Best Areas to Stay in Jacksonville Without a Car
Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental U.S., which often makes visitors assume that renting a car is mandatory. While that’s true for some parts of the city, there are several neighborhoods where you can comfortably stay without a vehicle — especially if you plan to use Uber, walk, bike, or rely on nearby attractions.
If you’re visiting Jacksonville for a short stay, a longer work trip, or a weekend getaway, here are the best areas to stay without a car, plus what you should realistically expect from each.
Riverside & Avondale
Best for walkability, dining, and nightlife
Riverside and Avondale are two of the most walkable neighborhoods in Jacksonville and are often the top choice for guests who don’t want to drive.
Why this area works without a car:
- Dozens of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and breweries within walking distance
- Grocery stores, parks, and retail close by
- Easy Uber access to downtown, Five Points, and San Marco
- Flat, pedestrian-friendly streets
Five Points in particular is a hub for food, nightlife, and shopping, making it easy to spend an entire day on foot. Many guests choose this area specifically because they can walk to brunch, grab drinks at night, and Uber everywhere else if needed.
Good for:
Couples, weekend trips, food & nightlife focused stays, longer stays without daily driving.
Springfield
Best for charm, coffee shops, and proximity to downtown
Springfield has become increasingly popular with travelers who want a walkable neighborhood feel while staying close to downtown Jacksonville.
Why Springfield works:
- Walkable historic streets
- Local coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants
- Short Uber rides to downtown, sports venues, and events
- Close to parks and bike paths
Springfield is ideal if you want a quieter neighborhood that still gives you access to downtown Jacksonville without needing to rent a car.
Good for:
Remote workers, event travelers, extended stays, guests who want a residential vibe.
Jacksonville Beach & Neptune Beach
Best for beach stays without a car
If your trip is centered around the beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach are two of the best places to stay without a vehicle.
Why the beaches work:
- Walkable beach access
- Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shops clustered together
- Grocery stores within short Uber rides
- Beachside paths for walking and biking
Once you’re at the beach, everything you need is close. Many visitors spend their entire stay walking or biking between the beach, dining spots, and shops.
Good for:
Beach vacations, surfers, couples, relaxed longer stays.
Downtown Jacksonville
Best for events, sports, and business travel
Downtown Jacksonville can work without a car depending on the purpose of your stay.
Why downtown can work:
- Walkable access to sports venues, events, and offices
- Skyway and ride-share access
- Close proximity to the riverfront
- Easy Uber access to Riverside and San Marco
Downtown is best if you’re attending events, working nearby, or staying short-term. For dining variety and nightlife, most guests still rely on short Uber rides.
Good for:
Business travelers, event attendees, sports fans.
Ortega (Select Areas)
Best for quiet, longer stays with ride-share
While Ortega is more residential, certain areas work well for guests who don’t plan to drive daily.
Why Ortega can still work:
- Short Uber rides to Riverside and Avondale
- Quiet streets and river views
- Ideal for longer stays where daily outings are limited
Ortega is best if you’re comfortable using Uber and value a calm, residential atmosphere over walk-out dining.
Good for:
Longer stays, remote work, guests prioritizing peace and space.
Areas That Are Difficult Without a Car
For full transparency, some areas of Jacksonville are not ideal if you don’t plan to rent a car:
- Suburban Southside neighborhoods
- Areas far from main corridors
- Some waterfront communities with limited retail nearby
In these areas, ride-share costs can add up quickly and daily errands become inconvenient.
Final Thoughts: Can You Stay in Jacksonville Without a Car?
Yes — if you choose the right neighborhood.
The key is matching your trip purpose with the area you stay in:
- Want walkability and nightlife? → Riverside / Avondale
- Want beach access? → Jacksonville Beach or Neptune Beach
- Want proximity to downtown? → Springfield or Downtown
- Want peace and longer stays? → Select Ortega areas
Choosing the right location can completely change your Jacksonville experience.
If you’re unsure which neighborhood fits your plans, staying with a locally managed short-term rental makes a big difference — especially when the host understands walkability, ride-share patterns, and what guests realistically need during their stay.