About Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, also called the First Coast, Metro Jacksonville, or Northeast Florida, is the metropolitan area centered on the principal city of Jacksonville, Florida and including the First Coast of North Florida. As of the 2020 census, the total population was 1,605,848. The Jacksonville–Kingsland–Palatka, FL–GA Combined Statistical Area (CSA) had a population of 1,733,937 in 2020 and was the 34th largest CSA in the United States. The Jacksonville metropolitan area is the 40th largest in the country and the fourth largest in the State of Florida, behind the Miami, Tampa, and Orlando metropolitan areas.
Places to visit in Jacksonville
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Jacksonville Beach
Beach · 22 mi from centreThe main oceanfront community east of the city, with a long sandy shoreline, a fishing pier, surf breaks and a lively strip of bars and seafood restaurants. Neighboring Neptune and Atlantic beaches offer quieter sand.
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Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
MuseumA riverside museum in the Riverside area with European and American art and a notable porcelain collection. Its historic formal gardens along the St. Johns River are a highlight in their own right.
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Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
ZooA large zoo on the north side with African, Asian and South American habitats, a manatee area and extensive botanical gardens. Plan several hours to see the exhibits and the play areas for children.
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Riverside Avondale
NeighborhoodHistoric neighborhoods along the river filled with early twentieth-century homes, oak-shaded streets and local restaurants. The Five Points area and the weekend Riverside Arts Market under a bridge add a creative vibe.
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Kingsley Plantation
Historic · 24 mi from centreOn Fort George Island, this preserved plantation includes a planter's house and the remains of tabby slave cabins. Park interpretation explores the lives of the enslaved people who worked there.
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Fort Caroline National Memorial
Historic · 19 mi from centreA riverside site recalling the short-lived sixteenth-century French Huguenot colony, with a reconstructed fort and trails through the surrounding Timucuan Preserve. A good introduction to the area's colonial history.
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Little Talbot Island State Park
Beach · 25 mi from centreAn undeveloped barrier island northeast of the city with miles of quiet beach, dunes, maritime forest and salt marsh. Popular for shelling, birdwatching, kayaking and peaceful walks.
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Museum of Science & History
MuseumA family-friendly downtown museum on the Southbank Riverwalk with exhibits on regional natural history, science and a planetarium. It pairs well with a walk along the river.
Where to stay in Jacksonville
Popular hotels in Jacksonville, out of 211 properties you can book.
Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk
From $93 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront
From $143 per night
The Villas Of Amelia Island
From $174 per night
Doubletree By Hilton Jacksonville Airport
From $231 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-So
From $163 per night
Red Roof Plus+ Jacksonville - Southpoint
From $55 per night
Omni Amelia Island Resort
From $328 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville South - Bartram
From $105 per night
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
From $184 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Fernandina Beach Amelia Isl
From $133 per night
Seaside Amelia Inn
From $171 per night
Comfort Suites West Jacksonville
From $118 per night
Best time to visit Jacksonville
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jacksonville is April and November, when average daytime highs are around 75–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Jacksonville weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 77° 53° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 79° 59° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 79° 61° 2%
- Sat 24 Oct 73° 62° 28%
- Sun 25 Oct 81° 65° 18%
- Mon 26 Oct 79° 67° 11%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Jacksonville
These are the airports closest to central Jacksonville. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- NIP Naval Air Station Jacksonville5 mi (7 km) from the city centre
- NZC Naval Air Station Cecil Field7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
- CRG Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport16 mi (26 km) from the city centre
- JAX Jacksonville International Airport18 mi (30 km) from the city centre
Jacksonville travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Jacksonville?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jacksonville is April and November, when average daytime highs are around 75–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Jacksonville?
July is usually the warmest month in Jacksonville, with average highs of 92°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 42°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 237 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Jacksonville?
Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NIP) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (7 km) from the centre of Jacksonville. Other nearby airports include Naval Air Station Cecil Field (NZC, 7 mi) and Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (CRG, 16 mi).
What time zone is Jacksonville in?
Jacksonville uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Jacksonville?
Top sights in Jacksonville include Jacksonville Beach, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and Riverside Avondale. The main oceanfront community east of the city, with a long sandy shoreline, a fishing pier, surf breaks and a lively strip of bars and seafood restaurants. Neighboring Neptune and Atlantic beaches offer quieter sand.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Jacksonville?
The most popular types of experiences in Jacksonville are shows, sports and special events (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Jacksonville?
Popular areas for hotels in Jacksonville include City Area and Amelia Island. Well-reviewed options include Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk and DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront.
How many hotels can I book in Jacksonville?
Destina Holidays currently lists 211 properties in and around Jacksonville, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
