself), you may take classes for each. Click on right here for instructions.
The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seashore
Neptune Seashore is residence to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. When you’re within the space and in search of out elevated and artistic delicacies – you set these spots in your radar:
1. Hawker’s: I swoon each time I get to eat bao, dumplings, or noodles. This fashionable location gives all that and extra. I additionally love their saké flight. Get instructions right here.
2. Mezza Luna: When you’re searching for one thing somewhat extra upscale, this Italian restaurant is a divine selection. Attempt their contemporary pappardelle with braised quick 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 dwell music and DJs. Get instructions right here.
San Marco (Finest Space for Foodies)
I don’t find out about you, however generally I base my journey plans solely round meals. When you’re that sort of particular person, you’ll wish 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 wonderful eating places. It’s additionally one of many extra upmarket areas of Jacksonville.
Professionals of Staying in San Marco
- Very walkable
- Superior road artwork and murals
- Historic neighborhood
- A lot of 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 seek out parking
Finest Locations to Keep in San Marco
Despite the fact that San Marco is without doubt one of the hottest Jacksonville neighborhoods, it has a restricted quantity of native lodging. These are among the greatest 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 the whole lot it’s possible you’ll wish to see throughout your keep. It additionally has a fantastic pool. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Southbank Lodge by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk: My household stayed right here throughout their final go to, and it’s attractive. It’s somewhat longer of a stroll to the middle of San Marco however remains to be very shut. Click on right here for particulars.
3. Farmhouse by the River: This lovely residence is ideal should 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 protected 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, however it additionally has much more to supply. Undoubtedly examine these concepts out should you’re within the space:
1. Self-Guided Artwork Stroll Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is residence to numerous 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 relationship again to 1793, San Marco has a wealthy historical past. This 3-hour tour will take you on a tuk-tuk journey by the neighborhood with a educated information. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book.
3. Savoring San Marco: A go to to San Marco could be a waste should you didn’t check out a strolling meals tour. This 3-hour tour will cease at 5 of the neighborhood’s greatest eating places. I cherished this tour as a result of it was like a pattern platter of all the perfect locations. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book.
The place to Eat and Drink in San Marco
Now for the great things! San Marco is known for its food and drinks, so it was laborious to decide on the perfect 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 introduced 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 beautiful institution. Menu gadgets embody Maine Scallops, Roasted Venison Loin, and Pistachio Cake. In addition they have a powerful cocktail menu. Get instructions right here.
3. City Corridor: Recent native elements, considerate, elevated recipes, and a cocktail record to die for. Their completely satisfied hour is considered one of my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get instructions right here.
Mandarin (Finest Place in Jacksonville on a Funds)
Generally, you might want to journey on a finances. Fortunately, when fascinated by 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.
Professionals of Staying in Mandarin
- Close to the St. Johns River
- A variety of nature (massive oak timber with Spanish moss)
- Lovely 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
Finest Locations to Keep in Mandarin
The most important perk about staying within the Mandarin space of Jacksonville is which you can keep on a finances. Listed here are some choices that gained’t break the financial institution:
1. Tru By Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin: With rooms beneath $150, this resort is kind of an affordable place to remain in Jacksonville. They’ve a swimming pool and health heart as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Cush Jax Baymeadows Ranch: When you’re touring with your loved ones or a bunch, this home is spacious, reasonably priced, and has a phenomenal 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 positioned, only a quick 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 fascinating and enjoyable issues to do on a finances. Take a look at my high selections should 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 be taught in regards to 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 seek out. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Breakout Video games: Take a look at your puzzle-solving abilities in an escape room! My pals and I did this one night time and had such a blast within the “Runaway Prepare” 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 without doubt one of the greatest ones in Jacksonville. Their reasonably priced 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 whenever you’re on a finances. My favourite gadgets are the chargrilled lamb, lemon rooster soup, and the spicy rooster 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 effectively. Get instructions right here.
Suggestions About Staying in Jacksonville
After exploring Jacksonville for almost 5 years, I’ve discovered some recommendations on the place to remain in Jacksonville and methods to navigate and discover the Daring Metropolis. Learn on to learn the way to make your journey run as easily as attainable.
Keep away from Rush Hour
Jacksonville has an expansive freeway system, nonetheless, the push hour site visitors could be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads should you can. It’s value checking on maps earlier than setting off to examine for high-traffic volumes alongside your supposed route.
Name for Seasonal Costs
Many motels and sights change their costs per season. Name round on to see if there’s a seasonal distinction, and plan your journey accordingly. Try to e-book as far upfront as you’re capable of.
All the time Deliver a Chair to the Seashore
Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is mushy and excellent – however they will also be a bit windy. When you’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you would possibly get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or hire a seashore chair when you may to make your expertise extra snug.
Cautious to Keep away from Tolls
A lot of Jacksonville freeways supply expressways to bypass site visitors when you’ve got a selected go. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the go, or you may find yourself with an undesirable invoice.
Summer season Bugs Are No Joke
When you’re visiting in the course of the moist, scorching summer time months, make sure to hold some bug spray readily available. The mosquitoes round nightfall could 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 yr 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 on your keep:
The perfect space of Jacksonville for vacationers really relies on what sort of go to you’re making an attempt to have. I might extremely advocate Jacksonville Seashore if you wish to sunbathe, chill out in the course of the day, and exit at night time. If you wish to expertise extra arts and tradition, like museums and structure, I’d counsel 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; apart from, none of those neighborhoods supply 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’ll matter the place you keep in Jacksonville primarily based in your curiosity and trip targets. Town gives museums, eating places, structure, and historical past, whereas the seashore cities supply 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 attractive, I extremely counsel a stroll by the character paths.
You need to keep in downtown Jacksonville in order for you entry to town’s well-known museums, structure excursions, and sporting occasions.
Jacksonville is a really walkable metropolis whenever you’re in every neighborhood. Jacksonville is the biggest metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48, so it’s inconceivable to stroll from neighborhood to neighborhood.
There isn’t any explicit place in Jacksonville to be near the whole lot. Because it’s the biggest metropolis by land mass within the contiguous U.S., it’s very unfold out. I’d counsel staying downtown or in Jacksonville Seashore.
The easiest way to get round Jacksonville is certainly by automotive. For the reason that metropolis is so massive, a automotive permits you to discover all of the totally different areas. Nevertheless, should you’re staying in a seashore city, you may get round by bike or golf cart.
Individuals go to Jacksonville for its 22 miles of seashores, lovely park system, historic neighborhoods, fascinating museums, and thriving arts scene.
In Conclusion
Every neighborhood of Jacksonville has one thing distinctive to supply – it’s one of many many explanation why I like this metropolis a lot. It’s large and sprawling, however that solely permits for various communities in every nook. There’s all the time someplace enjoyable to find.
When deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville, think about the way you wish to spend your time and resolve from there. You gained’t be disillusioned with no matter space you select.
