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

Soar To: The place To Keep in Jacksonville | Neighbourhoods & Areas | Suggestions | FAQs

Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville generally is a robust choice. In spite of everything, it is a large metropolis within the USA. From fashionable seashore cities to bustling nightlife vibes, the Jacksonville space actually has all of it. It’s excellent for households, {couples}, adventurers, and everybody in between.

After I first moved to Jax, it took me just a few months to get my bearings and wrap my head across the completely different areas of town. However as soon as I did, I noticed simply how distinctive, enjoyable, and charming Jacksonville actually is. Every neighborhood presents one thing completely different.

Jacksonville is the biggest metropolis by land mass within the decrease 48 states, so there’s numerous floor to cowl. Deciding the place to remain in Jacksonville can really feel overwhelming and complicated as a result of its measurement – 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

Searching for nice meals? Jacksonville has a neighborhood for that. A calming seashore getaway? You’ll find that too. A bustling, hip space with bars and galleries? Yep, Jax has it. Listed below are a number of 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 one in all my favourite areas in the whole metropolis. It’s acquired just a little little bit of all the pieces for guests of all ages, and the sprawling seashore is postcard-worthy.

You’ll discover bars, eating places, nightlife, and purchasing in Jacksonville Seaside, and it’s only a brief drive to downtown Jacksonville if you wish to spend a day on the museums or a Jags sport. This little part of city presents each continuous enjoyable or whole rest – relying on the way you play it.

Professionals of Staying in Jacksonville Seaside

• 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 Seaside

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

Finest Locations to Keep in Jacksonville Seaside

Listed below are a number of the finest motels in Jacksonville Seaside – personal stays are additionally included:

1. Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Seaside Oceanfront: Situated 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 all the pieces. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Jacksonville Seaside Residence: In your first time in Jax Seaside, why not deal with your self to a complete dwelling? This attractive house is only a brief stroll to the seashore, eating places, and bars. Should you’re searching for an additional layer of luxurious, you’ll be able to even organize your individual personal chef. Click on right here for particulars.

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

Prime Issues To Do in Jacksonville Seaside

There’s no scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in Jacksonville Seaside – 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. Seaside Life Leases: A keep on the seashore isn’t full and not using a bike cruise or a day practising your SUP abilities. At Seaside Life Leases, you’ll be able to 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 Seaside with a guided ghost tour. You’ll take a strolling tour of a number of the most haunted websites on this unassuming beachside city and study so much about its previous alongside the best way. Click on right here to study extra and guide.

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 below are a number of 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 a number of the finest. In addition they have a incredible cocktail bar that makes a deliciously excellent 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 persons are carrying ‘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. Discover instructions right here.

3. Maple Avenue Biscuit Firm: 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 a terrific place to gasoline up for a day of exploration. Discover instructions right 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 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 throughout the day
• 20-minute drive to the seashore
• Parking will 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 below are those I all the time advocate to family and friends:

1. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront: A stunning riverfront view? Sure, please! How a couple of 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: Should 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 incredible choice is positioned simply over the walkable bridge from downtown. They’ve an out of doors pool, a riverfront view, and two eating places. Click on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in Downtown

Downtown Jacksonville is a mecca for all issues arts, tradition, and nightlife. Listed below are a number of the spots that may’t be missed:

1. MOCA (Museum of Modern Artwork): Earlier than you head out in town at night time, you’ll wish to spend just a few hours at MOCA. With greater than 500 artists representing over 1,000 artworks, it’s undoubtedly 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 a number of the finest power, 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 among the finest neighborhoods in Jacksonville to search out mouthwatering meals and completely crafted cocktails. Listed below 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 value each greenback. Strive 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 excellent Previous Normal. Get instructions right here.

3. Delusion Nightclub: Delusion is the only option for late-night dancing and drinks. They’ve a quiet cocktail bar for dialog, an out of doors terrace, and a high-energy membership. Get instructions right 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 timber lining the slender, cobblestone downtown streets. There are tons of nice eating places, cool bars, and stylish boutiques. Plus, the seashore itself presents the perfect place for sunbathing all day.

Professionals of Staying in Neptune Seaside

• Plenty of scrumptious meals choices
• Cool bars (together with the oldest in Jacksonville, extra on that under)
• Stylish and hip boutiques and galleries
• Stunning seashore
• Quiet at night time

Cons of Staying in Neptune Seaside

• 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 Seaside

With the larger Jacksonville Seaside as its neighboring neighborhood, most motels are positioned there. Nevertheless, listed below are some cool locations to remain in Neptune Seaside (or inside strolling distance):

1. One Ocean Resort and Spa: Should you’re seeking to splurge and spoil your self, that is the spot to remain. This attractive beachfront resort encompasses a beautiful pool, incredible 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 excellent seaside really feel. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Beachfront Getaway: Should you’d choose to hire a complete dwelling, 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.

Prime Issues To Do in Neptune Seaside

Regardless that I don’t stay close to Neptune Seaside, I make it a degree to go to the realm at the least as soon as a month. Listed below are a few of my favourite suggestions:

1. BrewHound Canine Park and Bar: Every time I go to Neptune Seaside, I carry my pup and head to BrewHound. This wonderful spot is a spot the place you’ll be able to let your canine run free on astroturf with different canine when 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 Seaside 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 completely 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 if you happen to’re unskilled (like myself), you’ll be able to take classes for each. Click on right here for instructions.

The place to Eat and Drink in Neptune Seaside

Neptune Seaside is dwelling to a few of my favourite eating places in all of Jax. Should you’re within the space and looking for out elevated and inventive delicacies – you place these spots in your radar:

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

2. Mezza Luna: Should you’re searching for one thing just a little extra upscale, this Italian restaurant is a divine alternative. Strive their contemporary pappardelle with braised brief 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 stay music and DJs. Get instructions right here.

San Marco (Finest Space for Foodies)

I don’t learn about you, however typically I base my journey plans solely round meals. Should 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 significantly 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
• Plenty 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 search out parking

Finest Locations to Keep in San Marco

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

1. Hilton Backyard Inn Jacksonville Downtown Southbank: Situated within the coronary heart of San Marco, this resort is inside strolling distance of all the pieces chances are you’ll wish to see throughout your keep. It additionally has a terrific 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 just a little longer of a stroll to the middle of San Marco however continues to be very shut. Click on right here for particulars.

3. Farmhouse by the River: This lovely dwelling 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 on right here for particulars.

Prime Issues To Do in San Marco

In fact, meals is the primary focus of the San Marco space, but it surely additionally has much more to supply. Positively verify these concepts out if you happen to’re within the space:

1. Self-Guided Artwork Stroll Tour: The San Marco space of Jacksonville is dwelling to plenty of lovely and eccentric road artwork and murals. Spend the day cruising across the neighborhood and taking Instagram-worthy photos. 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 trip by means of the neighborhood with a educated information. Click on right here to study extra and guide.

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 one of the best locations. Click on right here to study extra and guide.

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 arduous to decide on one of the best 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 fantastically offered and scrumptious Spanish tapas dishes, alongside a incredible wine choice. Get instructions right here.

2. Rue Saint-Marc: French eating at its most interesting is what you’ll discover at this pretty 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 checklist to die for. Their pleased hour is one in all my favorites within the south Jacksonville space. Get instructions right here.

Mandarin (Finest Place in Jacksonville on a Price range)

Generally, that you must journey on a funds. 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 numerous 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)
• Stunning 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 that you may keep on a funds. Listed below 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 middle as effectively. Click on right here for particulars.

2. Cush Jax Baymeadows Ranch: Should you’re touring with your loved ones or a bunch, this home is spacious, reasonably priced, and has a good looking 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 brief drive to Mandarin and different neighborhoods in Jacksonville. Click on right here for particulars.

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 funds. Try my prime selections if you happen to’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 study concerning the space’s historical past within the Civil Conflict. 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 search out. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Breakout Video games: Take a look at your puzzle-solving abilities in an escape room! My associates 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 strive:

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

2. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe: This native chain is a superb alternative whenever you’re on a funds. 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 significantly 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 potential.

Keep away from Rush Hour

Jacksonville has an expansive freeway system, nevertheless, the push hour site visitors will be brutal. Keep away from these morning and afternoon commute hours on the roads if you happen to can. It’s value checking on maps earlier than setting off to verify for high-traffic volumes alongside your meant 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 guide as far prematurely as you’re capable of.

At all times Deliver a Chair to the Seaside

Jacksonville Seashores are completely lovely, and the sand is gentle and ideal – however they can be a bit windy. Should you’re laying on only a towel or blanket, you may get sand whipped in your face. Purchase or hire a seashore chair when you’ll be able to to make your expertise extra comfy.

Cautious to Keep away from Tolls

Plenty of Jacksonville freeways supply expressways to bypass site visitors when you’ve got a particular cross. Watch out to not entry these expressways with out the cross, or you could possibly find yourself with an undesirable invoice.

Summer season Bugs Are No Joke

Should you’re visiting throughout the moist, scorching summer time months, make sure to hold some bug spray readily available. The mosquitoes round nightfall will be relentless.

FAQ’s About The place To Keep in Jacksonville

Listed below are some generally requested questions that I typically 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 town just like the again of my hand. I hope these solutions assist put together you to your keep:

In Conclusion

Every neighborhood of Jacksonville has one thing distinctive to supply – it’s one of many many the 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 determine from there. You gained’t be upset with no matter space you select.