Jacksonville, Florida, is a hidden gem on the Atlantic coast and offers visitors and travelers on vacation plenty to see and do, including sports, shopping, attractions and more.
Tucked in the northeast corner of Florida's Atlantic coast, the city of Jacksonville is frequently overshadowed by more glamorous destinations. Far from being forgotten, however, Jacksonville is a thriving community with a long history, diverse culture, and rich atmosphere offering a multitude of attractions and activities any visitor will enjoy.
What Is There To Do In Jacksonville?
1. Kingsley Plantation: One of the oldest plantation homes in Florida, this historic site was owned by Zephaniah Kingsley, one of the biggest slave traders in America. The house and grounds are available for daily guided tours, and the restored slave quarters offer a startling reminder of Florida's history.
2. Fort Caroline National Memorial: Built in 1564, Fort Caroline was one of the first European settlements in America, but unfortunately the remains of the original fort have never been located. This replica is based on historical records and personal accounts, and includes reproductions of Timucuan huts and canoes that offer a glimpse of the relationship settlers forged with Native Americans.
3. Beaches: No Florida trip would be complete without a day at the beach, and Jacksonville's beaches offer visitors many amenities not available in more crowded locations. A centralized pier houses public restrooms, restaurants, and stunning views, while boutiques line the streets leading to the beach. Public access is plentiful, and wide, paved walkways run parallel to the waves for those who prefer to stay dry.
4. City Parks: With more than three hundred parks, Jacksonville has one of the nation's largest urban park systems. Thirty-four public pools are available, and many parks offer baseball diamonds and other playing fields, playground equipment, and picnic facilities. Specialty parks are always worth a visit, such as Friendship Fountain in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, which overlooks the river and offers a stunning view of the city's skyline. Treaty Oak Park is another local favorite, with its legend of a peace treaty between General Andrew Jackson and Seminole Chief Osceola signed beneath the tree's stately branches. One of the city's most unique parks, however, is the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park. Several of these parks can be found around the country, but the installation in Jacksonville is one of the most unique with its replicas of five of the city's beautiful bridges. Life-size sculptures, descriptive plaques, and a "recovery walk" are other stunning features of this park.
5. Jacksonville Zoo: Multiple expansions and generous exhibits make the Jacksonville Zoo a pleasant experience for all family members. A railroad ride, petting zoo, walk-in aviary, and highly specialized jaguar exhibit complete with a Mayan temple are only some of the zoo's striking features. More than nine hundred species of birds and animals inhabit this sixty-acre sanctuary.
6. Cruises: With the St. John's River flowing through the heart of Jacksonville, several different types of cruises are available to enjoy the river's luxury. Daily casino cruises venture into the ocean for gaming excitement, and dinner cruises ply the waterway with gourmet dining and exquisite dancing on both paddleboats and yachts. Jacksonville is also a home port for both Carnival and Celebrity cruise lines, with itineraries exploring Key West and the Bahamas.
7. Shopping: All major cities offer abundant shopping, but Jacksonville has a greater variety than most. While there are several major malls throughout the city, including the Avenues Mall, Regency Square Mall, and the St. John's Town Center, specialty boutiques are plentiful as well. A prime shopping location is the San Marco district near downtown, which offers the finest in luxury shopping and quaint cafes all within a delightfully landscaped plaza. A visit to Jacksonville-based Peterbrooke Chocolatier is a necessity for any shopper and chocoholic, and the San Marco location offers factory tours and tastings every weekday.
8. Golf: The Sawgrass Marriott Resort on the beach is home to The Players Championship every March, and resort guests can play on the world-renowned course. There are over twenty challenging courses around Jacksonville, many of which offer lessons, driving ranges, and other amenities. The World Golf Village, with two prestigious courses, IMAX theater, and celebrity restaurant is only a short drive south along interstate 95.
9. Sporting Events: Golf is not the only sport in Jacksonville. In 1995, Jacksonville was awarded one of two National Football League expansion teams, and the Jacksonville Jaguars were born. Alltel Stadium seats more than 70,000 fans, making it one of the largest stadiums in the NFL, and there are always tickets available for visitors. Minor league sports are popular as well, with the Jacksonville Suns baseball team and the Jacksonville Barracudas hockey team consistently delighting crowds with spectacular play and winning seasons. Both teams play in recently constructed, spectator-friendly venues that host concerts, parties, and events throughout the year.
10. Adventure Landing: For a thrilling alternative to traditional attractions, Adventure Landing has it all. Miniature golf courses, video arcades, go-karts, laser tag, and batting cages provide fun for the whole family. The Wacky Worm roller coaster delights riders young and old, and everyone will enjoy the adjacent water park with slides, pool, and the unique half-pipe experience. Jacksonville hosts two Adventure Landing locations, and while both are worth a visit, the Beach Boulevard installation features a wider variety of attractions, including the opportunity to feed resident alligators.
Whether you prefer a sedate historical visit, an explosive burst of activity, leisurely shopping, picturesque parks, championship golf, romantic cruises, or sun-drenched beaches, Jacksonville is the place to be. Pleasantly removed from central and southern Florida's tourist destinations, Jacksonville is an attraction all its own, tempting visitors to return again and again.
