Ocala to Jacksonville: Complete Travel Guide
Florida's Largest City — Atlantic Beaches, River Life & Historic Neighborhoods
About Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, stretching 874 square miles along the St. Johns River and Atlantic coast in northeast Florida. From Ocala, it's a 112-mile drive north on I-75 to I-10 East — a quick trip to a city that most Floridians underrate but rewards those who explore it properly.
Jacksonville's neighborhoods are genuinely distinct: Riverside and Avondale offer historic craftsman homes and a legitimate arts scene; San Marco has a walkable village feel with European-style restaurants; Five Points channels indie-city energy; and Jacksonville Beach is a legitimate Atlantic oceanfront experience. The St. Johns River runs through the city's heart, creating a waterfront rival to Tampa's for Sunday brunch and evening dining.
Getting from Ocala to Jacksonville
Primary — I-75 N to I-10 E
I-75 North to I-10 East; I-10 into Jacksonville
Alternate — US-301 North
US-301 North through Starke and Baldwin
Parking Tips
Downtown Jacksonville: metered street parking and multiple garages near the Landing (free with validation). Riverside/Avondale: free street parking available in most areas. Jacksonville Beach: free municipal lots one block from the ocean. For Jaguar games, arrive 2+ hours early for walkable lot parking.
Best Time to Visit Jacksonville
65–82°F, mild and pleasant
Springing the Blues festival (April at Jax Beach), Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May), perfect beach weather without summer crowds.
90s°F, humid, afternoon storms
Beach season peak, outdoor concerts; humidity is significant but breezes at the beach help.
70–82°F, humidity dropping
Florida-Georgia Game (October) transforms downtown; Riverside Arts Market continues through fall.
50–68°F, occasionally cold
Lowest crowds and prices. Jacksonville gets cold fronts — bring a jacket. Excellent restaurant season.
Jacksonville Neighborhoods Guide
Riverside / Avondale
Historic craftsman district with the best independent restaurant scene in Jacksonville
- ·Five Points entertainment corridor
- ·Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- ·Independently owned restaurants and bars
San Marco
European-flavored village district with walkable dining and boutiques
- ·San Marco Square fountain district
- ·Balis Park green space
- ·Local wine bars and bistros
Five Points
Eclectic, artistic neighborhood with vintage shops and live music
- ·Independent record stores
- ·Live music venues
- ·Tattoo shops and vintage clothing
Jacksonville Beach
Laid-back Atlantic oceanfront community with surf culture
- ·Atlantic Ocean swimming and surfing
- ·Pier complex and boardwalk
- ·Casual seafood restaurants
Springfield
Up-and-coming historic district with restored Victorian homes and new restaurants
- ·Main Street Arts Corridor
- ·Victorian architecture restoration projects
- ·Emerging restaurant and bar scene
A Brief History of Jacksonville
Northeast Florida's European history is the oldest in what is now the United States. In 1564, French Huguenots established Fort Caroline near modern Jacksonville, making it one of the earliest European settlements in North America — a full decade before St. Augustine. Spain destroyed Fort Caroline the following year and established dominance in the region for two centuries. The area's first American settler arrived in 1816, and Jacksonville was incorporated in 1832, named after Andrew Jackson.
The city's fortunes were shaped by Civil War occupation (Union forces held Jacksonville through much of the war), and by the Great Fire of 1901, which destroyed 2,368 buildings in eight hours and required the city to rebuild nearly its entire downtown. The 20th century brought the military (Naval Air Station Jacksonville established 1940), banking consolidation, and gradual growth. Consolidation of the city and Duval County governments in 1968 created one of America's largest municipalities by area. The Jacksonville Jaguars' 1995 NFL expansion team gave the city a new source of identity, and today Riverside and San Marco neighborhoods represent a genuine urban renaissance.
Top Attractions in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Beach & Pier
Atlantic Ocean beach with fishing pier, lifeguarded swimming, and a casual boardwalk atmosphere. Free to access.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
One of Florida's finest art museums with 5,000-piece permanent collection and stunning formal gardens along the St. Johns River.
Riverside Arts Market
Florida's largest outdoor arts market under the Fuller Warren Bridge — Saturdays year-round with local artists, food, and live music.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Site of the 1564 French Huguenot settlement — oldest European settlement attempt in the continental US. Free, National Park site.
Kingsley Plantation (Fort George Island)
Preserved antebellum plantation complex showcasing the history of slavery in Florida. Free, National Park Service.
Museum of Science & History (MOSH)
Jacksonville's science and history museum with planetarium shows, interactive exhibits, and local natural history.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
60-acre oceanfront park with a freshwater lake, Atlantic beach access, and camping north of Jacksonville Beach.
EverBank Stadium (Jaguars)
Home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars; check schedule for game days and other events.
Hemming Park (Downtown)
Downtown's central park with food truck events, public art, and community programming. Heart of the city.
Clark's Fish Camp
Legendary South Jacksonville seafood institution on the Julington Creek — taxidermied animal collection and iconic fried catfish.
The St. Johns River
One of the few northward-flowing rivers in the US; sunset river cruises and kayaking are popular with visitors.
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
Large National Park preserve with hiking, canoeing, and access to Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.
Where to Eat in Jacksonville
Local recommendations for day-trippers from Ocala
The Bearded Pig
$$Jacksonville's premier BBQ spot with smoked meats and craft beer on the San Marco waterfront.
Clark's Fish Camp
$$A Jacksonville institution since 1986 — unique interior with thousands of taxidermied animals; excellent fried catfish and alligator.
Candy Apple Café
$$Legendary Avondale neighborhood café with creative menu and massive portions. Breakfast and lunch only.
The Fox Restaurant
$$$San Marco's most sophisticated dining room with locally sourced menus and excellent wine selection.
Bellwether
$$$James Beard-recognized chef; tasting menu format with locally sourced ingredients.
Olio
$$Neighborhood Mediterranean with excellent mezze plates and al fresco dining on Five Points.
Orsay
$$$Avondale institution serving French bistro classics with a Florida twist. Sunday brunch is excellent.
Zoe's Kitchen (multiple)
$Local chain with healthy Mediterranean options; great for a quick, affordable lunch.
Price guide: $ = under $15 · $$ = $15–30 · $$$ = $30–60 · $$$$ = $60+
Where to Stay in Jacksonville
Budget
Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
Beachfront budget option steps from the Atlantic ($90–150/night).
Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville South
Budget option near I-95/US-1 corridor ($75–110/night); free breakfast.
Mid-Range
The Lofts at FSCJ (boutique)
Boutique hotel in Five Points area, excellent neighborhood access ($110–180/night).
One Ocean Resort (Atlantic Beach)
Oceanfront boutique hotel at Atlantic Beach — the best coastal accommodation near Jacksonville Beach ($140–240/night).
Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
Reliable brand hotel in the CBD with riverfront views ($120–190/night).
Luxury
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Downtown flagship on the St. Johns River with rooftop pool and excellent location ($150–250/night).
Local Insider Tips for Jacksonville
Riverside and Avondale are Jacksonville's best neighborhoods — park near the Cummer Museum and walk Five Points and Avondale's main street.
The Florida-Georgia Football Game weekend in October turns downtown Jacksonville into one of the Southeast's biggest parties. Book hotels 6+ months ahead if planning around it.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offers the best beach experience near Jacksonville with far fewer crowds than the main beach strip.
Clark's Fish Camp is worth the slightly inconvenient location — the interior alone (thousands of taxidermied animals) is worth the visit.
The Riverside Arts Market (Saturday mornings year-round, under the bridge) is one of Florida's best outdoor markets and entirely free to browse.
Avoid driving directly into downtown Jacksonville during Jaguar home game days — traffic is severe. Park in Riverside and use the pedestrian bridge.
Annual Events in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
One of the largest free jazz festivals in the US, held in downtown Hemming Park over Memorial Day weekend.
Springing the Blues
Free outdoor blues festival at Jacksonville Beach oceanfront — three days of world-class blues artists.
Florida-Georgia Game
Annual SEC college football rivalry game at EverBank Stadium; called "the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." Massive cultural event.
Jacksonville Film Festival
Growing independent film festival showcasing regional and national independent films.
Riverside Arts Market
Florida's largest outdoor arts market under the Fuller Warren Bridge, running every Saturday year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ocala to Jacksonville
How far is Ocala from Jacksonville?
Ocala is approximately 112 miles from Jacksonville, about 1 hour and 45 minutes on I-75 North to I-10 East.
What is Jacksonville best known for?
Jacksonville is known for its Atlantic beaches, the St. Johns River waterfront, the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, and neighborhoods like Riverside/Avondale and San Marco.
Is Jacksonville beach worth visiting as a day trip from Ocala?
Yes. Jacksonville Beach offers genuine Atlantic Ocean swimming, a pier, and a casual oceanfront atmosphere. It's less crowded than Gulf coast beaches and great for a day trip.
What is the best neighborhood in Jacksonville for visitors?
Riverside/Avondale is the top recommendation — it has the Cummer Museum, Five Points entertainment, and Jacksonville's best independent restaurants.
What is the Cummer Museum?
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is one of Florida's finest art museums, with 5,000 works and beautiful formal gardens along the St. Johns River. Admission is approximately $12 adults.
Is Jacksonville a good day trip from Ocala?
At 112 miles and 1h 45m, Jacksonville is a longer day trip but very manageable. Plan to spend the full day — beach in the morning, neighborhood exploring in the afternoon, dinner before the return drive.
When is the Florida-Georgia game?
The Florida-Georgia football game (annual SEC rivalry) is held in late October in Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium. The city fills completely that weekend; advance reservations are essential.
What is Fort Caroline?
Fort Caroline (1564) was a French Huguenot settlement that predates St. Augustine's founding — making it one of the earliest European settlement attempts in North America. The National Memorial site is free and run by the National Park Service.
Where should I eat in Jacksonville?
The Bearded Pig (BBQ) in San Marco, Candy Apple Café (Avondale breakfast), Clark's Fish Camp (seafood), and Bellwether (fine dining in Riverside) are among the best choices.
How does Jacksonville compare to other Florida cities?
Jacksonville is larger by area than any other continental US city, with genuine waterfront neighborhoods and Atlantic beaches. It's less touristy than Orlando or Tampa and has a more authentic "city" feel.
Is parking easy in Jacksonville?
Yes — Jacksonville generally has better parking than Tampa or Orlando. Riverside street parking is free, downtown has affordable garages, and beach parking lots are free or low-cost.
What is Clark's Fish Camp?
Clark's Fish Camp is a Jacksonville institution since 1986 — a South Jacksonville seafood restaurant famous for its massive taxidermied animal interior and excellent fried catfish and Southern seafood.
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Back in Ocala?
There's plenty to do right here in Marion County. Explore local events, things to do, and all the cities within easy reach of Ocala.