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Jacksonville FL for Yeshiva Week: 7-Day Itinerary
- Gila Rapoport
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
By: Breindy Lazor & Gila Rapoport
Thinking About Florida for Yeshiva Week? Skip the Crowds and Come North to Jacksonville.
For many families, Florida is the go-to destination for Yeshiva Week. But in recent years, South Florida has become increasingly crowded, expensive, and hectic, especially during peak vacation time. If you are craving warmer weather without packed attractions, inflated hotel prices, and heavy traffic, Jacksonville offers the perfect alternative.
With mild winter temperatures, wide open beaches, beautiful parks, kid-friendly attractions, and kosher options, Jacksonville delivers everything families love about Florida at a slower, easier pace. Whether you are road-tripping up from South Florida or flying in from out of state, this spacious, uncrowded city makes it easy to relax, explore, and truly enjoy time together as a family.
First let's start with the hotel options. The Beaches is a perfect family escape! NOTE: Most Orthodox families are in Mandarin. So, for Shabbat, you can either stay near Chabad beaches or move to a hotel closer to Mandarin.
Beach View Hotels: (Ideal for weekday)
Weekday rates typically start around $125–$175/night; check your dates for exact pricing.
One Ocean Resort & Spa – Atlantic Beach→ from about $139/night
Upscale beachfront resort with large rooms, balconies, and direct beach access. Best option for families who want a full resort feel.
Margaritaville Vacation Club Jacksonville Beach → from about $159/night
A fun, relaxed resort-style option with easy beach access, beachfront vibes, and family-friendly amenities.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront→ from about $125/night
Family-friendly, right on the sand, walkable boardwalk area, and easy parking.
Courtyard Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront→ from about $142/night
Spacious rooms, ocean views, pool, and great for families with strollers.
SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach→ from about $152/night
Suite-style rooms with separate living areas for kids, and indoor pool.
Mandarin Hotels: (Ideal for Shabbos)
These are closest to the San Jose Blvd Jewish corridor within the eruv, making them ideal for Shabbat walkability.
Tru by Hilton Jacksonville South Mandarin→ from about $89/night
Ramada Hotel & Conference Center by Wyndham Jacksonville → from about $75/night
Most guests love the Tru Hotel!
7-Day Itinerary:
🛬 Sunday Day 1 – Welcome to Jax!
Settle in: Grocery stops (Winn Dixie, Trader Joe’s) to stock up on kosher staples for the week. Here's a Guide.
Chill Activities:
Hotel Pool
Walk on the beach
Kosher Lunch: Ahava Cafe for sandwiches, smoothies & more.
🐅 Thursday Day 2 – Go Outdoors
Big Activity-
Option 1: Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Train ride, giraffe feeding, Land of the Tiger, and Primate Forest. Winter is the most comfortable season for walking the zoo. Plus Lights evening exhibit for a magical nighttime walk through illuminated animal displays and festive light installations.
Options 2: Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Rescue for an up-close, educational animal experience with rescued big cats and wildlife.
Option 3: Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens Scenic wooded trails, quiet lake views, wooden bridges, and peaceful gardens perfect for a relaxed nature walk.
Option 4: Tree Hill Nature Center Hands-on animal encounters, shaded forest paths, educational exhibits, and interactive outdoor learning for kids.
Option 5: Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve A relaxed playground stop, shaded walking paths, open fields, and an easy outdoor break for kids.
Small Activity: Stop at The Pickle Factory for a quirky kosher snack stop. Find a wide range of real fermented foods that are hard to find, from pickles, olives, brine and more! Products labeled Olive My Pickle are Certified Kosher Gesher K
Kosher Food Option: Dinner at Gili’s Kitchen (Glatt Kosher) Burgers, shawarma, steaks, and kid-friendly options, steps away from downtown activities.
🏰 Tuesday Day 3 – St. Augustine Adventure
Historic St. Augustine Day Trip Activity Stops:
Castillo de San Marcos
Old City trolley ride
Stroll the cobblestone streets
Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Lightner Museum
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Spanish Military Hospital Museum
Pirate & Treasure Museum
Anastasia State Park
Matanzas Inlet
Small Activity: Dolphin or sightseeing boat cruise in the harbor.
Kosher Food Option: Pack food.
Snack stop on the way back home: Krispy Kreme or Nothing Bundt Cakes (not cholov yisroel).
🐚 Wednesday Day 4 – Beach Day!
(Weather permitting, see day 2 for more options if a beach day doesn't work)
Big Activity-
Option 1: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Spend the day exploring the beach, freshwater lake, and nature trails with biking, shell collecting, and picnic areas.
Option 2: Huguenot Memorial Park Drive-on beach access, shell collecting, and beautiful ocean views for a unique and relaxed beach experience.
Option 3: Jacksonville Beach & Pier Enjoy a classic boardwalk-style beach day with fishing pier walks, and family-friendly vibes.
Option 4: Amelia Island Beach Take a scenic drive north to this quieter, postcard-perfect beach known for shelling, calm waves, and uncrowded shoreline.
Small Activity: Ice Cream stop at Dreamette Ice Cream in San Marco or Bruster's in Mandarin (not cholov yisroel).
Kosher Food Option: KC Market Sushi Delivery and takeout. (From Miami, pickup at Chabad on Haley) Make sure to put your order in by Tuesday 7 PM.
⛲ Monday Day 5 – Explore Downtown
Activities, 1 or all-
Option 1: Friendship Fountain + St. Johns Riverwalk Recently renovated iconic fountain with river views, wide walking paths, and open space for kids to run and explore. There's also a brand new pirate park that children love!
Option 2: Cummer Museum & Gardens Explore art galleries, river views, historic gardens, family photo spots, and a hands-on kids’ art center.
Option 3: Take the Jacksonville Water Taxi for a fun, scenic ride across the St. Johns River with skyline views and an easy win for kids.
Option 4: MOCA Jacksonville (Museum of Contemporary Art) Explore modern art exhibits, family-friendly galleries, and rotating installations right in the heart of downtown.
Option 5: Brumos Collection Automotive Museum A world-class collection of historic race cars and luxury automobiles with interactive exhibits for kids and adults.
Kosher Food Option: Pizza from Beth / Oren or dinner again from Gili's.
🕯️Day 6 – Shabbat Prep
Stay walking distance to shuls and community.
Kosher Food: Pre-ordered Shabbat meals (Challah, dips & more) from Oren.
Morning: Prep for Shabbos, pickup your Shabbat order, check-in to your hotel if switching etc.
Activity:
Option 1: Walter Jones Park grab a drink and go for a calm river boardwalk stroll... If you have time you can even go fishing!
Option 2: St. Johns Town Center outdoor shopping.
Friday night: Shtiebel minyan for a lively Shabbos maariv with singing and spirit! Send us a message to get the address.
✡️ Day 7 – Classic Jax Shabbos Experience
Minyan options:
Shabbat Shalom!
🛫 Day 8 – Goodbye Jax
Enjoy a final beach walk or hotel swim and last family photos before heading to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your stay!!
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More Resources:
More Trips ideas: A 1-3 hour drive away
Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier (1.5 hour drive) Classic Florida beach town experience with a boardwalk, pier walk, arcades, ocean views, and relaxed winter crowds.
Ginnie Springs (High Springs, under 2 hour drive) Bright blue spring waters, boardwalks, riverside walking paths, and picnic areas. Even without swimming, it is stunning to see in winter.
Crystal River Manatee Tours (Seasonal Winter Highlight, 2.5 hour drive) One of the best places in Florida to see manatees gathering in warm springs during winter. Great wildlife viewing without intense activity.
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary (Melrose, FL, 1 hour drive) Visit a peaceful rescue sanctuary home to pigs, cows, goats, and farm animals for an educational, compassionate, and very kid-friendly experience.
Mount Dora Historic Downtown & Lake Walk (Just over 1.5 hrs)
Charming small town with brick streets, lakeside paths, toy shops, cafés, and relaxed strolling.
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We hope this guide helps you envision a relaxed, meaningful, and memory-filled Yeshiva Week in Jacksonville!
If this itinerary was helpful, please feel free to share it with friends and family who may be planning their own getaway. And if you do decide to come, we would love to hear from you.
Let us know your dates and, when possible, we would be happy to try to connect you with the community and even potentially invite your family to a Shabbat lunch. We look forward to welcoming you and making Jacksonville feel like home during your visit!
Email: jewishjaxinfo@gmail.com