Tucked away in the northeastern corner of one of the USA’s most visited states, Jacksonville, Florida’s most populous city, offers all the benefits of a beach town combined with city life and Southern charm. With warm temperatures year-round—January’s highs average in the 60s—it’s always a pleasant time to visit.
Tracing History
Jacksonville is part of Florida’s First Coast, the first area of the state settled by non-native people. This means its stories date back to before many other places, and it has been ruled by a number of countries. History enthusiasts should begin their exploration with a visit to Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a national park that showcases the history of the area’s earliest residents. The region has previously been under Spanish and British rule and was also part of the Confederate States of America. Trace these tales with the help of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Museums for All
Museums are a significant perk of city life, and Jacksonville offers them in abundance. Visitors will find institutions to entertain and educate nearly any traveler. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens provides a soothing, inspiring respite from city hustle. More unforgettable art can be discovered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. Alternatively, engage your curiosity at the interactive Museum of Science and History (MOSH), which is educational and entertaining for both kids and adults alike.
Finding Your Niche
Covering 840 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the continental United States. However, its system of 500 neighborhoods creates a more intimate sense of place. If you’re seeking art, boutiques, and bistros, areas like Five Points, San Marco, or Atlantic Beach may be ideal for your stay. For a historic flavor, the city includes three designated historic districts: Riverside/Avondale (of which Five Points is part), Springfield, and St. Johns Quarter.
All-Seasons Sports
There are numerous advantages to Jacksonville’s year-round warm weather, including nearly unlimited access to sports. The primary attraction is the National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars, with EverBank Field featuring unique amenities such as pools providing a view of the game. Football enthusiasts will also appreciate the annual Taxslayer Bowl. Moreover, consider planning a vacation around the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party: the yearly matchup between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, dating back to 1933. Minor league baseball is a hit, too, with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Miami Marlins farm team. For those who prefer participation over spectating, there’s a race for every season, including the Gate River Run, the country’s largest 15k, which attracts 13,000 participants annually.
Tee Time
The warm-weather advantages continue with Jacksonville’s access to golf. The city features convenient access to 70 private and public courses scattered throughout Northeast Florida, adding up to a total of 1200 holes. This abundance ensures that golfers will have ample options to enjoy their game. Jacksonville also hosts The Players Championship at nearby Sawgrass each May. Additionally, a side trip to the PGA TOUR Golf Academy, located 30 miles south of downtown in St Augustine, is a worthwhile option for golf enthusiasts.
Beach Access
In many locations, visitors must choose between big-city amenities or a coastal lifestyle. However, in Jacksonville, you can enjoy both. Whether your view includes skyscrapers or sawgrass, you are never far from the beach. This is one of the city’s most recognizable perks, with options catering to every mood. Experience the charming, small-town vibe of Atlantic and Neptune beaches, or the laid-back atmosphere of Mickler’s Landing and Huguenot Park. For beachside shopping, Jacksonville Beach is a perfect choice.
Water Play
Alongside the city’s 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville boasts 1100 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunity to dive into the water, whether interested in surfing, swimming, or fishing. With 60 species of fish and nearly every type of fishing imaginable, it’s a fisher’s paradise. Options include fly fishing or chartering a boat for deeper waters. Moreover, scuba diving around 22 reefs offers a chance to encounter vibrant aquatic life. For a more relaxed pace, rent a kayak—perhaps from Hanna Park—and explore the coastline at your leisure.
Parks and Trails
Hanna Park presents plenty of opportunities in a stunning coastal setting, offering 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Rent a bike at a number of nearby shops to explore the trails. However, this is just one part of the thousands of acres of parkland available. In addition to the city’s 400-plus parks, Jacksonville is home to seven state and two national park properties, including the previously mentioned Timucuan and Fort Caroline. With such abundance, the only thing keeping you indoors is a bit of heat—and that’s what all that water is for!
Live Music
Welcome to Jacksonville, the birthplace of Southern rock, home to the Allman Brothers Band and the inspiration for Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Welcome to Rockville festival, an annual celebration of rock music, has featured iconic artists like Def Leppard, Limp Bizkit, and Slash. Regardless of your preferred music genre, Jacksonville has a festival for you: the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the nation’s second-largest, takes place every May; and Spring the Blues festival has been entertaining audiences since 1991. With numerous annual music festivals and plenty of live music venues, this city guarantees endless opportunities to dance and enjoy the rhythm.
Food and Drink
Given the abundance of water, it’s no surprise that Jacksonville boasts delicious seafood. The culinary scene is diverse, featuring dozens of food trucks representing international flavors. For those looking for a renowned chef, a visit to Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails is recommended. Chef Tom Gray is a two-time nominee for Best Chef: South in the James Beard Awards. For craft beer lovers, the Jax Ale Trail offers a self-guided tour of seven local breweries. If you prefer to stay in and prepare your own meals, be sure to check out the Jacksonville Farmers Market, established in 1938, making it the state’s oldest farmers market.
