Save time to watch the sunrise on your three-day escape to Jacksonville.
With its sprawling beaches, historic waterfront, and quirky neighborhoods, Jacksonville is as eclectic as it is massive. At nearly 875 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the lower 48 — to put that into perspective, you could fit Manhattan, Chicago, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C. comfortably inside its massive borders.
With so much room for activities, you better believe Jacksonville delivers on all counts. Undeniably a sports town, Duval county offers year-round entertainment, an under-the-radar food scene, and a surprisingly artistic side that appeals to just about any taste. With so much to explore, it’s easy to see how you could spend 3 days in Jacksonville, if not more. Dip your toes into all this massive city has to offer with this long weekend itinerary. If you’re hungry for more, you can always come back…and I’ll bet you’ll want to.
Your Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Jacksonville
Things to Know Before Visiting Jacksonville
Thanks to its sprawling footprint and sizeable population, Jacksonville is home to an international airport, which makes flying in from just about anywhere a breeze. If you have to connect through Atlanta, you can at least rest assured that the final leg of your journey will be brief — roughly 48 minutes of airtime.
Speaking of Jacksonville’s massive size, a rental car is a necessity for getting around town. Sure, you could rely on Ubers but having the autonomy of a rental car can make or break your trip, especially when you’re spending 3 days in Jacksonville. Also, be sure to pad your itinerary with plenty of time to drive from one location to the next.
The Visit JAX app makes planning your trip a breeze.
Did you know that the city of Jacksonville has an app? Simply download Visit Jax to discover local restaurants, coffee shops, activities, attractions, and special events going on around town during your visit. You can even create a custom itinerary ahead of your visit so you can hit the ground running.
Lastly, Jacksonville is humid pretty much all year round. While winters can be chilly, consistent rainfall keeps the air fairly moist, which can lead to frizz and even a little extra sweat. Just be sure to pack appropriately (in the winter, this means light layers; in the summer, breezy fabrics) and wear comfortable footwear.
Where to Stay For 3 Days in Jacksonville
If you’re going to visit Florida, you may as well stay on the beach! Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront offers a prime location right on the water and within easy walking distance of cozy coffee shops and breakfast spots.
Those who prefer a more upscale stay should keep their eye on the grand opening of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jacksonville, expected to debut in the Shipyards district in 2026.
How to Spend 3 Days in Jacksonville
Day 1
Once you’ve arrived at Jacksonville International Airport, picked up your rental car, and checked into your hotel, it’s time to go exploring. After a morning full of busy airports and limited legroom, a stroll out in nature should hit the spot. Enjoy a brief drive up to Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to enjoy a leisurely walk through 125 acres of Spanish moss-covered trees, babbling brooks, and verdant gardens full of local flora.
Note: if you visit during the winter months, the gardens will be fairly bare, but the trees and greenery are lovely year-round. A $3 fee covers your admission and helps to preserve the gardens for you to enjoy on future visits.
After your stroll, you’ll want to find some sustenance. Hop back in the car and head towards Neptune or Atlantic Beach for dinner along Jacksonville’s Mayport Shrimp Trail. The moniker, “Mayport shrimp” simply refers to shrimp caught in the brackish waters near Jacksonville between the Atlantic Ocean and the St. John’s River — i.e., it’s ultra-fresh and locally sourced. Savor this local specialty at restaurants like North Beach Fish Camp, The Local, or Salumeria 104.
Thoroughly stuffed full of incredible seafood, you’ll want to head back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 2
Morning
Take advantage of your beachside digs by rising and shining early. Watching the sunrise over the ocean is a must and a spectacular way to start your day. Treat yourself to a walk on the beach before stopping into one of the 50 locally owned cafes along the Jacksonville Coffee and Donuts Trail. Check out the Visit JAX app to see which coffee shops are nearby.
Following your morning cup of ambition, hop in the car and head for Jacksonville’s quirky Murray Hill neighborhood. Stroll up and down Edgewood Avenue to discover vintage shops, bookstores, and artisan boutiques. Enjoy some sweet souvinir shopping at spots like Bee Friends Farm and Grater Foods cheese shop. Keep an eye out for the colorful murals and mosaics that give the neighborhood its distinctive look.
Lunch
When you start to feel peckish, pop into Chancho King for a taste of Ecuadorian comfort food. This unassuming counter-service spot is a labor of love from husband-and-wife team Chason Spencer and Maria La Mota. The duo decided to bring the bold flavors of Maria’s native Ecuador to Florida via a signature pulled pork sandwich, and the rest is delicious history. The restaurant is now a neighborhood staple for affordable lunches, late-night bites, and a signature ceviche brunch on Sundays. If you can swing it during your 3 days in Jacksonville, the latter is a must-do.
Afternoon
After all that hearty fare, it’s time for a little more sightseeing. Head over to San Marco to explore its tree-lined shopping street and snap a selfie with the neighborhood’s iconic San Marco Lions statue. If you’re craving something sweet, pop into Peterbrooke to try chocolate-covered popcorn or any number of cocoa-inspired treats.
Next, swing by the tiny Jessie Ball duPont Park to say hello to Jacksonville’s oldest resident. The Treaty Oak is a roughly 250-year-old live oak tree, perfectly preserved in the center of the city. A boardwalk beneath the mammoth branches allows you to stroll beneath the massive canopy without damaging the tree’s ancient roots. The plentiful shade is a welcome respite from the Jacksonville heat, too.
Continue your tour of Jacksonville’s quirky side with a pit stop at The Pickle Factory. This newly opened storefront showcases all things pickle, with pickle-themed artwork, games, tchotchkes, clothing, and, of course, packages of pickles. While the store is new, the pickles themselves are not. Shai and Charlotte Tzabari of Olive My Pickle have been making and selling artisanal pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut in Jacksonville for 15 years. They recently decided to open a permanent storefront as another arm of their business — so far, business is good.
Drinks and Dinner
As tempting as it may be, try not to fill up on pickles. Next, you’re heading out into the countryside. Congaree and Penn is an agrotourism farm and restaurant specializing in Jacksonville-grown produce. Take some time to explore the farm’s sprawling grounds, saying hi to the animal residents, including two baby emus.
Before sitting down to dinner, head to the bar and ask for a flight of Congaree and Penn’s house-brewed cider. The farm puts its own spin on classic apple cider by incorporating farm-grown muscadine grapes into the mix. You can taste the classic apple-grape cider, as well as variations featuring blackberries, figs, and mayhaws (small, apple-like fruits native to North Florida). The results are deliciously refreshing.
Dinner at Congaree and Penn’s restaurant is always a must, but the highlight here is the chef’s table. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot during your 3 days in Jacksonville, you’ll be in for a real treat. Capped at just 16 guests, this intimate meal spotlights the farm’s talented chefs and pristine produce in a six-course tasting menu complete with optional wine pairings. Dining inside the low-lit, rustic-chic barn while chefs turn out Michelin-worthy plates from a wood-powered oven and grill is a bucket list-worthy experience you won’t soon forget.
Day 3
Morning
For your final day in Jacksonville, you’ll want to fuel up with another stop along the Jacksonville Coffee and Donut trail before setting off for the day. This morning is a choose-your-own-adventure deal with plenty of goodness to go around.
Those who prefer a hands-on experience should opt for a cooking class with chef Dennis Chan of Blue Bamboo. The talented toque frequently offers cooking classes, ranging from wok-cooking and sushi-making to Filipino fusion. Each class begins with a tour of Jax Oriental Market, the city’s longest-running Asian food grocer, to shop for ingredients. Upon returning to the restaurant, you’ll shake up a cocktail and whip up a multi-course meal to enjoy for lunch.
If eating with a side of sightseeing is more your speed, opt for the Riverside Brunch Tour with local company, The Tasting Tours. You’ll enjoy mouthwatering brunch bites as you explore the historic Riverside district, learning about Jacksonville’s history along the way. No matter which adventure you choose, you can be sure that you’ll leave with new knowledge and a full belly.
Early Afternoon
After your morning food adventure, it’s time to explore the Riverside Arts Market — a must during 3 days in Jacksonville . Held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this massive community market showcases more than 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handicrafts, jewelry, and quirky artworks. Be on the lookout for a few familiar faces, including Chancho King slinging their signature pulled pork sandwiches, Olive My Pickle with their iconic multi-colored pickle barrels and Congaree and Penn offering mayhaw jelly and grits.
Late Afternoon
When you need a break from the crowds, head just a few minutes inland for a little something to take the edge off. As the name implies, Wildcrafters Booze-Free and Kava Bar isn’t your ordinary watering hole. This earthy spot specializes in kava, a drink made from the roots of the Piper Methysticum plant with anxiety-reducing and mood-bosting effects. The alcohol-free cocktails here are as Instagrammable as their booze-infused counterparts and the addition of low-fi music, cozy interiors, and a generally quirky vibe create a calming hangout in which to unwind after a long morning of sightseeing.
Once you’re nice and relaxed, it’s time to take a hard left turn into a land of indulgence. Head downtown to find a grand white house adorned with oversized lollipops and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Sweet Pete’s Candy is about as close to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory as you’ll find in North Florida, complete with gummy bear-clad light fixtures, walls of candy dispensers, and even an actual framed golden ticket from the film. (Fun fact: The ticket on display was the prop for character Veruca Salt. Pete of Sweet Pete’s won the golden ticket, and its certificate of authenticity, at an auction.) Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic of chocolate making and even go home with your own sweet souvenir with the factory’s My Bar My Way Tour. At just 30 minutes, the guided experience is short and sweet enough to entertain even the youngest guests.
Dinner
For your last dinner in Jacksonville, you’ll want to head somewhere that feels like home — that’s where Mesa comes in. Self-taught chef Saji George helms the kitchen here with her son and treats every guest like family. The dietician-turned-restaurateur is fanatical about the food quality of her restaurant, using only ingredients that she would feed to her own children — think ultra-fresh local produce and absolutely no seed oils (Saji only uses ghee or coconut oil in her cooking).
The menu here is highly seasonal, but highlights typically include finger-lickin’-good tamarind-ginger wings, truffle potato-stuffed pani puri, and salmon molee, a staple of Saji’s birthplace of Kerala. Be sure to save room for dessert; I’m still dreaming about the s’mores semifreddo with garam-topped marshmallow fluff. More likely than not, Saji will make an appearance at your table to ask if you’re enjoying your meal. It’s this personal touch and her genuine concern (she’s not looking for praise, she really wants to know if she can improve your experience) that make Mesa a must-visit.
Thoroughly stuffed and with tired feet, head back to your hotel for a great night’s sleep after a perfect 3 days in Jacksonville.