1010 Jacksonville

Jacksonville Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Resources

Jacksonville guide to attractions, places to stay, restaurants and local resources - all designed to help you plan and enjoy a better vacation: has info about things to see and do, where to eat and shop and info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf.

Jacksonville, Florida is the nation's largest city by area. Fortunately, two major Interstate highways bisect the area, and it's not as difficult to get around as it might otherwise.

Welcome to Jacksonville, Florida

updated - January 27, 2012

For many people driving to Florida on I-95 from the Northeast, Jacksonville is Florida's welcome mat - something to pass over, as opposed to dwell upon. A mistake, considering all that Jacksonville and its surroundings have to offer.

Jacksonville is huge - with about the same population as San Francisco or Detroit, it's within striking distance of being within the country's top 10 largest cities. Jacksonville is almost twice the size of Phoenix, AZ, and is the largest US city by area within the Continental US.

Getting around, however, is made easy by the crisscrossing of Interstates I-95 and I-10 and the beltway of I-295. On the eastern side of things there is Route 1 which goes right through the city and A1A which traverses the coastal beach cities.


Jacksonville - Florida Atlantic Coast Summertime Favorite

Set on the banks of the St Johns River and formed by its double loop, water makes up a great part of the life and lifestyles of the people of Jacksonville. On the eastern edge several barrier islands make for great vacation and stop over - Amelia Island and Jacksonville Beach.

Dating back to 1562 - before Jamestown - the French settled the area at Fort Caroline. An unfortunate hurricane provided Spanish troops an opportunity to destroy the fort and set the stage for Spanish rule of Florida for the next 200 years.  

Restaurants

Matthew's
Devine influence: If this Matthew (Chef Matthew Medure) was the chef at The Last Supper, guests would have departed much later and history may well have been altered. Some might argue with Matthew's being Jacksonville's BEST restaurant, but few can push the point that it's not a great restaurant. Southern based with Mediterranean and Asian infusions. Located in the historic district of San Marco at 2107 Hendricks Avenue.   

Places to Stay

Omni Jacksonville Hotel
On the Johns River next to the popular "Landing" area of restaurants and shopping. With 15 stories and aver 350 rooms, panoramic views of the downtown and river area are sure to inspire. 245 Water Street.  

Attractions

Fort Caroline National Memorial
Designated a memorial as a result of the Spanish massacre that occurred on the site in 1565. A replica of the fort along with interpretive trails tell the story of these unfortunate settlers. Fort Caroline Road.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Undoubtedly, you've been sipping on the King of Beers and noticed "Jacksonville" as the possible birthplace of your beverage. Well, it's true: the maternity ward is open - see where your baby was born. The brewery offers tours - historic and scientific emphasis. Fresh brews are available at the Hospitality Room for those 21 and over. 111 Busch Drive. 

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
This beautiful riverfront property features outdoor gardens and over 5,500 museum pieces on the 2.5 acre site. Permanent collection included pieces from 2100 BC to the present age. Large collection of 18th century Meissen porcelain. 829 Riverside Ave. 

Local Resources

Visit Jacksonville
550 Water Street.

Jacksonville Surrounding Area

Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach

Jacksonville Beach

Atlantic Beach

Neptune Beach

Ponte Vedre Beach

Orange Park

 


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Jacksonville, Florida Vacation Resources

Florida Vacation Websites

Amelia Island, Florida - up in the far northeastern corner of Florida sits barrier island Amelia Island. A gem of a place with its associated small town of Fernandina Beach.

St Augustine, Florida - the nation's oldest continuously inhabited city and with many sites and insights into our Spanish heritage and colonial past. Home to the Fountain of Youth, if you need to freshen up a bit.

Related Vacation Websites

Florida Vacations - planning guide to various Florida destinations including Orlando, St Petersburg, Daytona Beach and others.