Jacksonville

Understand

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 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.

Climate

Jacksonville has slig

Getting there

By plane 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. (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, M-F every half-hour, and Sa Su hourly, from esrly morning to late evening. It picks up at prearranged Ground Transportation (north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1, lower level). Approximately one hour to the city center. $1.75 cash only. (updated Aug 2025) 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, and around the city. TxBlackCarservices. A private black car service for transportation to and from the airport and around the city. (updated Aug 2025) 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 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.

By train 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 6 Greyho

Getting around

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

JTA 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 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 Major roads include:

& Interstate 10, an east-west highway traveling from Santa Monica, California via Pensacola, Tallahassee,Lake City and points in between. US Hwy 90 closely straddles I-10 through the Florida panhandle serving the cities and towns as a local highway or street while I-10 bypasses the city or town. It parallels along the north side of I-10 in Jacksonville as W Beaver St passing through Baldwin and Macclenny west of Jacksonville. & Interstate 95, a north-south highway, which is the closest Interstate freeway to Atlantic coast, between Maine and Miami via Savannah, St Augustine,

See

Landmarks 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Museums

6 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, st

Do

Events 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 3 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, ☏ +1 904-358-2846. Jacksonville's Triple-A Minor League baseball te

Buy

Shopping districts 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. (updated Feb 2019) Shoppes of Avondale. Specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants line these few blocks. (updated Feb 2019)

Shopping malls 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. (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. (updated Feb 2019)

Specialty stores 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.

Eat

Downtown Bay Street Sports Grill, 119 East Bay St, ☏ +1 904-993-1350, [email protected]. Sports bar and grill features on reality TV show "Bar Rescue". (updated Mar 2024) 1 BB's, 1019 Hendricks Ave, ☏ +1 904-306-0100. This restaurant has good appetizers, desserts, and a good beer and wine selection. The mushroom and bacon pizza is wonderful. The food is great, but it can get somewhat loud; not the place to go for a quiet conversation. 2 Brick Coffee House, 214 N. Hogan St (Ed Ball Building Adams St Entrance), ☏ +1 904-354-9945. (updated Oct 2015) 3 Chamblin's Uptown Cafe, 215 N. Laura St (between Adams and Monroe), ☏ +1 904-674-0870. Good vegetarian selection. (updated Aug 2015) 4 Indochine, 21 E Adams St, ☏ +1 904-598-5303. (updated Oct 2015) 5 Jenkins Quality Barbecue, 830 N Pearl St (between State and Union), ☏ +1 904-353-6388, [email protected]. (updated Oct 2015) 6 Cinco de Mayo, 301 E. Bay St (corner of Market and Bay), ☏ +1 904 513 3986. (updated Mar 2024) 7 Ruth's Chris Steak House, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, ☏ +1 904-396-6200. 5PM-10PM (9PM on Sundays). Corn-fed, custom-aged Midwestern beef in a lively atmosphere, complete with beautiful views of the St. John's River and a happening bar area. (updated Mar 2016)

Riverside Al's Pizza (5 locations). (updated Feb 2023) 8 , 1620 Margaret St, ☏ +1 904-388-8384. (updated Aug 2015) 9 , 8060 Philips Highway, ☏ +1 904-731-4300. (updated Feb 2023) 10 , 14286 Beach Blvd (Near Intracoastal West), ☏ +1 904-223-0991. (updated Feb 2023) 11 , 240 3rd Street North (Neptune Beach), ☏ +1 904-249-0002. (updated Feb 2023) 12 , 635 A1A North (Ponte Vedra), ☏ +1 904-543-1494. (updated Feb 2023) 13 13 Gypsies, 887 Stockton St (at College), ☏ +1 904-389-0330, fax: +1 904-389-0220, [email protected]. Firmly rooted in tradition, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine made fresh daily.

Avondale 14 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. 15 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 16 ¡Hola!, 1001 N Main St (corner of Main and Phelps), ☏ +1 904-356-3100, [email protected]. Authentic Mexican restaurant located on Confederate Park in the beautiful neighborhood of Springfield. $10-12. 17 Chan's Chinese, 1508 N Main St (corner of 5th and Main), ☏ +1 904-358-2808. (updated Aug 2015) 18 Island Tropics

Drink & nightlife

Downtown 1 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St. (between Bay and Forsyth), [email protected]. Beer and wine only. It does offer great local music and a great atmosphere. (updated Aug 2015) 2 Dos Gatos, 123 E. Forsyth St., ☏ +1 904-354-0666. Full bar. A nice place to dress up and go out to. Great selection of cocktails. (updated Aug 2015) 3 Keane's Tavern, 315 East Bay Street, ☏ +1 904-404-1849. Traditional Irish pub with food and drink, live music and sports. (updated Jun 2026) 4 Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., ☏ +1 904-374-9351, [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 5 The Volstead, 115 West Adams St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015)

Five Points 6 Birdies, 1044 Park St., ☏ +1 904-356-4444, [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015)

King Street 7 Kickbacks Gastropub, 910 King St., ☏ +1 904-388-9551. (updated Aug 2015) 8 The Garage, 2692 Post St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 9 Rogue, 927 King St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 10 The Loft, 925 King St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 11 Park Place Lounge, 931 King St., ☏ +1 904-389-6616. (updated Aug 2015)

Springfield 12 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) 13 Uptown Kitchen and Bar (Uptown Market), 1303 N Main St., ☏ +1 904-418-7025. (updated Aug 2015)

Beaches 14 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. 15 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. 16 Culhane's Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach. Featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.

Coffee 17 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

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

Budget 1 Springhill Suites Jacksonville Airport, 13550 Airport Ct, toll-free: +1-866-599-8636. An all-suite hotel property. Free hot breakfast, courtesy airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi. 2 Residence Inn Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, 10551 Deerwood Park, ☏ +1 904-996-8900. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Offers extended stay accommodations with full size kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and free WiFi provided. (updated Apr 2015) 3 SpringHill Suites Jacksonville, 4385 Southside Blvd, ☏ +1 904-997-6650. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. All suite accommodations offering free Internet and hot buffet breakfast daily. (updated Apr 2015)

Mid-range 4 Amelia Island Surf & Racquet Club, 4800 Amelia Island Parkway (Amelia Island), ☏ +1 904-261-0511, toll-free: +1-800-323-2001. Resort with condo rentals, oceanfront views, family vacations. 5 One Ocean Resort, One Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, ☏ +1 904-249-7402, toll-free: +1-800-874-6000, [email protected]. Atlantic Beach Hotel at the Jacksonville Beaches offers a turn-down service, oceanfront views and wireless Internet. 6 Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches, 14390 Mayo Blvd (on the campus of the Mayo Clinic), ☏ +1 904-223-1700. Features a state-of-the-art lobby and stylish guest rooms. $109-120. 7 The Riverdale Inn, 1521 Riverside Ave (Adjacent to Memorial Park), ☏ +1 904-354-5080, [email protected]. Another beautiful B&B in Riverside, this one has a renowned restaurant. 8 DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Blvd, ☏ +1 904-398-8800, toll-free: +1-800-593-5690. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Nestled in the downtown area on the south bank of St. John's River, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront has completed a $12-million renovation, emerging with 293 sophisticated accommodations, various dining options, including Ruth's Chris Steak House, a new business zone to keep corporate travelers linked in, an expanded Precor fitness center and large riverfront pool and sundeck. (updated Mar 2016)

Splurge 9 The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, 98 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach (on the beach at Amelia Island), toll-free: +1 800-772-3359. Bed & breakfast amenities. 10 Marriott Sawgrass Beach Resort, 1000 TPC Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, ☏ +1 904-285-0906, toll-free: +1-888-236-2427. Home of the Players Championship, on the beach. 11 Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts, 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd., toll-free: +1 888-839-9145. Historic: open since 1928. Rated a 5-Diamond resort by AAA. Features four chal

Go next

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.