Flights to Jacksonville, FL (JAX)

Jacksonville, Florida, has a few credits to its name when it comes to numbers. It’s the most populous city not just in the state of Florida but the southeastern region. It’s also the largest city by area in the contiguous United States.

Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River in North Florida, Jacksonville is a 30- to 50-minute drive from the Atlantic Ocean. While many may consider it a stopping-through point on a journey farther north or south, Jacksonville is an underappreciated destination in and of itself.

As a major commercial and financial center of the region, Jacksonville’s skyline is defined by a number of skyscrapers, some of them architecturally significant. The city also operates the largest urban park system in the country with access to both the St. Johns River and the Atlantic.

Jacksonville International Airport offers a number of amenities for its travelers. There are around a dozen restaurants serving everything from snacks to full-service dining along with the same number of retail shops. The airport frequently hosts live music during peak travel days, offers seated massage services and features a game room. Throughout the terminal areas visitors will also notice artwork made by school children and local artists on display.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

  • Jacksonville International Airport is located 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville.
  • Ground transportation from the airport is by rental car, taxi and limousine, all of which are located on the lower level of the terminal building adjacent to baggage claim

CULTURE

Jacksonville is home to a number of museums worth visiting: the Museum of Science & History, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center. But the city’s most impressive collection is at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Not only is it known for its European and American paintings, but the grounds are home to three flower gardens that look out on the St. Johns River.

PARKS

Another jewel in Jacksonville’s crown is its park system. The city boasts national, state and city parks all within its bounds. The Timucuan Preserve, which is made up of more than 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways, is a U.S. National Preserve that also includes the oldest standing plantation in Florida.

In the Southbank area of downtown Jacksonville is the city-owned Treaty Oak Park where the Treaty Oak tree stands. The Southern live oak is estimated to be 250 years old, making it the single oldest living thing in Jacksonville and predating even the founding of the city. Its name comes from an apocryphal story about peace accords between Native American and Spanish or American settlers having been signed beneath its branches. In actuality, the story and name were both conceived of by a journalist in the early 1930s to help rescue it from removal by developers.

RESTAURANTS

The city of Jacksonville recently landed a spot on Forbes magazine’s list of “surprising foodie cities.” But those who know the city weren’t surprised at all. It has an eclectic dining scene that draws not only on local produce and seafood, but also ethnic influences. Keep an eye out for both new restaurants and hidden gems like barbecue joints and burrito shops.

Jacksonville’s climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. In January the average temperature is 53°F and in July it’s 82°F. The city does have a rainy season, defined as May through September, and its annual rainfall averages around 52 inches. Though Jacksonville has historically seen less damage by hurricanes than other east coast cities, the threat does still exist, particularly during the peak period for Florida from early August until the end of October.

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