Get in some racing AND turn the weekend into a mini getaway! Jax is a well-kept secret — a laid-back lifestyle big city off the tourist radar.
Jacksonville Beyond the Water
Jacksonville, Florida is known as the "River City by the Sea” — it’s home to more than 20 miles of wide & uncrowded oceanfront beaches, 1,100 miles of navigable water, and has more shoreline than any other city in the nation. Jax is also home to the largest urban park system in the United States, encompassing over 400 parks, preserves, and recreational facilities across more than 80,000 acres. We’re a city that enjoys the outdoors!
But that’s not all.
We’re also a city of foodies, artists, sports enthusiasts, shoppers, and people who know how to kick back and spend a day doing not much of anything. And we’d like you to get a taste of it while you’re here.
How to experience some Local Favs!
Jacksonville isn’t your typical big city — it developed in a very neighborhood-centric way, versus expanding outward from Downtown (which was mostly destroyed by the Great Fire in 1901). This quirk of history means that many of the best sights and experiences are in hot spots around the city instead of being clustered in a single area. So we want to help you discover a few of our favorite hidden gems that locals usually get to keep to themselves.
Jacksonville has scores of top-rated restaurants tucked seemingly around every corner, beautiful beaches, plenty of high-end, boutique, and unique shopping districts, great museums, historic neighborhoods, and LOTS of sports and recreational options.
Here are two sample itineraries packed with ideas for turning the regatta into a fun extended weekend, courtesy of the Jacksonville Rowing Club!
Itinerary #1: The Beaches
They’ve still got it. The beaches of Jacksonville have been famous since the late 1800s, but there’s more to see and do than walk on the sand!
Begin your weekend at the beach by checking into either One Ocean Resort in Atlantic Beach or the Seahorse Oceanfront Inn in Neptune Beach. Stick on your sandals and take a walk in the surf or check out the shops at the Beaches Town Center before heading to Coop 303 or Wild Ginger for dinner. Then turn in for an early night before the regatta.
After Saturday’s big races, pat yourself on the back and treat yourself to dinner at a local favorite, such as AB Kitchen or North Beach Fish Camp.
On Sunday — if you’re an early riser — take a morning walk on the beach. If not, ease into your day with brunch at The Jax Beach Brunch Haus before heading over to the Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club for a relaxing pre-booked spa day.
Or if a day of soft adventure is more your vibe, rent kayaks or paddleboards at the North Guana Outpost to enjoy some laid-back natural beauty and a peaceful paddle through the coastal inlet before you head back home.
Itinerary #2: The Westside, Avondale, & Riverside
Voted one of the country’s top 10 Great Neighborhoods, Riverside Avondale has a unique mix of history, culture, charm, and modern design.
Consider arriving mid-day on Friday and bringing your bikes to take a leisurely ride on the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail. Alternatively, rent electric “art bikes” at Tucker Cycles in Avondale to enjoy a ride around the Riverside / Avondale Historic Area to enjoy the neighborhood’s art and architecture.
Check into the Home2Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown before going to Cava Riverside to power up for your races the next day. After you finish eating, walk over to The Fresh Market or pop down the road to 5 Points for a dash into Grassroots Natural Market to pick up raceday snacks, before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
On Saturday night after the race, head down to the Historic Shops of Avondale to treat yourself to dinner at one of the many popular restaurants located there. Enjoy an indoor or outdoor table at The Brick or Biscottis (known for their luscious desserts).
On Sunday, enjoy an elegant brunch at the River and Post Restaurant or keep it casual at Another Broken Egg before enjoying the art collections and strolling the gardens at the historic riverfront Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.
