If you think this corner of the Sunshine State is merely a jumping-off point for destinations farther south, well, you don’t know Jax. With miles of sun-drenched beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and affordable family fun, Florida’s largest city offers plenty of reasons to stay awhile. Before diving in, tell us more about you.

Jacksonville’s craft beer scene has expanded steadily since a mom-son duo opened Bold City Brewery in Riverside in 2008. Today, eight breweries make up the Jax Ale Trail, spanning
the metro area from the suburbs to the surf. In San Marco, Aardwolf Brewing Company releases a new small-batch beer every week. Stop in Wednesdays at 5 p.m. for the first pour. Prefer a tried-and-true brew? First-timers at Bold City receive a flight to sample local favorites like the Mad Manatee IPA and Killer Whale Cream Ale. Jax Beer Week, an annual celebration of locally owned breweries, is September 17–24.

Tacolu:

Ask for a seat on the deck at this lively Jacksonville Beach outpost, known for its fish tacos and a seemingly endless selection of tequila.

Jax Truckies:

Follow this network of food truck owners on social media (@jaxtruckies) to find out about daily locations and upcoming festivals.  

Black Sheep:

Locally sourced Southern fare, like Black Hog Farm chicken, is best enjoyed on the rooftop of this Five Points joint. 

Marker 32:

Start with a plate of crispy calamari at this restaurant on stilts overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Catch 27:

What’s in a name? This casual STA stop is dedicated to serving fresh-catch seafood from right here in the 27th state. 

Timoti’s Seafood Shak:

This counter-service dive in Fernandina Beach is a local favorite. Dig into a basket of fried, grilled, or blackened clam strips. 

With more miles of coastline than any other Florida city, you’re never far from the water in Jacksonville. And the opportunities to soak up the sand and surf are endless: Float down the St. Johns River and its tributaries; take a paddleboard yoga class with Kayak Amelia; deep-sea dive or fish near more than 20 reefs off the Atlantic coast; or attend the 26.2 with Donna breast cancer marathon, February 10-12. The race-filled weekend culminates with the 10th annual full marathon—dubbed the “largest block party at the beach”—which runs through four beach communities with bands and DJs providing the playlist.

One Ocean Resort & Spa:

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer full or partial ocean views at this posh Atlantic Beach spread. When hunger strikes, a mouthwatering meal awaits at Azurea. 

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront:

Bask in the rays from the rooftop pool at this stylish, 951-room property on the banks of the St. Johns. 

Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant:

For a luxe stay paired with exceptional eats, pick this 23-room hacienda-style retreat, steps from the ocean in Jacksonville Beach. 

Anastasia State Park:

A stone’s throw from downtown St. Augustine, this peninsular park includes a historic coquina quarry. 

GTM Research Reserve: 

One of 28 national estuary reserves in the U.S., this protected area teems with wildlife and ways to explore: hiking, biking, beachcombing, and more. 

Timucuan Preserve: 

This 46,000-acre ecological playground boasts miles of trails and wetlands. 

Real talk: Museums can be tough for those of us with short attention spans. Fortunately, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will keep the whole crew engaged. For the true arts aficionado, the Cummer’s collection includes more than 5,000 works spanning from 2100 B.C. through the 21st century. Rather be outdoors? Stroll through the property’s historic riverfront gardens, adorned with marble fixtures, reflecting pools, and fountains. And for the more handsy members of your travel troupe, the Art Connections center lets wannabe Rembrandts digitally paint masterpieces on a giant video screen.

Lightner Museum:

Housed in the former Hotel Alcazar in STA, this eclectic collection includes musical instruments, taxidermic displays, and assorted antiquities. 

Art in Public Places:

Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor sculptures and parking garage murals across Jax thanks to this Cultural Council initiative.

Riverside Arts Market

Treasure hunting? Gather beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge on Saturdays through December, when 200 local artists hawk handmade crafts. 

Players by the Sea:

This intimate, not-for-profit theater begins its 51st season with Into the Woods, September 16–October 8. 

Florida Theatre:

Since 1927, this landmark has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and silent films to rock concerts and graduations. 

Alhambra Theatre & Dining:

The oldest continually operating dinner theater in the U.S. turns  50 next year. Catch Annie Get Your Gun, October 19–November 20.

Golfers young and old (and good and bad) could spend a whole day at the World Golf Hall of Fame, an activity-filled shrine to the game’s greats in St. Augustine. Test your short game on an 18-hole, natural grass putting course, and then try to sink a hole-in-one on the Challenge Hole, a 132-yard island green. Always wished you could play the Old Course at St. Andrews? Step inside a golf simulator and virtually navigate some of the world’s elite links.  New this summer: Road to Rio, a glimpse into the history of golf in the Olympics, beginning in 1900 when the sport made its debut.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary:

For the best views of lions, tigers, leopards, and more, opt for the 45-minute nighttime feeding tour when the nocturnal beasts are wide awake. 

Museum of Science and History:

The MOSH brings science to life through more than 3,500 programs a year, including live demonstrations.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens:

In June, the tallest giraffe calf ever born at the zoo measured in at 6 feet, 4 inches. See the “little” one in the reticulated giraffe habitat. 

Dreamette:
This ice cream institution has been dispensing soft serve and shakes since 1948. Stop by the shop’s newest location in Neptune Beach. 

Sweet Pete’s: 

Tour this Wonka-like emporium or sign up for a class to learn about the art of old-fashioned candy making.

LuLi’s Cupcakes: 

We dare you to turn down the Breakfast in Bed: a cinnamon roll cupcake with pecans, cream cheese frosting, bacon, and a drizzle of orange maple syrup.