Jacksonville

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 880,619, 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 1,345,596 in 2010.
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.

By plane

• Jacksonville International AirportThe primary commercial airport in Northeast Florida, with scheduled service offered by American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, 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.

To travel between the city and JAX:

• Local bus - Costing just a dolar, public transit from JAX to Downtown Jacksonville is provided by JTA Route CT-3, every hour, picking up at Pre-Arranged Ground Transportation (north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1, lower level). Approximately one hour to the city center.
• Gator City Taxi - Local taxi service, no reservation needed for arriving passengers. (904) 999-9999.
• 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, as well as around the city.
• Lyft and Uber are both authorized to pick up and drop off at JAX.

Other airports

Northeast Florida Regional Airport UST, formerly St. Augustine Airport, is four miles north of St. Augustine, and about 30 miles south of Jacksonville. The airport offers service to Trenton, New Jersey through Frontier Airlines. No regular auto service is available to Jacksonville.
Jacksonville has three general aviation airports: Cecil Field, Herlong, and Craig airports, 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. Jacksonville Station is located at 3570 Clifford Lane, approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown.

By bus

• Greyhound

  address: 1111 W Forsyth St Jacksonville, FL 32204
  Greyhound offers service west to Tallahassee and New Orleans, south to Orlando and Miami, and north to Charleston and New York, as well as to regional destinations such as St. Augustine and Lake City.

• Megabus

  address: 1100 West Forsyth St
  To and from trips for the cities of Atlanta, Daytona Beach and Orlando. Once daily for Daytona and 3 times daily for Atlanta and for Orlando. Bus fares vary with day of the week. The bus stop is located at the Jacksonville Skyway Convention Center Station. The stop will be at the last loading bay which is closest to Johnson St.

By ship

• JAXPORT Cruise Terminal

  phone: +1 904 357-3006
  address: 9810 August Dr
  Jacksonville departures offers travelers a taste of a different kind of Florida city, before setting sail to more traditional destinations like Key West and the Bahamas. Low airfare and economical accommodations have made cruises from Jacksonville a popular choice. The Port of Jacksonville operates several facilities along the St. Johns River. It is the second largest point of entry for vehicles into the United States along with housing an active cruise terminal.

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 to 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

Given the huge area Jacksonville covers (largest city in the continental U.S.A.), cars are the only practical way of getting around. Lyft and Uber are well established in the city and by far the most practical and affordable mode of transportation if you don't have your own car. You must have a smartphone and their apps.
Car rentals are also a convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.
Car Rental Companies include:

• Alamo Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-462-5266, .
• Avis Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-331-1212, .
• Budget Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-527-0700, .
• Dollar Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-800-3665, .
• E-Z Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-277-5171, .
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-261-7331, .
• Hertz Car Rental, Toll free: +1-800-654-3131, .
• Thrifty, Toll free: +1-800-847-4389, .
• Payless Car Rental, +1-904-741-4015, .

By bike

Biking has become a popular means of getting around in some of Jacksonville's central neighborhoods and districts, such as Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, San Marco, and downtown. Starting in Riverside, you can walk or bike down the Riverwalk to the Main St. Bridge, in downtown. Ride or walk over the bridge to access San Marco and its many shops and restaurants. Biking is a great way to enjoy the urban core's varied and beautiful architecture which is so easy to miss by car.

Landmarks

• City Hall (St. James Building)

  address: 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.

• Florida Theatre

  phone: +1 904 355-5661
  address: 128 East Forsyth St
  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.

• Friendship FountainOpened 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.

• Main Street BridgeOpened 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.

• Jacksonville TerminalConverted 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.

• San Marco Theatre

  phone: +1 904 396-4845
  address: 1996 San Marco Blvd
  The oldest running first-run single-screen theatre in Jacksonville. Serving up your favorite beers, wine and food while you watch the movie. Fantastic midnight film series.

Museums

• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

  phone: +1 904 356-6857
  address: 829 Riverside Ave
  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.

• Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

  phone: +1 904 356-2992
  address: 101 West 1st St
  Notable collections include the original proposal draft of The Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation Amendment to the Constitution, signed by Lincoln, the Justification letter which accompanied the Declaration of Independence, the Final Declaration of Allegiance Treaty, signed by every Indian tribe in the U.S. and the President, the original drafts of the Constitutions of France, Spain, Mexico, and Ireland, and the Thanksgiving Proclamation.

• Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

  phone: +1 904 366-6991
  address: 333 North Laura St
  This museum is located downtown in the historic Western Union Telegraph Building across from Hemming Park and presents a large number of innovative contemporary art exhibits created by regional, national and international artists. Pricing notes: Free admission between 5PM and 9PM on the first Wednesday of each month, and to college students between 1:30PM and 5PM Tuesday through Friday.

• Museum of Science & History

  phone: +1 904 396-6674
  address: 1025 Museum Circle
  Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history.

• Ritz Theatre and Museum

  address: 829 North Davis St
  A cultural museum showcasing the people and places that flourished within the Jacksonville African American community during the Jim Crow era.

• University of North Florida Gallery of Art

  phone: +1 904 620-2534
  address: 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd
  M W Th 9AM-5PM; Tu 9AM-7PM, F 9AM-3PM. Features several exhibitions each year including regional and national artists and UNF faculty and student art.

Neighborhoods

• DowntownThe central business district of Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River. Five districts make up the entirety of the area. The Northbank is the district most commonly associated with downtown. It houses many of the city's largest and most historic structures, as well as serving as the government and financial center for the region. Across the river, Southbank has its lions share of iconic buildings and parks. Most notably its home to the Museum of Science and History and Friendship Fountain. LaVilla and Brooklyn are popular upcoming areas just west of the Northbank. Last but not least, the Sports Complex is a large area to the east of the Northbank, housing TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Veteran Arena, Metropolitan Park, and the Baseball Grounds.

• RiversideAbout a mile southwest of downtown on the banks of the St. Johns River, this neighborhood was built primarily between 1910 and 1930 and features a variety of historic homes, churches and apartment buildings. It has as its commercial center eclectic Five Points which features both unique retail and dining all in a bohemian atmosphere. Also notable in the neighborhood is Memorial Park which is situated near Five Points adjacent to the River. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. and has as its centerpiece a statue of Winged Victory as a memorial to the dead of World War I. To visit this area from downtown, take Jefferson Street which becomes Riverside Avenue.

• AvondaleAlong the St. Johns River just southwest of and adjacent to Riverside, was built during the 1920s Florida land boom as "Riverside's Residential Ideal". The stately historic houses here were constructed in a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor, Georgian Revival, Prairie, Shingle, Mediterranean Revival and Bungalow. The commercial heart of the neighborhood is known as the Shops of Avondale which are along St. Johns Avenue between Talbot and Dancy Streets. Here, there are many upscale dining and shopping opportunities.

• SpringfieldJust north or downtown is a historic neighborhood with architecture varying from Victorian and Craftsmen to Colonial Revival and Prairie School. Characterized by large porches, iconic city parks, and immersed in a blanketing oak canopy, Springfield is quickly becoming a hot spot for any traveler looking for an authentic taste of Jacksonville.

Parks and outdoors

• Beaches - Jacksonville is on the Atlantic Ocean, and has a thriving beach culture, but not as packed or as crowded as the beaches in south Florida. Three cities within Duval county occupy most of the coastal real estate: Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach.
• City parks:

• Hemming ParkA block-sized park in the center of Jacksonville's downtown. Named for Confederate veteran Charles C. Hemming, who in 1898 donated to the City the Confederate monument which is the focal point of the park. The park is surrounded by Jacksonville's City Hall, the United States Courthouse, the Museum Of Contemporary Art, the new public Main Library for Jacksonville, the former Snyder Memorial Church and various restaurants. Step inside City Hall, which is a restored department store built in 1912 and designed in the prairie style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho, and take a look at the large, sunlit atrium which dominates the interior of the structure. The new downtown Main Library opened in 2005 and is the largest Main Library in the state of Florida. The postmodern structure was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern and features a Grand Reading Room and a quiet Courtyard for outdoor reading.

• Memorial Park

  address: 1620 Riverside Avenue
  Perhaps the most iconic city park in all of Florida, it was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers who also designed many other national and city parks, including Yosemite. The park is located in the historic neighbourhood of Riverside, near the 5 Points area. It is located along the banks of the St. Johns River and houses the statue known as Life which now has become associated with Riverside in general. Totally worth a gander.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

phone: +1 904 757-4463

Hosts more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. It is constantly growing and changing and always a pleasurable experience.

RiverwalkA scenic walk system along the north and south shores of the St. John's River. It's a great place for a date.

Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve

• Fort Caroline National MemorialThe original French fort, destroyed by Spanish troops from St. Augustine, now lies somewhere beneath the St. John's River. A modern recreation stands on the riverbank with a museum dedicated to the first settlements by the French in the area.

• Kingsley PlantationA well-preserved Southern plantation on Fort George Island. Well worth the trip to see.

• Machaba Balu PreserveConsist of a collection of sites within Timucuan's vast area. The salt march looks much as it did 500 years ago and is a haven of wildlife and biodiversity. The properties are under the management of the Nature Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service.

• Theodore Roosevelt AreaA nature preserve adjacent to the Fort Caroline Memorial. Donated by Willie Browne, the land sits on a marshy patch of riverfront property and offers visitors a taste of "Old Florida".

Little Talbot Island State Park

Big Talbot Island State Park

Events

• Jacksonville Jazz FestivalJazz festival featuring major names in jazz as well as local and up-and-coming jazz artists.

• Main Street Cruise

  address: 1st St. to 12th St. on Main St.
  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 BluesFlorida's largest free outdoor blues festival.

• Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp FestivalFernandina Beach, on Amelia Island (about 35 miles 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 SpectacularAir 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 FestivalThe 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.

• JaxFlowA 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.

• One Spark

  address: Downtown Jacksonville
  One Spark is an annual event for creators of all kinds. Artists, entrepreneurs and innovators display projects in different downtown venues each year. It offers the opportunity to get involved, be inspired, connect and collaborate. It connects people with great ideas to the resources they need to make them come true. Participants get the chance to pitch their idea to the voting public for a possible cash prize and a chance to make their project a reality.

• Riverside Arts Market

  phone: +1 904 389-2449
  address: 715 Riverside Ave
  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!

• Jacksonville Pride

  address: 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

• Adventure LandingA small amusement park that includes an arcade, food, water park, mini golf, laser tag, a roller coaster, and go-karts.

• Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville's NFL team. Catch one of their home games during football season in the fall.

• Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

  phone: +1-904 358-2846
  Jacksonville's AA Minor League baseball team. Tickets are cheap and the view is good at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Military active/retired $5 tickets.

• Jacksonville SharksJacksonville's Arena Football team. Winner of Arena Bowl XXIV in 2011 and the inaugural NAL Championship in 2017.

• The Player's ChampionshipIf you like golf, Jacksonville is second only to Augusta. The TPC is held each spring in Ponte Vedra, a coastal suburb of Jacksonville.

• Gate River RunOne of the top running events in the US. The most participant 15K race with purse money large enough to attract professional runners from all over the world.

• The Mug RaceA Pursuit Start sailboat race on St. Johns River. The world's largest river race, boaters start at the Memorial Bridge in Palatka and end at the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville.

Shopping districts

• DowntownThe Jacksonville Landing mall offers plenty of restaurants and a few shops. For a more authentic feel, travel outside that area and explore the surrounding streets. 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.

• Five PointsA 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.

• San Marco SquareA 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.

• Shoppes of AvondaleSpecialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants line these few blocks.

Shopping malls

• St. John's Town CenterNear 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.

• The Avenues Mall

  phone: +1 904 363-3054
  address: 10300 Southside Blvd.
  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.

• Jacksonville Landing

  phone: +1 904 353-1188
  This festival market-style shopping center sits adjacent to the St. Johns River in the downtown. It houses quite a few restaurants and offers weekend nightlife. shopping is limited to a few stores, though downtown offers its own selection of retail stores just blocks away.

Specialty stores

• Black Creek Outfitters

  phone: +1 904 645-7003
  address: 10051 Skinner Lake Dr
  Outdoor gear store focused on camping and kayaking. Offers kayak sales and rentals.

• Jacksonville Farmers Market

  phone: +1 904 354-2821
  address: 1810 West Beaver St.
  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.

• J. Johnson Gallery

  phone: +1 904 435-3200
  address: 177 4th Avenue North

• Stellers Gallery

  phone: +1 904 396-9492
  address: 1409 San Marco Square

• Sweet Pete's

  phone: +1 904 376-7161
  address: 400 N Hogan Street
  Unique candy store in downtown Jacksonville

Downtown

• BB's

  phone: +1 904 306-0100
  address: 1019 Hendricks Ave
  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.

• Brick Coffee House

  phone: +1 904 354-9945
  address: 214 N. Hogan St

• Burrito Gallery

  phone: +1 904 598-2922
  address: 21 East Adams St.
  This restaurant has become an integral part of Jacksonville's art scene. Rotating exhibits keep the atmosphere fresh while the kitchen keeps your belly full.

• The Candy Apple Cafe

  phone: +1 904 353-9717
  address: 400 North Hogan St.

• Chamblin's Uptown Cafe

  phone: +1 904 674-0870
  address: 215 N. Laura St.
  Good vegetarian selection.

• Chomp Chomp

  phone: +1 904 762-4667
  address: 106 W Adams St.
  A small eat-in with a diverse menu.

• Indochine

  phone: +1 904 598-5303
  address: 21 E Adams St

• Jenkins Quality Barbecue

  phone: +1 904 353-6388
  address: 830 Pearl St

• The Magnificat Cafe

  phone: +1 904 353-3588
  address: 231 N Laura St
  French cuisine

• Olio

  phone: +1 904 356-7100
  address: 301 E. Bay St

• Pho A Noodle Bar

  phone: +1 904 353-0320
  address: 117 West Adams St.

• Super Food and Brew

  phone: +1 904 723-1180
  address: 11 E. Forsyth St

• Zodiac Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 904 354-8283
  address: 120 W. Adams St
  Mediterranean cuisine

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

  phone: +1 904 396-6200
  address: 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
  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.

Riverside

• Al's Pizza

  phone: +1 904 388-8384
  address: Riverside at 1620 Margaret St
  Also near Intracoastal West at 14286 Beach Blvd. +1 904 223-0991 and the original location at 303 Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach +1 904 249-0002,

• 13 Gypsies

  phone: +1 904 389-0330
  address: 887 Stockton St.
  Firmly rooted in tradition, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine made fresh daily.

Avondale

• Brick Restaurant

  phone: +1 904 387-0606
  address: 3585 St. Johns Ave
  Creative menu with good food; on a street with lots of shops. Outside dining is available.

• Biscotti's

  phone: +1 904 387-2060
  address: 3556 St. Johns Ave
  Cool atmosphere with delicious, interesting food. Take a look at the desserts in the display case. They taste even better than they look.

Springfield

• ¡Hola!

  phone: +1 904 356-3100
  address: 1001 N Main St
  Authentic Mexican restaurant located on Confederate Park in the beautiful neighborhood of Springfield.

• Chan's Chinese

  phone: +1 904 358-2808
  address: 1508 N Main St

• Island Tropics

  phone: +1 904 355-9050
  address: 2527 N Main St
  Caribbean cuisine

• Wafaa & Mike's Cafe

  phone: +1 904 683-8313
  address: 1544 N Main St
  Middle-eastern cuisine

San Marco

• The Loop Pizza GrillRestaurant chain that started in Jacksonville. Good burgers, pizza, salads, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. Several locations in Jacksonville.

• Metro Diner

  phone: +1 904 438-3321
  address: 3302 Hendricks Ave.
  A popular breakfast spot for locals.

Southside

• St. Johns Seafood & SteaksSeveral locations in Jacksonville. Just what it sounds like, a variety of seafood and steak with all the trimmings. Make sure to have grits as a side.

• Gene's Seafood. Several locations in Jacksonville. The usual fried shrimp, fish, etc. in addition to delicious entrees like stuffed flounder. Consistently delicious.

• Havana-Jax Cafe

  phone: +1 904 399-0609
  address: 2578 Atlantic Blvd
  Delicious Cuban food. Most dinners come with rice, black beans, and plantains. Very good flan.

• The Madrid

  phone: +1 904 642-3741
  address: 11233 Beach Blvd
  Caribbean and Cuban cuisine. Everything is delicious.

• Grinder's Cafe

  phone: +1 904 725-2712
  address: 10230 Atlantic Blvd
  Ste 8-9. One of the very few "down home" southern food restaurants in Jacksonville. Very friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of southern specialties.

• Clark's Fish Camp

  phone: +1 904 268-3474
  address: 12903 Hood Landing Rd
  A local favorite with lots of atmosphere. If you are a vegetarian, you might not enjoy this restaurant. Try the Fish Camp Platter or the Prime Rib, you'll be glad you did. Great place to take the kids.

Beaches

• Angies Subs at Jax Beach

  phone: +1 904 246-2519
  address: 1436 Beach Blvd
  Jacksonville Beach, When seen from the street you may think twice about eating there, but the large number of cars outside shows that it is a great favorite of the locals. For enjoying the best subs and experiencing local beach flavor, a visit here is a must. Lunch time is peak time and may be crowded. Hours are 11 to 8PM Monday through Saturday.

• Beach Hut Cafe

  phone: +1 904 249-3516
  address: 1281 Third Street South
  Jacksonville Beach. This is where locals go for breakfast. Weekend mornings are very busy.

Adult beverages

Downtown

• 1904 Music Hall

  address: 19 N. Ocean St.
  Beer and wine only. It does offer great local music and a great atmosphere.

• Dos Gatos

  phone: +1 904 354-0666
  address: 123 E. Forsyth St.
  Full bar. A nice place to dress up and go out to. Great selection of cocktails.

• Underbelly

  phone: +1 904 699-8186
  address: 113 E. Bay St.

• Downtown Cigar Lounge

  phone: +1 904 353-4411
  address: 11 N. Ocean St.

• The Volstead

  phone: +1 904 414-3171
  address: 115 West Adams St.

• Mavericks

  phone: +1 904 356-1110
  address: 2 Independent Drive

• Burro Bar

  address: 100 E. Adams St.

Five Points

• Birdies

  phone: +1 904 356-4444
  address: 1044 Park St.

• Rain Dogs

  phone: +1 904 379-4969
  address: 1045 Park St.

• Wall Street Deli and Lounge

  phone: +1 904 355-6969
  address: 1050 Park St.

• Black Sheep

  phone: +1 904 380-3091
  address: 1534 Oak St.

King Street

• Kickbacks Gastropub

  phone: +1 904 388-9551
  address: 910 King St.

• The Garage

  address: 2692 Post St.

• Rogue

  address: 927 King St.

• The Loft

  address: 925 King St.

• Blind Rabbit

  phone: +1 904 337-0146
  address: 901 King Street

• Park Place Lounge

  phone: +1 904 389-6616
  address: 931 King St.

Springfield

• Shantytown Pub

  phone: +1 904 798-8222
  address: 22 W 6th St.
  1 mile north of downtown in Jacksonville's historic Springfield, this hole-in-the-wall bar offers hundreds of beers and boasts a spacious backyard which hosts barbecues once a week.

• Uptown Kitchen and Bar

  phone: +1 904 355-0734
  address: 1303 N Main St.

• The Birdhouse

  address: 1827 N Pearl St

Beaches

• Lynch's Irish Pub

  address: 514 N. First St, Jacksonville Beach
  A well known Irish pub in Jacksonville Beach. Many good imported pints on tap, with live music, and a raucous atmosphere.

• Pete's Bar

  address: 117 1st Street, Neptune Beach, FL
  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.

• Culhane's Irish Pub

  address: 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233
  Featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.

Coffee

Budget

• Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach

  phone: +1 904 435-3000
  address: 1101 Beach Blvd
  New hotel, including 32" flat panel televisions, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

• Springhill Suites Jacksonville Airport

  address: 13550 Airport Ct
  An all-suite hotel property. Free hot breakfast, courtesy airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi.

• Residence Inn Jacksonville Butler Boulevard

  phone: +1 904 996-8900
  address: 10551 Deerwood Park
  Offers extended stay accommodations with full size kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and free WiFi provided.

• SpringHill Suites Jacksonville

  phone: +1 904 997-6650
  address: 4385 Southside Blvd
  All suite accommodations offering free Internet and hot buffet breakfast daily.

Mid-range

• Amelia Island Surf & Racquet Club

  phone: +1 904 261-0511
  address: 4800 Amelia Island Parkway
  Resort with condo rentals, oceanfront views, family vacations.

• One Ocean Resort

  phone: +1 904 249-7402
  address: One Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach
  Atlantic Beach Hotel at the Jacksonville Beaches offers a turn-down service, oceanfront views and wireless Internet.

• Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches

  phone: +1 904 223-1700
  address: 14390 Mayo Blvd
  Features a state-of-the-art lobby and stylish guest rooms.

• Residence Inn Jacksonville Baymeadows

  phone: +1 904 733-8088
  address: 8365 Dix Ellis Trail
  Offers spacious suites with full kitchens, living areas and separate bedrooms, complimentary breakfast each morning and high-speed Internet access.

• The Riverdale InnAnother beautiful B&B in Riverside, this one has a renowned restaurant.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront

  phone: +1 904 398-8800
  address: 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207
  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.

Splurge

• The Elizabeth Pointe LodgeBed & breakfast amenities.

• Marriott Sawgrass Beach ResortHome of the Players Championship, on the beach.

• Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts

  address: 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd.
  Historic — open since 1928. Rated a 5 Diamond resort by AAA. Features four challenging golf courses, tennis facilities, swimming pools, luxury shops, and fine dining restaurants on site.

Publications

• Florida Times-Union. The main newspaper in Jacksonville.
• Financial News & Daily Record. Another daily newspaper.
• Jacksonville Business Journal. Daily publication focused on the Jacksonville business world.
• Folio Weekly. The most popular weekly alternative.
• Buzz Magazine. Another popular free-weekly.
• EU Jacksonville. Weekly insiders guide to the area.
• Arbus Magazine. The art and business magazine of Northeast Florida
• Void Magazine. A monthly magazine focused on North Florida's culture.
• Jacksonville Magazine. A monthly magazine devoted to Northeast Florida culture.
• Metro Jacksonville. A daily blog dedicated to insider city and event info for Jacksonville.

Consulates

• Denmark (Honorary)

  phone: +1 904 910-9620
  address: 609 Wyndham Ct.

• France (Honorary)

  phone: +1 904 469-4964
  address: 7255 Salisbury Road, Suite 4

• Netherlands (Honorary)

  phone: +1 904 366-6682
  address: 644 3 Independent Dr

• Norway (Honorary)

  phone: +1 904 798-7360
  address: 50 N. Laura St., Suite 3900

• 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.