Travel guide time! I partnered with Uber, the ride-request app available in hundreds of cities worldwide, to share a guide to a city I called home for many years before moving to Atlanta (and later to Seattle): Jacksonville, Florida.
If you assume Jacksonville doesn’t have much to offer, I’m here to change your mind. I’m admittedly partial—this is where I went to college, met my husband Jeff, rescued our dog Luna, and bought our first house—but the city has also evolved into an interesting and vibrant place to visit. New restaurants, coffee shops, event spaces, and boutiques have been popping up across town, especially in Riverside/Avondale and San Marco, where this guide is concentrated.
Nearly everyone I know in Atlanta seems to have a connection to Jacksonville, and since it’s only about an hour flight from ATL, it makes for an easy trip. Getting around is straightforward: when we visit we often leave the car behind, use the Uber app for short rides, and walk through 5 Points for food, drinks, and shopping before continuing on to Avondale and San Marco.
Sometimes Jeff wants to wander less, so I’ll hop in an Uber to visit a few shops on my own and meet him later. When we split up I use the ETA sharing and trip status features—one of my favorite Uber tools—because it provides peace of mind when traveling alone. Do you use trip sharing with friends or family?
After a day of exploring we usually regroup for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants—often Black Sheep or The Brick—then head back to our accommodations. Below are the must-visit spots I aim for whenever I’m in Jacksonville.
Cool Places to Eat and Drink in Jacksonville
Good Dough: I can’t list places to eat without mentioning a donut shop. Good Dough has a great atmosphere and handmade donuts from scratch. Try the Molly Ringwood with sprinkles or the brown butter donut. They also offer a fried chicken doughwich for the adventurous eater.
Black Sheep: Located near 5 Points in Riverside, Black Sheep offers a lively vibe, tasty food, and a rooftop terrace. Favorites include their creative cocktails (try the dusty boot), cheddar grits, and faux-reos.
Bread and Board: A newer soup, salad, and sandwich spot in 5 Points that’s convenient for a quick, fresh meal.
Birdie’s: A locally owned neighborhood bar in 5 Points, perfect for a casual drink in an area dense with dining options.
Biscotti’s: Known for generous desserts, Biscotti’s is also a great lunch spot. I usually order the chicken salad wrap with sweet potato fries and enjoy the pesto rolls that come with salads and wraps.
The Brick: Located in the Shops of Avondale across from Biscotti’s, The Brick is a longtime local favorite. I like sitting outside with a warm turkey sandwich or a plate of brie and bread—simple, familiar comfort food we enjoyed often when we lived in town.
Mellow Mushroom: This fun pizza place in Avondale serves creative pies and tasty fried dough bites called the drunken fun guys.
Maple Street Biscuit: A go-to for biscuits and gravy—pair it with sweet potato fries and maple mustard for a satisfying meal.
Hoptinger: A casual spot offering craft beer, sausages, and cocktails, with a rooftop that’s lovely on a sunny day.
Nourish Juice Bar: A bright option for fresh juices and healthy snacks.
Community Loaves: Focused on sourdough, Community Loaves is a favorite for breakfast and lunch with thoughtfully prepared bread-based dishes.
Cool Coffee Shops in Jacksonville
Bold Bean: A reliable coffee shop with space to work if you need to get some tasks done while you enjoy a cup.
Vagabond Coffee: A cozy spot for coffee and baked goods, with a Mondrian-inspired mural outside, extra seating, and string lights in the back.
Brew Five Points: A versatile stop serving coffee, baked goods, and beer—perfect if you like a mix of offerings in one place.
Bold City Pops: Fresh farm popsicles sold from a charming vintage camper. Check their social media to find the camper’s current location.
Places to Shop in Jacksonville
Gloss Goods: A relatively new boutique carrying limited-run jewelry, apothecary items, small housewares, paper goods, and accessories—perfect for unique gifts and home accents.
Wolfgang: A long-standing 5 Points shop offering affordable independent clothing and accessories for men and women—think standout sunglasses, simple bags, and unique finds. They also sell online.
Southern Crossing: A massive antique mall for treasure hunters. It’s packed with vintage items and curiosities, and it’s next to Cool Moose, a cozy café ideal for a coffee break while you browse.
St Johns Town Center: The area’s major shopping destination, home to stores like Madewell, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, and the Apple Store. It’s on the Southside and best reached by car or rideshare—roughly a 15-minute Uber from Riverside depending on traffic.
More Things to Do in Jacksonville
Six Hundred King: While I’m not one to always pose in front of murals, Jacksonville has several striking pieces worth seeing. The plant mural on the side of Six Hundred King—an event space—is a local favorite. Another notable piece is the GROW mural in Murray Hill on the side of Tradewinds, close to Vagabond and Community Loaves.
Hawthorn Salon: If you need a haircut or quality haircare products, Hawthorn is a reliable, friendly spot where many locals get styled.
Cummer Museum: The museum sits on the river and its gardens are especially lovely if you have time to explore a scenic outdoor space.
Photography by Sarah Eddy
Have you ever been to Jacksonville? Are there other spots you’d add to this list of must-visits?
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This post was created in partnership with Uber. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.