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
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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
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 Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.

Northwest
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
2.5 out of 5
715 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL
The price is AU$368 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$368
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 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! (2,859 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
Amelia Hotel at the Beach
2.5 out of 5
1997 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$203 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$203
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (1,912 reviews)
Don't sleep on this bargin
"Great staff and awesome location."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Amelia Hotel at the 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$186 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$186
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,524 reviews)
"There was a terrible smell Water smelled like sulfur would not brush my teeth or shower"

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport
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)
Nice spot!
"It is super clean and well-appointed. Perfect for two people with several restaurants within walking distance. The beach was right across the street."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 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! (32 reviews)
"The road noise was a lot but not terrible after the evening got late."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Vintage Amelia Island Apartments
Studio Unit
Studio Unit
Fernandina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
Would book here again
"Property owner sent a text and then called about a half hour later making sure we got her message. She was very friendly and explained how to get in since we were arriving late. The cottage was very nice. Would definitely book again!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Studio Unit
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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