Jacksonville is located on the Atlantic coast of sun-soaked Florida, along the beautiful St Johnеs River. It is a mixture of high tech development and natural beauty, boasting a myriad of outdoor activities, centuries-old historic sites and spectacular beaches as well as a vibrant nightlife, some excellent galleries and museums and great restaurants. A rental car via National travel deals gives the option of self-planned days out in the region.
Getting there
Jacksonville International Airport is a fast growing regional airport just minutes away from downtown and handles some 200 flights per day. Services are predominantly domestic, with most international visitors arriving via Miami, Floridaеs main international port of call. Most hotels offer a free shuttle service from the airport to their lobby, while taxis, rental car hire and limousine hire also available.
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service connecting Orlando and Los Angeles makes a stop at Jacksonville, as does the Silver Service/Palmetto traversing the East Coast from New York down through Orlando, Tampa and Miami. Greyhound buses are convenient for shorter trips and cheaper than other means of transport. Greyhound serves all major cities in Florida as well as destinations further afield. If youеve decided on car rental as your chosen transportation, be sure to check national travel deals for the best price.
Key attractions
A must-see is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, set in the lovely grounds of a private Tudor mansion located alongside the river. Its magnificent collection is composed of works dating back to 2000 B.C. The Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth checking out for its impressive Picasso collection. Entertainment can be found on both sides of the river in the downtown area.
On the northern side is Jacksonville Landing, a lively marketplace with plenty of shops, novelty stores, restaurants, and nightspots. Opposite is the Riverwalk, a picturesque boardwalk lined with more shops, cafs, restaurants and hotels. The kids will be enthralled at the nearby Jacksonville Museum of Science and History.
Out and about
Fort Caroline National Memorial is situated 14 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville on the St. Johns River – a replica of the original fort built by the French in 1564. There’s a small archaeological museum, while it also serves as the headquarters for the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, named after the American Indians who once inhabited the area. Itеs divided into several areas, including the Theodore Roosevelt Area, featuring great hiking through stunning woodland and marshland.
Touring sunny Florida via car rental is a delightful experience and the extensive road network makes it a breeze. The I-95 runs straight down the Atlantic coast through Jacksonville to Miami. From Tampa, take the I-75 north then the I-10 east for Jacksonville, while Highway 4 cuts across through Orlando and onto the I-95 at Daytona Beach.
Leisure options
Head east of the city to reach the coast and you’ll discover miles of beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing and sunning yourself. The area has some nice places to stay and some excellent bars and waterfront nightlife.
Safety
As with most smaller US cities, safety isnеt a problem even after dark, although normal common sense as regards valuables is the sensible idea. You should also make sure that you and your family have travel insurance.