Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Jacksonville?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Jacksonville?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Jacksonville during their visit. After all, the vibrant 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Jacksonville?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Jacksonville has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Jacksonville as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the restaurant scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for . We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville ($96)
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach ($145)
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer ($55)
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.
After you've explored most of Jacksonville, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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 2 weeks enough time in Jacksonville?
Two weeks 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 2 weeks in Jacksonville
With 2 weeks in Jacksonville, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and experiencing the city's neighborhoods. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach ($145)
- Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure ($45)
- Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure ($55)
- 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure ($125)
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek ($36)
More Info
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