Must-Do Activities in Jacksonville

1. The Comedy Zone
   Enjoy a night of laughter at this premier venue featuring professional comedians and touring headliners. The showroom offers a social atmosphere with reserved seating and a menu of food and drinks to enjoy during the performance, serving as a staple of the local nightlife scene.
2. USS Orleck Naval Museum
   Featuring the historic “Top Gun” destroyer, visitors can explore the ship through self-guided tours, enjoying interactive exhibits and insights from veteran docents. View the original navigation instruments, the ship’s wheel, and engine order telegraphs, and witness the functionality of a 5-inch gun mount with interactive simulations featuring dynamic lighting, soundscapes, and floor vibrations that mimic battle conditions.
3. Kingsley Plantation
   Located on Fort George Island, the site preserves Florida’s complex 19th-century history. Visitors can explore the state’s oldest standing plantation house, the kitchen, and a unique semicircular row of 25 tabby slave cabins. The site highlights the unusual story of Zephaniah Kingsley and his wife Anna, a formerly enslaved African woman who eventually managed the estate. Grounds feature interpretive gardens with Sea Island cotton and indigo, offering a sobering look at plantation life.

Top 3 Hotels in Baltimore for Conference Attendees

1. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
   Located along the scenic St. Johns River, this large convention hotel is a landmark of downtown Jacksonville. Featuring Florida’s only floating restaurant and a vibrant 24-hour market, the hotel boasts over 950 rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic river views, and a fully equipped fitness center. It offers easy access to attractions via a water taxi stop and a pedestrian bridge to Southbank, making it an excellent hub for both business and leisure travel.
2. Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
   Located in the heart of the “River City,” this hotel provides sweeping views of the St. Johns River and easy access to major cultural, business, and sports venues, including EverBank Stadium and the Performing Arts Center. Guests can relax at the outdoor pool with a city skyline view or enjoy American cuisine at the on-site Juliette’s Bistro and J Bar. Recently renovated rooms offer a refined retreat for travelers.
3. Residence Inn by Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
   Located in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood, this extended-stay hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience near the Northbank Riverwalk. Every room is a spacious suite featuring a fully equipped kitchen and separate living area, ideal for long-term travelers. Guests enjoy complimentary daily breakfast, a modern fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Its prime location provides easy access to local corporate offices, the medical district, and vibrant dining.

Top 3 Restaurants in Jacksonville for Convention Attendees

1. The District SPR
   This vibrant destination in the historic Springfield neighborhood blends art-deco style with an enchanting outdoor experience. Guests can dine in a whimsical “peacock garden” featuring twinkling lights or reserve private, climate-controlled yurt domes for intimate gatherings. The menu highlights “New American” favorites like blackened shrimp and grits and beef Wellington. With live weekend music and signature mimosa towers, it offers a sophisticated yet welcoming community atmosphere.
2. Cowford Chophouse
   Situated in a beautifully restored historic building downtown, this establishment elevates classic steakhouse fare, offering an extensive menu of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood towers, and an extensive wine list. The sophisticated ambiance is matched by a stunning rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the St. Johns River, ideal for sunset cocktails. It captures the essence of refined Southern hospitality and urban elegance.
3. Juliette’s Bistro
   Located within the Omni Jacksonville Hotel, offering a warm, contemporary American dining experience inspired by classic Southern comfort food. The restaurant features a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highlights include their signature crab cakes and creamy shrimp and grits. It provides a convenient and high-quality culinary escape in the heart of the city’s business district.

Closest Airport to Jacksonville

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Serving as a modern, efficient gateway to Northeast Florida, travelers enjoy streamlined security, local art exhibits, and diverse dining options, all located just fifteen minutes from the city’s vibrant downtown business district.