Beaches and a lazy river? What’s not to love?
I touched down in Jacksonville, not knowing what to expect – I have only spent one summer in northeast Florida, in Marineland back in 2015. With less than 48 hours to explore the area, I absolutely adored what I had time to see on this short trip. Jacksonville is located in northeast Florida, less than an hour south of the Georgia state line. Here are the best things to do when you have less than 48 hours to explore the Jacksonville, Florida area.
Day 1 (Morning): St. Augustine
St. Augustine is an easy hour-long drive from the Jacksonville airport (JAX). This beautiful town has Spanish origins, which you can see in the street patterns and architecture.
Before you go: While St. Augustine isn’t that large, make sure you wear your comfortable walking shoes! There is a ton to explore by foot once you park. I HIGHLY recommend the historic parking garage, as you can pay a flat $15 fee (credit cards accepted) for the length of your visit that day.
While you’re there:
- The History: You absolutely should visit the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine – it’s a National Monument rich with history of the area, and truthfully very cool to walk around. If you time it right, you can catch them lighting one of the historic canons! There are many other historic sites to see as well, so check out these additional locations here.
- The Food: If you’re a seafood lover (which you probably are if you follow this blog), you absolutely want to stop by the St. Augustine Seafood Company Bar & Lounge. This expansive restaurant can certainly accommodate a large group, and has a delicious spread of options including salads, pasta, and seafood entrees. If you’re looking for a waterfront option, head to the River & Fort Restaurant and Rooftop Lounge for equally delicious eats with a stunning view.
- The Dessert: The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops is ABSOLUTELY a must-visit. I first visited in 2015, and the Pistachio Rosewater popsicle was so memorable I got it again on this visit in 2023– and it was even better than I remembered. Decadently creamy with a perfect floral influence from the rosewater, and a delightful, occasional crunch from the pistachio pieces at the base of the popsicle. It’s a perfectly balanced pairing. If you’re looking for more of an option strictly to hydrate and cool you down, definitely try one of their other delightful flavors like Pineapple Cilantro. Enjoy your popsicle while you wander up and down St. George Street to window shop.
Day 1 (Afternoon): Jacksonville Beach
If you’re a beach lover like me, you absolutely have to make your way over the JAX Beaches. The Atlantic Ocean kisses the soft, white sand beaches and before you know it, you’ll be body surfing in the rolling waves.
Before you go: Definitely stop by The Flamingo for a cup of coffee. This cute café has a range of offerings, including drip coffee, espresso, as well as a wine bar. I had the best iced honey oat milk cappuccino, at the recommendation of the barista (which, this is your sign to ask your barista what their drink of choice is – it’s so fun to be surprised by their suggestion!). If you’re looking for a snack, they also carry some baked goods you can purchase. It’s also the perfect place to stop if you need to get some work done before hitting the beach. A short 30 minute drive later, and you’ll be burying your toes in the sand.
When you’re there: I highly recommend picking some beach parking off of 4th St, and accessing the beach from here with direct boardwalk access. The lot is small, so if you need to find more parking spaces you can drive down 1st St N until you find the public paid pier parking lot. Once you reach the beach, there are usually some rental companies where you can rent beach umbrellas from if you need additional sun protection
When you’re done at the beach, rinse off at the public shower stations and enjoy walking around 1st St N to check out the local shops and bars. I recommend walking in this area to avoid driving on the narrow main street with cyclists (plus, everything is very walkable). If you’re ready to get out of the sun, you can walk or jump in the car for a quick 5 minute drive to enjoy some delicious food at the Salt Life Food Shack on 3rd St N. I really enjoyed the Mahi-mahi Bowl, which had incredibly fresh produce – the avocado was PERFECTLY ripe – and was perfectly prepared.
Day 2: Morning – Southbank River Walk
I was a little confused when Google Maps told me I was in Brooklyn, only to realize this is one of the neighborhoods in downtown Jacksonville! Brooklyn hugs the St. Johns River, a lazy river that actually flows north to reach the Atlantic Ocean.
Before you go: If you prefer a light breakfast, stop by The Greenhouse Bar for a baked good and delicious drinks. They have a wide range of espresso-based drinks, and currently feature a Swiftie-approved matcha drink called Lavender Haze. This delightful drink has a base of matcha and lavender infused oat milk, topped with a lavender sweet cream float. It’s a more expensive beverage choice, but certainly worth the experience. You can also purchase plants at this location, so be sure to hit this early and leave your plants in the car, or swing by to buy your goodies after your walk. An extra bonus is this is a woman-owned, local business – a great place to use your tourism dollars.
When you’re there: Riverwalk
I’m an absolute sucker for a coastal city, and the Southbank Riverwalk is GORGEOUS. It winds around the St. John River, with a few exciting stops along the way. Check out some of the sculptures, like near the YMCA, and head to the Love Locks to see if you can find your name on some of the locks left behind by lovers (or, leave your own!). There are multiple benches along the path, which is the perfect place to sit and watch some of the sailboats pass by as they navigate up and down the river. I had the best time watching the sailboats go by, sipping on my Lavender Haze.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite you’ll want to cross the street to enjoy a range of options at Vale Food Co (just down the street from The Greenhouse Bar). This is a great spot that has something for everyone – savory and filling poke bowls, energizing smoothie bowls, and more. I had the Dragon Smoothie Bowl, which is a delightfully bright pink, energizing bowl. You can choose to add granola, and three additional toppings for no extra cost. If you need an afternoon boost, you can also grab some coffee here for your quick 20 minute drive back to the airport.