Jacksonville, a vibrant city in northern Florida on the Atlantic coast, offers a wealth of activities beyond its stunning beaches. The area boasts a diverse dining scene, ranging from mouthwatering southern barbecue to delicious ethnic cuisine. Our two-day Jacksonville itinerary highlights the city’s top attractions, ensuring you experience the best it has to offer.
For an enhanced travel experience, consider renting an RV for your visit. This option allows for a leisurely trip with a cozy home base to return to after a day of sightseeing. With a variety of RV options available, you’re sure to find one that perfectly suits your group’s needs.
Search RV rentals in the Jacksonville area.
Preparing for Your Jacksonville RV Trip
With a little planning, you’ll be able to find the ideal RV rental for your trip. A Class A or C motorhome provides full-size amenities in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and it’s a drivable option. Class B campervans also typically have means to refrigerate and cook food while being cozier and more maneuverable. Travel trailers and fifth wheels have many of the same conveniences but are towable. This means you’ll have your car with you when visiting area attractions.
Whether you’re new to the world of RVs or an experienced traveler, these resources will help you plan your Jacksonville adventure.
• Mistakes to avoid when renting an RV
• How to choose the best RV size for your trip
• Finding the perfect spot for your RV
• Convenient RV rental delivery
After booking your RV rental, you need to find the perfect campground. Fleetwood RV Park is a small campground with only ten sites, but they have several conveniences like a laundry room, a dump station, a shower house, and a dog park. The more spacious Big Tree RV Park is a peaceful campground close to many of the top attractions in Jacksonville. If you’re looking for excitement, try Jacksonville North/St. Marys KOA Holiday with its live music, food truck nights, and wine tastings.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Jacksonville.
Day 1: Exploring the Great Outdoors
Morning: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Start your day watching the sunrise at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. You can take a walk on one of the park’s many hiking trails. The park also features a lake where you can enjoy fishing and paddle boating. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is also renowned as Jacksonville’s premier surfing destination.
Lunch: Big, Beefy Burgers
Grab a bite to eat at Carolina Jax on Oak Street. This is the place in Jacksonville where you can get an award-winning certified Angus beef burger and fries. The menu also includes a variety of hot dogs and other sandwich options.
Afternoon: See Animals Amid Beautiful Gardens
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This zoo offers a unique experience with lush botanical gardens mixed in with the animal exhibits. It covers 122 acres and features 2,000 animal species.
Setting Up Camp
Once the zoo closes, head to your campground to set up your RV. Check in at the main office, settle in at your campsite, and connect any available hookups. Then, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. If all of this sounds like too much, ask about having your RV rental delivered to your campground and set up for you.
Dinner: Dine In or Check Out a Local Favorite
You can always take advantage of your RV’s kitchen and have dinner at your campsite, but if you’re in the mood to try a local favorite, head to The Bearded Pig. They’re known for their Southern barbecue and beer garden. You can sit outside on the covered patio or the grassy lawn on pleasant evenings.
Day 2: A Bit of Culture
Morning: The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
This Riverside art museum is surrounded by art exhibits and peaceful gardens. Adults will love the scenic views from the grounds, while little ones will enjoy the interactive children’s areas.
Lunch: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Head over to Sweet Pete’s Candy for lunch and a special treat. Their on-site Fizzies & Fare restaurant is perfect for getting a burger and milkshake before heading to the ice cream counter for dessert. Afterward, be sure to check out the large selection of gourmet candies and chocolate.
Afternoon: Electric Bike Tour of Amelia Island
The Electric Bike Tour of Amelia Island begins at Big Talbot Island State Park. This is where you’ll rent an electric bike and join a tour that spans seven miles of trails featuring beautiful scenery. You might spot some of the area’s wildlife along the way.
Evening: Alhambra Theatre and Dining
Alhambra Theatre and Dining is the country’s longest-running professional dinner theater. Here, you can enjoy a show along with a three-course meal. Entertainment includes a selection of country music, plays, and concerts, depending on when you visit.
Day 3 and Beyond in Jacksonville
Do you have time to spend more than two days in Jacksonville? Locals recommend these additional Jacksonville activities.
• The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of many rescued big cats. Guided tours show you these magnificent species, and some tours allow you to feed them.
• Take a self-guided tour of the restored Kingsley Plantation. In addition to the main house, you’ll see scenic river views and the slave quarters.
• Spend a day enjoying the shopping and dining at St. Johns Town Center. They have over 175 stores, including unique local shops and chain retailers.
Seasonal Activities
Jacksonville hosts seasonal activities throughout the year, such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in October. This event includes three days of free live entertainment. Then, on Thanksgiving weekend, the city kicks off the holidays with its Jacksonville Light Boat Parade. Boats of all sizes can be found on the St. Johns River, all decked out for the Christmas season.
Indoor Activities
A rainy day isn’t a loss in Jacksonville. Visit the Museum of Science and History, where you’ll find everything from Native American cultural exhibits to lessons on dinosaurs. You could also take in a concert at The Florida Theatre, or stroll through the Avonlea Antiques and Interiors shopping market while looking for special treasures.
This city has many shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities for you to put in your two-day Jacksonville itinerary. In fact, it’ll be easy to spend a few extra days here exploring the area’s parks and visiting the nearby ocean. It’s certainly an RV rental destination you’ll want to come back to again and again.
