Jacksonville
Introduction
Located on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida, you will find a sprawling urban landscape known colloquially as Jax. This expansive city serves as the county seat of Duval County and covers a vast territory encompassing both land and water.
As you explore this region, you will experience one of the largest cities in the Southeast. The area's extensive boundaries provide a wide expanse for your visit to this coastal Florida destination.
Before you goPrepare for a destination that blends northern aesthetics with southern charm. As an authentic Floridian city, Jacksonville offers a diverse economy rooted in banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics, supported by its status as a major military and civilian deep-water port. You will find a cosmopolitan atmosphere shaped by rich architectural diversity, influential African-American ancestry, and significant musical contributions.
When planning your visit, keep the local climate in mind:
- Experience long, hot, and humid summers typical of the region.
- Expect slightly cooler winters compared to the southern parts of the state.
Getting there
You can fly into the region at Jacksonville International Airport, which serves as the primary commercial hub for Northeast Florida. Upon arrival, you can choose from several ground transportation options located at the terminal's north and center front areas, including local JTA city buses, taxis, shared rides, or private black car services. For those arriving by train, Amtrak provides daily service via the Silver Meteor and Silver Star lines, connecting you to destinations ranging from Miami to New York.
Other ways to reach the area include:
- Bus travel via Greyhound or Flixbus, which offers routes connecting Jacksonville to cities such as Savannah, Tallahassee, and Miami.
- Cruises departing from the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal along the St. Johns River.
- Flights into the Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located south of the city.
Getting around
Because of the city's sprawling geography, having access to a car is the most practical way to explore locations such as the beaches, parks, and various commercial districts. For those without a vehicle, ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber are well established and often more affordable than taxis, which can be expensive due to the distance between destinations. You can also choose from several local or national car rental companies at the airport if you prefer to have your own wheels.
If you prefer public transit, the Skyway is a free automated people-mover system in the heart of the city that connects the north and south banks of the river through the Northbank, Southbank, and LaVilla districts. The JTA also operates an extensive regional bus network with well-marked stops; however, many routes end in the evening and service can be inconsistent. For a more active way to see the urban core's architecture, biking is popular in central neighborhoods like Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, and San Marco. You can ride or walk along the Riverwalk from Riverside to the Main St. Bridge to reach downtown and San Marco.
Where to stay
Depending on your travel style, you can choose from various accommodations across the region. For budget-conscious stays, several all-suite properties offer amenities like hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi, while others provide extended stay options with full-size kitchens. If you prefer a more central experience, you can find sophisticated accommodations in the downtown area on the south bank of St. John's River featuring a riverfront pool and sundeck, or stay at a bed and breakfast in the Riverside neighborhood.
For those seeking a coastal escape, you can find lodging in Amelia Island and Jacksonville Beach. These areas offer diverse experiences ranging from oceanfront resorts with condo rentals to beachside locations featuring luxury shops and fine dining. You can also choose to stay in Ponte Vedra Beach at historic resort locations situated directly on the beach.
Food & drink
Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Jacksonville, where each neighborhood offers a distinct atmosphere. In the Downtown area, you can enjoy a lively steakhouse experience with views of the St. John's River or visit a sports bar that gained fame on reality television. For a more relaxed vibe, find authentic Spanish cuisine in Riverside or explore the creative menus and unique desserts in Avondale. If you prefer local flavors, head to the Southside for "down home" southern specialties or visit the Beaches to experience local beach flavor with a popular sub shop.
Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you can find various drink and coffee spots throughout the city:
- Downtown offers traditional Irish pubs with live music, sophisticated cocktail bars where you can dress up, and venues featuring local music.
- The Springfield neighborhood features a "hole-in-the-wall" bar with a spacious backyard for barbecues and an Uptown Kitchen and Bar.
- The Beaches area provides iconic spots like a well-known Irish pub with a raucous atmosphere and one of the oldest bars in the city, known as a staple of the coast.
- For your caffeine fix, find a welcoming coffee shop with friendly staff that serves as an excellent place to get work done.
What to see and do
Explore the historic architecture of the downtown area, where you can visit the St. James Building City Hall to see its sunlit atrium and octagonal glass dome. Nearby, the Florida Theatre serves as a premier concert venue, while the Museum of Contemporary Art sits across from Hemming Park. For a look into local history, visit the Ritz Theatre and Museum to learn about the African American community during the Jim Crow era, or explore the various science exhibits at the Museum of Science and History. If you prefer art and nature, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens features extensive formal gardens and European and American paintings along the waterfront.
Experience the diverse character of local neighborhoods:
- Riverside offers a bohemian atmosphere in its Five Points district and the historic Memorial Park, which features a statue of Winged Victory.
- Avondale provides upscale dining and shopping at the Shops of Avondale among stately homes in various architectural styles.
- Springfield provides an authentic taste of the city with its oak-canopied streets and Victorian and Craftsman architecture.
You will experience hot and humid summers in Jacksonville, where the air feels heavy and the daytime heat is intense. During these months, you can expect long days of high temperatures and significant humidity levels.
The winters offer slightly cooler conditions compared to other parts of southern Florida. You can choose your timing based on whether you prefer the tropical warmth of the summer season or the milder atmosphere of the winter months.
Three days in Jacksonville
Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving at the Jacksonville International Airport or the Northeast Florida Regional Airport. Once you land in this part of Northeast Florida, you can settle into the local atmosphere and prepare for your stay in Duval County.
Day two, explore the area surrounding the St. Johns River to experience the coastal character of the region. You can take in the sights of the Atlantic coast as you navigate through the local landscape.
Day three, you can plan your departure from the city. Whether you choose to catch a flight or utilize regional transportation options like the Silver Meteor or Silver Star trains, you will be ready to leave this portion of Florida behind.