Westside

The Westside provides convenient access to the water for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and boating in nearby Westside.

The 3-mile-long Buckman Bridge across the St. Johns River links Mandarin with The Westside. With its beginnings dating back to 1763, The Westside area features waterfront mansions, Tudor-style homes, and modest wooden-frame houses dating back to the early 1900s. The Westside is well-known for its full-service marinas, nautical outfitters, and boating facilities. It is also the home of Naval Air Station Jacksonville the birthplace of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s world-renowned flight demonstration team.

Eat & Drink

Southern-style reigns supreme in Westside dining.

Some best bites include Bestbet - Take a break from the poker table and indulge in some of the best sushi in Northeast Florida! Sushi Bar is open everyday. From specialty rolls to Sushi & Sashimi plates, Bestbet has it all. Your taste buds will thank you! Be sure to also stop by the The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro - For extraordinary Southern cuisine, check out The Soul Food Bistro. From country fried chick to smothered pork chops, The Soul Food Bistro serves up heartwarming comfort food for all tastes. Remember to save room for their famous peach cobbler! Last but not least Mission BBQ- Authentic BBQ made from the freshest, most delectable ingredients. Barbeque, ribs, sandwiches and all American food. Catering options and gluten free option are available.

a bartender pours a drink out of a cocktail shaker and into a glass garnished with lime at Casa Marina in Jacksonville, FL

The 28 Best Drinks in Jacksonville

After a long day there is nothing more satisfying than sitting down at a local #OnlyinJax bar and sipping on a hand-crafted beverage.

See & Do

The Westside of Jacksonville is home to one of the best equestrian centers on the East coast, Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The premier facility for regional and national events showcases the best in horse competitions. When horse shows are not in town, the Equestrian Center hosts a wide range of entertainment events like concerts, mud-runs, and athletic competitions.

Just south of Jacksonville and west of the St. Johns River, Orange Park offers camping, hiking, and water activities for all. In need of a boat, rent one for the day or for the night with Boat Florida Rentals. The Orange Park area is home to Doctor's Lake and Black Creek providing boaters the perfect place to wakeboard, fish, or just relax on the water.

Once part of Naval Air Station's Cecil Field, the Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail, is part of a nation-wide, federally initiated “Rails to Trails” program. It includes more than 30 miles of unpaved roads that traverse through the pine flatwoods. The shaded and beautiful Cecil Recreational Trails are available to hikers, horseback riders, and off-road cyclists.The Trail is a 100-foot wide Right-of-Way (ROW) currently extending approximately 14.5 miles from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the Town of Baldwin. A 12’ wide paved trail currently exists for hikers, bikers, and roller-bladers to enjoy. An equestrian trail also parallels the paved trail.

Skydiving anyone? Herlong Airport is also found on the westside of the city. Who wouldn't want to see Jacksonville from 10,000 feet? Home to Jacksonville’s aviation enthusiasts since the 1960s, Herlong Recreational Airport (HEG) is Northeast Florida’s primary location for light sport aircraft, skydiving, gliders, and other experimental aircraft.