Memorial Weekend is undoubtedly one of the busiest and most fun times to visit Jacksonville, FL. Kicking off the summer season, visitors flock to the river city to pay tribute to those we have lost while also enjoying the amazing weather and activities Jacksonville has to offer. Neighborhood festivals pop up around town and locals and visitors head to the beaches or hit the water on boats or jet skis. It really is the perfect long weekend getaway to escape to Jacksonville.
Hotels, vacation rentals, and popular restaurants tend to book up fast. The beaches, parks and Riverside Arts Market will be packed with people, too. So, our advice? Make plans as soon as possible, whether that’s booking a place to stay, reserving dinner, or getting tickets to one of the many local concerts, sporting events or festivals.
Events and Activities
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is always a blast during Memorial Weekend. They have performances going on all weekend right in downtown Jacksonville.
Now in its 40+ years, the festival features three days of free live music at Metropolitan Park and Daily’s Place Amphitheater. There will be an action-packed line up of performers and the event is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local community while enjoying food, friendship, drinks and of course…music! For specialty and VIP seating, purchase tickets in advance on their website.
Riverside Arts Market
For a taste of local artisans, crafts, farms, and family fun, check out the Riverside Arts Market. It’s not just arts and crafts; they also have live music, special performances, and food trucks- lots of them!
Every Saturday in Historic Riverside, you will discover unique gifts from over 150 vendors. Wander through and sample tasty foods while kids enjoy activities in the kids’ zone. It’s a lovely way to connect with the art community.
Family Friendly Riverfest in Green Cove Springs
Next, spend some time honoring our nation’s heroes at the family-friendly Green Cove Springs Riverfest.
On Memorial Day, the park will host live music alongside delicious food trucks. They will have inflatables, a rubber duck race and even a watermelon eating contest! Early events like a fly-over ceremony and military vehicle displays add special meaning to this special event.
It’s sure to be an enjoyable event the whole family can appreciate. Make sure to stay and catch the awesome fireworks show at night!
Veteran’s Memorial Wall
When thinking of ways to celebrate this Memorial Day, consider a visit to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall, the nation’s second largest, to pay tribute. Take in the exhibit and somber yet serene surroundings located directly next to EverBank Field, you’ll leave feeling proud and thankful. Check online to see what types of tributes and ceremonies will be performed on Memorial Day.
Tour the Kinglsey Plantation
Visiting the darker side of history is a great way to reflect on how far we’ve come. The Kinglsey Plantation is one of the oldest and most complete in our nation and is the oldest in all of Florida. Take the whole family and walk along the waterfront plantation learning about its’ history while touring the plantation and slave quarters.
You can take tours with audio and follow along, bring your pets to explore the grounds or have a picnic along the water. It’s completely free to visit and they often host special events and presentations. You can even arrive by boat, pull along the dock and walk the grounds during a day on the water.
Beach, Intracoastal Waterway, and Boating
If you’re looking to soak up some sun or catch views of the Intracoastal from the water this Memorial Day weekend, Jax Beach has you covered. Every beach will be packed on Memorial Day, so plan to arrive early and scout out your spot. Be sure to check the tides schedule so you know where to set up for the day based on the rising or falling water. The beach has got to be the most popular activity on Memorial Day and all weekend long.
Hannah Park will provide you with the best parking options while also providing restrooms and showers. Well worth the fee of admission. It also tends to be a little less crowded than Jax Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Mickler’s. Be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, snacks and your comfiest chairs and plan to set up shop for the day!
Boat with the Best
Boating is also hugely popular during this time. All the rental places will be booked up way ahead, so our advice is to reserve your Sublime Rides boat charter or cruise as soon as you know your availability. And if you can’t score a private boat charter on this busy weekend, look in to renting jet skis or kayaks for a day on the water.
Anchor at Fort George Sandbar
If you do have your own boat, we recommend checking out Fort George Sandbar. People with boats flock to this area and it’s always quite a party on Memorial Day and throughout the weekend. This area has sandbars and islands where you can anchor for the day, but be mindful of tides, as it’s easy to get stuck out there during low tide if you aren’t minding your boat. If you’ve never been, you’ll want to find a boating buddy to help you navigate.
Just be sure to ride/boat safely and sober over the weekend since there will be a lot of other people enjoying the water activities too. Have fun and stay cool out there!
Accommodation Recommendations
It’s time to start figuring out where you will stay for your Memorial Day trip! For the best accommodations in Jax Beach, book with Welcome Home Luxury Vacation Rentals.
They have a variety of great options – anything from beach houses to condos to cottages. Their vacation homes are absolutely gorgeous, and you will feel like you are on a luxury vacation. We also have a wonderful relationship with them regarding golf cart rentals and will be happy to deliver a street legal golf cart right to your door! Carts book up way in advance for this weekend, so get yours booked as soon as possible.
If a one-night stay along the beach is more your speed, we recommend Jacksonville Beach’s Margaritaville or Springhill Suites, or Atlantic Beach’s One Ocean or Hotel Palms. Being steps from the beaches is a huge plus this weekend, and being able to walk to bars and restaurants without having to drive? Even better!
Dining and Nightlife During Memorial Day Weekend
You really can’t go wrong with any of the beach’s bars and restaurants. One of the fantastic things about the beaches area is whether you are in Atlantic Beach or Jacksonville Beach, once you’re there you’ll have dozens of options to walk to- making bar hopping and restaurant tastings a breeze.
Here are a few tips for getting around – don’t even bother with a car if possible! Bring/rent bikes/scooters or rent our golf carts, making it easier to get around the busier streets of the beaches. Parking will be available for most places for a fee but will also be extremely crowded. So, if you’re driving yourself, arrive early!
Wrap Up
From honoring our military veterans to enjoying live music, local cuisine, and arts and crafts, it’s going to be a memorable holiday filled with hospitality and coastal charm at every turn.
I hope these options provide you with a good starting point to plan a memorable Memorial Weekend in one of Florida’s most vibrant cities. We can’t wait to celebrate this Memorial Day with all of you. See you out there!
