Jacksonville Florida Map Google Travel Guide
Introduction
Located in the northeastern part of Florida, Jacksonville is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. The city has something for everyone, from museums and art galleries to beaches and outdoor adventures. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more to help you plan the perfect trip to Jacksonville.
Top Attractions
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a family-friendly attraction that features over 2,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can explore the zoo’s many exhibits, including the African savanna, the Australian Outback, and the Wild Florida exhibit. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is one of the top cultural attractions in Jacksonville. The museum features over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum also has beautiful gardens that overlook the St. Johns River.
The Jacksonville Landing
The Jacksonville Landing is a popular shopping and dining destination in downtown Jacksonville. The Landing features over 60 shops and restaurants, as well as live music and events throughout the year.
Hidden Gems
The Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly market that features over 100 vendors selling local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. The market also has live music and entertainment, making it a fun and lively destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into Florida’s natural and cultural history. The preserve features hiking trails, historic sites, and stunning views of the St. Johns River.
The Kingsley Plantation
The Kingsley Plantation is a historic site that offers visitors a look at what life was like on a plantation in the 1800s. The site features a restored plantation house, slave quarters, and other historic buildings.
Food Scene
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Maple Street Biscuit Company is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch. The restaurant serves up delicious biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and other southern-inspired dishes.
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters
Bold Bean Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers. The cafe serves up delicious coffee and espresso drinks, as well as pastries and other treats.
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Hawkers Asian Street Fare is a popular restaurant that serves up delicious Asian-inspired dishes, such as dumplings, noodles, and bao buns. The restaurant has a fun and lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.
Budget-Friendly Tips
There are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Jacksonville, including visiting the city’s many parks and beaches, exploring the downtown area on foot, and checking out free events and festivals throughout the year.
Outdoor Adventures
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a beautiful park that offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and camping. The park also has a beautiful beach that is perfect for a day of sun and sand.
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is a natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to explore Florida’s unique coastal ecosystem. The reserve features hiking trails, kayaking and paddleboarding, and educational exhibits.
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail runs for 14.5 miles through beautiful natural scenery, including wetlands, pine forests, and hardwood hammocks.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Museum of Science and History
The Museum of Science and History is a great destination for families with kids. The museum features interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a planetarium.
The Jacksonville Beaches
The Jacksonville Beaches are a great destination for families, with plenty of sand and surf to enjoy. The beaches also have playgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities.
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique attraction that offers visitors a chance to see big cats up close. The sanctuary is home to tigers, lions, and other big cats that have been rescued from captivity.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The St. Johns River Taxi
The St. Johns River Taxi is a fun and unique way to explore Jacksonville’s downtown area. The taxi stops at various destinations along the river, including the Jacksonville Landing and the Riverside Arts Market.
The Timucuan Trail State and National Parks
The Timucuan Trail State and National Parks are a series of parks and preserves that offer visitors a chance to explore Florida’s natural beauty. The parks feature hiking trails, historic sites, and stunning views of the St. Johns River.
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens
The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The arboretum features hiking trails, a lake, and a variety of plants and trees.
Natural Wonders
The St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is a natural wonder that flows through Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Visitors can explore the river by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or simply enjoy the views from one of the many parks and trails along the river.
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is a natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to explore Florida’s unique coastal ecosystem. The preserve features hiking trails, kayaking and paddleboarding, and educational exhibits.
The Jacksonville Beaches
The Jacksonville Beaches are a natural wonder, with miles of beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Jacksonville Landing
The Jacksonville Landing is a popular destination for nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Landing also hosts live music and events throughout the year.
The King Street District
The King Street District is a fun and lively neighborhood that is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The district has a bohemian vibe and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Beaches Town Center
The Beaches Town Center is a fun and vibrant neighborhood that is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area has a laid-back beachy vibe and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Local Markets
The Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market is a weekly market that features over 100 vendors selling local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. The market also has live music and entertainment, making it a fun and lively destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Jacksonville Farmer’s Market
The Jacksonville Farmer’s Market is a great destination for fresh produce and local products. The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to homemade jams and jellies.
The Five Points Market
The Five Points Market is a fun and quirky market that is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. The market features unique and eclectic products, including vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and artisanal foods.
Beaches and Mountains
The Jacksonville Beaches
The Jacksonville Beaches are a beautiful destination with miles of white sand and crystal-clear water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports, such as surfing and paddleboarding.
The Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a stunning natural wonder that is located a few hours north of Jacksonville. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities in the mountains.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another beautiful destination that is located a few hours north of Jacksonville. The park features stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife.
Cultural Immersion
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a top cultural attraction in Jacksonville. The museum features over 5,000 works of art, including paintings,