Jacksonville, Florida

Get in

By car

Jacksonville can easily be reached by car. Major highways entering the city include I-10, I-95, US-1, US-90, and FL-A1A.

By plane

Jacksonville International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive. Has regular flights to many US cities with major carriers such as Delta, US Air, Continental, American, Air Tran and Southwest.

By bus

• Greyhound Bus Lines, 10 North Pearl Street, Phone: 904-356-9976. Greyhound is centrally located downtown. Station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

By train

• Amtrak, 3570 Clifford Lane, 1-800-872-7245. Service by the Silver Service/Palmetto and Sunset Limited lines.

Get around

Unless you want to spend a lot of time waiting for buses, a car is a must to fully experience Jacksonville; due to Jacksonville's size and low density, most destinations are not within walking distance of each other. *Mass transit is limited to the city bus system, and an elevated rail system in the downtown district that links both banks of the River with a crossing on the Acosta Bridge. The bus system is minimally adequate; no bus runs past midnight, and many bus routes stop running at around 8 or 9 PM. All buses are linked via GPS to a central control system and stops are well-marked throughout the entire city.

• Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Phone: (904) 630-3100. The bus system is fairly extensive in scope, but you must plan ahead as the frequency of stops is between 30 minutes to an hour. Buses are air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable, but JTA buses struggle with on-time performance.

Taxi services are available, but expensive due to the sprawl of the city.

• Car rentals are the most convenient for of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times.

Car Rental Companies include:

• Alamo Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-462-5266.
• Avis Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-331-1212.
• Budget Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-527-0700.
• Dollar Rent A Car, Toll free: 1-800-800-3665.
• E-Z Rent-A-Car, Toll free: 1-800-277-5171.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toll free: 1-800-261-7331.
• Hertz Car Rental, Toll free: 1-800-654-3131.
• Thrifty, Toll free: 1-800-847-4389.

See

Art

• Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Phone: (904) 356-6857. Tu,Th 10AM-9PM; W,F,Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 12PM-5PM. 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, 333 North Laura Street (Downtown Jacksonville), Phone: (904) 366-6991. Tu, Fr, Sat, Sun 10AM-4PM; Wed, Th 10AM-9PM; Closed Monday. 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, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road, Phone: 904-620-2534. M,W,Th 9AM-5PM; Tu 9AM-7PM, F 9AM-3PM. Features several exhibitions each year including regional and national artists and UNF faculty and student art.

• Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, Phone: (904) 280-0614. M-Sa 10AM-5PM.

• J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Phone: 904-435-3200. Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 12PM-5PM.

• R. Roberts Gallery, 3606 St. John's Av., Phone: (904) 388-1188.

• Stellers Gallery, 1409 San Marco Square, Phone: 904-396-9492, M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-3PM.

Downtown Jacksonville

• 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. Step inside City Hall, which is a restored department store built in 1912 and designed in the prairie style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho, and take a look at the large, sunlit atrium which dominates the interior of the structure. The new downtown Main Library opened in 2005 and is the largest Main Library in the state of Florida. The postmodern structure was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern and features a Grand Reading Room and a quiet Courtyard for outdoor reading.

Historic Neighborhoods

• Riverside, located about a mile southwest of downtown on the banks of the St. Johns River, this neighborhood was built primarily between 1910 and 1930 and features a variety of historic homes, churches and apartment buildings. It has as its commercial center eclectic Five Points which features both unique retail and dining all in a bohemian atmosphere. Also notable in the neighborhood is Memorial Park which is situated near Five Points adjacent to the River. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. and has as its centerpiece a statue of Winged Victory as a memorial to the dead of World War I. To visit this area from downtown, take Jefferson Street which becomes Riverside Avenue.

• Avondale, located along the St. Johns River just southwest of and adjacent to Riverside, was built during the 1920s Florida land boom as "Riverside's Residential Ideal". The stately historic houses here were constructed in a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor, Georgian Revival, Prairie, Shingle, Mediterranean Revival and Bungalow. The commercial heart of the neighborhood is known as the Shops of Avondale which are located along St. Johns Avenue between Talbot and Dancy Streets. Here, there are many upscale dining and shopping opportunities.

Miscellaneous

• Fort Caroline National Memorial. Mt. Pleasant Rd., Phone: (904) 641-7155, Daily 9AM-4:45PM. 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.

• The Irish Castle, on FL-A1A between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. - It doesn't really have a name, but is a replica of an Irish monastery. Built as a private residence, the owner used to give tours every third Sunday. Due to zoning laws, public tours might not be given anymore.

• Kingsley Plantation - A well-preserved, Southern plantation. Well worth the trip to see.

• Museum of Science and History, 1025 Museum Circle, Phone: (904) 396-6674, Fax: (904) 396-5799, M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 1PM-6PM. Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history.

• San Marco Theatre, 1996 San Marco Blvd., Phone: 904-396-4845. 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.

Do

Festivals and Events

• Jacksonville Jazz Festival - Jazz festival featuring major names in jazz as well as local and up-and-coming jazz artists.

• Springing the Blues - Florida's largest free outdoor blues festival.

• Much Ado About Books - Book festival to benefit the Jacksonville Public Library.

• 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.

• Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular - Air show at Jacksonville Beach.

• Jacksonville Film Festival

Sports

• Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville's NFL team. Catch one of their home games during football season in the fall.

• Jacksonville Suns - Jacksonville's AA Minor League baseball team. Tickets are cheap and the view is good at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

• Jacksonville Barracudas - Jacksonville's Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) team.

• The TPC - If you like golf, Jacksonville is second only to Augusta. The Player's Championship is held each spring in Ponte Vedra, a suburb of Jacksonville.

• Gate River Run - One of the top running events in the US.

Miscellaneous

• 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 Landing - A downtown shopping district with a thriving nightlife around it, especially on New Years and the night before the annual University of Georgia/University of Florida football game.

• The Riverwalk - A scenic walk system along the south shore of the St. John's River. It's a great place for a date.

Buy

• The Landing - A downtown shopping district located on the river.

• St. John's Town Center - Located near the intersection of J. T. Butler Blvd and Gate Parkway, this is an open air mall sprawled over a large area. Lots of shopping and fine dining options.

• Shoppes of Avondale - Specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

• Shops of San Marco - Good used book store, shops, galleries, restaurants, and a Peterbrooke chocolate shop.

Eat

• Angies Subs at Jax Beach, 1436 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (904)246-2519, When seen from the street you may think twice about eating there, but the large amount of cars outside shows that it is a great favorite of the locals. For enjoying the best subs and experiencing local beach flavor, a vist here is a must. Lunch time is peak time and may be crowded. Hours are 11 to 8 pm Monday through Saturday.

• Crush Bistro, 3630 Park Street, (904) 381-0909. Soul satisfying French Cuisine. Featuring patio seating, private dining, monthly wine tastings, half priced wine on Tuesdays, and happy hour Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 7 pm.

• Beach Hut Cafe, 1281 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 249-3516. This is where locals go for breakfast. Weekend mornings are very busy.

• Enrico's Ristorante, 10920 Baymeadows Rd., (904) 538-9882, in the shopping center with Publix. Delicious, classic Italian.

• BB's, 1019 Hendricks Avenue, (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.

• St. Johns Seafood & Steaks, Several locations in Jacksonville. Just what it sounds like, a variety of seafood and steak with all the trimmings. Make sure to have grits as a side.

• Gene's Seafood. Several locations in Jacksonville. The usual fried shrimp, fish, etc. in addition to delicious entrees like stuffed flounder. Consistantly delicious.

• Brick Restaurant, 3585 St. Johns Avenue, (904) 387-0606. Creative menu with good food; on a street with lots of shops. Outside dining is availlable.

• Havana-Jax Cafe, 2578 Atlantic Boulevard, (904) 399-0609. Delicious Cuban food. Most dinners come with rice, black beans, and plantains. Very good flan.

• The Loop Pizza Grill, Restaurant chain that started in Jacksonville. Good burgers, pizza, salads, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. Several locations in Jacksonville.

• Biscotti's, 3556 St. Johns Avenue, (904) 387-2060. Cool atmosphere with delicious, interesting food. Take a look at the desserts in the display case. They taste even better than they look.

• The Madrid, 11233 Beach Boulevard, (904) 642-3741. Caribbean and Cuban cuisine. Everything is delicious.

• Max's International Restaurant, 1316 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 247-6820. Eclectic European food in a pleasant atmosphere. Several fish dishes are always delicious.

• Grinder's Cafe, 10230 Atlantic Blvd Ste 8-9, Jacksonville, (904)725-2712, One of the very few "down home" southern food restaurants in Jacksonville. Very friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of southern specialties.

• Clark's Fish Camp, 12903 Hood Landing Road, Jacksonville, (904)268 3474. A local favorite with lots of atmosphere. If you are a supporter of PETA, you might not enjoy this restaurant. Try the Fish Camp Platter or the Prime Rib, you'll be glad you did. Great place to take the kids.

Drink

• London Bridge Pub - 100 East Adams Street, about 2 blocks north of the main street bridge. 15 or so draft beers and good cottage pie

• Lynch's Irish Pub - 514 N. First Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. A well known Irish pub in Jacksonville Beach. Many good imported pints on tap, with live music, and a raucous atmosphere.

Sleep

• Atlantic Beach Florida Hotel, Sea Turtle Inn, One Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, +1 800 874-6000. Atlantic Beach Hotel at the Jacksonville Beaches offers a turn-down service, oceanfront views and wireless Internet.

• The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Located on Amelia Island, just outside the city of Jacksonville. Bed & Breakfast amenities; on the beach.

• The Oak Street Inn, Gorgeous B&B located in historic Riverside, a vibrant and diverse downtown art community.

• The Riverdale Inn, Another beautiful B&B in Riverside, this one is adjacent to the stunning Memorial Park and has a renowned restaurant.
• America's Best Inn, 8220 Dix Ellis Trail, +1 904 739-3323, Fax: +1 904 739-3323.
• Best Western Executive Inn, 10888 Harts Road, +1 904 751-5600, Fax: +1 904 757-4311.
• Best Western Hotel JTB/Southpoint, 4660 Salisbury Road, +1 904 281-0900, Toll-free: +1 800 842-1348, Fax: +1 904 281-0417.
• Best Western Jacksonville Airport, 1170 Airport Entrance Road, +1 904 741-4980, Fax: +1 904 741-4186.
• Candlewood Suites, 4990 Belfort Road, +1 904 296-7785.
• Courtyard Jacksonville Airport/Northeast, 14668 Duval Road, +1 904 741-1122, Fax: +1 904 741-0929.
• Courtyard Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, 4670 Lenoir Avenue South, +1 904 296-2828, Fax: +1 904 296-9508.
• Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches, 4600 San Pablo Road, +1 904 223-1700, Fax: +1 904 223-1026.
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1201 Riverplace Blvd., +1 904 398-8800.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Butler Boulevard, 4888 Lenorr Ave.
• Fairfield Inn Jacksonville Airport, 1300 Airport Road, +1 904 741-3500, Fax: +1 904 741-3600.
• Holiday Inn, 9150 Baymeadows Road, +1 904 737-1700.
• Holiday Inn, 14670 Duval Road, +1 904 741-4404.
• Holiday Inn, 6802 Commonwealth Ave., +1 904 781-6000.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 4675 Salisbury Road South, +1 904 332-9500.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 10148 New Berlin Road, +1 904 696-3333.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 11262 Old St. Augustine Rd., +1 904 899-9000.
• Jacksonville Marriott, 4670 Salisbury Road, +1 904 296-2222, Toll-free: +1 800 962-9786, Fax: +1 904 296-7561.
• Microtel Inn & Suites Jacksonville (Butler Blvd./Southpoint), 4940 Mustang Rd., Tel: (904) 281-2244.
• Motel 6 Jacksonville - Baymeadows, 8765 Baymeadows Road, +1 904 731-7317, Fax: +1 904 636-0668.
• Motel 6 Jacksonville - Orange Park, 6107 Youngerman Circle, +1 904 777-6100, Fax: +1 904 779-2223.
• Motel 6 Jacksonville Airport, 10885 Harts Road, +1 904 757-8600, Fax: +1 904 757-2072.
• Motel 6 Jacksonville Southeast, 8285 Dix Ellis Trail, +1 904 731-8400, Fax: +1 904 730-0781.
• Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport, 1310 Airport Road, +1 904 741-6550, Fax: +1 904 741-6677.
• Residence Inn Jacksonville Baymeadows, 8365 Dix Ellis Trail, +1 904 733-8088, Fax: +1 904 731-8354.
• Residence Inn Jacksonville Butler Boulevard, 10551 Deerwood Park Blvd, +1 904 996-8900, Fax: +1 904 996-8904.
• SpringHill Suites Jacksonville, 4385 Southside Boulevard, +1 904 997-6650, Fax: +1 904 997-6610.
• The Inn at Mayo Clinic, 4400 San Pablo Road, +1 904 992-9992, Fax: +1 904 992-4463.
• Flaglers Crossing, 201 10th Ave, +1 904 285-5409, Fax: +1 904 285-8317, #1260.

Jacksonville Wingate Inn (Hotel near downtown Jacksonville), 4681 Lenoir Ave. South, Jacksonville, FL 32216, (904) 281-2600 (garret-antoinette@jalaramhotels.com, fax: (904) 281-1166).

Best Western Southside Hotel (Affordable Accommodations near NAS Jacksonville), 4580 Collins Road Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-4466 (mack.patel@jalaramhotels.com, fax: (904) 264-2193).

Get out

• Amelia Island - A beautiful island about an hour north of Jacksonville along FL-A1A, it is home to upscale houses, and the Amelia Island Plantation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island was used as a pirate base for raids on Spanish shipping. Known as the Isle of Eight Flags, it is the only location in the United States to have been under the allegiance of eight different nations.

• St. Augustine - Founded by Spanish colonists in 1565, St. Augustine lays claim to being the oldest permanent settlement in the United States. It is about a 45 minute drive south of Jacksonville by I-95, or about an hour taking the more scenic route down FL-A1A. It boasts many fine restaurants and tourist attractions, as well as a unique blend of old world architectural styles inherited from its Spanish and British masters. The fort, the old city, the Flagler Museum, St. George's Street, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions are all recommended.

• Olustee Battlefield - About an hour's drive west along I-10 is the Olustee Battlefield, site of the only Civil War engagement in Florida. The battle is reenacted each February, and is a popular site for Civil War buffs.