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Jacksonville stands as Florida's vibrant coastal gem, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. Whether you're seeking thrilling water sports, world-class dining, or leisurely beach days, this northeast Florida destination delivers unforgettable experiences. Jacksonville's 22 miles of pristine beaches, combined with 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway and the mighty St. Johns River, make it one of the largest and most dynamic coastal cities in the United States.
When planning your Jacksonville itinerary, these top places to visit in Jacksonville showcase the very best of what the city has to offer:
A family favorite since 1914, this stunning 117-acre property houses over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 plant varieties. Visitors love the African Overlook, where you can hand-feed giraffes, the award-winning Jaguar exhibit, and the unique Australian Adventure featuring colorful lorikeets. The scenic Trout River dock offers opportunities to spot manatees in their natural habitat.
This prestigious institution showcases over 5,000 pieces in its permanent collection, including rotating exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists. The highlight is the 2.5-acre European-inspired garden featuring the historic Cummer Oak, with its stunning 150-foot canopy, a perfect photo opportunity that captures old-world elegance amid the modern city.
With its quarter-mile-long pier and energetic surfing scene, Jacksonville Beach embodies the spirit of Florida's coast. This public, pet-friendly beach welcomes surfers, fishermen, paddleboarders, and families looking for sun-soaked relaxation. The beach features surf shops, fresh seafood restaurants, quaint boutiques, and nearby parks like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
It is one of fewer than 30 rivers in the United States that flows northward, the St. Johns River is a unique ecosystem where dolphins, manatees, and even sharks swim freely. The Downtown Riverwalk provides scenic strolling, while the river itself offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and specialty sunset cruises. Don't miss the nearby Riverside Arts Market, held every Saturday beneath the I-95 overpass.
Beyond being home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, this modern architectural marvel features stunning swimming pools, cabanas, and one of the world's largest video boards. The stadium hosts world-class sporting events, concerts, and festivals, making it a cultural hub that showcases Jacksonville's dynamic energy and community spirit.
Jacksonville offers an extraordinary range of activities for every interest and travel style. History buffs can explore Kingsley Plantation, a National Park Service-preserved property from 1814 featuring unique tabby houses and guided ranger tours that illuminate Florida's complex history. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, and the vibrant Riverside Avondale district.
Adventure seekers can experience Jacksonville's legendary water sports scene. Kayaking along the St. Johns River, paddleboarding in protected coves, and diving at more than 30 offshore Atlantic reefs provide incredible outdoor thrills. For a unique experience, you can take a guided Tuk'n tour through beaches and breweries in an open-air electric vehicle. Beach activities include sunrise yoga on the sand, surfing lessons, and iconic sunrise photography at Jacksonville Beach Pier.
Jacksonville's perfect year-round climate makes it an ideal destination at any season, though specific times suit different traveler preferences. The winter months (November through April) offer the most popular conditions with temperatures in the mild 60s and 70s—ideal for beach lovers and outdoor explorers who want to avoid summer heat. These months feature dry, sunny days, minimal rainfall, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
Spring (March through May) brings temperatures climbing from mid-70s to low 80s, perfect for water sports and outdoor dining. The weather remains dry and pleasant, though late May sees the beginning of summer's warmer trends. Summer (June through September) brings hot, humid conditions with average highs reaching the low 90s—perfect for die-hard beach enthusiasts but accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms typical of Florida's rainy season.
Fall (October through November) offers a lovely cooling trend with temperatures in the 80s through October, dropping to the 70s and 50s by November. This shoulder season provides fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and excellent conditions for exploring the city. With an average of 221 sunny days per year and an average annual temperature of 70 degrees, Jacksonville truly earns its reputation as "The Sunshine State."
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) serves as your gateway to this coastal paradise, offering convenient access with 88 average daily passenger flights to 51 non-stop destinations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Major airlines flying to Jacksonville include American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Frontier, and JetBlue.
The most popular direct routes to Jacksonville connect from major hub cities. Atlanta consistently ranks as the top arrival city, with approximately 59 weekly flights. Other key flight routes serve New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Dallas. The longest non-stop flight to Jacksonville departs from Los Angeles with a flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes.
Jacksonville offers diverse accommodation options ranging from luxury riverside properties to budget-friendly airport hotels, each strategically located for convenient access to attractions. Downtown Jacksonville hotels position guests steps from EverBank Stadium, the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, and the vibrant Riverwalk. The Marriott Jacksonville Downtown features recently renovated rooms with St. Johns River views, a rooftop pool, and elevated dining options. The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, adjacent to the river, provides a rooftop pool and easy six-minute walk access to Jacksonville Landing's shops and restaurants.
Airport hotels offer budget-conscious travelers convenient alternatives with complimentary shuttle services. The Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport provides free transportation just three miles from the terminal, while numerous Hilton and Marriott-affiliated properties cluster near the airport with free parking and quick I-95 access.
Jacksonville's culinary scene celebrates both fresh local seafood and global flavors, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Fresh Mayport shrimp represents a Jacksonville signature, a must-try preparations include shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos, and palmbalaya at waterfront destinations like Palms Fish Camp and Singleton's Seafood Shack, where dining directly over the water completes the authentic experience.
Getting around Jacksonville offers multiple convenient options for visitors. Jacksonville River Taxi provides scenic transportation along the St. Johns River, connecting downtown attractions, including EverBank Stadium on game days. A sunset River Taxi tour ranks among the city's must-do experiences, offering breathtaking views of the Jacksonville skyline.
NAVI (Neighbourhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation) represents Jacksonville's innovative edge. The city launched the United States' first fully autonomous public transport system featuring 14 electric Ford E-Transit vehicles along central Jacksonville corridors. Tuk'n Ride provides affordable door-to-door shuttle service using environmentally friendly, open-air electric tuk tuks and ADA-compliant buses in Riverside Avondale neighborhoods. ReadiRide offers phone-bookable shuttle service with $2 rides in 14 Jacksonville neighborhoods, available Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 7 PM. Traditional options include Uber, Lyft, and taxi services throughout the city, while rental cars provide maximum flexibility for exploring outlying attractions.
Jacksonville's currency is the United States Dollar (USD), with the official currency code of USD. Currency exchange services are readily available throughout Jacksonville at Western Union locations, MoneyGram outlets, Walmart Money Centers, and local banks. International travelers should note that avoiding airport and hotel exchange booths, which typically offer poor rates and high transaction fees, and instead using ATMs or dedicated currency exchanges provides significantly better value.
The best time to visit Jacksonville with families is during the winter months (November through April) when temperatures are mild (60s-70s), rainfall is minimal, and outdoor activities are comfortable.
Yes, Jacksonville's 22 miles of beaches are pet-friendly, making it perfect for traveling with dogs and other pets.
The Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport offers a free 24-hour shuttle service located just three miles from the terminal. Alternatively, rideshare services (Uber and Lyft), traditional taxis, and rental car agencies operate throughout the airport.
Jacksonville is famous for its 22 miles of pristine beaches, vibrant water sports scene (particularly surfing), and the massive Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Jacksonville offers exceptional outdoor activities year-round, with water sports topping the list: surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing are incredibly popular along the 22 miles of beaches and St. Johns River.
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