(07-31-2018, 02:23 PM)NYC4jags Wrote:

(07-31-2018, 12:45 PM)Captain_Caldwell Wrote: Hey all, I saw there’s a similar thread so forgive me, but I’m planning a trip from Montana to Jax for the pats game. I went to my first jags game when I was 8 and then had to move to Montana. I have been to road games whenever jags play closer to the west coast but been waiting 20 years to return to Jacksonville so I’m beyond stoked for this. I’m bringing my girlfriend and hoping to get some advice to make the most out of the trip. 

Planning on spending a day on the beaches so what parts are the most fun? 

Girlfriend wants to do some shopping so what is the best mall or area?

Is the zoo worth the time? 

Any bigtime restaurants that are a must visit?

On gameday, any bars/shops around the stadium that I absolutely need to see?

Any other touristy stuff I should look into? Not super interested in memorials or parks unless you guys think it’s worth it. Again, we are coming from Montana so looking to see some big city stuff.

• Atlantic Beach (at the Neptune Beach border) has a small throng of good bars and restaurants within close distance. 
  
• Hanna Park is a nice beach to visit to see what the coastline here mostly resembled before being developed.
  
• Town Center mall (Gate Parkway) should suit the shopping fix.
  
• A few nicer restaurants I like:  eleven south, north beach fish camp, safe harbor (casual seafood joint), Black Sheep (noveau southern fare in historic district) 
  
• The zoo is pretty good. Not world class, but it's cool. 
  
• the second floor outdoor bar at Intuition Ale works near the stadium is pretty cool for "near the stadium" stuff
  
• Visiting St. Augustine is a cool touristy daytrip 45 minutes south of Jax