Jacksonville Travel Guide

Tourist 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 which includes camping as well as a couple

Northside

While visiting Northside, you might make a stop by sights like Jacksonville Cruise Terminal and Oceanway Community Center.

Northside
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Downtown Jacksonville

Florida Theatre and Museum of Science and History are top sights in Downtown Jacksonville, and you should be sure to explore the stunning river views. Hop aboard the metro at Riverplace Station or Kings Avenue Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Jacksonville
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Arlington

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

Arlington
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens featuring art and interior views as well as a couple

Northwest

While visiting Northwest, you might make a stop by sights like Normandy Mall Shopping Center and Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

Northwest
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Sawgrass

Beaches and riverfront are just a few things travellers like about Sawgrass. A stop by Mickler Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Sawgrass
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
2.5 out of 5
715 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL
The price is AU$399 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$399
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (2,886 reviews)
"everything was amazing."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
4 out of 5
2101 Dixie Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL
The price is AU$210 per night from 4 May to 5 May
AU$210
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,561 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows
3.5 out of 5
9300 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL
The price is AU$225 per night from 4 May to 5 May
AU$225
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff were very pleasant and accommodating. Rooms were clean and roomy"

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Baymeadows
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.
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Very well kept rooms. With all the amenities
"This location exceeded my expectations. Very clean, modern, had all the amenities needed. When I initially booked it which I did fairly quick I thought it was on the beach but actually it's on the street right across from the beach but from the parking lot you could basically throw a rock to the ..."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (38 reviews)
"Ok apartment"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Kasa Southside Jacksonville
Kasa Southside Jacksonville
3.5 out of 5
8450 Gate Pkwy W, Jacksonville, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions St. Johns Town Center and Dog Wood ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"It was convenient clean and friendly"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Kasa Southside Jacksonville
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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