Jacksonville Football Getaway Guide

Autumn escapes to Jacksonville usually come with a tough choice: oceanfront relaxation or kickoff energy at EverBank Stadium. A long weekend at Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach gives you the best of both worlds. Unlike standard hotels near Jacksonville's football stadium, you'll enjoy comfortable rooms and suites steps from the beach and coastal attractions, plus an easy drive straight to the Jaguars' home field.

Things to Do

Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach offers a dual-action getaway that you can’t find at other hotels near EverBank Stadium. When you’re not watching the Jaguars score, you can find the best of the coast waiting to be explored, from the bustling Jacksonville Beach Pier to trails shaded by native plants.

• Head to the Beach | With rooms overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, your perfect stretch of sand is a quick walk from Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach. Spend your day relaxing in the sun, or get on the water by renting a paddleboard, surfboard, or kayak from a nearby shop.


• Go Fishing | Reel in a good time by planning a fishing trip in Jacksonville Beach. This area is home to many great fishing spots, including the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier, just 0.2 miles from the hotel.


• Enjoy Local Nightlife | Jacksonville Beach has no shortage of bars and lounges if you’re looking for a night out, including a popular stretch from 1st St. N. to 2nd St. N. Known locally as the “beach bars,” you’ll find music, entertainment, and cold drinks across Lynch's Irish Pub, Brix Taphouse, Wreck Tiki Lounge, and The Sandbar.


• Explore Seawalk Pavillion |  Located on the oceanfront, Seawalk Pavilon serves as Jacksonville Beach's primary hub for arts, seasonal festivals, and community events. Visitors can catch live music and gatherings with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean — all just a short walk from your room.


• Hike at Cradle Creek Preserve| If you’re in Jacksonville for a Jaguars game, chances are fall weather is starting to arrive. This is the perfect time to explore Jacksonville Beach’s newest park, spanning nearly 44 acres with a vast trail system and plenty of opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem.


• Visit Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens | Take a walk on the wild side while learning about more than 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plants. The local zoo is committed to wildlife conservation and educates visitors through shows, presentations, and seasonal events.


• Get Active at the Fitness Center & Pool | There’s no need to break your routine while you’re on vacation. Hotel guests have access to the Fins Up! Fitness Center, where they’ll find weights and cardio equipment. Or, take in the salty air without the saltwater while taking a dip in the hotel’s private pool.
 

Getting to the Game

Lock down your game day transit plans before kickoff. Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach is just 17 miles from EverBank Stadium, offering easy connections via game-day shuttles, rideshares, and scenic river taxis to get you to the action on time.

• JTA Gameday Xpress | Approx. 35 minutes from Beaches Lot | Head to EverBank Stadium with other Jaguars fans on this shuttle operated by the Jacksonville Transit Authority. The closest bus departs from the Beaches Lot at Wingate, just a couple miles from the hotel.


• St. John’s River Taxi | Approx. 15 minutes | Cruise past the busiest roads by taking a water taxi to EverBank Stadium. Guests coming from the hotel will want to depart from the Southbank dock; service begins three hours before kickoff.


• Rideshare | Approx. 30 minutes | Get to the game with time to spare by using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Game days tend to be busy, so you may want to book your ride in advance.
 

Where to Eat

Celebrate before or after the game with top-tier dining is close to your room at Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach. From casual coastal eats and rooftop lounges to elevated eats with craft cocktails, incredible food is within walking distance of your room.

• LandShark Bar & Grill | On-site | Burgers, brews, and seafood are on the menu at this lively spot serving up American cuisine with a coastal twist. If you’d rather grab frosty drinks and light bites with a coastal view, you can also visit Landshark Lookout.


• Refinery Jax Beach | 0.1 miles | Dine with sweeping Atlantic views at this multi-level oceanfront spot serving refined Euro-American cuisine with craft cocktails, offering upscale second-floor dining and a relaxed beachside vibe below.


• Sizemore's Coastal Kitchen | 0.2 miles | Indulge in local seafood at this cozy beachside eatery, serving freshly shucked oysters, signature coastal catches, and craft cocktails on a relaxed outdoor patio.


• Salt Life Food Shack | 0.3 miles | Fresh seafood takes center stage at this vibrant beach restaurant, where every meal pairs perfectly with craft cocktails and rooftop ocean views.
• O-Ku | 0.3 miles | This stylish Japanese restaurant takes advantage of Jacksonville’s coastal location, offering fresh sushi and sashimi paired with sake at its upscale rooftop lounge overlooking the ocean.


• Oaxaca Club | 0.4 miles | This sophisticated destination highlights traditional Oaxacan tastes with upscale Mexican dishes and local seafood, complemented by a curated mezcal selection and expertly mixed drinks.


• Alder & Oak | 0.4 miles | Located just one block from the beach, this two-story restaurant serves Mediterranean-style dishes cooked on its coal-fired grill, paired with a menu of craft cocktails.


• Buddha Thai Bistro | 0.4 miles | Get a taste of authentic Thai cuisine at this neighborhood favorite serving rich curries, vibrant noodle dishes, classic pad thais, and handcrafted cocktails.


• Bella Vista A Mare | 0.4 miles | Get a taste of Southern Italy at this family-owned restaurant, known for its signature Cacio e Pepe, cheese wheel pasta, and seafood dishes with local influence.


• Sneakers Sports Grille | 0.5 miles | Never miss a game at this beachside sports bar and grill, packed with wall-to-wall HD screens, serving American cuisine and a large selection of draft beers.

 

You don’t have to choose between your jersey and your swimsuit. Margaritaville Beach Hotel Jacksonville Beach is your sweet spot in paradise, where you can relax in a comfortable room or suite, explore delicious dining, unwind on the beach, and cheer on the Jaguars. Start planning your ultimate game-day getaway today and unlock exclusive offers to make the weekend last a little longer.