Jacksonville Vacations

A vacation in Jacksonville isn’t particularly recommended during summer months as the heat at this time can be sweltering. Travelers who plan Jacksonville travel for the spring can expect an increase in vacationers due to spring break celebrations. There are few states that produce the same caliber excitement in high school football as Florida, and Jacksonville hosts some of the most talented teams in the state. The Gator Bowl goes down on January 1 at EverBank Field, and the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament draws crowds from all over the southeast in July. Jacksonville hosts the second largest jazz festival in the United States, featuring The Great American Jazz Piano Competition, at the end of May.

Indulge in delicious baked goods at the French Pantry.

Enjoy happy hour, or a night on the dance floor, at Marks Downtown, Jacksonville's award winning nightclub and lounge.

Swim, sunbathe, or stroll along one of Jacksonville's three beautiful beaches.

Couples can kindle romance at the Pelican Path Bed & Breakfast by the Sea, featuring oceanfront rooms with balconies.

Fishing enthusiasts needn’t look further than Backwater Fishing Adventures, Jacksonville's premier charter.

Jacksonville, Florida is one of the south's most interesting travel destinations. Not only is the city located on a beautiful coast, but Jacksonville also boasts a beautiful skyline, lovely neighborhoods, and gorgeous beaches. Additionally, the city is home to the largest urban park system in the United States, servicing over 330 locations that cover 80,000 acres throughout the city. Jacksonville vacations are popular due to the stunning St. John’s River, as well as the plethora of historic museums, eateries, and concert arenas.

The 125,000-foot dining and entrainment complex known as Jacksonville Landing hosts over 300 yearly events.

Located on the north and south banks of the St Johns River, the Jacksonville Riverwalks provide picturesque views of the river and skyline.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens features Range of the Jaguar, winner of the AZA Exhibit of the Year award in 2005.

Jacksonville’s football team, the Jaguars, have been one of the city’s staples since 1995, playing home games at EverBank Field.

Jacksonville hosts one of the most contentious games in sports—the Georgia Bulldogs vs. the Florida Gators in a battle known worldwide as "The World's Largest Cocktail Party.”

Built in the 1920s, the Florida Theater hosts 200 cultural events yearly, one of just four remaining high-style movie theaters in the entire state.

Any Jacksonville vacation requires a visit to the Friendship Fountain located in St. Johns River Park, at one time the world’s largest structure of its kind.

The Museum of Science and History is the city's most popular museum, specializing in local history and science exhibits.

The Catherine Street Fire Station houses over 500 exhibits, an official inductee of the U.S National Register of Historic Places.

River City Market Place features a colorful and varied assortment of cutting-edge stores and restaurants.

Nestled in the northeast corner of Florida, Jacksonville is a water lover’s paradise. Explore the Atlantic Ocean and Jacksonville’s 21 miles of beaches, check out the St. Johns River, which runs through the city center, or visit the Intracoastal Waterway. Naturally, activities in and on the water abound in Jacksonville. Tourists can cruise down the river on a sightseeing boat or use a water taxi as their vacation chauffeur. They can throw a line in from the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier or charter a boat for some serious fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists can head inland to check out Jacksonville’s revived downtown district. The Jacksonville Landing overlooks the St. Johns River and features restaurants, bars, shopping and special events, including live music and art shows. Downtown Jacksonville also boasts a rich cultural scene. It includes the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, home to more than 750 works. Art lovers have even more spots to explore in Jacksonville, as dozens of art galleries line the downtown streets. Tourists should be sure to stroll through the San Marco neighborhood, just south of downtown, to check out historic homes and discover upscale eateries, boutiques and art galleries. San Marco even hosts its own Fashion Week, a must for any budding fashionistas visiting Jacksonville in the fall. For another taste of Jacksonville culture, tourists can snag tickets to a show at Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest community theater in the country.

AOL Travel’s Jacksonville Guide

AOL Travel's Best Jacksonville Hotels