The place To Keep in Jacksonville, FL (Finest Areas and Locations)

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Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville could be a robust resolution. In any case, it is a large metropolis within the USA. From stylish seaside 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 couple of months to get my bearings and wrap my head across the totally different areas of the town. However as soon as I did, I noticed simply how distinctive, enjoyable, and charming Jacksonville really is. Every neighborhood affords one thing totally different.

Jacksonville is the most important metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48 states, so there’s a whole lot of floor to cowl. Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville can really feel overwhelming and complicated as a consequence of its dimension – however don’t fear, I’ve acquired you coated.

Finest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville

Fast Look: Finest Areas to Keep in Jacksonville

The place To Keep in Jacksonville

In search of nice meals? Jacksonville has a neighborhood for that. A soothing seaside getaway? You’ll find that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed here are among the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville:

Jacksonville Seaside (Finest for For-Time Guests)

If it’s your first time visiting Jacksonville, you’ll undoubtedly wish to keep in Jacksonville Seaside – it’s by far certainly one of my favourite areas in your entire metropolis. It’s acquired slightly little bit of the whole lot for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seaside is postcard-worthy.

You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and purchasing in Jacksonville Seaside, 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 affords each continuous enjoyable or complete rest – relying on the way you play it.

Professionals of Staying in Jacksonville Seaside

• White sandy seaside simply steps away
• Nice number of eating places and bars
• Nightlife and dancing
• Household-friendly actions
• Cute clothes boutiques

Cons of Staying in Jacksonville Seaside

• 20-minute drive to downtown
• Could be noisy throughout peak months (summer season)
• Costly throughout peak months
• Could be crowded throughout peak months
• 40 minutes from the airport

Finest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seaside

Listed here are among the finest resorts in Jacksonville Seaside – personal stays are additionally included:

1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront: Situated straight on the seaside, this lodge 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 here for details.

2. Jacksonville Beach Home: To your first time in Jax Seaside, why not deal with your self to a complete residence? This attractive house is only a quick stroll to the seaside, eating places, and bars. If you happen to’re in search of an additional layer of luxurious, you may even prepare your individual personal chef. Click here for details.

3. Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach: Nothing says “Florida” greater than Jimmy Buffet (RIP) and Margaritaville. This tremendous enjoyable lodge sits straight between Jacksonville Seaside and Neptune Seaside. Click here for details.

Prime Issues To Do in Jacksonville Seaside

There’s no scarcity of enjoyable things to do in Jacksonville Seaside – listed here are a few of my private favourite actions:

1. Adventure Landing & Shipwreck Island Water Park: Generally you desire a break from the seaside for another water actions, and this water park is the place to go if you do. You’ll discover water slides, a wave pool, and cabana leases. It’s continuous smiles. Click here for directions.

2. Beach Life Rentals: A keep on the seaside isn’t full with no bike cruise or a day practising your SUP expertise. At Seaside Life Leases, you may lease seaside cruise bikes, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and even seaside chairs. Click here for directions.

3. Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: After a day within the solar, expertise the spooky facet of Jax Seaside 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 best way. Click here to learn more and book.

The place to Eat and Drink in Jacksonville Seaside

It doesn’t matter what you’re craving – Jacksonville Seaside has a restaurant or pub to fulfill it. Listed here are among the tastiest eating places I’ve tried to this point (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 finest. In addition they have a implausible cocktail bar that makes a deliciously good Manhattan. Find directions here.

2. Salt Life Food Shack: If it’s your first time in Florida, you’ll discover that tons of automobiles have ‘Salt Life’ bumper stickers, and persons are sporting ‘Salt Life’ t-shirts on each block. It’s a model that represents a lifestyle right here in Florida, they usually even have a killer restaurant with nice meals. Find directions here.

3. Maple Street Biscuit Company: So far as breakfast goes, this spot could 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 an ideal place to gasoline up for a day of exploration. Find directions here.

Downtown (Finest Space for Nightlife)

If it’s late-night drinks, dancing, stay 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 properly.

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 throughout the day
• 20-minute drive to the seaside
• Parking might 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 resorts 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 lodge is completely located for all issues and locations downtown. Plus, they provide a free shuttle anyplace inside a 3-mile radius. Click here for more details.

2. Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown: If you happen to’re questioning the place to remain in Jacksonville for nightlife, that is one other nice possibility 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 here for details.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront: This implausible possibility is situated simply over the walkable bridge from downtown. They’ve an outside pool, a riverfront view, and two eating places. Click here for details.

Prime 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 Contemporary Art): Earlier than you head out in town at evening, you’ll wish to spend a couple of hours at MOCA. With greater than 500 artists representing over 1,000 artistic endeavors, it’s undoubtedly a deal with for the eyes. Click here for directions.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: As an alternative of an evening of bar-hopping, why not go to a Jaguars sport? The followers have among the finest power, and the stadium itself is unbelievable. Click here for directions.

3. Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: Hop in a tuk-tuk and discover the 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 here for directions.

The place to Eat and Drink in Downtown

Downtown is likely one of the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to seek out mouthwatering meals and completely crafted cocktails. Listed here are my prime 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 price each greenback. Attempt the roasted bone marrow and filet with foie gras and bacon jam. Get directions here.

2. The Volstead: This speakeasy-style bar is my favourite in your entire downtown space. They make unbelievable handcrafted cocktails together with a fully good Previous Common. Get directions here.

3. Myth Nightclub: Delusion is the only option for late-night dancing and drinks. They’ve a quiet cocktail bar for dialog, an outside terrace, and a high-energy membership. Get directions here.

Neptune Seaside (Coolest Place to Keep in Jacksonville)

Neptune Seaside is my FAVORITE space of Jacksonville. It boasts that tropical “beachy” really feel with palm bushes lining the slim, cobblestone downtown streets. There are tons of nice eating places, cool bars, and classy boutiques. Plus, the seaside itself affords the best place for sunbathing all day.

Professionals of Staying in Neptune Seaside

• A lot of scrumptious meals choices
• Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that beneath)
• Fashionable and hip boutiques and galleries
• Stunning seaside
• Quiet at evening

Cons of Staying in Neptune Seaside

• Not many locations open late
• Not a ton of lodge choices
• 20-25 minutes to downtown
• Crowded throughout peak season (summer season)
• Onerous-to-find parking

Finest Locations to Keep in Neptune Seaside

With the larger Jacksonville Seaside as its neighboring group, most resorts are situated there. Nonetheless, listed here are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seaside (or inside strolling distance):

1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: If you happen to’re trying to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This attractive beachfront resort encompasses a gorgeous pool, implausible restaurant, and spa with indulgent remedies. Click here for details.

2. Salt Air Inn and Suites: Tremendous cute and charming is how I’d describe this lodge. This five-star property is surprisingly reasonably priced and has that good seaside really feel. Click here for details.

3. Beachfront Getaway: If you happen to’d want to lease a complete residence, this attractive rental is ideal for a bunch. It’s steps from the seaside and is inside strolling distance of loads of nice bars and eating places. Click here for details.

Prime Issues To Do in Neptune Seaside

Although I don’t stay close to Neptune Seaside, I make it a degree to go to the realm not less than as soon as a month. Listed here are a few of my favourite suggestions:

1. BrewHound Dog Park and Bar: Every time I go to Neptune Seaside, I convey my pup and head to BrewHound. This superb spot is a spot the place you may let your canine run free on astroturf with different canines when you sip on a beer or kombucha. I’d nonetheless love to hang around right here, even when I didn’t have a canine! Click here for directions.

2. Southern Breeze Cart Rental: Neptune Seaside is enjoyable simply to discover and cruise the seaside city streets – and Florida is mainly synonymous with golf carts. Lease a cart for the day and take a look at totally different spots within the space. Click here for directions.

3. Jax Surf and Paddle: Lease a surfboard or paddleboard and hit the water for the day. And if you happen to’re unskilled (like myself), you may take classes for each. Click here for directions.

The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seaside

Neptune Seaside is residence to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. If you happen to’re within the space and in search of out elevated and inventive delicacies – you set these spots in your radar:

1. Hawker’s: I swoon each time I get to eat bao, dumplings, or noodles. This stylish location affords all that and extra. I additionally love their saké flight. Get directions here.

2. Mezza Luna: If you happen to’re in search of one thing slightly extra upscale, this Italian restaurant is a divine selection. Attempt their contemporary pappardelle with braised quick rib ragu and the wild mushroom pizza. Get directions 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 stay music and DJs. Get directions here.

San Marco (Finest Space for Foodies)

I don’t find out about you, however typically I base my journey plans solely round meals. If you happen to’re that sort of individual, you’ll wish to keep within the San Marco space of city – it’s a foodies’ paradise. It has cool avenue artwork, lovely structure, and a few severely superb eating places. It’s additionally one of many extra upmarket areas of Jacksonville.

Professionals of Staying in San Marco

• Very walkable
• Superior avenue 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 seaside
• Not a ton of lodging choices
• Crowded throughout peak season (summer season)
• Tough to seek out parking

Finest Locations to Keep in San Marco

Although San Marco is likely one of the hottest Jacksonville neighborhoods, it has a restricted quantity of native lodging. These are among the finest within the space:

1. Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank: Situated within the coronary heart of San Marco, this lodge is inside strolling distance of the whole lot chances are you’ll wish to see throughout your keep. It additionally has an ideal pool. Click here for details.

2. Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk: My household stayed right here throughout their final go to, and it’s attractive. It’s slightly longer of a stroll to the middle of San Marco however continues to be very shut. Click here for details.

3. Farmhouse by the River: This lovely residence is ideal if you happen to plan on visiting the San Marco space with your loved ones. This two-bedroom home is tremendous near the river and in a really secure neighborhood in Jacksonville. Click here for details.

Prime Issues To Do in San Marco

After all, meals is the principle focus of the San Marco space, however it additionally has much more to supply. Positively verify these concepts out if you happen to’re within the space:

1. Self-Guided Art Walk Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is residence to numerous lovely and eccentric avenue artwork and murals. Spend the day cruising across the neighborhood and taking Instagram-worthy footage. Click here to download the art map.

2. Architecture and History Tour in San Marco: With roots relationship again to 1793, San Marco has a rich history. This 3-hour tour will take you on a tuk-tuk journey by the neighborhood with a educated information. Click here to learn more and book.

3. Savoring San Marco: A go to to San Marco can be a waste if you happen to didn’t check out a strolling meals tour. This 3-hour tour will cease at 5 of the neighborhood’s finest eating places. I beloved this tour as a result of it was like a pattern platter of all the perfect locations. Click here to learn more and book.

The place to Eat and Drink in San Marco

Now for the great things! San Marco is legendary for its food and drinks, so it was onerous to decide on the perfect locations – however these are my favorites:

1. Bar Molino: I finished in right here for dinner earlier than a live performance and was blown away. They provide some superbly offered and scrumptious Spanish tapas dishes, alongside a implausible wine choice. Get directions here.

2. Rue Saint-Marc: French eating at its best is what you’ll discover at this pretty institution. Menu objects embrace Maine Scallops, Roasted Venison Loin, and Pistachio Cake. In addition they have a powerful cocktail menu. Get directions here.

3. Town Hall: Contemporary native substances, considerate, elevated recipes, and a cocktail checklist to die for. Their completely happy hour is certainly one of my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get directions here.

Mandarin (Finest Place in Jacksonville on a Price range)

Generally, it is advisable to journey on a price range. Fortunately, when occupied with the place to remain in Jacksonville, the Mandarin space has many wallet-friendly actions and lodging. It’s a quiet and clear neighborhood with a whole lot of character, historic websites, and river actions.

Professionals of Staying in Mandarin

• Close to the St. Johns River
• Quite a lot of nature (giant oak bushes with Spanish moss)
• Stunning parks
• Historic neighborhood
• Good restaurant choices

Cons of Staying in Mandarin

• About 25 minutes from downtown
• 30-35 minutes to the seaside
• Largely 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 price range. Listed here are some choices that gained’t break the financial institution:

1. Tru By Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin: With rooms beneath $150, this lodge is sort of an inexpensive place to remain in Jacksonville. They’ve a swimming pool and health middle as properly. Click here for details.

2. Cush Jax Baymeadows Ranch: If you happen to’re touring with your loved ones or a bunch, this home is spacious, reasonably priced, and has a gorgeous patio. Click here for details.

3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows: This lodge has lovely rooms, and an indoor swimming pool, and is conveniently situated, only a quick drive to Mandarin and different neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Click here for details.

Prime Issues To Do in Mandarin

Regardless of being a principally residential space, Mandarin has some attention-grabbing and enjoyable issues to do on a price range. Try my prime selections if you happen to’re within the neighborhood:

1. Walter Jones Historical 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 here for directions.

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 here for directions.

3. Breakout Games: Check your puzzle-solving expertise in an escape room! My associates and I did this one evening and had such a blast within the “Runaway Practice” room. Click here for directions.

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 strive:

1. Julington Creek Fish Camp: I completely love going to a fish camp, and this is likely one of the finest ones in Jacksonville. Their reasonably priced menu consists of grilled octopus, sandwiches, seafood platters, and extra. Get directions here.

2. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: This native chain is a good selection if you’re on a price range. My favourite objects are the chargrilled lamb, lemon rooster soup, and the spicy rooster gyro. Get directions here.

3. Clara’s Tidbits Restaurant Mandarin: One other native chain, this cafe is severely scrumptious. They’re recognized for his or her sandwiches but in addition have soups and salads as properly. Get directions here.

Suggestions About Staying in Jacksonville

After exploring Jacksonville for almost 5 years, I’ve realized some tips 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 doable.

Keep away from Rush Hour

Jacksonville has an expansive freeway system, nevertheless, the frenzy hour site visitors might be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads if you happen to can. It’s price checking on maps earlier than setting off to verify for high-traffic volumes alongside your meant route.

Name for Seasonal Costs

Many resorts 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 ebook as far prematurely as you’re in a position to.

All the time Deliver a Chair to the Seaside

Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is comfortable and excellent – however they may also be a bit windy. If you happen to’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you may get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or lease a seaside chair when you may to make your expertise extra comfy.

Cautious to Keep away from Tolls

A lot of Jacksonville freeways provide expressways to bypass site visitors in case you have a selected move. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the move, or you might find yourself with an undesirable invoice.

Summer season Bugs Are No Joke

If you happen to’re visiting throughout the moist, scorching summer season months, be sure you maintain some bug spray readily available. The mosquitoes round nightfall might be relentless.

FAQ’s About The place To Keep in Jacksonville

Listed here are some generally requested questions that I usually hear from my family and friends. After spending 5 years as a vacationer and one 12 months as a full-time resident of Jacksonville, I do know the town just like the again of my hand. I hope these solutions assist put together you in your keep:

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 enormous 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, take into account the way you wish to spend your time and resolve from there. You gained’t be upset with no matter space you select.