Jacksonville Travel Guide – Best Time to Visit, Things to See & Do

One of the largest cities in Florida, Jacksonville is crammed with a plethora of amazing things to see and do. A meeting point of the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a prominent business hub flourishing with museums and cultural offerings. Our “Jacksonville travel guide” covers the best sandy beaches, abundant waterways, beautiful golf courses, and eclectic neighborhoods with endless shopping and dining options.

Planning a Jax vacation? We bring you this Jacksonville vacation guide to let you know the best time to visit Jacksonville and the topnotch places to get around.

Jacksonville Travel Guide – Best Time to Visit Jax

March through May and September through November are the best times to visit Jacksonville. June through August is believed to the peak time to explore Jax. Plenty of sunshine and hot temperatures make a perfect beach vacation. In winter, the temperatures could drop as low as the 40s.

Money-Saving Tips for Jacksonville Vacation

• Stay at Jacksonville Vacation Rentals: One of the tested and proven tips to save money is to book vacation rentals in Jacksonville in advance. Unlike hotels, villa and apartment rentals in Jacksonville are spacious and spruced up with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities.

These rental properties are scattered throughout the city. Booking Jacksonville vacation rentals directly with owners assure discounts. Whether you want to stay close to the beach on Amelia Island or want to escape the crowd, a Jax apartment rental would serve the purpose.

• Avoid summer: Summer months are the times when Jax sees a large influx of tourists, hence the rates of accommodation are higher. Unlike other destinations or cities in Florida, Jacksonville witnesses temperatures falling. It experiences chilly temperatures.
• Car Rental: Thinking about hiring a car? Great! One of the largest cities in the U.S. by area, hiring a car seems to the best decision. Approach your home away from the homeowner. Most Jacksonville villa rental owners offer car rentals at affordable prices.

Things to See and Do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the largest urban park system. Jacksonville is the largest city by landmass in the United States. Jacksonville is the most shoreline of any city in Florida.

Take in fine art and enjoy European-inspired gardens along the St. Johns River at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Head to Little Talbot Island and enjoy a 5-mile stretch of amazing shoreline amid a maritime forest. This is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. You will be able to catch sheepshead, flounder, etc.

Jacksonville is also the largest city by area in the U.S. It sprawls along three serpentine rivers, exuding twinkling city lights reflected in the glittering water. For slow travelers, Jax proves to be the best destination with a glut of sophisticated Jacksonville apartment rentals, high-rises, corporate HQs, interesting streets, and curious characters. Further, the restored historic districts and captivating museums are worth a wander. You have got to explore the Five Points and San Marco neighborhoods. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner, stop by one of the bistros, bars, and boutiques, and spend a beautiful evening.

Why Visit Jacksonville

Cruise aboard the Carnival Fascinating, jump-off point for beach communities of Ponte Vedra Beach and Amelia Island, and visit the Museum of Science & History, the Jacksonville Zoo, and art museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

Top Reasons to Visit Jacksonville with Family

• Escape High-rises for Pristine Sand Beaches: Dotted with high-rise buildings, skyscrapers, and swanky resorts, Jacksonville justifies its big city charm. What if you don’t want to spend the vacation amid the chaos? No problem! You can hit the beaches. The beaches are as pristine and appealing as any other Florida beaches. The historic village of Mayport, Jacksonville Beach, and Neptune Beach have plenty of things in store for you.
• Plenty of Family Attractions: Jacksonville is dotted with captivating galleries, fantastic zoos, and famous museums. You don’t have to wait for summer to have a perfect Jax vacation. The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cummer Museum of Art will intrigue art lovers. Families with children will love to visit Jacksonville Zoo and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).
• You Will Love Elite Sports: Besides a topnotch beach destination, Jacksonville manages to pull off sports lovers. Thanks to a wide range of elite sports including the TPC Sawgrass and Jaguars. Sports enthusiasts flock to the largest city to play their favorite sports.
• Festivals: Vacationers who want to live local cultures will find Jacksonville an ideal place. The city hosts exciting events and festivals all through the year. Springing the Blues marks the arrival of spring in North Florida. Kids Free November attracts many families to Jax. Riverside Craft Beer Festival, Jacksonville Career Fair, the Mad Hatter’s Festival, etc. are amongst other popular festivals and events to witness.
• Electrifying Nightlife: Yes, the fun continues even after the sun goes down. Discover new favorites in downtown and bar hop in the cool ocean breeze, Jax flaunts more than one nightlife hub. The Elbow Downtown is a great place for live music and DJs. Venues here include The Volstea, 1904 Music Hall, the Florida Theatre, Bold City Brewery, Dos Gatos, and Intuition Ale Works.

Top Places to Dine – Jacksonville Restaurants

Talking about the food scene, it has grown by leaps and bounds.

Azurea At One Ocean: At Azurea At One Ocean, you can expect modernist seafood. Azurea has managed to evolve its menu with the season. If you are looking for a perfect night out with your partner, this is it. The beachside view adorns the backdrop – a tough thing to beat.

Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar: Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar is a perfect place for people wanting a night out with friends.

Empire City Gastropub: Nestled on Atlantic Boulevard, Empire City Gastropub boasts a varied menu inspired by the NYC culture sprinkled from Filipino adobo style short ribs. Grab a table only to be served a bowl of complimentary spicy popcorn.

Aqua Grill, Bazille, bb’s Restaurant & Bar, the Bearded Pig, Biscottis, Black Sheep, Blackstone Grille, and Bistro Aix are to name some of the popular restaurants in Jacksonville. Dining options in Jax range from down-home fish camps to upscale bistros, all infused with warm southern charm.

Best Places to Shop in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is widely known for its pristine beaches and immaculate coastline. But, do you know the beaches are flanked by a plethora of stores and shops. Stroll through the local markets to buy souvenirs, visit famous malls for luxury shopping. The fashion bar has been raised in recent years. Luxury brands and shopping centers are proofs.

Avonlea Antique Mall: This 40,000-sq-ft mall is a nice place to go antiquing in Jacksonville. It houses the largest collection of antiques in North Florida. Browse jewelry, furniture, collectibles, china, memorabilia, and china.

Stellers Gallery of Ponte Vedra: If your partner is an ardent art admirer, visit Stellers Gallery of Ponte Vedra. Some of the artworks on display reflect or showcase the natural wonder, peaceful landscapes, textured mixed media, and bold glasswork.

Read here to find the most beautiful things to see and do in Jacksonville.

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