Jacksonville is situated on the Atlantic coast of northeast Florida. It has the misleading distinction of being the most populous city in the state as measured by the number of residents within the city limits which comprises all of Duval county, but it is in fact the largest city in area in the continental United States. The metropolitan area extends beyond Duval County into Nassau, St. Johns, Baker and Clay counties and has a population of more than 1.25 million people, easily exceeded by Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando.
The city center includes the Jacksonville Landing and the Jacksonville Riverwalks. The Landing is a popular riverfront dining and shopping venue, accessible by River Taxi from the Southbank Riverwalk. The Northbank Riverwalk runs 2.0 miles (3.2 km) along the St. Johns from Berkman Plaza to I-95 at the Fuller Warren Bridge while the Southbank Riverwalk stretches 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from the Radisson Hotel to Museum Circle. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a place with exoctic plants and animals.
PLACE TO VISIT
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens - A recently expanded art gallery and formal garden set alongside the Jacksonville waterfront. Features primarily European and American paintings as well as a large collection of early Meissen porcelain.
Museum Of Contemporary Art Jacksonville - This Museum recently relocated to its Hemming Park location in the historic Western Union Telegraph Building and presents a large number of innovative contemporary art exhibits created by regional, national and international artists.
The University of North Florida Gallery - Features several exhibitions each year including regional and national artists and UNF faculty and student art.
The Riverside Arts Market - Open every Saturday 10AM-4PM, April to December. A weekly arts & crafts market on the Riverwalk under the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
The Jacksonville Landing - located downtown on the northbank of the St. Johns River, is Jacksonville's festival gathering place. This retail and entertainment center has as its attractions waterfront dining, nightclubs and unique shops all in an urban, maritime setting. This is a prime location for holiday celebrations and viewing downtown fireworks. During the Christmas season, the Landing is also the site of the largest Christmas tree in northeast Florida.
Hemming Plaza - is a block sized park in the center of Jacksonville's downtown. Named for Confederate veteran Charles C. Hemming, who in 1898 donated to the City the Confederate monument which is the focal point of the park. The park is surrounded by Jacksonville's City Hall, the United States Courthouse, the Museum Of Contemporary Art, the new public Main Library for Jacksonville, the former Snyder Memorial Church and various restaurants.
Fort Caroline National Memorial - The original French fort, destroyed by Spanish troops from St. Augustine, now lies somewhere beneath the St. John's River. A modern recreation currently stands on the riverbank with a museum dedicated to the first settlements by the French in the area.
Castle Otttis - an original landscape-sculpture, Done in Remembrance of Jesus Christ". This privately owned castle modled after "an Irish castle of 1,000 years ago" is open by appointment to school and church groups. It is clearly visable from SR A1A and is illuminated with blue lights from within at night.
Museum of Science and History - Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history.
San Marco Theatre - The oldest running first-run single-screen theatre in Jacksonville. Serving up your favorite beers, wine and food while you watch the movie. Fantastic midnight film series.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival - Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island (about 60 miles from Jacksonville), holds an annual festival every summer, the highlight of which is a mock pirate invasion terrorizing the locals. Additional Awards go to the biggest drunken pirate who plunders the most booty. And there is also the world famous wet wench contest.
The Beach - Jacksonville is on the Atlantic Ocean, and has a thriving beach culture, but not as packed or as crowded as the beaches in south Florida.
The Riverwalk - A scenic walk system along the south shore of the St. John's River. It's a great place for a date.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - boasts the second largest animal collection in the state. The zoo features elephants, lions, and, of course, jaguars (with an exhibit, Range of the Jaguar, hosted by the owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Delores and Wayne Weaver). It also has a multitude of reptile houses, free flight aviaries, and many other animals.
Shipwreck Island - in Jacksonville Beach is the only waterpark in Duval County. It opened in 1995 and changes rides every few years to keep the season passholders coming back.
Jungle Quest - located across from the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, is the only Jungle Quest store located outside of Colorado. Jungle Quest features zip-lines and rock climbing for children.
Adventure Landing - in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach are the only amusement parks in Duval County.
The Art Walk - a monthly outdoor art festival on the first Wednesday of each month, is sponsored by Downtown Vision, Inc, an organization which works to promote artistic talent and venues on the First Coast.
