A sprawling Florida metropolis on the St. Johns River, home to 868,031 residents. The largest U.S. city by land area, with a consolidated city-county government.
Jacksonville, Florida's largest city by land area, sits on the Atlantic coast where the St. Johns River meets the sea. This sprawling metropolis covers 22 miles of beaches and has the largest urban park system in the U.S. Founded in 1564, Jacksonville has a long history you can explore at sites like Fort Caroline. You can admire art at the Cummer Museum, watch the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, or enjoy the view of the illuminated Friendship Fountain while walking along the Southbank Riverwalk.
Exploring Jacksonville's Natural Spaces
Jacksonville has 80,000 acres of parks spread across 337 locations, making it the largest urban park system in the United States. At the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, you can hike through 46,000 acres of coastal wetlands and learn about the area's Native American history. For a different experience, visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where you'll find over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants. Many visitors enjoy the Range of the Jaguar exhibit, which houses these big cats in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.
Beaches and Waterways
With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jacksonville is ideal for water activities. The city's 22 miles of beaches give you plenty of space for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. You can spend time at Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, or Atlantic Beach, each with its own atmosphere. For a different perspective of the city, take a water taxi across the St. Johns River, which flows through downtown. If you enjoy fishing, you'll find both freshwater and saltwater options throughout the area.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Jacksonville has several museums worth visiting. At the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, you can view an extensive art collection spanning from 2100 BCE to the 21st century, set in riverfront gardens. To learn about local history, visit the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), which focuses on the region's cultural and natural heritage. The Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art displays works by regional, national, and international artists.
Sports and Entertainment
Sports are an important part of Jacksonville's culture. You can watch the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team play at TIAA Bank Field. If you visit in March, you might catch the Gate River Run, the largest 15K race in the United States. For evening entertainment, check out a show at the Florida Theatre, a restored 1920s movie palace that now hosts concerts and performances. In late May, you can attend the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, which takes place downtown.
Food Scene in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is known for its fresh, locally caught Mayport shrimp, which you can try at many restaurants. If you want to sample different shrimp dishes, follow the Mayport Shrimp Trail, which includes 24 eateries. For Southern cooking, try The Potter's House Soul Food Bistro, known for its hearty classics. Catullo's Italian is a local favorite for Italian cuisine. If you're looking for sandwiches and charcuterie boards in a casual setting, visit The Bread & Board.
Getting Around Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a large, spread-out city, so having a car can make it easier to explore. However, the city does offer public transportation options. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) runs bus services throughout the metro area. In downtown, you can use the JTA Skyway, a free automated people mover system. For a scenic trip, take the St. Johns River Ferry, which connects Mayport Village to Fort George Island. If you're staying downtown, water taxis provide a fun way to cross the St. Johns River and see the city from the water.
