A Girls Trip in Jacksonville
Brunch, boutiques, a brewery crawl, a beach day and a sunset on the river. Here's a relaxed two-day weekend built for a group of friends who want to eat well, shop a little and not watch the clock.
Updated June 2026
Jacksonville is a quietly great girls-trip city. It has the boutique neighborhoods and the brunch-and-bubbles energy you want, plus 22 miles of Atlantic beach and a real craft-beer scene, all without the crowds or sticker shock of bigger Florida getaways. This plan keeps the driving short, the mood easy and the credit cards busy. Day 1 is a Saturday built around the river, the neighborhoods and a sunset cruise. Day 2 is brunch, beach and big-name shopping. Mix and match to your group's pace.
Day 1 — river, neighborhoods & a sunset cruise
Book a sunset cruise on Viator → See cruises & tours on GetYourGuide →
For dinner, stay close to where you're sleeping. Both Riverside and Avondale have walkable tables, and the San Marco square is one of the prettiest places in the city after dark. More ideas in our Where to Eat guide.
Day 2 — beach morning & serious shopping
Pick a base for the weekend
The trip is smoother when you don't have to drive far between brunch, shopping and bed. Stay in Riverside or San Marco to walk to most of Day 1, at the Beaches for a sand-first weekend, or near the Town Center if shopping is the main event.
Common questions
Is Jacksonville good for a girls trip?
Yes. Jacksonville packs a lot into one weekend without the crowds or price tags of bigger Florida cities. You get walkable boutique neighborhoods like Avondale and San Marco, a real brunch and brewery scene, 22 miles of Atlantic beach, big-name shopping at the St. Johns Town Center, and sunset cruises on the St. Johns River, all within a short drive of each other.
Where should a group of friends stay in Jacksonville?
It depends on your vibe. Riverside and San Marco put you in walking distance of brunch, boutiques and bars, which is great if you'd rather not drive much. The Beaches put you steps from the sand for a more laid-back trip, and the Southside near the St. Johns Town Center is best if shopping is the main event. See our Where to Stay guide to compare neighborhoods.
What is the Riverside Arts Market and when is it?
The Riverside Arts Market is an open-air market held on Saturdays under the Fuller Warren Bridge, right on the St. Johns River. You'll find local makers, art, fresh produce, food vendors, coffee and live music. It's free to browse and a fun, easy way to start a Saturday with your group. Check the current season and hours before you go, as the market follows a seasonal schedule.
Where is the best shopping in Jacksonville?
For boutiques and one-of-a-kind finds, wander Historic Avondale's shop-lined streets and the San Marco square. For big-name brands and department stores all in one place, head to the St. Johns Town Center on the Southside, an open-air center with a huge mix of stores and restaurants.
How many days do you need for a girls trip in Jacksonville?
A weekend is the sweet spot. Two full days is enough to fit brunch, boutique shopping, a brewery afternoon, a beach day and a sunset cruise without feeling rushed. If you have a third day, add a slow morning at the beach or a day trip up to Amelia Island or down to St. Augustine.