When you think of Jacksonville, the first thing that comes to mind is how vast it is. Being one of the largest cities in Florida, shopping spots are not concentrated in one area but are scattered around.

So, if you just head out without a plan, you might end up driving around for a long time. It's easier to decide your destination based on whether you're shopping for clothes, luxury items, or groceries.

If I were to think of the best place to shop in Jacksonville, the first place that comes to mind is St. Johns Town Center. It's not your typical indoor mall; it's a large outdoor shopping town. It features brands like Nordstrom, Apple, Anthropologie, lululemon, and Pottery Barn, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

So, it's not just a place to buy something and head home; it's a great spot to spend half a day shopping, having lunch, and enjoying coffee. On weekends, it gets so crowded that finding a parking spot can take some time. If I had to pick the most stylish and vibrant shopping area in Jacksonville right now, I would definitely choose this one.

For those who prefer indoor shopping malls, many people go to The Avenues. It's conveniently located near I-95 on the Southside. It has department stores like Macy's and JCPenney, along with various clothing, shoe, and accessory shops. Since Florida can get extremely hot in the summer and rain can come out of nowhere, traditional malls like this are comfortable for those days when you want to shop indoors with air conditioning.

If you live in the southwest part of Jacksonville or near Orange Park, Orange Park Mall is also a good option. Although it's technically in Clay County and not Jacksonville, the living area is connected, so many Jacksonville residents use it. It's convenient for picking up clothes, shoes, and household items for the family without having to go all the way to St. Johns Town Center.

However, I believe the fun of shopping in Jacksonville isn't limited to large malls. If you head towards Riverside and Avondale, the atmosphere changes completely.

There are unique shops like vintage stores, small boutiques, independent bookstores, antique shops, and galleries, making it enjoyable to stroll around and explore. For those who find it boring to just visit the same chain stores, this area is actually more interesting.

On weekends, the Riverside Arts Market is also worth a visit. It's a famous market held every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge along the St. Johns River, but it's a bit different from a traditional farmers' market that only sells produce. It features locally made foods, baked goods, handmade crafts, art, and accessories, along with food vendors, creating a family outing vibe rather than just a shopping trip. On nice days, it's quite enjoyable to walk around with the river breeze.

For Koreans, finding where to buy Asian groceries is also important. Jacksonville doesn't have a large Korean town like LA or Atlanta, but there are quite a few Asian grocery stores and restaurants around the Southside and Beach Boulevard. You can find basic ingredients like Korean ramen, kimchi, and gochujang, and there are Asian markets that also carry Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese products, so it's not as inconvenient as you might think. However, if you're expecting to find everything in one Korean market like in a big city Korean town, you might be a bit disappointed.

If you buy in bulk, you can't forget about Costco. There are several locations in Jacksonville, making it convenient for stocking up on items like meat, bottled water, toilet paper, and frozen foods. There are also plenty of everyday stores like Walmart, Target, and Publix, so you won't have much trouble with regular grocery shopping.

It's also good to be aware of the sales tax when shopping in Florida. Sales tax applies to most clothing, shoes, and household items. The base sales tax in Florida is 6%, and additional local taxes may apply, so the total at the register could be a bit higher. On the other hand, most regular groceries you buy for home consumption are exempt from sales tax.

In the end, Jacksonville is not a city without shopping options; it's just that it's so vast that you need to know where to go to make it convenient. If you want to enjoy stylish brands and dining, head to St. Johns Town Center; if you want to shop comfortably indoors on a hot day, go to The Avenues; and if you want to enjoy unique shops and a weekend vibe, head towards Riverside and Avondale. At first, the distances may seem far, but after a few visits, you'll quickly figure out which places are most convenient from your home.