Wikivoyage

city in Duval County, Florida, United States
(Redirected from JAX)
North America > United States of America > Florida > First Coast > Jacksonville

For other places with the same name, see Jacksonville (disambiguation).

Jacksonville occupies one of the most coveted spots on the Atlantic coast. Set amongst abundant beaches and possessing an ideal subtropical climate, its crown jewel is the unique habitat and natural beauty of the St. Johns River. For this reason and more, "The River City" is a popular destination for vacationers looking for a laid-back Sunshine State escape.

Understand

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Statue of Andrew Jackson, near the Jacksonville Landing

The city is in the Northeast Florida region, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia state line and about 340 miles (547 km) north of Miami.

Jacksonville is the largest city, by land area, in Florida in and the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968. That merger gave Jacksonville its great size and placed most of its larger metropolitan population within the city limits; with a population of 949,600, it is the most populous city in Florida, and the eleventh most populous in the United States. The surrounding Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area had a population of 1,504,980 in 2020.

Simply put, Jacksonville is an authentic Floridian city. Its economy is diversified and not wholly based on tourism. Harbor improvements since the late 19th century have made Jacksonville a major military and civilian deep-water port. Its riverfront location facilitates two U.S. Navy bases and the Port of Jacksonville, Florida's third largest seaport. Significant industries in the local economy include services such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics. Despite this, Jacksonville is still a city in Florida, and tourism is important to the area, particularly in regards to its historical, cultural, and environmental assets.

Once holding the distinctions of "Insurance Capital of the South" and "Winter Film Capital of the World", and home to a formidable financial industry, this underrated cosmopolitan city is a composite of northern aesthetics and southern charm. A combination of rich architectural diversity, influential African-American ancestry, and substantial musical contributions have gifted Jacksonville an international appeal for its relatively small piece of the world. The city was listed as a "High sufficiency" world city in the World Cities Study Group's inventory, ranking alongside Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

History

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The area was first inhabited by the Timucua people, and in 1564 was the site of the French colony of Fort Caroline, one of the earliest European settlements in what is now the continental United States. Under British rule, settlement grew at the narrow point in the river where cattle crossed, known as Wacca Pilatka to the Seminole Native Americans and Cowford to the British. A platted town was established there in 1822, a year after the United States acquired the colony of Florida from Spain; it was named after Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and seventh President of the United States.

Get in

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By plane

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  • 1 Jacksonville International Airport (JAX  IATA). The primary commercial airport in Northeast Florida, with scheduled service offered by Allegiant, American, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. The airport has one terminal building with two concourses. There are two areas for ground transportation, at the center front for taxis and area hotel shuttles, and at the north end for arranged ground transportation, including limousines, rental cars, intercity buses/shuttles, and local JTA city buses. Generally arriving one hour before a flight's scheduled departure is plenty of time, but during major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, allow one and a half to two hours. Jacksonville International Airport (Q1431579) on Wikidata Jacksonville International Airport on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)

To travel between the city and JAX:

  • Jacksoville Transit Authority (JTA) Rt #1-A. Public transit from JAX to Downtown Jacksonville is provided by JTA Route 1-A North Main, every hour, picking up at prearrange Ground Transportation (north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1, lower level). Approximately one hour to the city center. $1(?). 
  • Gator City Taxi, ☏ +1 904 999-9999. Local taxi service, no reservation needed for arriving passengers. 
  • Super Shuttle. Offers shared ride, non-stop, and black car service to and from the airport. 
  • ExecuCar. Private black car service to and from the airport, as well as around the city. 
  • TxBlackCarservices. Enjoy a private black car service with TxBlackCarservices for transportation to and from the airport and around the city. 
  • Lyft and Uber. Both are authorized to pick up and drop off at JAX. 

Click here for a list of ground transport options including a list of rental car companies at the airport.

Other airports

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2 Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST IATA), formerly St. Augustine Airport, is 4 mi (6.4 km) north of St. Augustine, and about 30 mi (48 km) south of Jacksonville. The airport offers service from Trenton, New Jersey on Frontier Airlines. No regular auto service is available to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has two general aviation airports: 3 Cecil Airport and 4 Craig Airport, all of which are administered by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority[dead link].

By train

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Jacksonville is served by Amtrak via its daily Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains, providing connections from other destinations in Florida such as Orlando and Miami, but also from cities as far north as New York. 5 Jacksonville Station is located at 3570 Clifford Lane, approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) northwest of downtown.

By bus

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  • 6 Greyhound, Flixbus, (bus station) 1111 W Forsyth St (Forsyth & Stuart, couple blocks north of the old Jacksonville Terminal (Convention Center). It's also accessible via Exit 352B from I-95 NB and 353A (Cleveland St) from I-95 SB.). 24 hours. Service from Tallahassee (via Lake City); Miami (via Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce); and from Savannah (via Brunswick, Jacksonville, St Augustine, Daytona Beach, Orlando). They also have once daily Jacksonvile-Miami route along the I-95 Corridor via Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce, Titusville, Daytona Beach, and points in between. From Savannah some buses continue west towards Atlanta while others continue north towards New York along I-95. Passengers transfer in Miami to continue to the Keys and in Orlando, Savannah, Tallahassee, or Lake City to continue to other destinations. Check schedules. (updated May 2018)
  • Megabus, (bus station) 1111 West Forsyth St (Same station as Greyhound, Megabus boards at Bay 6 of the bus station.). To and from trips for the cities of Atlanta, Daytona Beach and Orlando. Once daily for Daytona and 3 times daily for Atlanta and for Orlando. Bus fares vary with day of the week. 

By ship

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  • 7 JAXPORT Cruise Terminal, 9810 August Dr, ☏ +1 904 357-3006. Jacksonville departures offers travelers a taste of a different kind of Florida city, before setting sail to more traditional destinations like Key West and the Bahamas. Low airfare and economical accommodations have made cruises from Jacksonville a popular choice. The Port of Jacksonville operates several facilities along the St. Johns River. It is the second largest point of entry for vehicles into the United States along with housing an active cruise terminal. JAXPORT Cruise Terminal (Q6107742) on Wikidata JAXPORT Cruise Terminal on Wikipedia 

Get around

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The Jacksonville Skyway connects the Southbank and Northbank districts of Downtown

Jacksonville is sprawling with most of the city's more popular destinations not within walking distance of each other, with the exception of the city center. There, monorail service is free and connects the north and south banks of the river, offering travelers a great view of the city and an easy route to their destination. Most travelers to Jacksonville will want to venture out, see the beaches, shop and dine in its commercial districts, or visit historical sites and parks. This would be impossible or greatly hindered without a car. Unless you are planning on remaining at the beaches or the downtown area it can be time consuming to travel by bus, and too expensive by taxi.

By public transit

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The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates the Skyway monorail system in the heart of Jacksonville, and a fairly extensive regional bus network. Rosa Parks Transit Station is the main transfer hub between systems. Nearly all bus lines, and both lines of the Skyway stop at Rosa Parks.

The Skyway is a free automated people-mover system in downtown Jacksonville. Eight stations are located throughout the Northbank, Southbank, and LaVilla districts. The system is open to commuters M–F 6AM–9PM. Extended hours vary with special events, check JTA's website if you are planning on traveling in downtown during the weekend.

Bus frequency is between 30 minutes and an hour. Buses are reasonably comfortable, but JTA buses struggle with on-time performance. Buses do not run past midnight, and many bus routes stop running at around 8 or 9PM. All buses are linked via GPS to a central control system and stops are well-marked throughout the entire city.

By taxi

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Taxi services are available, but expensive due to the sprawl of the city. Jacksonville is not New York City. Taxis are not readily available in every part of town, though they can be found at some downtown tourist destinations and central hotels. Service is also readily available at the airport.

By car

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Major roads include:

  • & South of Jacksonville US Hwy 1 straddles I-95 as a separate road through most of Florida, towards Miami, serving as a local street in the cities and towns it passes through. It goes SE of town towards St Augustine as the Phillips Highway. Going north US Hwy 1 runs concurrent on US Hwy 23 (New Kings Rd), northwesterly, towards the Georgia state line in Folkston, Georgia.
  • US Hwy 17 continues to straddle alongside I-95 north of downtown Jacksonville (as N Main St) towards Brunswick, Georgia. Going south US Hwy 17 ('Hwy 17') still parallels I-95 but further apart, towards the Orlando Metropolitan area through Partlaka and Deland.
  • Interstate 295, a ring road highway that makes a circle around Jacksonville

Given the huge area Jacksonville covers (largest city in the continental U.S.A.), cars are the only practical way of getting around. Lyft and Uber are well established in the city and by far the most practical and affordable mode of transportation if you don't have your own car. You must have a smartphone and their apps.

Car rentals are also a convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.

Car rental companies include:

By bike

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Biking has become a popular means of getting around in some of Jacksonville's central neighborhoods and districts, such as Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, San Marco, and downtown. Starting in Riverside, you can walk or bike down the Riverwalk to the Main St. Bridge, in downtown. Ride or walk over the bridge to access San Marco and its many shops and restaurants. Biking is a great way to enjoy the urban core's varied and beautiful architecture which is so easy to miss by car.

View of Hemming Park looking toward the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Main Public Library.

Landmarks

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  • 1 City Hall (St. James Building), 117 West Duval St. One of the most beautiful city halls in America and open to the public. The building was designed in Prairie School style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho. It was constructed as a department store in 1912, purchased by the city in 1993, and became the new city hall in 1997. The name was chosen by its investors, businessmen from Connecticut, the relevance being that Saint James is the patron Saint of travelers. The interior features a spectacular sunlit atrium with a dominating octagonal glass dome. The defining feature of the structure is the large abstract decorative cornices on the buildings exterior. St. James Building (Q7588435) on Wikidata St. James Building on Wikipedia 
  • 2 Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth St (at Newnan), ☏ +1 904 355-5661. The Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually, bringing 250,000 people to Jacksonville's downtown every year. The restored theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Florida Theatre has been Jacksonville's premier entertainment center since 1927. Florida Theatre (Q574145) on Wikidata Florida Theatre on Wikipedia 
  • 3 Friendship Fountain. Opened in 1965 as the world's largest and tallest fountain, it's capable of spraying 17,000 gallons (64,000 L) of water a minute to a height of 120 feet (37 m). The fountain and surrounding park are directly across from the Northbank and offer visitors some of the best views of the city. It is also adjacent to the Museum of Science and History and is part of the Southbank Riverwalk. Friendship Fountain (Q5504395) on Wikidata Friendship Fountain on Wikipedia 
  • 4 Main Street Bridge. Opened in 1941, the bridge was the second crossing to be built over the St. Johns River. It is one of the most recognized structures in the city and offers visitors some of the best views of the downtown skyline. Main Street Bridge (Q6736098) on Wikidata Main Street Bridge (Jacksonville) on Wikipedia 
  • 5 Jacksonville Terminal (Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center). Converted in 1986 into a convention center, Jacksonville Terminal once served as one of the busiest train stations in the South. Designed by famed architect Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison, the station exhibits Beaux-art features and is reminiscent of New York's Old Penn Station. Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center (Q6118042) on Wikidata Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center on Wikipedia 
  • 6 San Marco Theatre, 1996 San Marco Blvd, ☏ +1 904 396-4845. The oldest running first-run single-screen theatre in Jacksonville. Serving up your favorite beers, wine and food while you watch the movie. Fantastic midnight film series. San Marco Theatre (Q42421166) on Wikidata 

Museums

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Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
  • 7 Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave, ☏ +1 904 356-6857. Tu 10AM-9PM; W-Sa 10AM-4PM; Su noon-4PM. An art museum and expansive formal garden set alongside the Jacksonville waterfront. Features primarily European and American paintings as well as a large collection of early Meissen porcelain. Pricing notes: Admission is free to all on the first Saturday of every month; college students free Tuesday through Friday. Adults $10; seniors, military, students $6; children 5 & under free. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens (Q5194095) on Wikidata Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • 8 Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), 333 North Laura St (Downtown), ☏ +1 904 366-6991. Tu W F Sa 11AM-5PM; Th 11AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM. This museum is located downtown in the historic Western Union Telegraph Building across from Hemming Park and presents a large number of innovative contemporary art exhibits created by regional, national and international artists. Pricing notes: Free admission between 5PM and 9PM on the first Wednesday of each month, and to college students between 1:30PM and 5PM Tuesday through Friday. Adults $8; seniors, military, students, children (2-12) $5. Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (Q3329582) on Wikidata Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • 9 Museum of Science & History (MOSH), 1025 Museum Circle, ☏ +1 904 396-6674, fax: +1 904 396-5799. M-Th 10AM-5PM; F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-6PM; Su noon-6PM. Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history. Adult $15; senior, military, student, youth, teacher, young adult $12. Museum of Science and History (Q6941013) on Wikidata Museum of Science and History on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2018)
  • 10 Ritz Theatre and Museum, 829 N Davis St, ☏ +1 904 807-2010. A cultural museum showcasing the people and places that flourished within the Jacksonville African American community during the Jim Crow era. Ritz Theatre (Q7336924) on Wikidata Ritz Theatre (Jacksonville) on Wikipedia 
  • 11 University of North Florida Gallery of Art, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd, ☏ +1 904 620-2534. M W Th 9AM-5PM; Tu 9AM-7PM, F 9AM-3PM. Features several exhibitions each year including regional and national artists and UNF faculty and student art. University of North Florida Fine Arts Center (Q120689770) on Wikidata 

Neighborhoods

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  • 12 Downtown. The central business district of Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River. Five districts make up the entirety of the area. The Northbank is the district most commonly associated with downtown. It houses many of the city's largest and most historic structures, as well as serving as the government and financial center for the region. Across the river, Southbank has its lions share of iconic buildings and parks. Most notably its home to the Museum of Science and History and Friendship Fountain. LaVilla and Brooklyn are popular upcoming areas just west of the Northbank. Last but not least, the Sports Complex is a large area to the east of the Northbank, housing TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Veteran Arena, Metropolitan Park, and the Baseball Grounds. Downtown Jacksonville (Q5303468) on Wikidata Downtown Jacksonville on Wikipedia 
  • 13 Riverside. About 1 mi (1.6 km) southwest of downtown on the banks of the St. Johns River, this neighborhood was built primarily between 1910 and 1930 and features a variety of historic homes, churches and apartment buildings. It has as its commercial center eclectic Five Points which features both unique retail and dining all in a bohemian atmosphere. Also notable in the neighborhood is Memorial Park which is situated near Five Points adjacent to the River. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. and has as its centerpiece a statue of Winged Victory as a memorial to the dead of World War I. To visit this area from downtown, take Jefferson Street which becomes Riverside Avenue. Riverside and Avondale (Q7338641) on Wikidata Riverside and Avondale on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2020)
  • 14 Avondale. Along the St. Johns River just southwest of and adjacent to Riverside, was built during the 1920s Florida land boom as "Riverside's Residential Ideal". The stately historic houses here were constructed in a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor, Georgian Revival, Prairie, Shingle, Mediterranean Revival and Bungalow. The commercial heart of the neighborhood is known as the Shops of Avondale which are along St. Johns Avenue between Talbot and Dancy Streets. Here, there are many upscale dining and shopping opportunities. Riverside and Avondale (Q7338641) on Wikidata Riverside and Avondale on Wikipedia 
  • 15 Springfield. Just north or downtown is a historic neighborhood with architecture varying from Victorian and Craftsmen to Colonial Revival and Prairie School. Characterized by large porches, iconic city parks, and immersed in a blanketing oak canopy, Springfield is quickly becoming a hot spot for any traveler looking for an authentic taste of Jacksonville. Springfield (Q7580928) on Wikidata Springfield (Jacksonville) on Wikipedia 

Parks and outdoors

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Jacksonville Beach Pier
  • Beaches - Jacksonville is on the Atlantic Ocean, and has a thriving beach culture, but not as packed or as crowded as the beaches in south Florida. Three cities within Duval county occupy most of the coastal real estate: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach.
  • City parks:
    • 16 Hemming Park. A block-sized park in the center of Jacksonville's downtown. Named for Confederate veteran Charles C. Hemming, who in 1898 donated to the City the Confederate monument which was the focal point of the park. The statue was removed by the City in June 2020. The park is surrounded by Jacksonville's City Hall, the United States Courthouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the public Main Library for Jacksonville, the former Snyder Memorial Church and various restaurants. Step inside City Hall, which is a restored department store built in 1912 and designed in the prairie style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho, and take a look at the large, sunlit atrium which dominates the interior of the structure. The downtown Main Library opened in 2005 and is the largest Main Library in the state of Florida. The postmodern structure was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern and features a Grand Reading Room and a quiet Courtyard for outdoor reading. James Weldon Johnson Park (Q5712431) on Wikidata Hemming Park on Wikipedia 
    • 17 Memorial Park, 1620 Riverside Ave (between Margaret Street and Memorial Park Drive), . Perhaps the most iconic city park in all of Florida, it was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers who also designed many other national and city parks, including Yosemite. The park is located in the historic neighbourhood of Riverside, near the 5 Points area. It is located along the banks of the St. Johns River and houses the statue known as Life which now has become associated with Riverside in general. Totally worth a gander. Memorial Park (Q6815481) on Wikidata Memorial Park (Jacksonville) on Wikipedia (updated May 2020)
  • 18 Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, ☏ +1 904 757-4463. Hosts more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. It is constantly growing and changing and always a pleasurable experience. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Q3157440) on Wikidata Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Wikipedia 
  • Riverwalk. A scenic walk system along the north and south shores of the St. John's River. It's a great place for a date. Jacksonville Riverwalk (Q6118016) on Wikidata Jacksonville Riverwalks on Wikipedia 
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, ☏ +1 904-641-7155. 
    • 19 Fort Caroline National Memorial. The original French fort, destroyed by Spanish troops from St. Augustine, now lies somewhere beneath the St. John's River. A modern recreation stands on the riverbank with a museum dedicated to the first settlements by the French in the area. Fort Caroline (Q1438483) on Wikidata Fort Caroline on Wikipedia 
    • 20 Kingsley Plantation. A well-preserved Southern plantation on Fort George Island. Well worth the trip to see. Kingsley Plantation (Q6413337) on Wikidata Kingsley Plantation on Wikipedia 
    • 21 Machaba Balu Preserve. Consist of a collection of sites within Timucuan's vast area. The salt march looks much as it did 500 years ago and is a haven of wildlife and biodiversity. The properties are under the management of the Nature Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service. Machaba Balu Preserve (Q48977313) on Wikidata Machaba Balu Preserve on Wikipedia 
    • 22 Theodore Roosevelt Area. A nature preserve adjacent to the Fort Caroline Memorial. Donated by Willie Browne, the land sits on a marshy patch of riverfront property and offers visitors a taste of "Old Florida". 
  • 23 Little Talbot Island State Park, 12157 Heckscher Dr, ☏ +1 904-251-2320. 8AM-sundown. $5/vehicle, Camping $24/night. Little Talbot Island State Park (Q6652157) on Wikidata Little Talbot Island State Park on Wikipedia (updated May 2020)
  • 24 Big Talbot Island State Park. Big Talbot Island State Park (Q4906501) on Wikidata Big Talbot Island State Park on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2016)
  • 25 Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) public beach and city park in Jacksonville. It is located at Mayport in the Jacksonville Beaches area. It consists of 447 acres (1.81 km2) of mature coastal hammock, which is increasingly rare along Florida's heavily developed Atlantic coast. $5. Hanna Park (Q5648728) on Wikidata Hanna Park on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2023)

Events

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  • Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Jazz festival featuring major names in jazz as well as local and up-and-coming jazz artists. 
  • Main Street Cruise, 1st St. to 12th St. on Main St.. 4th Saturday of every month. A surreal experience and a fun time, this old school cruise is like stepping into the 1970s movie American Graffiti. Poodle dresses, classic music, and an endless array of cars. 
  • Springing the Blues. Florida's largest free outdoor blues festival. 
  • Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island (about 35 mi (56 km) from Jacksonville), holds an annual festival every summer, the highlight of which is a mock pirate invasion terrorizing the locals. Additional Awards go to the biggest drunken pirate who plunders the most booty. And there is also the world famous wet wench contest. 
  • Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular. Air show location alternates each year between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Blue Angels are typically the main event to close the show. 
  • World Arts Film Festival. May 15–17. The World Arts Film Festival is an event showcasing a diverse array of filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds. The central theme is a global message of inclusion through the arts and education. World Arts Film Festival (Q33061446) on Wikidata 
  • JaxFlow. A spin jam group local to Jacksonville. They spin various flow toys, such as hula hoops and fire poi in various parks and at nightlife spots all over Jacksonville. 
  • One Spark (creator innovation day conference), Downtown Jacksonville. One Spark is an annual event for creators of all kinds. Artists, entrepreneurs and innovators display projects in different downtown venues each year. It offers the opportunity to get involved, be inspired, connect and collaborate. It connects people with great ideas to the resources they need to make them come true. Participants get the chance to pitch their idea to the voting public for a possible cash prize and a chance to make their project a reality. 
  • 1 Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave (Riverside Ave. under the Fuller Warren Bridge), ☏ +1 904 389-2449. 10AM-4PM. More than 100 vendors offer handmade art, specialty foods, farmers' market, and a variety of entertainment. Open every Saturday, March through December, "RAM" is Jacksonville's Premiere Outdoor Arts & Entertainment venue! Free. Riverside Arts Market (Q39053627) on Wikidata Riverside Arts Market on Wikipedia 
  • Jacksonville Pride (River City Pride), Five Points in Riverside. Activities are usually centered in the Riverside neighborhood, The festival and parade are family friendly and feature friends and supporters of the gay community in Jacksonville. Late nights are whatever you make of them. Jacksonville offers a wonderful nightlife with a host of events at area gay bars and regular bars alike. 

Sports

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  • 2 Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 EverBank Stadium Dr. Jacksonville's NFL team. Catch one of their home games during football season in the fall. Also of note is that the Jaguars' stadium also houses the headquarters of All Elite Wrestling, a major professional wrestling promotion that shares ownership with the team. Jacksonville Jaguars (Q272223) on Wikidata Jacksonville Jaguars on Wikipedia 
  • 3 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, ☏ +1-904 358-2846. Jacksonville's Triple-A Minor League baseball team. Tickets are cheap and the view is good at 121 Financial Ballpark. Military active/retired $5 tickets. 
  • 4 Jacksonville Ice Men. Jacksonville's AA Minor league hockey team affiliated with the NHL. Cheap tickets and great hockey action at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. (updated Feb 2023)
  • Jacksonville Sharks. Jacksonville's Arena Football team. Winner of Arena Bowl XXIV in 2011 and the inaugural NAL Championship in 2017. (updated Feb 2018)
  • 5 The Players Championship. If you like golf, Jacksonville is second only to Augusta. The TPC is held each spring in Ponte Vedra, a coastal suburb of Jacksonville. 
  • Gate River Run. One of the top running events in the US. The most participant 15K race with purse money large enough to attract professional runners from all over the world. 
  • 6 The Mug Race. A Pursuit Start sailboat race on St. Johns River. The world's largest river race, boaters start at the Memorial Bridge in Palatka and end at the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville. 
San Marco Square

Shopping districts

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  • Downtown. Laura Street near Adams offers a few shops and a lovely atmosphere. Adams Street at Ocean and Bay Street at Market also have some interesting places to visit. (updated Feb 2019)
  • Five Points. A shopping district on the western edge of the Riverside neighborhood. Home to Riverside Park, Memorial Park, and the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, this area attracts an eclectic group of locals and is a haven for trendy shops and hip bars. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 1 San Marco Square. A good used book store, shops, galleries, restaurants, and a Peterbrooke chocolate shop make up this small shopping area. The Grotto, a nice upscale wine store with a small seating area, is very popular. San Marco (Q14686391) on Wikidata San Marco (Jacksonville) on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2019)
  • Shoppes of Avondale. Specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants line these few blocks. (updated Feb 2019)

Shopping malls

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  • 2 St. John's Town Center. Near the intersection of Butler Blvd and the I-295 Beltway, this is an open-air mall sprawled over a large area. Lots of shopping and fine dining options, it's hands down one of the most popular and most visited malls in North Florida. St. Johns Town Center (Q7589027) on Wikidata St. Johns Town Center on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2019)
  • 3 The Avenues Mall, 10300 Southside Blvd., ☏ +1 904 363-3054. 10AM-9PM. In Jacksonville's Southside neighborhood, the Avenues is one of the more popular enclosed malls in town. It offers a wide array of stores and most of the one you'd come to expect in a mall setting. The Avenues (Q7715032) on Wikidata The Avenues (shopping mall) on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2019)

Specialty stores

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  • 4 Jacksonville Farmers Market, 1810 West Beaver St. (near the corner of Stockton), ☏ +1 904 354-2821. 7AM-6PM. Established in 1938, the farmers market is the oldest in the state. Operating much as farmers markets have for hundreds of years, it offers a unique shopping experience in a festive outdoor market. 
  • 5 Stellers Gallery, 1990 San Marco Blvd, ☏ +1 904 396-9492. M-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-3PM. 
  • 6 Sweet Pete's, 400 N Hogan Street, ☏ +1 904 376-7161. M 9AM-4PM, Tu-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Unique candy store in downtown Jacksonville. 

Downtown

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Riverside

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  • Al's Pizza (5 locations). (updated Feb 2023)
    • 12 1620 Margaret St, ☏ +1 904 388-8384. (updated Aug 2015)
    • 13 8060 Philips Highway, ☏ +1 904 731-4300. (updated Feb 2023)
    • 14 14286 Beach Blvd (Near Intracoastal West), ☏ +1 904 223-0991. (updated Feb 2023)
    • 15 240 3rd Street North (Neptune Beach), ☏ +1 904 249-0002. (updated Feb 2023)
    • 16 635 A1A North (Ponte Vedra), ☏ +1 904 543-1494. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 17 13 Gypsies, 887 Stockton St (at College), ☏ +1 904 389-0330, fax: +1 904 389-0220, . Firmly rooted in tradition, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine made fresh daily. 

Avondale

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  • 18 Brick Restaurant, 3585 St. Johns Ave, ☏ +1 904 387-0606. Creative menu with good food; on a street with lots of shops. Outside dining is available. 
  • 19 Biscotti's, 3556 St. Johns Ave, ☏ +1 904 387-2060. Cool atmosphere with delicious, interesting food. Take a look at the desserts in the display case. They taste even better than they look. 

Springfield

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  • 20 ¡Hola!, 1001 N Main St (corner of Main and Phelps), ☏ +1 904 356-3100, . Authentic Mexican restaurant located on Confederate Park in the beautiful neighborhood of Springfield. $10-12. 
  • 21 Chan's Chinese, 1508 N Main St (corner of 5th and Main), ☏ +1 904 358-2808. (updated Aug 2015)
  • 22 Island Tropics, 2527 N Main St (corner of 16th and Main), ☏ +1 904 355-9050. Caribbean cuisine. (updated Oct 2015)
  • 23 Wafaa & Mike's Cafe, 1544 N Main St (corner of 6th and Main), ☏ +1 904 683-8313. Middle-eastern cuisine. (updated Oct 2015)

San Marco

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  • 24 The Loop Pizza Grill (Several locations in Jacksonville). Restaurant chain that started in Jacksonville. Good burgers, pizza, salads, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. 
  • 25 Metro Diner, 3302 Hendricks Ave (at Inwood Terrace), ☏ +1 904 438-3321. Daily 6:30AM-2:30PM. A popular breakfast spot for locals. 

Southside

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  • St. Johns Seafood & Steaks (Several locations in Jacksonville). Just what it sounds like, a variety of seafood and steak with all the trimmings. Make sure to have grits as a side. 
  • 26 Havana-Jax Cafe, 2578 Atlantic Blvd, ☏ +1 904 399-0609. Delicious Cuban food. Most dinners come with rice, black beans, and plantains. Very good flan. 
  • 27 Grinder's Cafe, 10230 Atlantic Blvd, ☏ +1 904 725-2712. Ste 8-9. One of the very few "down home" southern food restaurants in Jacksonville. Very friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of southern specialties. 

Beaches

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  • 28 Angies Subs at Jax Beach, 1436 Beach Blvd (Jacksonville Beach), ☏ +1 904 246-2519. M-Sa 11AM-8PM. When seen from the street you may think twice about eating there, but the large number of cars outside shows that it is a great favorite of the locals. For enjoying the best subs and experiencing local beach flavor, a visit here is a must. Lunch time is peak time and may be crowded. 
  • 29 Beach Hut Cafe, 1281 Third Street South (Jacksonville Beach), ☏ +1 904 249-3516. This is where locals go for breakfast. Weekend mornings are very busy. 

Drink

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Adult beverages

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Downtown

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Five Points

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King Street

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Springfield

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  • 15 Shanty Town Pubz, 22 W 6th St. (1 mi (1.6 km) north of downtown in Jacksonville's historic Springfield), ☏ +1 904 798-8222. This hole-in-the-wall bar offers hundreds of beers and boasts a spacious backyard which hosts barbecues once a week. (updated Aug 2015)
  • 16 Uptown Kitchen and Bar (Uptown Market), 1303 N Main St., ☏ +1 904 418-7025. (updated Aug 2015)

Beaches

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  • 17 Lynch's Irish Pub, 514 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, ☏ +1 904-249-5181. A well known Irish pub in Jacksonville Beach. Many good imported pints on tap, with live music, and a raucous atmosphere. 
  • 18 Pete's Bar, 117 1st Street, Neptune Beach, ☏ +1 904-249-9158. Cheap beer and 25 cent pool. One of the oldest bars in Jacksonville. It is definitely a staple at the beaches. Opened the day prohibition was repealed. 
  • 19 Culhane's Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach. Featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. 

Coffee

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  • 20 Good Chi Coffee, 8789 San Jose Blvd # 101, ☏ +1 904-514-9000. M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 8AM-4PM. Good Chi Coffee is a fun coffee shop with great staff, amazing coffee, and tasty pastries. (updated Apr 2021)
  • 21 Vagabond Coffee, 934 Edgewood Ave S, ☏ +1 904-329-1672. M-Sa 6:30AM-8PM, Sunday 8AM-7PM. Vagabond Coffee is a wonderful coffee shop with amazing coffee and staff. It is a great place to get work done. (updated Apr 2021)

Sleep

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There are also places to stay in Amelia Island and Jacksonville Beach.

Budget

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Mid-range

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Splurge

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Cope

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Publications

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Consulates

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Go next

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  • Amelia Island - A beautiful island about an hour north of Jacksonville along FL-A1A, it is home to upscale houses, and the Amelia Island Plantation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island was used as a pirate base for raids on Spanish shipping. Known as the Isle of Eight Flags, it is the only location in the United States to have been under the allegiance of eight different nations.
  • Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
  • Olustee Battlefield - About an hour's drive west along I-10 in Olustee is the Olustee Battlefield, site of the only Civil War engagement in Florida. The battle is reenacted each February, and is a popular site for Civil War buffs.
  • St. Augustine - Founded by Spanish colonists in 1565, St. Augustine lays claim to being the oldest permanent settlement in the United States. It is about a 45-minute drive south of Jacksonville by I-95, or about an hour taking the more scenic route down FL-A1A. It boasts many fine restaurants and tourist attractions, as well as a unique blend of old world architectural styles inherited from its Spanish and British masters. The fort, the old city, the Flagler Museum, St. George's Street, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions are all recommended.
Routes through Jacksonville
Fayetteville ← Savannah ←  N  S  → Palatka → Orlando
Raleigh ← Savannah ←  N  S  → Palatka → Orlando
Tallahassee ← Osceola Nat'l Forest ←  W  E  → Ends at
Savannah ← Brunswick ←  N  S  → St. Augustine → Daytona Beach
Augusta ← Callahan ←  N  S  → St. Augustine → Daytona Beach
Savannah ← Brunswick ←  N  S  → Orange Park → Orlando
Macon ← Callahan ←  N  S  → END
Tallahassee ← Osceola National Forest ←  W  E  → Jacksonville Beach → Ends at
Callahan ← Amelia Island ←  N  S  → Neptune Beach → Daytona Beach


This city travel guide to Jacksonville is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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