Nicknamed “The Bold City,” Jacksonville stretches along the St. Johns River and into 22 miles of Atlantic shoreline—making it the largest city by land area in the continental U.S. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1901, downtown brims with eclectic architecture, while leafy neighborhoods like Riverside/Avondale and San Marco show off stately homes and indie spots.

Nature is never far: explore the Timucuan Preserve, park-hop along the Intracoastal, or catch sunrise at Jacksonville Beach before a seafood feast of sweet, local Mayport shrimp. The cultural side shines too, from the Cummer Museum’s riverfront gardens to lively murals, craft breweries, and a dining scene that riffs on Southern staples with modern flair.

Getting around is easiest by car and parking is generally straightforward outside special events (like Jaguars home games). Pack sun protection year-round, expect warm afternoons most months, and plan for brief summer showers. This 2-day Jacksonville travel guide balances art, history, outdoors, and great food for an efficient and satisfying city-and-sea escape.

Jacksonville

Set your compass by the St. Johns River—flowing north, it carves the city into distinct districts. Downtown’s riverwalks link skyline views and public art, while Riverside/Avondale delivers oak-canopied streets and indie dining. Across the river, San Marco charms with Mediterranean Revival architecture and an old-world square anchored by the historic Theatre.

• Top sights: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays), Jacksonville Beach & Pier, Friendship Fountain, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Kingsley Plantation (Timucuan Preserve), Big Talbot Island’s “Boneyard” beach (short day-trip).
• Neighborhood flavors: Try Mayport shrimp at harbor-side shacks, hit Riverside for creative sandwiches and wood-fired fare, then sip craft beer in San Marco or a rooftop cocktail downtown.
• Fun fact: After the 1901 fire, world-class architects helped redesign downtown—look up to spot ornate façades and era-spanning detail.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Hotels (browse deals): Hotels.com — Jacksonville
• Vacation rentals: VRBO — Jacksonville
• Easy-in, shop-and-dine base: Tru by Hilton Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center (quick to dining, 15–20 minutes to beach).
• Upscale beach resorts (45–50 minutes north on Amelia Island): The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort—great if you want a pampered coastal base with spa and golf.

How to get there: Fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), about 20–25 minutes to downtown and 35–40 minutes to the beach. Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop domestic flights run ~1.5–3 hours from major hubs; roundtrips often range from budget to mid-tier pricing depending on season. Rideshares are plentiful; a car makes the most of beaches and preserves.

Day 1: Downtown Riverwalks, Art, and San Marco Flavors

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, caffeinate at Southern Grounds (San Marco or Neptune Beach) for excellent espresso and a flaky almond croissant. For a hearty local start, Maple Street Biscuit Company (multiple locations) serves fried-chicken biscuits with pepper-jelly heat and good coffee.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks for skyline views and the splash of Friendship Fountain. Art lovers can spend 60–90 minutes at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens—don’t miss the riverfront gardens and American paintings.

Sweet tooth or traveling with kids? Pop into Sweet Pete’s downtown for a short, behind-the-scenes treat: 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville.

Afterward, wander to nearby James Weldon Johnson Park for outdoor art and people-watching. Coffee break: Social Grounds (Springfield) roasts solid single-origin beans and supports veteran initiatives.

Evening: Taste your way through one of Jax’s most delicious districts on the San Marco Food Tour Culinary Journey in Jacksonville—sample creative plates, hear local lore, and spot Mediterranean Revival gems in the square.

Post-tour, sip a pint at Aardwolf Brewing Co. (award-winning sours and IPAs) or settle into The Parlour at Grape & Grain for classic cocktails in a moody speakeasy vibe. Prefer a rooftop? River & Post near Five Points pairs sunset views with coastal small plates.

Day 2: City Stories, Ortega River Thrills, and Beach Golden Hour

Morning: Explore downtown’s architecture, riverfront landmarks, and the city’s rebirth after the 1901 blaze on the Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville. It’s an efficient way to cover a lot—expect engaging stories, photo stops, and an overview of neighborhoods you’ll want to revisit.

For lunch, graze in Riverside: The Bread & Board turns out hearty porchetta sandwiches and shareable boards; Arepa Please does excellent Venezuelan arepas with crisp yuca fries.

Afternoon: Trade city streets for water speed on the Ortega River with a one-hour splash of adrenaline: 1 Hour Jet Ski Rental in Jacksonville, FL (Evolution Jetsports). It’s a fun way to see Jacksonville’s waterways from a fresh angle—no experience needed.

Prefer something low-key? Head to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for shaded trails, or the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens to meet manatees and big cats. If it’s Saturday, browse local makers and food stalls at the Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge.

Evening: Aim for golden hour at the beach. Stroll Jacksonville Beach or Neptune Beach, then grab a margarita with toes-in-sand vibes at The Pier Cantina (Jax Beach) or a sea-breeze cocktail atop the Casa Marina Hotel’s rooftop. For dinner: TacoLu (Jax Beach) is beloved for mahi tacos and a deep tequila list; seafood lovers can detour to Palm Valley Fish Camp (Ponte Vedra) for blackened catch and low-country sides.

Back downtown, cap the trip with a rooftop view at Cowford Chophouse or a local pint at Intuition Ale Works near the stadium district.

Add-on ideas and local tips:

• Beach sunrise is worth the early alarm—pair with a bacon-egg-cheddar biscuit at Maple Street or a donut flight from Mini Bar Donuts (Jax Beach).
• Mayport Village is your spot for dock-to-table seafood; Safe Harbor Seafood Market & Restaurant does the city’s signature Mayport shrimp right.
• Driving notes: JAX to Downtown ~20–25 minutes; to Jax Beach ~35–40 minutes. Downtown meters are enforced on weekdays; garages are abundant for evenings and weekends.
• What to pack: reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain shell (summer), breathable layers, and comfortable walking shoes. Reserve tours and popular restaurants in advance on weekends.

Book your essentials: Compare flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, then lock in stays via Hotels.com or VRBO. For a treat-yourself beach finish, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island or Omni Amelia Island Resort.

In two days, you’ll sample Jacksonville’s best: riverside art, historic neighborhoods, an afternoon on the water, and breezy beach sunsets. It’s a compact taste of a sprawling city—one that invites you back to dig deeper into its parks, preserves, and ever-evolving food scene.