Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jacksonville?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jacksonville?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Jacksonville during their visit. After all, the lively city has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the restaurant scene.

Located in northeastern Florida, Jacksonville has a young population and a fun atmosphere. While it's often overlooked by tourists, the city has a lot to offer. There are fascinating museums, relaxing beaches, and a local food scene with unique flavors.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Jacksonville? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Jacksonville?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Jacksonville. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the restaurant scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the lively city.

How to spend 3 days in Jacksonville

The beautiful beaches await you in Jacksonville, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

A few tour suggestions include:

Kid-Friendly Beach Rides ($35)
Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek ($60)
Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida ($48)

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

The public transit in Jacksonville is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Jacksonville, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Shopping in Jacksonville is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Jacksonville.

Is 4 days enough time in Jacksonville?

Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Jacksonville, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The beaches, the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Jacksonville as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

Jacksonville, Florida

How to spend 4 days in Jacksonville

With 4 days in Jacksonville, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Jacksonville is Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Jacksonville?

Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Jacksonville has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 5 days in Jacksonville

If you have more than 5 days in Jacksonville, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Jacksonville is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's one of the larger cities in Florida and it has some distinct and unique neighborhoods to explore.