Jacksonville is commonly known as Jax among the locals. It is ideally located in northeast Florida on the Atlantic Coast. The city is famous as the most populous and most enormous city. It boasts over 850 miles of stunning beaches, thrilling attractions, world-class public art, deep-rooted history, unforgettable eco-adventures, and natural beauty. It is a genuine paradise for visitors looking for an affordable yet luxury cruise destination.
Although much of Jacksonville is urban, this fantastic city has many things to offer – from nature and wildlife reserves to historic sites and attractions like waterfalls, beaches, sports, entertainment, outdoors, landscapes, museums, and much more, along with some art and cultural sites. So, go through these top things in Jacksonville on your port day.
Atlantic Beach is a very different world from Jacksonville's urban bustle. All you can hear is the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the helicopter-like swooping of the seabirds over the water. St. Johns River Ferries run along the river amid spectacular scenery and provide excellent access to Atlantic Beach. In Atlantic Beach, you can find deep-sea fishing charters. You can take your fresh catch to a local restaurant where they will prepare it for you. The Tide Views Preserve is another great place to visit. You'll be amazed by its tranquility, natural beauty, trails, and a park with boardwalks in addition to its pier. One of Florida's top getaway destinations, Atlantic Beach is the perfect getaway if you want to relax and enjoy the beautiful Florida coastline's sights, sounds, and smells.
Also, Read: What is the best cruise line from Florida?
Two state parks on the Florida Atlantic coast are worth a visit, Little Talbot Island State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park, both located on the scenic A1A highway just a few minutes from downtown Jacksonville. Both parks are directly accessible from the highway before a bridge crosses over Nassau Sound for a pleasant excursion to Amelia Island.
Little Talbot Island State Park is no longer so small. It is more significant than it's relative to the north. This popular hiking, kayaking, and wildlife-spotting area cover an area of 2,500 acres. The site features dunes, beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests. Your chances of spotting river otters and an abundance of birds are good. You may also spot bobcats there. Surfing has become increasingly popular, alongside fishing, camping, swimming, and sunbathing. You can rent bikes, canoes, and boat launches. Continue toward Boneyard Beach as you enter Big Talbot Island, State Park. Long-dead live oaks are prominent in this photogenic spot. Blackrock Beach is also worth a visit because of the black rocks lining the shoreline (you guessed it).
It is the perfect place to go after all that walking! Jax Ale Trail offers seven local breweries and the opportunity to mix craft brews. The "trail" is self-guided, and you can visit each brewer at your own pace. You will receive a passport for the Jax Ale Trail Brewers when you book the tour. The ticket entitles you to visit each brewery. You're more likely to win a prize and awesome beer swag with more stamps.
Since eight different flags have flown over Amelia Island - more than anywhere else in America - at one time, Amelia Island must have been the most desired place in America. Pirates, gunrunners, Confederates, Union soldiers, escaped prisoners, and sailors who jumped ship were known to have been among the island's cast of characters during these early years. Many Victorian buildings are still from the late 1800s in Fernandina Beach's main town. Many are filled with exciting shops, restaurants, and galleries. A horse-and-buggy ride through town is one of the top things to do here, followed by a stroll through these old streets for some exciting surprises. A few fascinating museums and ghost tours are also available on the island. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and beaches are other highlights. A Civil War reenactment may also interest history buffs at historic Fort Clinch. Come to the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May.
Timucuan covers 46,000 acres with trees, wildlife, and fresh air as part of Florida's Ecological & Historic Preserve. This area will be full of great hiking trails, natural parks, and ecosystems. Visit Fort Caroline National Memorial, Kingsley Plantation - a historic cotton plantation complete with educational exhibits, and the islands of Big and Little Talbot. Over 45,000 acres of wetlands, waterways, salt marshes, and coastal dunes dominate the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, situated in northeastern Duval County, including historical places like Fort Caroline National Memorial and Kingsley Plantation. It is called Zephaniah Kingsley Plantation Home & Buildings in Fort George Island. The plantation is the oldest in the state. ZEPHANIAH KINGSLEY PLANTATION: The plantation is named after the enslaver, Zephaniah Kingsley, who lived on the plantation for 25 years.
The city experiences pleasant and moderate temperatures throughout the year. If your main goal is to enjoy the beaches, kindly visit from March to May and then from September to November. These months are also considered the best time to visit Jacksonville. The busiest months are May, June, and July for tourism.
