Jacksonville may not be the most well-known city in Florida. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage depends on the perspective. Holidaymakers who would like to experience the authentic life of a city would be in excellent hands in Jacksonville.
Not just because this city is not yet flooded with tourists. But also because this city certainly has the potential to become a visitor magnet. However, the competition in Florida is, of course, not to be despised. Cities like Miami and Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg have a significant lead over Jacksonville in terms of popularity. Why? To be honest, this is a mystery. Anyone who likes to combine sophisticated urbanity with a sporty or relaxed stay by the water should consider Jacksonville.
Forget Miami and Orlando: This Florida City is the Real Gem.
The water is omnipresent
What should the ideal holiday water be—apart from clean, of course? Moved by many waves that roll onto the shore sometimes gently, sometimes wildly? Or, rather, quiet and contemplative? In Jacksonville, guests have the freedom to choose. The city is located directly on the Atlantic, and accordingly, there is good surf on the beaches—not always, but often. The surfers are happy about that. Closer to the shore, jet skiers and swimmers of all ages can also have fun. Even those who just like to let their eyes wander to the horizon but otherwise value dry feet will get their money’s worth in Jacksonville.
Stroll on the Jacksonville boardwalk
With the “Riverwalk,” the city has a promenade several kilometers long, which is a wonderful place to stroll. During the day, you can find employees spending their lunch break by the river. In the evening, the restaurants, bars, and bistros show off their glamorous side, and guests can enjoy not only good food or a drink but also the view of the interesting skyline of Jacksonville.
But wait, all this time we’ve been talking about the Atlantic, and now suddenly there’s a “Riverwalk”? Because in addition to the ocean, the city also has a river to offer, the St. Johns River. Many sports are also possible on and in it; the whole range from kayaking to fishing is covered there. Public transport alone is also an attraction, especially the small river ferries and water taxis.
“Jax” is green and healthy
Anyone who wants to pretend to be an insider immediately after landing (Jacksonville has an international airport) should not speak of “Jacksonville” but of “Jax.”. Americans love abbreviations, and, as everyone has to admit, Jacksonville is a very long name! “Jax” is an economically very successful city and, in terms of area, one of the largest cities in the USA. Lush, almost luxuriously large green spaces, parks and public gardens ensure that it doesn’t get crowded there. This fact also makes Jax a wonderful travel destination for children. Here you have exactly the freedom and exercise that, combined with lots of water and child-friendly attractions, is ideal for young visitors. By the way, parents will quickly learn to appreciate this too.
Not every traveler who comes to Jacksonville does so entirely voluntarily. The city is also known as “America’s Health Center.” This is one of three US locations of the Mayo Clinic and here cancer patients can receive help with the still extremely rare proton therapy. The high level of healthcare is also underpinned by the fact that various global pharmaceutical companies have their headquarters in Jax.
Where is the music playing here?
When night falls in Jax, it’s not just worth admiring the skyline from a bar, which is dramatically reflected in the water. It’s also a great place to go out in this city, which has absolutely no shortage of dance bars, small live music events, and large concerts. Fans of Elvis Presley may want to visit the Florida Theater. Elvis gave his first “covered” concert there in 1955, after appearing at Wolfson Park the year before. Elvis Presley was in the city for concerts a total of eight times, most recently at the Old Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum a few months before his death.
But a visit to Jacksonville is worthwhile not only for music lovers but also for cinephiles. Because what Hollywood is to modern film, Jax was to the silent film era. Around 120 “silent movies” were filmed here, and their history can still be easily understood.
Also a relic from the past – and in this case, fortunately – is the Kingsley Plantation. It shows how slaves once lived and worked on the plantations. The house of the former plantation owner can also be visited.
Also Read: Discover Florida: Climate, Attractions & Driving Tip