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Whether visiting for a business trip or family getaway, Jacksonville offers the perfect destination for a weekend trip. With a prime spot on the Atlantic Ocean, this large city in northeastern Florida has everything a traveler needs to spend an unforgettable weekend. Jacksonville offers a great combination of urban environments and natural landscapes. As the largest city in Florida (by land area), Jacksonville has a wide selection of choices for visitors. Here are a few tips for visiting Jacksonville like a pro. This article will focus on the best places to eat, stay and some fun things to do.
Where to Stay
As one of the more popular destinations in the southeastern United States, Jacksonville has a host of first-class accommodations. The Hyatt Regency Riverfront is a great choice for visitors requiring a more refined and luxurious visit to this beautiful city. The Hyatt Regency has prime real estate across the street from the Main Street Bridge. This hotel is only a short walk from downtown and has a range of spacious rooms from which to choose. Rooms in this hotel average $150 per night. Prices may vary on weekends or special holidays.
Visitors who prefer a spot on the beach should consider staying at the One Ocean Resort and Spa. This stunning hotel rests on Atlantic Beach with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding area. The One Ocean Resort has an attached spa where guests can relax and receive treatments from a long list of options. This resort includes several amenities to make their guests feel more relaxed and welcome. The One Ocean resort only charges slightly more than the Hyatt Regency at an average $175 per night. The extra cost is certainly worth the proximity to the beach and other accommodations for those who prefer the location.
What to Do
Jacksonville is a bustling city that sees as many tourists per year as permanent residents. While not as tropical as the Florida Keys, Jax is still well equipped with a sprawling metropolis, a perfect location on the Atlantic, and plenty of natural land surrounding, this city has a host of fun activities for visitors. Golf has become a popular sport in Florida because of the number of retirees and great weather experienced throughout the year. Bent Creek and Windsor Parke are two of the most popular in the Jacksonville area, as well as, several courses hosted by the famous Hampton.golf. Visitors will be happy to find discounted prices for travelers.
When not relaxing on the beach or going for a walk through the parks, visitors should head into the city of Jacksonville to experience the city’s vibrant culture. The Thrasher-Horne Center is an excellent place to see comedy shows, concerts, and even national productions. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers a wide array of African and local animals as well as lush gardens. Visitors can also head to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens to enjoy pieces ranging from ancient to modern times. There are also sporting venues for visitors who want to see a professional football game or several minor league teams.
Where to Eat
River and Post is a spacious, open-air restaurant with a rooftop bar, that features elegant selections such as ruffled steak tartare and blue crab beignets. This restaurant was opened by the acclaimed chef Elizabeth Arana, who spent some time on the Food Network hit show Door Knock Dinners. For a more down-to-earth and relaxed dining experience, visitors can head to Gilbert’s Social where the cuisine is truer to the Floridian roots. 13 Gypsies is a great option for those looking for Mediterranean-inspired options. Good Dough is the hub for everyone with an insatiable sweet tooth. This bakery offers pastries and doughnuts made completely from scratch.
Your Visit To Jacksonville
Jacksonville may not be as famous as some of it’s Florida cousins, but that doesn’t mean you should glance it over. Jax has all of the perks you’d expect from a beach-front city, without the high prices you typically find. But this won’t be forever, the words getting out about the best-kept secret in the south.
