KAYAK - Jacksonville, Florida Travel Guide

Jacksonville Travel

Popular Florida (FL) Destinations

Nearby Cities

Jacksonville Airports

Jacksonville Vacations

Each year more than five million people vacation in Jacksonville, Florida. There is an ample amount of pleasurable activity within the city limits. Come anytime throughout the year and enjoy miles of un-crowded beaches. With so many attractions, Jacksonville is one of the best travel locations because there are leisure interests for the whole family. Aside from gorgeous beaches there is also a host of nature and historical attractions. Take a nature excursion and spend the day at Castaway Island Preserve. Vacationers might journey to Historic Fernandino and tour a momentous pirate town. Jacksonville also offers world class golf courses, cultural centers, exclusive shopping, annual festivals, river cruises, and nightly entertainment.

Popular Jacksonville Hotels

Omni Jacksonville Hotel
245 Water Street

Best Western Hotel Jtb/southpoint
4660 Salisbury Road

Radisson Hotel Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, FL
4700 Salisbury Road

Microtel Inn and Suites Jacksonville Butler Blvd.
4940 Mustang Road

Comfort Suites Baymeadows Near Butler Blvd
8277 Western Way Circle

Wingate by Wyndham Jacksonville Airport
1200 Airport Road

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Top rated attractions in Jacksonville

1.	Guana River State Park Spend a day in the State Park and enjoy a variety of activities. Located between Jacksonville beaches and St. Augustine beaches, Guana River State Park features several recreational pursuits such as hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, and swimming. There is a nine-mile nature trail, which is perfect for outdoorsmen. Furthermore, the park contains at least seventeen prehistoric sites. Due to the parks secluded location, Guana River State Park has become Jacksonville's unofficial nude beach. « hide
2.	Visit River Cruises Enjoy a private or public cruise along the St. John’s River. Private charters are ideal for family reunions or corporate functions. Choose a charter that accommodates 150 persons, or select a charter that holds up to 300 persons. Boat interiors are air-conditioned, which offers a comfortable temperature throughout the warm weather months. Other features include a full bar, dance floor, and plenty of open space to stroll and watch the stars. « hide
3.	Visit North Florida Tours Guided tours are a great way to see Jacksonville. North Florida Tours are ideal for families, reunions, and other groups. Spend a day sightseeing and enjoy an entertaining tour through Downtown Jacksonville, the beach areas, and historical neighborhoods. Tour guides are informative and very lively. There are a variety of tour packages available. Choose an inexpensive day tour, or select an all-inclusive tour package that includes transportation, meals, accommodations, and more. « hide
4.	Visit Museum of Contemporary Art Located in the Downtown area, this museum is one of the largest in the southeast U.S. Travelers can spend a few hours admiring more than 750 art pieces. Art collections feature works of both national and international artists. Other on-site amenities include a lecturer and film hall, wherein guests can learn insightful information about various artists. Before leaving, have lunch in the Museum’s Café Nola, or stop by the Museum’s gift shop for jewelry, souvenirs, and other small trinkets. « hide
5.	Visit Fort Clinch State Park Many say that Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best historical sites in Jacksonville. Listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, this attraction offers day long fun for the whole family which might include a quiet walk along the beach. Children will enjoy climbing the sand dunes and exploring the forest or tidal marsh. This is also a great place to bird watch or observe the local wildlife. This State Park is comprised of more than 1,300 acres, which provides plenty of space to explore, hike, bike ride, or relax beneath the trees. « hide
6.	Amelia Island Forty-five minutes from Downtown Jacksonville is Amelia Island, a barrier island that boasts of several beautiful beaches and has a unique charm. Spend a few days on the island and stay is a lavish bed and breakfast or beachfront cottage. The historic district features scenic Victorian-style homes, antique shops, and several great restaurants. Other island attractions include a golf course, nature trails, and Amelia Island Park. Journey to the southernmost tip of the island and enjoy horseback riding on the beach. « hide
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Top rated restaurants in Jacksonville

1.	Morton's Steakhouse Morton's Steakhouse, Jacksonville, is well-known for its signature menu which consists of perfectly prepared prime rib, seafood dishes, vegetable sides, and delicious desserts. Bring a group and reserve a private banquet room. This is the perfect place to host a business luncheon, reunion, or party. « hide	6.	Milano's Italian Restauant Milano's Italian Restauant, Jacksonville, features several appetizing dinner entrees, each perfectly flavored with Italian sauces and spices. One of the best Italian restaurants in the beach area, vacationers can come in and enjoy a large pasta selection, lasagna, spaghetti, seafood dishes, fettuccine, and more. « hide
2.	Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Jacksonville, serves the finest cut of Midwestern beef. Many say that Ruth's Chris prepares the best steak in Florida. Steaks are hand-cut daily, full of flavor, and cooked to individual specifications. Other menu favorites include Maine lobster, veal, and lamb. « hide	7.	Yoshi Japanese Restaurant Yoshi Japanese Restaurant, Jacksonville, has a huge selection of sushi and menu items. A good place for groups and kids, bring the entire family and enjoy a casual atmosphere, and prompt seating. « hide
3.	River City Brewing CompanyRiver City Brewing Company River City Brewing Company, Jacksonville, offers a unique dining experience. Located off the water, this restaurant may surprise people looking for an old-fashioned pub. Unlike other brewery restaurants that create a relaxed or casual atmosphere, River City Brewing Company is a fine dining restaurant with white tablecloths, a fabulous wine list, and delectable menu selections. « hide	8.	Daruma Japanese Steakhouse Daruma Japanese Steakhouse, Jacksonville, is arguable one of the best Asian cuisine restaurants in Jacksonville. This steakhouse is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, large party, and families. Choose group seating and have the food prepared before your eyes or request a private table. « hide
4.	Carrabba's Italian Grill Carrabba's Italian Grill, Jacksonville, serves great food and is the perfect place for families, couples, and groups. Enjoy a meal seated at the bar that overlooks the kitchen, or choose a roomy booth that accommodates up to six persons. Delicious menu items include the steak Marsala, fire roasted chicken breast, and a variety of yummy sauces. « hide	9.	Lemon Grass Restaurant Lemon Grass Restaurant, Jacksonville, is a great place to eat and features a variety of distinct menu selection. Tasty food choices include Pad Thai and Crab Rongoon. The restaurant is very active and boisterous, which is perfect for persons who enjoy a lively atmosphere. « hide
5.	Giovanni's Giovanni's, Jacksonville, is an elegant restaurant that features a welcoming atmosphere and background piano player. Guests may choose seating on the first or second floor. If looking for small dinner portions, dine at the bar and take advantage of half-priced entrees. « hide

Jacksonville Insider tips

Stay in Familiar Areas

Since Jacksonville is a large metropolitan city, certain areas are not recommended for tourists. On average, Jacksonville reports a murder every three days and twelve cars are stolen a day. If traveling to the city, stay in the tourist areas - Downtown, the beach, or near the Airport. Neighborhoods near the University in Eastern Jacksonville and neighborhoods west of St. John's River are a little rough. For example, a tourist might observe an occasional drug dealer, prostitute, etc. However, these areas boast of several great soul foods restaurants and dance clubs. When visiting these sections, stay on guard and keep your car doors locked. « hide

Sunbathing is Illegal in Jacksonville

There are several isolated or secluded beaches in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Thus, some tourists and locals may be tempted to swim or sunbathe in the nude. One of Jacksonville's unofficial nude beaches is located in Guana River State Park on Amelia Island, which is approximately 45 minutes from Downtown. This long stretch of shoreline features several secluded areas that allow private swimming and sunbathing. Individuals who choose to sunbathe nude or topless should be aware of their surrounding. Police officers occasionally patrol the beaches and ticket nudists. « hide

Jacksonville nightlife

1.	Thee Imperial Located in Downtown Jacksonville, this club offers a casual atmosphere wherein patrons can sit back, relax, and enjoy live music from various hip hop and rock 'n' roll bands. Come early for Happy Hour or take advantage of the daily drink special. « hide
2.	Club Paris This is one of Jacksonville's hottest nightclubs. With a 22,000 square foot dance floor, there is plenty of space to party and have a good time. Happy Hour specials include free Apple Martinis and $2 beers. Sunday nights are Teen Exclusive (13 – 17 only), and all drinks are non-alcoholic. « hide

Cheap Jacksonville Flights

These are the cheapest* flights to Jacksonville found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours. Use the links to see if you can get a better flight deal.

From $208 Flights New York (NYC) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $267 Flights Philadelphia (PHL) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $159 Flights Boston (BOS) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $239 Flights Newark (EWR) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $202 Flights Washington (DCA) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $209 Flights Chicago (ORD) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $240 Flights Westchester County (HPN) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $140 Flights Atlanta (ATL) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $239 Flights Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - Jacksonville (JAX)
From $179 Flights Baltimore (BWI) - Jacksonville (JAX)