Jacksonville, FL Road Trips

The city is in the Northeast Florida region, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia state line and about 340 miles (547 km) north of Miami. Jacksonville is the largest city, by land area, in Florida in and the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968. That merger gave Jacksonville its great size and placed most of its larger metropolitan population within the city limits; with a population of 949,600, it is the most populous city in Florida, and the eleventh most populous in the United States. The surrounding Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area had a population of 1,504,980 in 2020. Simply put, Jacksonville is an authentic Floridian city. Its economy is diversified and not wholly based on tourism. Harbor improvements since the late 19th century have made Jacksonville a major military and civilian deep-water port. Its riverfront location facilitates two U.S. Navy bases and the Port of Jacksonville, Florida's third largest seaport. Significant industries in the local economy include services such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics. Despite this, Jacksonville is still a city in Florida, and tourism is important to the area, particularly in regards to its historical, cultural, and environmental assets. Once holding the distinctions of "Insurance Capital of the South" and "Winter Film Capital of the World", and home to a formidable financial industry, this underrated cosmopolitan city is a composite of northern aesthetics and southern charm.

1 City Hall (St. James Building), 117 West Duval St. One of the most beautiful city halls in America and open to the public. The building was designed in Prairie School style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho. It was constructed as a department store in 1912, purchased by the city in 1993, and became the new city hall in 1997. The name was chosen by its investors, businessmen from Connecticut, the relevance being that Saint James is the patron Saint of travelers. The interior features a spectacular sunlit atrium with a dominating octagonal glass dome. The defining feature of the structure is the large abstract decorative cornices on the buildings exterior. 2 Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth St (at Newnan), ☏ +1 904-355-5661. The Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually, bringing 250,000 people to Jacksonville's downtown every year. The restored theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Florida Theatre has been Jacksonville's premier entertainment center since 1927. 3 Friendship Fountain. Opened in 1965 as the world's largest and tallest fountain, it's capable of spraying 17,000 gallons (64,000 L) of water a minute to a height of 120 feet (37 m). The fountain and surrounding park are directly across from the Northbank and offer visitors some of the best views of the city. It is also adjacent to the Museum of Science and History and is part of the Southbank Riverwalk. 4 Main Street Bridge.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Jazz festival featuring major names in jazz as well as local and up-and-coming jazz artists. Main Street Cruise, 1st St. to 12th St. on Main St.. 4th Saturday of every month. A surreal experience and a fun time, this old school cruise is like stepping into the 1970s movie American Graffiti. Poodle dresses, classic music, and an endless array of cars. Springing the Blues. Florida's largest free outdoor blues festival. Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island (about 35 mi (56 km) 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. Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular. Air show location alternates each year between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Blue Angels are typically the main event to close the show. World Arts Film Festival. May 15–17. The World Arts Film Festival is an event showcasing a diverse array of filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds. The central theme is a global message of inclusion through the arts and education. JaxFlow. A spin jam group local to Jacksonville. They spin various flow toys, such as hula hoops and fire poi in various parks and at nightlife spots all over Jacksonville. 1 Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave (Riverside Ave. under the Fuller Warren Bridge), ☏ +1 904-389-2449. 10AM-4PM.

Bay Street Sports Grill, 119 East Bay St, ☏ +1 904-993-1350, [email protected]. Sports bar and grill features on reality TV show "Bar Rescue". (updated Mar 2024) 1 BB's, 1019 Hendricks Ave, ☏ +1 904-306-0100. This restaurant has good appetizers, desserts, and a good beer and wine selection. The mushroom and bacon pizza is wonderful. The food is great, but it can get somewhat loud; not the place to go for a quiet conversation. 2 Brick Coffee House, 214 N. Hogan St (Ed Ball Building Adams St Entrance), ☏ +1 904-354-9945. (updated Oct 2015) 3 Chamblin's Uptown Cafe, 215 N. Laura St (between Adams and Monroe), ☏ +1 904-674-0870. Good vegetarian selection. (updated Aug 2015) 4 Indochine, 21 E Adams St, ☏ +1 904-598-5303. (updated Oct 2015) 5 Jenkins Quality Barbecue, 830 N Pearl St (between State and Union), ☏ +1 904-353-6388, [email protected]. (updated Oct 2015) 6 Cinco de Mayo, 301 E. Bay St (corner of Market and Bay), ☏ +1 904 513 3986. (updated Mar 2024) 7 Ruth's Chris Steak House, 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, ☏ +1 904-396-6200. 5PM-10PM (9PM on Sundays). Corn-fed, custom-aged Midwestern beef in a lively atmosphere, complete with beautiful views of the St. John's River and a happening bar area. (updated Mar 2016) Al's Pizza (5 locations). (updated Feb 2023) 8 , 1620 Margaret St, ☏ +1 904-388-8384. (updated Aug 2015) 9 , 8060 Philips Highway, ☏ +1 904-731-4300. (updated Feb 2023) 10 , 14286 Beach Blvd (Near Intracoastal West), ☏ +1 904-223-0991. (updated Feb 2023) 11 , 240 3rd Street North (Neptune Beach), ☏ +1 904-249-0002.

1 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St. (between Bay and Forsyth), [email protected]. Beer and wine only. It does offer great local music and a great atmosphere. (updated Aug 2015) 2 Dos Gatos, 123 E. Forsyth St., ☏ +1 904-354-0666. Full bar. A nice place to dress up and go out to. Great selection of cocktails. (updated Aug 2015) 3 Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., ☏ +1 904-374-9351, [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 4 The Volstead, 115 West Adams St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 5 Birdies, 1044 Park St., ☏ +1 904-356-4444, [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 6 Kickbacks Gastropub, 910 King St., ☏ +1 904-388-9551. (updated Aug 2015) 7 The Garage, 2692 Post St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 8 Rogue, 927 King St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 9 The Loft, 925 King St., [email protected]. (updated Aug 2015) 10 Park Place Lounge, 931 King St., ☏ +1 904-389-6616. (updated Aug 2015) 11 Shanty Town Pubz, 22 W 6th St. (1 mi (1.6 km) north of downtown in Jacksonville's historic Springfield), ☏ +1 904-798-8222. This hole-in-the-wall bar offers hundreds of beers and boasts a spacious backyard which hosts barbecues once a week. (updated Aug 2015) 12 Uptown Kitchen and Bar (Uptown Market), 1303 N Main St., ☏ +1 904-418-7025. (updated Aug 2015) 13 Lynch's Irish Pub, 514 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, ☏ +1 904-249-5181. A well known Irish pub in Jacksonville Beach. Many good imported pints on tap, with live music, and a raucous atmosphere.

There are also places to stay in Amelia Island and Jacksonville Beach. 1 Springhill Suites Jacksonville Airport, 13550 Airport Ct, toll-free: +1-866-599-8636. An all-suite hotel property. Free hot breakfast, courtesy airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi. 2 Residence Inn Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, 10551 Deerwood Park, ☏ +1 904-996-8900. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Offers extended stay accommodations with full size kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and free WiFi provided. (updated Apr 2015) 3 SpringHill Suites Jacksonville, 4385 Southside Blvd, ☏ +1 904-997-6650. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. All suite accommodations offering free Internet and hot buffet breakfast daily. (updated Apr 2015) 4 Amelia Island Surf & Racquet Club, 4800 Amelia Island Parkway (Amelia Island), ☏ +1 904-261-0511, toll-free: +1-800-323-2001. Resort with condo rentals, oceanfront views, family vacations. 5 One Ocean Resort, One Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, ☏ +1 904-249-7402, toll-free: +1-800-874-6000, [email protected]. Atlantic Beach Hotel at the Jacksonville Beaches offers a turn-down service, oceanfront views and wireless Internet. 6 Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches, 14390 Mayo Blvd (on the campus of the Mayo Clinic), ☏ +1 904-223-1700. Features a state-of-the-art lobby and stylish guest rooms. $109-120. 7 The Riverdale Inn, 1521 Riverside Ave (Adjacent to Memorial Park), ☏ +1 904-354-5080, [email protected]. Another beautiful B&B in Riverside, this one has a renowned restaurant.

1 Jacksonville International Airport (JAX IATA). The primary commercial airport in Northeast Florida, with scheduled service offered by Allegiant, American, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. The airport has one terminal building with two concourses. There are two areas for ground transportation, at the center front for taxis and area hotel shuttles, and at the north end for arranged ground transportation, including limousines, rental cars, intercity buses/shuttles, and local JTA city buses. Generally arriving one hour before a flight's scheduled departure is plenty of time, but during major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, allow one and a half to two hours. (updated Nov 2018) To travel between the city and JAX: Jacksoville Transit Authority (JTA) Rt #1-A. Public transit from JAX to Downtown Jacksonville is provided by JTA Route 1-A North Main, M-F every half-hour, and Sa Su hourly, from esrly morning to late evening. It picks up at prearranged Ground Transportation (north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1, lower level). Approximately one hour to the city center. $1.75 cash only. (updated Aug 2025) Gator City Taxi, ☏ +1 904-999-9999. Local taxi service, no reservation needed for arriving passengers. Super Shuttle. Offers shared ride, non-stop, and black car service to and from the airport. ExecuCar. Private black car service to and from the airport, and around the city. TxBlackCarservices. A private black car service for transportation to and from the airport and around the city.

Jacksonville is sprawling with most of the city's more popular destinations not within walking distance of each other, with the exception of the city center. There, monorail service is free and connects the north and south banks of the river, offering travelers a great view of the city and an easy route to their destination. Most travelers to Jacksonville will want to venture out, see the beaches, shop and dine in its commercial districts, or visit historical sites and parks. This would be impossible or greatly hindered without a car. Unless you are planning on remaining at the beaches or the downtown area it can be time consuming to travel by bus, and too expensive by taxi. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates the Skyway monorail system in the heart of Jacksonville, and a fairly extensive regional bus network. Rosa Parks Transit Station is the main transfer hub between systems. Nearly all bus lines, and both lines of the Skyway stop at Rosa Parks. The Skyway is a free automated people-mover system in downtown Jacksonville. Eight stations are located throughout the Northbank, Southbank, and LaVilla districts. The system is open to commuters M–F 6AM–9PM. Extended hours vary with special events, check JTA's website if you are planning on traveling in downtown during the weekend. Bus frequency is between 30 minutes and an hour. Buses are reasonably comfortable, but JTA buses struggle with on-time performance. Buses do not run past midnight, and many bus routes stop running at around 8 or 9PM.