Jacksonville
Your getaway to Jacksonville
Start with the postcard: the Friendship Fountain and the Riverwalk, bridges strung with light as the sun drops. Riverside's Five Points gives you the neighborhood wander, bungalow streets, coffee, and a record shop or two. Lunch on Mayport shrimp at a dockside shack, because a city should taste like where it is. The Cummer Museum splits the difference between art and gardens, and the river terrace asks nothing of you. An afternoon at Jacksonville Beach is non-negotiable: pier, sand, and a cold drink within a block of the water. The water taxi across the St. Johns is a small pleasure that costs almost nothing. Dinner in San Marco Square, where the choice between bistro and oyster bar is the day's hardest decision. If the timing works, the Saturday market under the bridge is the city at its most itself. Keep one morning unplanned; the Timucuan marshes reward a spontaneous kayak. You will leave with a fair picture of the place, and a reason to come back.
Places to love in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
73-acre zoo with over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants, one of only 7 US zoos with an animal wellness team.
zoo
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Art museum and gardens built on the former estate of Arthur and Ninah Cummer.
garden
St Johns Town Center
Outdoor lifestyle mall with 175 stores, the hub of shopping and dining in Jacksonville.
shopping mall
Riverside Arts Market
Riverside market featuring local food and merchandise vendors.
market
Friendship Fountain
Large landmark fountain with city skyline views along the riverfront.
park
Riverwalk
1.2-mile stretch of restaurants, bars, shops, museums, and a marina.
trail
Restaurant Orsay
A celebrated Avondale bistro blending French technique with Southern ingredients, craft cocktails, and polished service.
restaurant
The Bearded Pig
A popular Jacksonville barbecue spot serving smoked meats, Southern sides, and a sociable patio in San Marco.
restaurant
Hawkers Asian Street Food
A lively Five Points favorite for shareable Asian street-food dishes, noodles, bao, and cocktails.
restaurant