Florida’s most heavily populated city is actually Jacksonville, not Miami. Located on the Atlantic coast and scenic St John’s River, it offers an appealing mix of natural beauty and lovely beaches, centuries-old historic sites and fascinating museums, as well as great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene. With all these features, it is no surprise Jacksonville draws larger numbers of visitors each year.
One-time conservative Jacksonville has loosened its laces to become an attractive beach destination, with sandy beaches extending north and south of the city for miles. Jacksonville Beach itself has become so popular that it’s been designated as a distinct community. Dedicated to promoting the features of its coastal location, the focus here is on water activities all year round.
Having worked on its cultural appeal, Jacksonville now offers a number of museums, park and theaters to appease everyone in the family. A range of historic monuments add interest, while youngsters are guaranteed to have fun at the area’s theme parks and the safari route through the zoo.
Jacksonville attractions
Fort Caroline National Memorial and Museum: on the St John’s River chronicles the Native American culture of the area and the French Huguenot colony established here in 1564.
** Fort Matanzas National Monument**: one of the city’s oldest structures, this masonry watchtower was built by the Spanish in the mid-18th century to protect from land invasions.
Fort Clinch State Park: listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features a fort dating to the American Civil War, situated on more than 1,300 acres of beachfront and forest.
Jacksonville Zoological Gardens: provides the opportunity to go on a walking safari and hopefully see a number of the exotic and rare species. Kingsley Plantation: the state’s oldest plantation house, dating to the late 18th century, is an important historic site set in lovely grounds on Fort George Island, and offers 20 of the original slave cabins.
Pablo Historical Park: preserving the history of the Jacksonville-area railroad, tours take in an early post office, a house belonging to a railroad foreman and the Memorabilia Museum, boasting an early 20th century steam engine.