With a perfect location on the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville offers nature, beauty, and luxury. It is a place I always go when I am in Florida. It is always at the top of my list and holds its own against other great cities like Miami. Because I visit there so often I am always searching for the best things to do, and I wanted to share these with you. Read on to find out more about some of the best things to do in this wonderful city.
Panorama of the Jacksonville city skyline from across the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Jacksonville is the largest city in land area in the United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
See what college rivalry is all about
College rivalry is big anywhere in the States, but the South is probably the best place to experience it. Every year the University of Georgia and the University of Florida play their rivalry game (American football) at Everbank Field and it is one of my favourite things to see. There is lots of partying and an electric atmosphere that you aren’t going to find anywhere else. The spectators all set themselves up in hotels near Everbank Field and then head to the game. Many also bring their motor homes along with them and party outside of the stadium too!
Eat shrimp
The South is world-famous for its shrimp and Jacksonville is no exception to this. There are many places that fisherman catch shrimp in the local area and these form an important part of the local economy. The best thing is that you can either buy them fresh off the boats in places like Mayport and cook them yourself or go to some great shrimp restaurants around the area. I guarantee that you won’t have eaten better and fresher shrimp than this!
Drink craft beer
The craft beer scene is booming in Jacksonville at the moment, with a number of craft breweries opening up. There really is nothing better than trying all kinds of beers and ales that are made locally with local ingredients. There are a number of brew pubs where the beer is brewed and also served, as well as a number of beer cafes where you can try hundreds of different types of beer and ale. Amazingly you could simply visit Jacksonville to taste beer alone!
Head to the beach
Florida is well-known for its great beaches and Jacksonville follows this trend. Imagine white sand and turquoise waters and you have your typical Jacksonville beach and there are 22 miles of it! The beach is also conveniently located very close to the downtown area. There is so much to do, such as swimming, water sports, or simply finding a quiet spot and relaxing.
Get amazing city views from Metropolitan Park
You probably wouldn’t believe it in its current state, but this sprawling urban park was once the rubbish dump of Jacksonville. Today the park is a great place to view the skyscrapers of the city and a great place to relax. It has a number of playgrounds and lies directly on the banks of the St. Johns River. This is a place for tourists and locals alike and transforms into a concert venue too!