Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the Florida most populated cities tucked away in the Northeastern corner of one of the US’s most visited states. Florida remains a huge tourist location for both Americans and those visiting internationally too. After all, Florida isn’t known as The Sunshine State for nothing! Its tropical climate means that visitors are afforded sunshine most of the year, with approximately 221 days of sunshine.
If you are visiting a trip to Jacksonville, we have some tips to get you started!
Make A List of Where You Want to Visit
There is a wealth of tourist and hidden attractions to visit in Jacksonville. The area is known for its outstanding natural beauty spots such as Little Talbot Island State Park along with both Neptune and Atlantic beaches. A list of Jacksonville things to do can help you make sure you do everything you want to do and more on your trip.
Pack Appropriately
Jacksonville is hot! Really hot. The city gets on average 112 days of rainfall each year, and temperatures dip at their lowest to 32 degrees Fahrenheit with average temperatures of between 40F to 90F. If you aren’t used to this much sun or warmer temperatures, constantly pack yourself some cool clothing and plenty of sunscreens. You will most definitely need it, especially during the long hot summer.
Take A History Lesson
Jacksonville has many different museums for those who like a little bit of history and culture when on vacation. this city is rich in history, and during your trip, you can visit;
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens – for a respite from the bustling city life.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville – for some outstanding art
- Museum of Science and History – for those who like to indulge in a more interactive way of learning
In fact, Jacksonville has a great public art scene with many murals and cultures in downtown Jacksonville.
Sample the Delicious Food
Jacksonville is a culinary delight. Noto only do you have the traditional southern delights on the menu, but Jacksonville has a unique seafood scene on the Eastern Seaboard.
Take in an Annual Event
Jacksonville has a great many different events and festivals throughout the year. If you really want to add something special to your trip to this vibrant city, then you can find the following events;
March
- Gate River Run
- The Players Championship
- Jax Home and Patio Show
- Jax Science Festival
- The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
- Collective Con
July
- Jacksonville Fourth of July Celebrations
- The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament & Festival
September
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival
November
- Kids Free November
- Florida vs. Georgia Football Game
- Porchfest
- City of Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
- St. John’s Town Center Holiday Spectacular
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Winterfest at Adventure Landing
So Many Sports
Jacksonville’s year-round warm weather has many advantages, including near-unlimited access to sports. The Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League are the most well-known. EverBank Field features unique amenities such as pools with a view of the gridiron. Football fans will enjoy the annual Taxslayer Bowl as well.
Plan a vacation around the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party: the annual matchup between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, which has been going on since 1933. Minor league baseball is also popular with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a farm team for the Miami Marlins. Are you more of a participant than a bystander? Get out there and run. Every season, there is a race, including the Gate River Run, the country’s largest 15k, which draws 13,000 participants each year.
All the Live Music
Jacksonville is the birthplace of Southern rock. This is where the Allman Brothers Band formed, and Lynyrd Skynyrd inspired others to crank it up. Welcome to Rockville, an annual celebration of all things rock has featured performances by Def Leppard, Limp Bizkit, and Slash. But, whatever genre you prefer, the city has a festival for you: The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, held every May, is the nation’s second-largest, and Spring the Blues has been bringing its sound to Jacksonville’s beaches since 1991. This city will keep you dancing with many annual music festivals and a plethora of music venues.
Visiting Jacksonville
Whether you’re visiting Jacksonville for the first or 31st time, there is so much going on you won’t be short of an experience or three during your trip. With so much sun, vast expanses of beach and all that water running along the lengthy coastlines, you can find something to please everyone, be it a relaxing week on the beach, a party every single night or a delectable culinary experience, Jacksonville is worthy of its tourist status and one place in Florida that should most definitely be on your bucket list.