A local's guide to Jacksonville
Activities
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great way for animal lovers to get out of the house and enjoy an adventure. Personally, I love the interactive experiences offered such as giraffe feedings, stingray touch pool, lorakeet feeding, and 4D theatre. Right now, the baby gorillas Kevin and Ghandi as well as the new giraffe additions have my heart.
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Zoológico y Jardines de Jacksonville
370 Zoo PkwyThe Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great way for animal lovers to get out of the house and enjoy an adventure. Personally, I love the interactive experiences offered such as giraffe feedings, stingray touch pool, lorakeet feeding, and 4D theatre. Right now, the baby gorillas Kevin and Ghandi as well as the new giraffe additions have my heart.
Topgolf
10531 Brightman BlvdThis is a great place to enjoy fun with friends or family.
Just a short 2 minute walk from Lakeshore Leisure Club.
Four full bars throughout the facility with a variety of spirits, local craft, domestic and import brews. The bowling alley has 12 bowling lanes, featuring a DJ curated high energy music video playlist and light show on weekend nights complete with dance club style sound system.
Plus a craft pizza kitchen serving lunch and dinner daily, with dough imported fresh from Brooklyn, NY.
Karaoke five nights per week in a bar overlooking the brewing facility. A great place to watch any game with 5 large HD projection screens and 26 HD TVs throughout the venue with booming surround sound.
Nostalgic atmosphere with vintage signs, motorcycles, bikes, car parts, beer advertisements, and even a vintage gas pump.
The Phoenix Bar & Bowling
2600 Blanding BlvdJust a short 2 minute walk from Lakeshore Leisure Club.
Four full bars throughout the facility with a variety of spirits, local craft, domestic and import brews. The bowling alley has 12 bowling lanes, featuring a DJ curated high energy music video playlist and light show on weekend nights complete with dance club style sound system.
Plus a craft pizza kitchen serving lunch and dinner daily, with dough imported fresh from Brooklyn, NY.
Karaoke five nights per week in a bar overlooking the brewing facility. A great place to watch any game with 5 large HD projection screens and 26 HD TVs throughout the venue with booming surround sound.
Nostalgic atmosphere with vintage signs, motorcycles, bikes, car parts, beer advertisements, and even a vintage gas pump.
This is a book nerd's paradise. You'll walk through aisles piled high with all kinds of old and new books. It's almost like going through a maze of books. The staff is really friendly and always happy to help you find whatever you are looking for.
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Chamblin Bookmine
4551 Roosevelt BlvdThis is a book nerd's paradise. You'll walk through aisles piled high with all kinds of old and new books. It's almost like going through a maze of books. The staff is really friendly and always happy to help you find whatever you are looking for.
Historic local winery in the country's oldest city, St. Augustine. Take the tour and enjoy a glass on the rooftop!
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San Sebastian Winery
157 King StHistoric local winery in the country's oldest city, St. Augustine. Take the tour and enjoy a glass on the rooftop!
Florida alligators, snakes, etc. Great place to visit if you're new to FL or if you have children with you.
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Parque Zoológico de la Granja de Cocodrilos de St. Augustine
999 Anastasia BlvdFlorida alligators, snakes, etc. Great place to visit if you're new to FL or if you have children with you.
MOSH
1025 Museum CirI love the dinosaur exhibit!
Known for its large exterior sculptures, fine art, and gorgeous garden overlooking the St. John's River, the Cummer is a local favorite! Don't miss out on their Sunset Picnic in the Garden Event hosted weekly. You will need to book this in advance. <This weekly event allows for an opportunity to relax in the beautiful riverfront gardens and enjoy a picnic provided by the Cummer Café. Picnics can be created for one ($25) or two guests ($40), and must be ordered in advance. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required to ensure capacity limits and social distancing.>
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The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
829 Riverside AveKnown for its large exterior sculptures, fine art, and gorgeous garden overlooking the St. John's River, the Cummer is a local favorite! Don't miss out on their Sunset Picnic in the Garden Event hosted weekly. You will need to book this in advance. <This weekly event allows for an opportunity to relax in the beautiful riverfront gardens and enjoy a picnic provided by the Cummer Café. Picnics can be created for one ($25) or two guests ($40), and must be ordered in advance. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required to ensure capacity limits and social distancing.>
Located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, this museum displays the contemporary side of our city.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
333 N Laura StLocated in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, this museum displays the contemporary side of our city.
The St. John's Town Center has it all! It is an outdoor mall with shops, restaurants, escape rooms, etc. The traffic gets a bit crazy, so pack your patience!
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St Johns Town Center
4663 River City DrThe St. John's Town Center has it all! It is an outdoor mall with shops, restaurants, escape rooms, etc. The traffic gets a bit crazy, so pack your patience!
This is a great place to hang out with the pup or drop them off for daycare or boarding. The cafe boasts both indoor and outdoor play parks as well as craft beer and coffee. Staff is always in the play areas supervising, so you can relax a little and enjoy time with friends.
Side note, Tim Tebo and his wife Demi take their 3 dogs here.... just FYI. :)
Kanine Social
580 College StThis is a great place to hang out with the pup or drop them off for daycare or boarding. The cafe boasts both indoor and outdoor play parks as well as craft beer and coffee. Staff is always in the play areas supervising, so you can relax a little and enjoy time with friends.
Side note, Tim Tebo and his wife Demi take their 3 dogs here.... just FYI. :)
This doggie boutique offers treats, toys, and fun accessories not found elsewhere. Located in 5 Points, it is in the center of all the action. Along with it's retail items, BARK offers boarding, daycare, and is connected with local dog trainers.
BARK
1021 Park StThis doggie boutique offers treats, toys, and fun accessories not found elsewhere. Located in 5 Points, it is in the center of all the action. Along with it's retail items, BARK offers boarding, daycare, and is connected with local dog trainers.
Neighborhoods
If you're looking for great eats, try Avondale, less than 10 minutes away from the Lakeshore Leisure Club.
Breakfast may find you at the Fox diner or Southern Grounds.
For lunch, try Brick, Mellow Mushroom, Pie Bar, or Sushiko Japanese.
For a birthday, special event, or just a nice night out, Biscottis is one of my top favorites! While their dinners are amazing, the real reason I go is for the cake. Biscottis is well-known in Jacksonville for their decadent desserts. The carrot cake or Reeses mousse pie are top of my list.
Any finally, don't forget about your furry friends. Make sure that you stop by Woof Gang Dog Bakery to get your furry kids a special treat.
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Avondale
If you're looking for great eats, try Avondale, less than 10 minutes away from the Lakeshore Leisure Club.
Breakfast may find you at the Fox diner or Southern Grounds.
For lunch, try Brick, Mellow Mushroom, Pie Bar, or Sushiko Japanese.
For a birthday, special event, or just a nice night out, Biscottis is one of my top favorites! While their dinners are amazing, the real reason I go is for the cake. Biscottis is well-known in Jacksonville for their decadent desserts. The carrot cake or Reeses mousse pie are top of my list.
Any finally, don't forget about your furry friends. Make sure that you stop by Woof Gang Dog Bakery to get your furry kids a special treat.
Ortega is one of the older neighborhoods in Jacksonville that boasts beautiful parks, scenic river views, and great eats!
Ortega Park is a great place to launch kayaks or even just watch the sunrise or set on the Jacksonville skyline.
Ortega
Ortega is one of the older neighborhoods in Jacksonville that boasts beautiful parks, scenic river views, and great eats!
Ortega Park is a great place to launch kayaks or even just watch the sunrise or set on the Jacksonville skyline.
Murray Hill is an eclectic part of Jax where you'll find great food, cute shops, and amazing street art.
One of our favorites places to grab breakfast or baked goods is Community Loaves. They have never disappointed me with any of their bakery items. If you're lucky, you may be able to grab a slice of their cake or even a bouquet of locally grown flowers from Down to Earth Farms.
For lunch, we love Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken. Be careful about the spice level that you choose, even medium is a bit spicy!
Vagabond Coffee is another favorite with pour overs, cortados, traditional macchiatos, etc. Pretty much you're classic hipster coffee.
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Murray Hill
Murray Hill is an eclectic part of Jax where you'll find great food, cute shops, and amazing street art.
One of our favorites places to grab breakfast or baked goods is Community Loaves. They have never disappointed me with any of their bakery items. If you're lucky, you may be able to grab a slice of their cake or even a bouquet of locally grown flowers from Down to Earth Farms.
For lunch, we love Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken. Be careful about the spice level that you choose, even medium is a bit spicy!
Vagabond Coffee is another favorite with pour overs, cortados, traditional macchiatos, etc. Pretty much you're classic hipster coffee.
Riverside is where you will find great food, drinks, shops, art, museums, etc.
If you're in town on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Riverside Arts Market. Here you'll meet the heart of Jacksonville's farmers, artists, and makers of all things. It's a great place to take the family or pets as you walk from booth to booth. Typically, there is live music, and it is right on the St John's River. There is no admissions cost.
Just a minute walk away from RAM, you'll find the Cummer Art Museum and Garden. The Cummer is well-known in Jax for their outdoor sculptures, fine art, and gorgeous river-view garden.
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Riverside
Riverside is where you will find great food, drinks, shops, art, museums, etc.
If you're in town on a Saturday, be sure to check out the Riverside Arts Market. Here you'll meet the heart of Jacksonville's farmers, artists, and makers of all things. It's a great place to take the family or pets as you walk from booth to booth. Typically, there is live music, and it is right on the St John's River. There is no admissions cost.
Just a minute walk away from RAM, you'll find the Cummer Art Museum and Garden. The Cummer is well-known in Jax for their outdoor sculptures, fine art, and gorgeous river-view garden.
Five Points is where a ton of the action lives. From food, coffee, bars, shops, and tattoos, you'll find it all here!
Some personal food favorites are Crane Ramen, Hovans Greek Restaurant, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, and Corner Taco.
Brew at Five Points is a great classic coffee shop with a twist. If you like iced coffee, you should try their lavender cold brew. Their tacos and breakfast items are also a real hit!
If you're looking for your next tattoo, 8th Day is the place to go. Jacksonville is a heavily tattooed community thanks to Graham and his team. I will never get ink anywhere else.
Midnight Sun is a cool shop with imported goods and lots of incense and hippie style items. This is somewhere you can get great souvenirs. You can find great gems and stones, clothes, bath items, etc.
Motion Sweets is great for dessert with their amazing French macarons made locally.
Don't forget the entertainment! Sun Ray Movie Theatre is a classic spot in Jacksonville. It is the most unique movie theatre I've ever been to with unusual snacks and food ordered and brought to you within the theatre. Along with new releases, they also play a lot of smaller, local films.
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Five Points
1053 Park StFive Points is where a ton of the action lives. From food, coffee, bars, shops, and tattoos, you'll find it all here!
Some personal food favorites are Crane Ramen, Hovans Greek Restaurant, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, and Corner Taco.
Brew at Five Points is a great classic coffee shop with a twist. If you like iced coffee, you should try their lavender cold brew. Their tacos and breakfast items are also a real hit!
If you're looking for your next tattoo, 8th Day is the place to go. Jacksonville is a heavily tattooed community thanks to Graham and his team. I will never get ink anywhere else.
Midnight Sun is a cool shop with imported goods and lots of incense and hippie style items. This is somewhere you can get great souvenirs. You can find great gems and stones, clothes, bath items, etc.
Motion Sweets is great for dessert with their amazing French macarons made locally.
Don't forget the entertainment! Sun Ray Movie Theatre is a classic spot in Jacksonville. It is the most unique movie theatre I've ever been to with unusual snacks and food ordered and brought to you within the theatre. Along with new releases, they also play a lot of smaller, local films.
Food scene
Orsay is a Frech style restaurant that is sure to impress! While it is perfect for an event, large party, or even a dinner date, they are always welcoming.
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Restaurant Orsay
3630 Park StOrsay is a Frech style restaurant that is sure to impress! While it is perfect for an event, large party, or even a dinner date, they are always welcoming.
This is a great place for brunch, drinks, or a nice dinner out. I recommend sitting on their rooftop so that you can get a great view of the city. Sunset is the perfect time to stop in, but it will be busy on weekends, so make a reservation if possible.
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Black Sheep Restaurant
1534 Oak StThis is a great place for brunch, drinks, or a nice dinner out. I recommend sitting on their rooftop so that you can get a great view of the city. Sunset is the perfect time to stop in, but it will be busy on weekends, so make a reservation if possible.
If you're looking for a fine dining experience, this is the place to go. If you're feeling adventurous, I recommend selecting their chef's tasting menu. You will be served a multi-course dinner of the chef's choice. They can, however, take into account your allergies or specific likes and dislikes, but you will not be selecting your courses yourself. They do have a fantastic traditional style menu if you're not up for the chef's adventure.
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Matthew's Restaurant
2107 Hendricks AveIf you're looking for a fine dining experience, this is the place to go. If you're feeling adventurous, I recommend selecting their chef's tasting menu. You will be served a multi-course dinner of the chef's choice. They can, however, take into account your allergies or specific likes and dislikes, but you will not be selecting your courses yourself. They do have a fantastic traditional style menu if you're not up for the chef's adventure.
Their main meals are great, but the real reason I go here is for their cake! When you enter the restaurant, you'll see a glass case filled with ~20 different dessert options all made in house. Personally, I cannot leave without a slice of their decadent layered carrot cake. My husband usually opts for their Reese mousse pie. This is a must-visit, even if only for dessert.
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Biscottis
3556 St Johns AveTheir main meals are great, but the real reason I go here is for their cake! When you enter the restaurant, you'll see a glass case filled with ~20 different dessert options all made in house. Personally, I cannot leave without a slice of their decadent layered carrot cake. My husband usually opts for their Reese mousse pie. This is a must-visit, even if only for dessert.
BB's is a great place to go for drinks and dinner. It is owned and operated by the same people who own Biscotti's, so if you read my review on Biscotti's, you know that their cake and desserts are to die for. Just like Biscotti's, BB's has the iconic glass case overflowing with desserts.
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bb's restaurant and bar
1019 Hendricks AveBB's is a great place to go for drinks and dinner. It is owned and operated by the same people who own Biscotti's, so if you read my review on Biscotti's, you know that their cake and desserts are to die for. Just like Biscotti's, BB's has the iconic glass case overflowing with desserts.
If you like curry, especially the really aromatic spicy curries, I recommend trying their Vindaloo. It comes with pork, but I usually order it with either chicken or just veggies instead. I'm never disappointed!
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Foo Dog Curry Traders
869 Stockton StIf you like curry, especially the really aromatic spicy curries, I recommend trying their Vindaloo. It comes with pork, but I usually order it with either chicken or just veggies instead. I'm never disappointed!
Southern Roots is a restaurant that I have been going to for years now. JP and his wife Mariah own it and I have seen them expand their business over the years. They focus on vegetarian and vegan options and always have solid coffee and teas as well.
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Southern Roots Filling Station
1275 King StSouthern Roots is a restaurant that I have been going to for years now. JP and his wife Mariah own it and I have seen them expand their business over the years. They focus on vegetarian and vegan options and always have solid coffee and teas as well.
This is one of our favorite casual lunch places. If you're into BBQ, this is your place. Their brisket, beef ribs, and baked jalapenos are our favorites!
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The Bearded Pig
1808 Kings AvenueThis is one of our favorite casual lunch places. If you're into BBQ, this is your place. Their brisket, beef ribs, and baked jalapenos are our favorites!
This is a great casual favorite for thin crust pizza. I usually go for their white pizza. It's also a great place to watch the game.
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Moon River Pizza
1176 Edgewood Ave SThis is a great casual favorite for thin crust pizza. I usually go for their white pizza. It's also a great place to watch the game.
Always go for their burgers! I recommend getting the mushroom and swiss burger with blue cheese instead of swiss. Their blue cheese fries are incredible too.
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Loop Pizza Grill
211 3rd StAlways go for their burgers! I recommend getting the mushroom and swiss burger with blue cheese instead of swiss. Their blue cheese fries are incredible too.
This is a great place to hang out with a cup of coffee or tea. This is your classic hipster coffee shop with anything from Cortados to pour over coffee and everything in between. Most of their baked goods are provided by Community Loaves, another favorite of mine. They rotate out their art on a regular basis, all coming from local artists.
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Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
869 Stockton StThis is a great place to hang out with a cup of coffee or tea. This is your classic hipster coffee shop with anything from Cortados to pour over coffee and everything in between. Most of their baked goods are provided by Community Loaves, another favorite of mine. They rotate out their art on a regular basis, all coming from local artists.
Maple Street is a local favorite, known for their breakfast biscuit sandwhiches. Their "Squacking Goat" is a fan fav.
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Maple Street Biscuit Company- Murray Hill
1171 Edgewood Ave SMaple Street is a local favorite, known for their breakfast biscuit sandwhiches. Their "Squacking Goat" is a fan fav.
I recommend breakfast or lunch here. Some of my personal favorites are their chicken and waffles with strawberry butter, or their Buffalo Chicken salad (this one is no longer on their menu, but they'll make it for you if you ask). They can get busy, so a reservation is recommended if you don't want to wait.
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Metro Diner
3302 Hendricks AveI recommend breakfast or lunch here. Some of my personal favorites are their chicken and waffles with strawberry butter, or their Buffalo Chicken salad (this one is no longer on their menu, but they'll make it for you if you ask). They can get busy, so a reservation is recommended if you don't want to wait.
Quirky coffee shop with great espresso drinks and pour overs. Their homemade poptarts are excellent!
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Vagabond Coffee
934 Edgewood Ave SQuirky coffee shop with great espresso drinks and pour overs. Their homemade poptarts are excellent!
The chicken is great and SPICY! I recommend going for a medium spice. Also, try the loaded fries!
Huey's Nashville Hot Chicken
1173 Edgewood Ave SThe chicken is great and SPICY! I recommend going for a medium spice. Also, try the loaded fries!
Ice Plant Bar
110 Riberia StFarm to table fare in historic St. Augustine
The Alibi
1176 Edgewood Ave SSightseeing
Ponte Vedra Beach
This is a clean beach to visit with nice shops.
A great clean beach! I find shark teeth here on a regular basis!
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Mickler's Landing
County Road 203A great clean beach! I find shark teeth here on a regular basis!
This is a local favorite place to see the St. John's River. The fountain and sculpture is iconic! I suggest bringing a picnic and eating it on the green.
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Parque Memorial
1620 Riverside AveThis is a local favorite place to see the St. John's River. The fountain and sculpture is iconic! I suggest bringing a picnic and eating it on the green.
Great place to walk and feed the ducks. There is a playground as well for children, and the park backs up to the John Gorrie Dog park.
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Riverside Park
753 Park StGreat place to walk and feed the ducks. There is a playground as well for children, and the park backs up to the John Gorrie Dog park.
Consejos para la ciudad
No te lo pierdas
First Wednesday Art Walk
Don't miss Art Walk the first Wednesday night of every month! It is a collection of artists, makers, food trucks, live music, street shows, etc. It is located at 135 W. Monroe St. I usually recommend parking in San Marco near the MOSH and taking the skyway over the St. Johns (only about a 7 minute free ride) and getting off at the Hogan St exit. This will drop you right in all of the Art Walk action. There is no charge to attend.
Skyway runs every 4-8 minutes. My recommended route is SAN MARCO STATION @ MARY ST. & SAN MARCO BLVD. to JAMES WELDON JOHNSON PARK STATION @ HOGAN ST. & MONROE ST.
Costumbres y cultura
Jacksonville is a running community!
If you are a runner, you will feel at home here. With numerous parks and trails offering river views, Jax residents have taken advantage of these opportunities to get out and run! One of my favorite spots is to run the bridges downtown. With dedicated running/walking paths, this allows you to get great views of the city and the St John's. I usually loop the Acosta and Main St bridges. Keep and eye out for DOLPHINS too as you can regularly spot them in the St. John's, especially between 11am and 2pm.