Between the beautiful beaches, award-winning restaurants and fantastic art and music scene, there’s good reason why people from all over the country want to visit and live in Jacksonville, FL. Named one of the 10 best cities to live in the United States by Money magazine, Jacksonville offers an endless amount of entertainment to those who attend this year’s National Women’s Business Conference hosted by NAWBO. The best part? All the go-to places are just a quick drive (or walk) away from the Hyatt Regency hotel for conference attendees who come early or stay to experience all that this great city has to offer.
Here’s a complete guide on what to enjoy in Jacksonville:
Art and Entertainment
Museum of Science and History (1.1 mi)
This popular museum features Northeast Florida’s cultural history, interactive exhibits and the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium—the largest single-lens planetarium in the world. Visitors can attend a cosmic concert, take a guided tour along the St. Johns River and much more!
TIAA Bank Field (1.3 mi)
Home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, the beautiful TIAA Bank Field offers guided tours nearly every Saturday. From its sparkling pools and cabanas, to its state-of-the-art murals and office spaces, the stadium is a sight to behold. Be sure to check out the team’s season schedule later this year to see if the Jaguars will be in town!
Jax Ale Trail (1.5 mi)
Did you know Jacksonville is one of Florida’s biggest beer destinations with more than 20 local breweries? Enjoy some of the best local spots the city has to offer by embarking on your own self-guided tour with the Jax Ale Trail Passport. Just ask for it any of the local breweries (such as Intuition Ale Works, Engine 15, Aardwolf or Bold City Brewing) and win great prizes by getting a stamp at each location!
The Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens (1.9 mi)
See firsthand how well art and nature blend together. The Cummer Museum is home to some of the most dynamic and diverse art in the country, with more than 5,000 artifacts. The museum also has some of the finest European-inspired gardens along the St. Johns River.
Riverside Arts Market (2 mi)
Every Saturday morning, the best art, food and music in Jacksonville come together as local artists, craft makers and farmers gather under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge for a day of outdoor festivities. Enjoy live music, delicious local cuisine and free yoga with the beautiful St. Johns River as your backdrops.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (7.6 mi)
For more than 100 years, the Jacksonville Zoo has supported wildlife conservation on an incredible riverfront landscape. Check out the tigers roaming overhead at the Land of Tiger exhibit, feed the friendly giraffe and stop by to see the award-winning jaguars exhibit, too.
Alhambra Theatre & Dining (10.4 mi)
The nation’s oldest operating professional dinner theatre, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining has a thriving live performance scene and must-see theatre entertainment. On October 13, the theatre will be showing a live performance of Brighton Beach Memoirs, a coming-of-age dramatic comedy focusing on a Polish-Jewish American teenager.
Beaches Town Center (11.2 mi)
If you’re in the mood to experience some of the best shopping and dining Jacksonville has to offer, head to the Beaches Town Center for one-of-a-kind shops, beachy stores, art galleries and delicious dining options right by the ocean.
Catty Shack Ranch (16.3 mi)
Trip Advisor’s #1 attraction in Jacksonville, the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a tiger-focused ranch that rescues tigers, lions, leopards and more from inhuman captivity. Volunteers give thrilling tours of the ranch, educate guests about each animal’s history and speaks about the ranch’s mission. At the conclusion, visitors can visit each animal on their own time and purchase food and drinks at the concession stand.
Dining
BB’s Restaurant and Bar (1.3 mi)
From pizza and sandwiches, to creative dishes like caramelized onion and ricotta ravioli, Jacksonville residents love the fun and upscale feel, as well as the cozy décor inside. Guests love BB’s scallops, crab cake sandwiches and savory desserts. Vegan and vegetarian options are also offered.
The Bearded Pig (1.5 mi)
Specializing in smoked meat, guests can take their pick from brisket, pork, sausage, turkey, spare ribs and more! The expansive covered patio and bar offers a great chance to kick back and relax while eating some of the best meat in Florida.
Metro Diner (3.1 mi)
Just a short drive from the hotel, Metro Diner’s famous meatloaf has been featured on Food Network and has been a local favorite for years. Metro Diner also offers delicious breakfast options, from chicken and waffles to huevos rancheros. Get here early, because it doesn’t take long for this place to draw a crowd!
Restaurant Orsay (5.5 mi)
The recipient of several local accolades, Restaurant Orsay is a French bistro serving southern- influenced cuisine. While certainly fine dining, the atmosphere is very warm and causal. Some of their popular dishes include scallop crudo, hudson valley foie gras and chicken fried sweetbread.
Gilbert’s Social (7.7 mi)
Owned by chef Kenny Gilbert, Gilbert’s Social offers some of the best home-style southern cuisine in Florida. From smoked beef brisket stroganoff to crispy smoked pork belly, you can’t go wrong here.