Jacksonville

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Ryan Ketterman
Photo provided by Ryan Ketterman
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Visit Jacksonville
Photo provided by Ryan Ketterman

From world-class golf greens to beaches ideal for swimming, wildlife-filled waterways to precious art collections, this sun-soaked city has lots to offer.

Though long overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors, under-the-radar Jacksonville, or “Jax” as the locals calls it, is fast becoming known for its exciting array of tourist-friendly activities. Laze on spacious beaches, spot wildlife in its waterways, admire striking 20th-century architecture and explore fascinating museums that reveal little-known facts about local history.

The first outsiders to settle in this part of Florida were the French Huguenots, who established a village here in 1564. The French settlement was later destroyed by the Spanish. Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial to see a reconstruction of the original French fort.

For most visitors, Jacksonville’s biggest appeal is its sandy coastline, which stretches for 22 miles (35 kilometers). To the north is the casual, surfer hot spot Atlantic Beach. Bordering it to the south is family-friendly Neptune Beach. Head even further south to Jacksonville Beach for lively bars, restaurants and nightlife, or go further south again to the dune-bordered Ponte Vedra Beach for up-scale beachside resorts and golf clubs including the famous TPC Sawgrass.

The city is crisscrossed by waterways, with more than 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometers) of navigable routes to explore. Rent a kayak and paddle through Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve or take a water taxi across St. Johns River, between Downtown and the neighborhood of San Marco. Admire the Henry John Klutho-designed Bisbee Building, a 10-story high rise dating back to 1909 in Downtown, then stroll around the boutique, gallery and restaurant-filled historical district of San Marco.

For a culture fix, tour the galleries of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which features both indoor galleries stocked with paintings, decorative art and antiques, as well as gardens planted in English and Italian styles. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville spotlights contemporary works, including installations, photographs and film.

To reach Jacksonville, fly into Jacksonville International Airport, located around 20 minutes from the city’s downtown area. Buses, trolleys and a river-spanning monorail can be used to get around. As the city is large and sprawling, renting a car is advisable.

Where to stay in Jacksonville

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Southside

If you're spending some time in Southside, St. Johns Town Center and The Avenues are top sights worth seeing.

Southside
Kingsley Plantation featuring camping as well as a couple

Northside

If you're spending some time in Northside, Jacksonville Cruise Terminal and Oceanway Community Center are top sights worth seeing.

Northside
Downtown Jacksonville which includes skyline, a city and a river or creek

Downtown Jacksonville

Enjoy the stunning river views in Downtown Jacksonville. EverBank Stadium is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Riverplace Station or Kings Avenue Station to see more of Jacksonville.

Downtown Jacksonville
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Arlington

If you're spending some time in Arlington, Regency Square Mall and Atlantic Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Arlington
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American Beach

If you're spending some time in American Beach, American Beach and Spanish Quarter Village are top sights worth seeing.

American Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach.

Sawgrass

Visitors to Sawgrass like its beaches and riverfront, and Mickler Beach is a sight worth a stop.

Sawgrass
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
2.5 out of 5
715 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,936 reviews)
"Wonderful as always!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Wyndham Garden Jacksonville
Wyndham Garden Jacksonville
3 out of 5
4660 Salisbury Road, I-95 Exit 344 (Butler Boulevard), Jacksonville, FL
The price is P4,029 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P4,029
P4,573 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,668 reviews)
"Xxxx"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Wyndham Garden Jacksonville
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
2.5 out of 5
1997 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
The price is P7,059 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P7,059
P7,906 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,019 reviews)
"The rooms were very large and acoomodating. Also, the hotel was very clean and the bed was super comfortable!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Villas of Amelia Island
The Villas of Amelia Island
4 out of 5
8 Amelia Village Circle, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Had a fabulous time! Will go back!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

The Villas of Amelia Island
Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean
Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean
4.5 out of 5
441 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Egan's Creek Greenway ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
17th Wedding Anniversary
"This place was very quaint. Our room was a bit small, the picture made the room look bigger than it was, The beach was a bit further than i thought because i miss read and thought we were on ocean front but at least we only had to cross the road, no counter space, and missing things that you find ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Beach 5 Villas - Immaculate 300 steps from the Ocean
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
3.5 out of 5
111 Vintage Wy, Fernandina Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fernandina Little Theatre and Egan's ...
7.6/10 Good! (47 reviews)
Solid location in the middle of it all
"Our stay at the Vintage Amelia Island Apartments was wonderful...a great location that in the middle of it all. We will go back."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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