Jacksonville, known as Florida's River City by the Sea, is settled along both sides of the St. Johns River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Well-known in the insurance and banking industries, Jacksonville offers a gambit of activities, from its open beaches to its vibrant waterfront downtown area.
The heart of downtown sits on both banks of the St. Johns River. On the north bank you will find Jacksonville Landing and on the south bank Riverwalk, both filled with shops, restaurants and nighttime entertainment. Visitors will also enjoy many cultural activities at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Science and History, and the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.
Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the United States, providing facilities and services at more than 337 locations throughout the city. Jacksonville gathers significant natural beauty from the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean, and many parks provide access for people to boat, swim, fish, sail, jetski, surf and waterski. Several parks around the city have received international recognition. Kids Kampus, in particular, is an unique facility for families with young children.
With miles of uncrowded beaches, ecological and nature-based excursions, world-class golf courses, historical sites and architecture, a riverfront festival marketplace and river cruises, Jacksonville has a little something for everyone.
Getting Around:
Jacksonville is the largest U.S. city in terms of square miles (840), so if you plan on checking out the whole city you should rent a car. The Jacksonville Transit Authority has FREE Park-N-Ride lots around Jacksonville that are served by local bus routes and express service to Downtown. Most lots have ongoing service, so you will always have a ride. The JTA Skyway, is an automated transit system operating on an elevated dual guideway that will take you from the Florida Community College of Jacksonville (FCCJ) to the South bank of the St. Johns. The JTA Trolley connects with the Skyway route and runs east-west through downtown.
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