When you think of a Florida vacation, Miami, Orlando, and even Key West are often the first destinations that come to mind. But Florida is home to many more cities that make a great getaway from the frigid temperatures elsewhere in the United States. This January, I visited gorgeous Jacksonville hosted by Visit Jacksonville. Also known as “The Flip Side of Florida,” my daughter Liz and I spent three days in town. I can say without a doubt Jacksonville is a wonderful combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re in the market for a Florida vacation read on and be sure to add these activities to your itinerary.
Take a Guided Black History Tour
Jacksonville doesn’t immediately come to mind when I think about Black history, but I quickly learned this city has a rich connection to African-American heritage. Liz and I started our first full day with a Black history guided tour. The Black-owned tour company, Explore Jax Core, included some incredible sights, including the James Weldon Johnson Park and Lift Every Voice and Sing Park. Our knowledgeable guide, Historian extraordinaire, Yollie Copeland, even made a quick drive through the beautiful campus of HBCU, Edward Waters University. This tour is perfect for any and every history buff, museum lover, and lifelong learner—because Black history is American history.
Watch the Water and Light Show at Friendship Fountain
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city at Friendship Park. This small green space overlooks downtown Jacksonville and makes a great place to unwind. But the real draw of the park is the wonderful Friendship Fountain. It’s more than your average water feature! This fountain comes alive at night, lit up in different colors depending on the season and occasion. With several bridges in the background, also lit up, it’s quite a sight!
Bask in the Sun at Jacksonville Beach
It’s not a Florida vacation without spending some time at the beach! January may not be the prime time to take a dip in the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beach’s natural beauty. When you’re done soaking up the sun, don’t forget to head into the adorable beach towns. I recommend Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach and their shopping district, Beaches Town Center. These areas have so many restaurants, cute shops, and gorgeous main streets lined with palm trees. If you’re feeling adventurous, lots of businesses in town provide gear for water sports!
Catch a Jaguars Game
Jacksonville is perfect for sports fans, too! A Jaguars football game could be the ideal way to complete your Florida getaway, if you’re traveling during their competitive season. Their home base, EverBank Stadium sits right on St. Johns River and is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s vibrant downtown.
Visit Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks
If you’re hoping to really immerse yourself in nature, trek out to Big and Little Talbot Island State Parks. These stunning nature preserves are fabulous for hiking and seeing local wildlife. Liz and I loved taking a short hike to the iconic Boneyard Beach. This beach features huge pieces of driftwood lodged in the sand. Some sections look like bleached bones, hence the eerie name.
Stop at a Local Museum
Jacksonville is a paradise for history lovers—no passport necessary! Liz and I loved exploring several museums across town and learning more about the city’s deep connection to Black history. Our itinerary included stops at each of these museums:
- Mandarin Museum and Walter Jones Historical Park—This unique museum showcases the area’s history with farming fruits and vegetables. It’s also home to the only remaining one-room schoolhouse in the county, where countless Black children were educated in the late 1800s.
- Eartha M. M. White Museum—This museum celebrates the legacy of Dr. Eartha White and her mother, Clara. These women were humanitarians, entrepreneurs, and community advocates working in the late 1800s and early 1900s. A visit to this museum is so inspirational!
- Durkeeville Historical Society and Museum—Durkeeville is one of Jacksonville’s historic black neighborhoods, and this museum commemorates the people who lived and worked there. Explore its collection of artifacts that reflect this vibrant community.
Explore Freedom Park
Freedom Park is yet another example of how Jacksonville combines natural beauty with a rich cultural history. This small park was established in 2020 and commemorates the Gullah Geechee community. These people were the direct descendents of the formerly enslaved people who settled the area, and today, Jacksonville is home to the largest concentration of Gullah Geechee people outside the Carolinas.
Try Jacksonville’s Signature Dish
While Jacksonville is certainly perfect for history buffs, foodies will find something to love, too! The city’s signature dish, Mayport shrimp, is absolutely delicious and served at numerous restaurants in the area. Freshly caught from nearby Mayport Village, these shrimp are a local delicacy. Whether grilled, fried, or tossed in pasta, they’re a must-try for seafood lovers. I had a wonderful dish at Slider’s Oyster Bar—shrimp and grits. Yum! You’ll also get your fair share of collard greens in Jacksonville. Nearly every restaurant offered these veggies as a side dish.
You’ll find no shortage of amazing restaurants in Jacksonville. In addition to Slider’s, here are a few more places Liz and I tried:
- 1 Foxy Lady Cafe—We stopped here for breakfast on our first day. Eating here is a great way to support local Black-owned businesses!
- Sandollar Restaurant—If you want another option to get your seafood fix, try Sandollar. This restaurant has been open for more than 70 years and serves everything from Mayport shrimp to crab legs.
- Holy Smoke Barbeque—Jacksonville doesn’t only serve seafood! This restaurant makes incredible pulled pork sandwiches.
- Palms Fish Camp—Yet another restaurant with the city’s famous Mayport shrimp! I enjoyed an incredible seafood platter with all the fixings.
Natural Florida Beauty With Plenty of Cultural History
The next time you’re fantasizing about escaping the winter weather, consider Jacksonville for a Florida vacation! The Flip Side of Florida! This destination is perfect for Black History Month, if you’re planning some February travels, but works any time of year for mother/daughter travel. Follow me on Instagram @travelingblackwidow for more highlights from my recent trip!