As locals, were often asked what are the best things to do in Jacksonville and its surrounding oceanside enclaves such as the Jacksonville Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and what are the best hotels, restaurants, shops and places for culture and nature in Jacksonville and beyond? Timed for this years Jacksonville Bicentennial, were sharing our curated guide about the River City by The Sea. Read on to see how its evolving for multigenerational visitors and tourists alike.
Jacksonville Hotels
The BIG hotel news is that Four Seasons is coming to town as part of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khans redevelopment of the historic riverfront. Slated to open in a few years, The Jacksonville Shipyards will encompass the five-star hotel and residences, a new home for MOSH (Museum of Science & History), and a restored Met Park and marina. In the meantime, head to the coast for luxury accommodations. Founded in 1928, The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club added smaller sister property The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach decades later. Guests of the original inns 262 rooms become regulars for its stunning beach right outside their patio doors, Seahorse Grille gatherings and premier golfits Ocean Course inspired TPC Sawgrass. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island completed a full makeover for its recent 30th anniversary. Wimberly Interiors refreshed 446 guestrooms, while new dining includes seafood-focused Tidewater Grill and Coquina for Spanish cuisine served al fresco with fire pits and ocean views. Book the spas signature Heaven in a Hammock massage, and cycle the nearby Ocean View Trail, part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway. With only 11 rooms, Atlantic Beachs Hotel Palms delivers a bona fide boutique property experience. The original 1947 destination has been upgraded with modern amenities including Show Pigeon Coffee. For a special dining experience, check out Omni Amelia Island Resorts 2022 Sprouting Project dinner series. After a tasting tour of its chef garden, aquaponic greenhouse, apiary and Barrel Room, sit down to a five-course feast under the stars.
Jacksonville Restaurants
Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental U.S. geographically (840 square miles), so its vast neighborhood networks restaurants could take a lifetime to explore. The arrival of RH Jacksonville, The Gallerys glitzy rooftop restaurant at St. Johns Town Center is part of a growing trend here. Several new places also offer rooftop scenes, such as Cowford Chophouses atop a converted bank building and Estrella Cocinas for a Baja-inspired menu (hibiscus margaritas, redfish ceviche, grilled cactus salad). Both overlook the St. Johns River and iconic John T. Alsop Jr. Bridge. The latter establishment is from the crew behind The Bread & Board (sandwiches, charcuterie boards), which opened a new downtown location along with Bread & Burger (elevated backyard barbecue). Jax Beachs O-Ku Sushi features rooftop seating too. Jax Beach soon receives The Oaxaca Club, an upscale concept for authentic mole and tlayudas. Look for it sometime this summer. The same group owns Southern Grounds, a chic coffee shop with in-house Blueberry Bakery, whose fourth location just opened at Jacksonville International Airport. The dessert scene is heating up here. Hunt for the hidden entrance to Natasha Burtons Mixed Feelings Pie Shop in the historic Riverside/Avondale neighborhood. Arrive early to score a slice, because the secret is out. If you fantasize about soft serve ice cream and dipped cones instead, visit Murray Hill landmark Dreamette and its new branch in San Marco. When you tire of craft cocktails and wine bars, stamp your passport along The Jax Ale Trail. Newcomers Ink Factory Brewing and Tepeyolot Cerveceria bring the total to 24 stops.
Jacksonville Culture
Named after a Midwestern, art-collecting couple, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is celebrating its 60th anniversary. On view through November 13, Revolve: Spotlight on the Permanent Collection shows its tremendous growth from the couples original donation to 5,000 artworks. The institutions Dinner Party Series fundraiser concludes with A Toast to 60: An Anniversary Dinner Party on November 10. MOCA Jacksonville celebrates a milestone for its affiliated University of North Florida. FIFTY: An Alumni Exhibition honors the schools 50th anniversary. Take a peek at Berlin-based artist Chiharu Shiotas mesmerizing installation Letters of Love while there. Downtown swells with art crowds during First Wednesday Art Walk. Jax River Jams books big acts for its weekly concerts at the Riverfront Plaza throughout April. Jax Beach hosts the areas largest pop-up market with hundreds of artisans and food trucks; 904 Pop Up is held regularly at Seawalk Pavilion, with some dates being June 26 and July 31. Another major complimentary event is the Jacksonville Jazz Festival from May 26-29. Herbie Hancock and Christian Sands Trio are among the lineup, and attendees can upgrade to VIP packages, preferred seating and a jazz brunch.
Jacksonville Outdoors
By statistics alone, Jacksonville is an outdoorsmans paradise. It claims the nations largest urban park system80,000 protected acres of national, state and city parksas well as 1,100 miles of shoreline and 22 miles of beachesa superlative in the Sunshine State. Not one to rest on its laurels, the city is constantly improving its green spaces. The Emerald Trail project is currently underway to connect 30 miles of trails and parks throughout 14 neighborhoods. St. Johns River Park is being refurbished with a botanical garden, splash pad and Vegas-style enhancements to its iconic Friendship Fountain that has delighted onlookers since 1965. The Jacksonville Beach Piers renovation is shooting for summertime strolls and angler action. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardenss baby lemur is being hailed as a victory for endangered animals. For native wildlife and quintessential north Florida scenery, locals suggest the Talbot Islands and Boneyard Beach. Surfers and paddle boarders of all levels book lessons with Jax Surf & Paddle. If cycling meets art is more to your liking, explore the art scene on e-bikes decorated by local artists via Art Bikes Jax.
Jacksonville Shopping
Like dining, the city offers endless retail gems. San Marcos Linda Cunningham carries womens fashions such as Kinross Cashmere, Julie Vos jewels and its founders namesake couture collection. Family-owned since 1898, Rosenblums is the mens fashion counterpart for complete wardrobing from bespoke suits to everyday and golf attire. Its two locations stock items like St. Croix polo shirts, Waterville quilted vests and Brax Bermuda shorts. Make the rounds to womens boutiques Emory Clothing, Tenley Dietrich and Penelope T. Gypset & Pearl supplies Jacksonville Beach with coastal lifestyle wares. Spring highlights are Juliska acrylic glassware, La Paradis lip balm and floral denim shorts from Boyish Jeans. Theres even a nice selection of boutique wines. Shoppers are obsessed with nearby Emly Behnams selection of designer shoes, spring frocks and oversized totes. Neptune Beachs KMH Home is another resource to feather your nest with Culti Milano home fragrances and fringed ottomans in black rattan. Anchored by Nordstrom and RH, St Johns Town Center culls luxury and classc retailers including Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Tiffany & Co., Everything But Water, Apple, Coach, Bluemercury and Lilly Pulitzer. For investment pieces with regional context, consider Ponte Vedra Beach-based Cresta Bledsoe. The designers signature combination of locally sourced fossilized shark teeth and precious metals and gemstones is quite coveted.
Amelia Island
Perched below the Georgia border, Amelia Island functions as its own little world. Many people recognize the name for its Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, yet it also boasts its own festivals for film, literature, concours, dance and music from chamber music to jazz. Families picnic during Sounds on Centres free concerts on First Fridays from April through October. Late April brings the Spring Wine Festival at Island Wine Company with appetizers from Bar Zin Bistro. If youve ever wanted to ride horseback on a beach, now is your chance. Amelia Island State Park is the only Florida state park to allow the thrill.
Jacksonville Beaches
Its no wonder that Salt Life lifestyle brand was founded in Jacksonville Beach. Its just one of four beaches that comprise Jax Beaches. Each community including Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach and Atlantic Beach has a distinct vibe and reasons to visit. After a day surfing, fishing and golfing at the Harrison Minchew-designed, 18-hole Jax Beach Golf Club, one can enjoy great dining, shopping and culture. These beach towns truly have it all. Make a pit stop at Top Golf en route to the coast.
Ponte Vedra Beach
South of Jax Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach is most known for its namesake inn and lodge and their respective clubs, as well as TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA Tours Players Championship. Micklers Landing Beach, the first public beach here, remains a local treasure for its lofty dunes and pink sand beaches. History buffs make a point of finding Juan Ponce de Lens bronze statue, which commemorates where the Spanish explorer took his first footsteps here in search of the fountain of youth. Ponte Vedra Concert Halls spring concerts include Bla Fleck and Madeleine Peyroux.
St. Augustine
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine has seen many chapters that continue to draw history and architecture seekers. Most of them stop at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. Florida pioneer developer Henry Flagler left his mark here, too, and his repurposed, grand hotels led the way for the citys notable, historic charm and bed and breakfasts. Other popular accommodations are St. George Inn and Casa Monica Resort & Spa Autograph Collection. Plan your visit to attend the St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival from May 4-8, and Music by the Sea weekly concerts in St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park.
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