Jacksonville, FL

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

4/5(912 area reviews)

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

3.5/5(855 area reviews)

Explore historic communities, visit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Timucuan Preserve, and state parks, or shop at River City Marketplace. Enjoy easy access to Jacksonville International Airport and Amtrak station.

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

Downtown Jacksonville

4/5(845 area reviews)

Historic core with major corporations, Downtown Jacksonville offers diverse culinary and nightlife experiences at The Elbow. Explore attractions like Florida Theatre, TIAA Bank Field, and museums, while enjoying convenient transportation options.

Downtown Jacksonville
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Arlington

Mid-century modern architecture abounds in this area, with notable homes by architects like Robert C. Broward. Explore attractions such as Fort Caroline, Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, and Tree Hill Nature Center, while enjoying easy access via JTA bus routes and major highways.

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

Northwest

If you're spending some time in Northwest, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest
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
The price is ¥32,841 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥32,841
¥37,274 total
May 18 - May 19
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,934 reviews)
"We had an excellent stay here. It was right on the beach, hotel was well maintained and clean. Staff were all cheerful and helpful. Walkable to great restaurants and bars. Would definitely stay there again if back in the area."

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
3.5 out of 5
1515 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL
The price is ¥15,702 per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
¥15,702
¥17,822 total
Jun 8 - Jun 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Jacksonville. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,419 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and service was excellent. Our room was at the end of the hall on the 4th floor, and it was very quiet. The food and service at the bar restaurant (Johnny's) was perfect, with large portions for the price. The facility did not look as fancy as the photos would lead you to believe, ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Southbank Hotel by Marriott Jacksonville Riverwalk
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 ¥18,137 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥18,137
¥20,313 total
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,978 reviews)
"Across from beach. Clean, easy xheckin"

Reviewed on May 14, 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.
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (41 reviews)
Great for family/friends
"Second time staying here. We love the location. Easy access to everything. My only complaint this time is there were no hangers in either closet and no dining table/chairs. The jute rug in the living was dirty and made our feet black!"

Reviewed on May 7, 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! (320 reviews)
Adorable Cottage with a short walk to the beach
"My wife and I spent a couple of days in the Seaside Cottages and absolutely loved it. The room was well appointed with what we needed and was just a short walk to the beach. We drive a 4x4 Jeep and the closest access point to the beach included the ability to drive on the beach with a 4x4, so that ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 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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Reviews of Jacksonville

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1508
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
2455
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
1018
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
124
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
94
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I was not happy that the breakfast I paid for was coffee only. This is not acceptable.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice to have Starbucks in the morning for an option however no breakfast even tough I paid extra room rate for this option! Noisey a/c unit in room but overall would stay here again and recommend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Originally from here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is one of the nicest areas of Jacksonville! Plenty of shopping and restaurant options.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Many homeless people walking around the Hyatt and all over town.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Jacksonville downtown homelessness is pretty rough. Right across from this hotel was the riots

Cities near Jacksonville