Best Areas to Stay in Jacksonville, Florida

Downtown Jacksonville is the heart of the city.

Close to the beautiful beaches and with a modern atmosphere, Downtown Jacksonville the best area to stay.

Downtown, surrounded by skyscrapers and the St. John’s River, is home to the best nightlife in Jacksonville, as well as great restaurants and the city’s top museums.

In the Downtown area, you can go to a football match, attend the Ritz Theater, or marvel at the works of art at the Jacksonville Contemporary Museum.

Other attractions here include Sweet Pete’s, a local candy factory.

In addition, you can also walk around this pedestrian-friendly district to appreciate the architecture and history of the area.

Moving around Downtown Jacksonville is easy, thanks to its many parking spaces and the Skyway system which connects different places within the area.

Downtown is the best location in Jax thanks to its great nightlife, connections to other neighborhoods by public transport, and its wealth of places to see.

North Jacksonville is mainly a residential neighborhood with several cheap hotels.

This area is connected to other districts of Jacksonville through buses and taxis.

It is recommended to stay in this area if you have a car, for greater comfort when traveling and around Jax.

A benefit of staying in this area is the proximity to the Jacksonville International Airport, with accommodation available for business travelers or those who visit the city for a short time.

Most places to eat or shop are usually within a 3-mile-radio from any point in this area.

The north side of Jacksonville is also near the famous North Shore district, also known as “Tallulah”, full of boutiques and cultural sites.

North Jacksonville is a recommended area to stay in Jacksonville for its quiet environment and affordable hotels. Great for travelers on a tight budget.

The Jacksonville Beaches, known locally as “The Beaches“, are a seres of cities and towns located along the Atlantic coast, on the northern half of San Pablo Island.

This region includes, among others, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach, and Atlantic Beach.

These communities are part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area and have a laid-back atmosphere.

Jacksonville Beach is the most well-developed urban area. This independent city is home to several 1920s Art Déco and Streamline Moderne buildings, as well as many hotels, resorts, and spas.

Some of the attractions located in this area include Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a 1.5 miles long public beach and city park, the Jacksonville Beach Pier, the Beaches Museum, and Shipwreck Island Water Park.

The Beaches are connected to Downtown Jacksonville via the city’s bus system.

Southpoint is a small neighborhood located in the southeast of Jacksonville, with a peaceful atmosphere, but still close to the main areas of the city.

Those staying at Southpoint can enjoy the tranquility of a district away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Jacksonville.

It is easy to reach other neighborhoods of the city from here through buses, taxis or the Skyway metro service. However, it is recommended to stay in Southpoint with a car.

In Southpoint, you’ll find attractions such as the Kart Circuit, as well as a theme park, great for summer holidays with the family.

Most hotels in the Southpoint area are comfortable, fit any budget, and are located 30 minutes from the airport.

Southpoint is another of the best areas to stay in Jacksonville, especially for those travelers who visit the city for a short time or for business.

West Jacksonville is home to several neighborhoods home to many entertainment options, including Baldwin.

West Jacksonville hosts historic districts such as Lake Shore, with colonial-style houses and post-war bungalows.

There are also several restaurants, cafes, and vintage shops in this area.

Staying on the west side of Jacksonville also allows travelers to discover the lively Murray Hill district, filled with gardens, trendy shops, bars, and nightclubs.

Moving around and from this district is easy, thanks to the bus routes that run through the area. In addition, it has a Skyway station nearby.

Its great hotel offer and entertainment are some of the reasons why West Jacksonville is a recommended area to stay in Jacksonville.