Activities & Restaurants
Things to Do in Jacksonville
Nestled in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is a dynamic city that beckons students with its unique blend of culture, stunning beaches, and outdoor opportunities. As you embark on your Jacksonville journey, this guide will help you uncover the city's hidden gems, exciting activities, and delectable dining options. Whether you're interested in exploring museums, basking in the sun, or savoring international cuisines, Jacksonville has something for every discerning palate and adventurer at heart.
Information below is pulled from individual experiences as well as organizations like Visit Jacksonville, 904 Happy Hour, City of Jacksonville, and City of Jacksonville Beach.
Neighborhoods of Jacksonville
The guide below is organized by neighborhood and overall distance from JU for easier planning!
Arlington
Settled by Europeans back in the 1564, Arlington boasts a rich historical past that
history enthusiasts will appreciate when exploring places such as the Fort Caroline
National Memorial. Additionally, Arlington provides a diverse range of opportunities
for shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. This is the neighborhood
JU is apart of!
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Donut Shoppe (Cash Only) | 2 minutes |
| Grounds of Grace | 2 minutes |
| Wally’s Gyros & Subs | 3 minutes |
| Spices Caribbean Restaurant | 4 minutes |
| Tabouleh Mediterranean Café | 5 minutes |
| Rice & Noodles | 10 minutes |
| The Baker’s Son | 18 minutes |
| Catullo’s Italian | 21 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | 10 minutes |
| AMC Regency 24 | 12 minutes |
| Regency Square Mall | 12 minutes |
| Alhambra Theatre & Dining | 16 minutes |
| Fort Caroline National Memorial | 17 minutes |
Beaches & Mayport
Jacksonville is home to 68 miles of ocean coastline, has the longest stretch of the
St. Johns River in the state of Florida at 300 miles, and is the birthplace of the
Salt Life movement. Beach Blvd and Atlantic Blvd boasts a fantastic selection of dining
options in Jacksonville, making it a go-to destination for delicious eats.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Kung Fu Tea | 18 minutes |
| Hong Kong Bistro & Dim Sum | 21 minutes |
| TacoLu | 25 minutes |
| Dockside Seafood Restaurant | 27 minutes |
| North Beach Fish Camp | 28 minutes |
| O-Ku | 30 minutes |
ACTIVITIES |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park | 24 minutes |
| Springing the Blues Festival (April) | 27 minutes |
| 904 Pop-Up at the Seawalk Pavilion | 27 minutes |
| Jacksonville Beach & Pier | 27 minutes |
| Neptune Beach | 29 minutes |
| Atlantic Beach | 29 minutes |
| Jacksonville Beach Pier | 30 minutes |
Southside
The Southside has blossomed into a vibrant and bustling hub of entertainment, shopping,
and dining that has become the city's premier destination for all things upscale and
trendy.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Culhane’s Irish Pub | 17 minutes |
| Maggiano's Little Italy | 18 minutes |
| DOMU | 18 minutes |
| Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse | 18 minutes |
| Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant | 18 minutes |
| Mission BBQ | 18 minutes |
| Soupa Noodle Bar | 19 minutes |
| The French Pantry | 21 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| St. John's Town Center | 18 minutes |
| Costco Wholesale | 18 minutes |
| The Escape Game Jacksonville | 18 minutes |
| Topgolf | 18 minutes |
| IKEA | 20 minutes |
| Flight Adventure Park Jacksonville | 22 minutes |
| Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events | 24 minutes |
| Breakout Games - Jacksonville | 27 minutes |
Mandarin
Once called "a tropical paradise" by author and notable resident Harriet Beecher Stowe,
Mandarin is known for its history, ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss, parks,
marinas and water views. In 1830, Mandarin was named after the mandarin orange by
Calvin Reed, a prominent resident of the area.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Le Petit Paris Café | 33 minutes |
| Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro | 33 minutes |
| Julington Creek Fish Camp | 36 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Trader Joe's | 31 minutes |
| A Day At Walter Jones Historical Park | 32 minutes |
| About 35 minutes |
San Marco
Explore the unique boutiques and art galleries of San Marco, and savor the vibrant
dining scene featuring numerous outdoor cafe options. Be sure to visit the San Marco
fountain adorned with majestic lions, symbolizing the neighborhood's connection to
Venice, Italy's commercial hub. It is home to several of Jacksonville's craft breweries.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| The Bearded Pig | 16 mintues |
| The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille | 16 minutes |
| Southern Grounds & Co. | 16 minutes |
| European Street Cafe | 16 minutes |
| Taverna | 18 minutes |
| Fuji Sushi | 18 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Museum Of Science & History (MOSH) | 12 minutes |
| Southbank Riverwalk | 13 minutes |
| Balis Park | 18 minutes |
| San Marco Historic Neighborhood Tour | 18 minutes |
Riverside & Avondale
Explore the delightful tree-shaded avenues of Riverside & Avondale, known for their
fantastic dining options, antique shops, lively bars, and stylish boutiques. Riverside,
a neighborhood with a rich history and a spot on the National Register of Historic
Places, stands as one of Jacksonville's most historic and hip locales.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Greenhouse Bar & Coffeeshop | 15 minutes |
| River & Post | 17 minutes |
| Hawkers Asian Street Food | 18 minutes |
| Al's Pizza | 18 minutes |
| Cool Moose Café | 22 minutes |
| Iguana on Park | 22 minutes |
| Blue Fish Restaurant & Oyster Bar | 22 minutes |
| Brick Restaurant | 22 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Riverside Arts Market (Saturdays Only) | 16 minutes |
| Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens | 16 minutes |
| Memorial Park | 18 minutes |
| Boone Park | 22 minutes |
Ortega
Its riverside charm, historic ambiance, and proximity to downtown offer a unique blend
of relaxation and city life. With scenic views, parks, and a welcoming community,
Ortega provides a peaceful yet vibrant environment for visitors to step back into
time and explore the areas of history within the community.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| mesa | 23 minutes |
| J.L.Trent's Seafood & Grill | 29 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Chamblin Bookmine | 24 minutes |
| Stinson Park | 25 minutes |
| Stockton Park | 26 minutes |
Westside
Home of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the Westside is the birthplace of the Blue
Angels, the U.S. Navy’s world-renowned flight demonstration team. The area boasts
a diverse community and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a desirable
place to live.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Soul Food Bistro | 23 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail | 31 minutes |
| Camp Milton Historic Preserve | 33 minutes |
| NAS Jax Air Show (mid-October) | 34 minutes |
Murray Hill
Murray Hill has become one of Jacksonville's trendiest neighborhoods, thanks to its
vibrant local art scene, delectable cuisine, craft beer offerings, and a community
of local artists.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Moon River Pizza | 20 minutes |
| flamingo coffee | 20 minutes |
| Community Loaves | 20 minutes |
| Vagabond Coffee | 20 minutes |
| Dreamette Ice Cream | 21 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Axe Champs | 20 minutes |
| Murray Hill Theatre | 21 minuts |
Downtown & Brooklyn
Explore the vibrant heart of Jacksonville in Downtown which features a riverfront
skyline, historic charm, and cultural gems. From concerts to river cruises to art
walks to NFL games at EverBank Stadium, there's something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| De Real Ting Café | 11 minutes |
| The Bread & Board | 11 minutes |
| Burrito Gallery Downtown | 11 minutes |
| Indochine Downtown | 11 minutes |
| The Happy Grilled Cheese | 11 minutes |
| Estrella Cocina | 11 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
|
Various Festivals such as:
|
8 minutes |
| St. John's River Taxi & Tours | Various Locations |
| Jacksonville Jaguars & Concerts at EverBank Field | 8 minutes |
| Jumbo Shrimp at 121 Financial Ballpark | 8 minutes |
| Icemen & Concerts at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | 8 minutes |
| Ritz Theatre & Museum | 11 minutes |
| Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | 12 minutes |
| Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | 13 minutes |
| Chamblin's Uptown | 13 minutes |
Rail Yard District
The district gets its name from its rail yards which has been in operation since 1858.
It is also home to the oldest continuously operating Farmers Market in Florida (established
in 1938).
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Blume's Grill | 13 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Jacksonville Farmers Market | 13 minutes |
| Eco Relics | 14 minutes |
Springfield
A historic neighborhood dating back to the 19th century, known for its well-preserved
Victorian homes. This diverse community near downtown offers a blend of tradition
and modernity, with local shops, dining, and a thriving arts scene.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Social Grounds Coffee Roasters | 10 minutes |
| Wafaa & Mike's Cafe | 10 minutes |
| Fred Cotten's Landmark BBQ | 10 minutes |
| Crispy's Springfield Gallery | 11 minutes |
| Island Tropics Restaurant | 11 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Porch Fest (November) | 11 minutes |
| Henry J. Klutho Park | 11 minutes |
| Stumpy’s Hatchet House | 11 minute |
Northside & Airport
Home to the Jacksonville International Airport, the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, and the
Amtrak station, this area is where you'll discover some of Jacksonville's most picturesque
State and National Parks as well as the bustling River City Marketplace.
Eat & Drink |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Joseph's Pizza on Main Street | 15 minutes |
| Palms Fish Camp Restaurant | 18 minuts |
| Masala Mantra - The Indian Bistro | 21 minuts |
| Aloha Waffle Bar | 22 minutes |
| Sandollar Restaurant | 25 minutes |
Activities |
Distance from JU (by car) |
| Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens | 18 minutes |
| River City Marketplace | 22 minutes |
| The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary | 24 minutes |
| Congaree and Penn | 28 minutes |
| Big Talbot Island State Park | 31 minutes |
| Kingsley Plantation | 39 minutes |
Just Outside of Jacksonville
St. Augustine
A historic city in Florida that features charming cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it's the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Its scenic bayfront, vibrant arts scene, and historic sites make it a popular tourist destination. It is just shy of one hour from JU.
Fernandina Beach
Nestled on Amelia Island, it is a picturesque coastal town known for its Victorian-era charm, pristine beaches, and vibrant downtown. With a rich history dating back to Spanish colonial times, it offers a blend of historic architecture, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed, beach-town atmosphere, attracting visitors year-round. It is also just shy of one hour from JU.
Clay County Fairgrounds
Host to a milieu of annual events such as the Buckler’s Bar-B-Q Festival (January), Strawberry Festival (March), Agricultural Fair (late March - early April), Watermelon Festival (June), First Annual Fall Harvest Festival (October), Vintage Market Days (December). It is also just shy of one hour from JU.
Disclaimer: ISS and JU have no affiliation with any of the organizations mentioned above. The following links are provided for informational purposes only. ISS and JU is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or any consequences that may arise from accessing or using the linked websites. This guide is a compilation of personal experiences and is intended to serve as a reference during your time here in the River City.