What we do in Jacksonville with your help

[code_d]

We are driving down to Jacksonville January 9, 2009 to sail on the Fascination. We normally fly in day of, but this time we will be there day before. We would like to stay nere the port, maybe go to the beach, find a good eating/drinking place, maybe even a park and stay, and of course pay as little as possible:D . Input as always is so much appreciated;) .

[llgator]

Live in Jax. The closest nice hotels are downtown, and it's on the river, with lots of places to eat, drink, etc. The port is very isolated, so there is NOTHING to do around there. Also downtown has a few upscale hotels and I think there's also a fairly new Hampton Inn and Courtyard. Their not directly on the river, but only about a block away. Really your only other option close by would be the airport hotels which are also in the middle of nowhere. Of course, there's always Amelia island, which would be on your way down. I know there are some great inns there, and it's beautiful!

[lucyddr]

Several or the airport hotels have parking packages which are very reasonable as well as a shuttle to the port. One clean one that comes to mind is the Plaza Hotel. It isn't anything fancy, but it's affordable with a shuttle and parking options. As for things to do, if you have a car you could ride to the beach or spend the day at the Jacksonville Zoo. The beach is about 30 minutes away and has lots of places to eat and enjoy. Depending on how much time you have, you could even ride down to St. Augustine to spend the day. (St. Augustine would be my vote. Lots of history and tourist activities as well as a nice beach/harbour area.)

 

For good seafood (no atmosphere), try Seafood Kitchen on Atlantic Blvd. just across the Intercoastal Waterway. For a great atmosphere outdoors and decent seafood/other dishes, try the Conch House in St. Augustine.

[Jabee]

Its like having an extra port...

 

St. Augustine is an amazing place, the oldest city in the US and so full of history and sights to see.

 

To add to it, there are also two huge Outlet Malls with some really neat places and great prices. I bought a suit last trip down and saved over $100 over what I would have paid at home.

[pocoehonda]

I have lived in jax 36 years. The Port area is just staring to grow. There is, I believe a Hampton inn. (New) near the cruise port. Also, close the port is the Jacksonville Zoo. (Very Nice). There is a Mexican resturant on Alta Drive off 9A - Shopping center right after the RR Tracks. You could Visit Hanna Park (Mayport Beaches) . (aprox 20 min from port) Head east on 9A and it will take you right too it. There are also some nice seafood places in mayport too. If you Elect to stay downtown. There are some very nice Hotels on the riverfront. We also have the Jacksonville Landing with wonderful water views. They often have a live band and offer a varity of food choices, American, Japanese, Italian.... Downtown to the cruise port is maybe a 15-20 minute drive also. You could stay at the airport but there is really nothing to see or do there. I will be going on the Fascination first week in November. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

[code_d]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the downtown area should be nice. I hope someone there has a park and cruise. :)

[clearwater10]

When I fly from Jax I stay by the airport on Airport Road and a lot of those offer free shuttle to airport and you leave your car at the hotel. So check on it for port shuttle. Look for hotels on that street. Have a great time.

[cruiseapril]

How far is the Hampton Inn from the pier?

[tandemcruzr]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the downtown area should be nice. I hope someone there has a park and cruise. :)

 

I would suggest a Google search for 'park cruise jacksonville' for a start. Haven't sailed out of Jax, but there may be something available.

 

Good luck and enjoy.