Jacksonville Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): Begin your day exploring Downtown Jacksonville. Walk along the St. Johns Riverwalk, visit Friendship Fountain, and consider a quick trip on the free Skyway to see the various downtown districts.

Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): Have lunch in the historic Riverside neighborhood, then explore its special stores, art galleries, and diverse architecture. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) or the Institution of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA).

Evening Suggestions

Enjoy dinner in San Marco Square, known for its upscale dining and charming atmosphere.
Catch the illuminated Friendship Fountain once darkness falls.
Experience the charming evening atmosphere of San Marco.
For quick booking, consult GetYourGuide for nighttime activities.

Weekend & Week-Long Stays

Maximize your time in Jacksonville with these detailed plans.

Weekend Getaway Day 1-2

Day 1: Downtown & Riverside exploration. Day 2: Beach Day for ocean views and relaxation.

Day 1-2 Focus

Day 1 Morning: Walk the Riverwalk, visit the Cummer Art museum & Gardens.
Day 1 Afternoon: Explore the Riverside Arts Market (if Saturday) or browse Avondale shops.
Day 1 Evening: Dinner in Riverside, perhaps at a craft brewery or fine dining.
Day 2: Head to Jacksonville Beach for ocean views, a walk on the pier, and perhaps surfing lessons.

For booking experiences, GetYourGuide has many options.

Weekend Getaway Day 3 Optional

Day 3 (Optional): Choose a history or nature excursion for a different facet of the region.

Choices for Day 3

Option A: Day trip to St. Augustine to explore its historic sites and Castillo de San Marcos.
Option B: Visit Big Talbot Island State Park for the unique Boneyard Beach and hiking.
Take the St. Johns River Ferry for a scenic crossing.

One-Week Itinerary Days 1-4

First half of a comprehensive week exploring Jacksonville's city's best features.

Mid-Week Exploration

Day 1: Arrive JAX, settle in. Walk the St. Johns Riverwalk and see Friendship Fountain.
Day 2: Explore MOSH and MOCA Jacksonville.
Day 3: Dedicate the day to Jacksonville, Neptune, and Atlantic Beaches for water sports or relaxation.
Day 4: Immerse yourself in Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco for architecture, boutiques, and diverse dining.

One-Week Itinerary Days 5-7

Second half of a comprehensive week, including nature, wildlife, and a day trip.

Weekend Choices

Day 5: Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation. Explore Little or Big Talbot Island.
The SIXTH day: Spend the morning at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens. Explore St. Johns Town Center in the afternoon.
Day 7: Day trip to St. Augustine for history or Amelia Island for charming beaches and town.
Find local experiences with GetYourGuide.

Longer Stays

For extended visits, immerse yourself into Jacksonville and the larger region.

Two-Week In-Depth

Combine the one-week plan with additional day trips (e.g., Ocala National Forest, Gainesville). Explore more neighborhoods and specific interests (fishing, hiking, a cooking class).

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider a multi-day extension to Orlando for theme parks or Savannah, Georgia, for a different Southern city experience.

Long-Term Living

For stays exceeding two weeks, consider renting an apartment/house in a desirable neighborhood like the Beaches, Riverside, or San Marco. Engage with local community events.

Custom Itinerary

These suggestions offer a starting point; customize them to your pace and interests. Jacksonville holds many experiences for every traveler.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Jacksonville itinerary to specific interests, allowing you to focus on what you enjoy most.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Dive deep into the rich history of the region, from colonial forts to plantations.

Historical Sites

Downtown: Explore historic buildings and the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Colonial History: Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial.
Plantation Life: Tour Kingsley Plantation.
Day Trip: Dedicate a full day to St. Augustine's ancient city, including Castillo de San Marcos.

Book historical tours via GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor local flavors, from recently made seafood to craft brews and diverse dining.

Culinary Delights

Local Markets: Spend a Saturday morning at the Riverside Arts Market.
Craft Beer Scene: Tour local breweries (e.g., Intuition Ale Works, Bold City Brewery).
Seafood: Enjoy fresh Mayport shrimp at beachside restaurants.
Diverse Dining: Explore the different restaurants in Riverside/Avondale and San Marco.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Explore Jacksonville's natural playgrounds, from beaches to forests.

Outdoor Pursuits

Water Sports: Try surfing lessons or rent a kayak/paddleboard at the coastlines or on the St. Johns River.
Hiking/Biking: Explore trails at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Public garden (mountain biking) or the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail.
Fishing: Book a fishing charter or try pier fishing at Jacksonville Beach.
Wildlife: Visit the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens or take a boat tour for dolphin/manatee sightings.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Fun for all ages with animals, science, and beach time.

Kids Activities

Animals & Science: Spend a day at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens and the Museum of Science & History (MOSH).
Beach Fun: Enjoy ample time at the beaches, including Kathryn Abbey Hanna Green space for its beach, lake, playground, and splash pad.
Entertainment: Consider mini-golf, local parks, and family-friendly dining options.
Variety: Offers a broad spectrum of activities to keep everyone entertained.

Niche Interests

Art & Architecture

Visit the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, MOCA Jacksonville. Explore the CoRK Arts District, independent galleries in Riverside/Avondale, historic homes, and public murals.

Spiritual & Wellness

Relish tranquil beach walks, quiet contemplation in parks (like the Arboretum), kayaking in calm waters. Attend classes at local yoga studios or indulge in spa treatments.

City Explorations

Discover hidden gems and local favorites tailored to your pace and preferences, from unique shops to neighborhood cafes.

Explore Your Passion

Jacksonville holds diverse attractions to match every interest. From history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, there's a route for you.

Budget & Season Planning

Craft your ideal visit considering budget and time of year.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel smart and enjoy Jacksonville on a budget.

Thrifty Tips

Accommodation: Stay in cheap motels or consider camping at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Meals: Focus on cooking your own meals, enjoying affordable casual diners, and packing picnics.
Transportation: Utilize the free Skyway in Downtown and JTA public transit. Walk or cycle where possible.
Activities: Prioritize Jacksonville's numerous free attractions: beaches, the Riverwalk, Friendship Fountain, and public parks.

Discover free and low-cost activities to maximize your savings and experience Jacksonville fully.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and affordability for a rewarding trip.

Smart Choices

Accommodation: Choose from mid-range hotels or private Airbnb rentals, often offering good value.
Meals: Enjoy a mix of casual restaurants, local eateries, and some mid-range dining experiences.
Transportation: A rental car for flexibility, making it possible to cover the city's sprawling attractions efficiently. Use ride-sharing services as needed.
Activities: Visit a choice of paid attractions (Zoo, museums) and consider a guided tour or a water activity rental.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive experiences for a trip you'll never forget trip.

Premium Accommodation

Stay at 4-5 star hotels or luxury resorts.
Riverfront or oceanfront views.
Extensive amenities and services.

Exclusive Travel

Indulge in fine dining experiences at Jacksonville's top restaurants.
Arrange for a premium rental car or private drivers.
Enjoy exclusive tours, spa treatments, and high-end entertainment options.

Seasonal Highlights

Jacksonville offers different experiences depending on the time of year.

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June-Sept): Focus on beach activities, water sports, and indoor attractions to escape the heat.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Enjoy pleasant temperatures suitable for outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and exploring parks, often with fewer crowds.
Festival-Centered: Time your visit for specific events like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May) or Mayport Shrimp Festival (May).
Off-Season: Traveling in winter or late summer often brings lower prices for flights and accommodations and fewer crowds.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart strategies for a fulfilling trip without overspending.

Saving Tips

Visit during Shoulder Season: Traveling in winter or late summer typically signifies lower prices for flights and accommodations.
Hotel Deals: Look for hotel deals and packages, especially those that include breakfast or other perks.
Free Attractions: Maximize your visit to Jacksonville's free attractions.
Efficient Routing: Plan your routes efficiently to group nearby attractions, minimizing travel time and fuel costs.

Weather Preparedness

Summer Storms

Have alternative indoor activities planned for summer thunderstorms or cooler winter days.

Seasonal Comfort

Be prepared for the specific weather conditions of the off-season (e.g., heat and humidity in summer, cooler temperatures in winter).

Journey Tailored

These itineraries are a guide; adapt them to your unique travel style. Jacksonville awaits your exploration, perfectly suited to your preferences.

Jacksonville Itineraries