Jacksonville

Overview

Big, sprawling Jacksonville may have been a drive-thru city en route to southern destinations in Florida, however today the savvy traveler can be easily captivated by its sweet Southern friendliness and be charmed to linger. The city is large, built along three meandering rivers with sweeping bridges and twinkling city lights reflected in the water. The city's museums and restored historical districts are worth a wander through. The avid golfer has 22 golf courses to choose teeing off from. A local rarity is an ancient oak tree growing in the middle of concrete: its trunk is 25ft in circumference and it likely 250 years old!

Southbank Riverwalk, a 1.2-mile boardwalk on the St. John's River opposite downtown has spectacular views of the city's skyline and makes for a pleasant promenade. The Museum of Science & History and the Gooding Planetarium which connect to the Riverwalk are worth a visit before heading to Jacksonville Landing for shopping, a meal and free live entertainment.
For the beer connoisseur, a visit to the Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Brewery presents a fascinating look at how this plant produces trillions of bottles of beer each year and a chance to sample free Bud products.

Stroll the charming and walkable Five Points and San Marco neighbourhoods lined with bistros, boutiques and bars to feel worlds away from the hectic downtown. Watch a movie in the San Marco theatre, a 1938 Art Deco creation, while eating a pizza with wine. Most of the action is concentrated at Jacksonville Beach but if you want some sand to yourself head to Neptune or Atlantic beach for a more secluded spot to watch the sunset.