Must-SeeCummer Museum of Art and Gardens
A fine art collection and riverside gardens with a huge, old live oak, on the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville
America's largest city by area, with a river, beaches, a surprising art museum and PGA golf at Sawgrass.
Spread along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville has an urban park system that's the largest in the US, with beaches 30 minutes from downtown. Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline tell of colonial and enslaved lives.
It's an easy stop on the way to St. Augustine.
- Best Time
- March to May, October and November
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- Jacksonville International is 20 minutes from downtown.
The Short List
9 sights, 4 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Jacksonville.
Your Jacksonville list0 of 9 visited
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Must-See
Must-SeeJacksonville Zoo and Gardens
One of the Southeast's better zoos, with an African loop, jaguars and big gardens.
Must-SeeJacksonville Beach
Miles of broad Atlantic sand, a pier and a relaxed surf-town feel at Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches.
Worth a Detour
Worth a DetourTPC Sawgrass and The Players Championship
Golf's famous island-green 17th hole, home of the PGA Tour's richest tournament each March.
Kingsley Plantation
Florida's oldest plantation house and the ruins of 25 tabby slave cabins, on Fort George Island, within the Timucuan Preserve.
Worth a DetourAmelia Island and Fernandina Beach
A Victorian seaport north of the city, on the only US land to have flown eight flags, with lovely wide beaches.
If You're Nearby
If You're NearbyJaguars at EverBank Stadium
See the NFL's Jaguars, with pools in the upper deck, on the St. Johns River.
If You're NearbyTreaty Oak
A sprawling 250-year-old live oak in a small downtown park, with a canopy of over 145 feet.
If You're NearbyMuseum of Science and History
A family science museum with a planetarium, on the Southbank Riverwalk.
Neighborhoods
- Riverside and AvondaleOld houses, parks and Five Points.
- San MarcoA Mediterranean-style square.
- BeachesSurf towns on the Atlantic.
- SpringfieldHistoric homes and breweries.
Getting Around
A car is the way to go, as Jacksonville sprawls over 875 square miles. The free Skyway monorail runs downtown, with river taxis across the St. Johns. Beaches are about 30 minutes away.
Plan Your Visit
- Day 1: the Cummer Museum, Riverside and a Jaguars game. Day 2: Jacksonville Beach or Amelia Island.
Know Before You Go
- The city is very spread out: a car helps.
- Hurricane season runs June to November.
Where to Stay
Stay at the beach or in Riverside.
What to Eat
- Camel Rider sandwichA local pita sub, from the city's large Palestinian community. Try Pinegrove Deli.
- Mayport shrimpSweet local shrimp fresh off the boats.
- Datil peppersHot sauce from Minorcan settlers in nearby St. Augustine.
- Beaches Town CenterSeafood and bars at Atlantic and Neptune Beaches.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
Worth a DetourSt. Augustine
Florida
America's oldest city, founded by Spain in 1565, with a coquina stone fort and narrow old streets.
Full Guide
Worth a Detour
Must-SeeWalt Disney World and Orlando
Florida
Disney's four parks, Universal and SeaWorld in one city, the theme-park capital of the world.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Florida list.