04/26/2010

 

Jacksonville is "Where Florida Begins"
Discover a Hidden Gem on Northeast Florida's Coast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville covers 848 square miles and as the largest city in the contiguous United States, its activities are as wide and diverse as the landscape itself. From unspoiled beaches and preserved salt marshes and creeks only reachable by foot or kayak to a Downtown urban core with a burgeoning arts and culture scene, there is something for everyone. Visitors will also discover incredible shopping, numerous dining options and warm Southern hospitality creating the perfect experience. Make plans to get to know Jacksonville. Where Florida Begins.

Getting Here
Just 15 minutes from Downtown and with over 200 daily arrivals and departures, Jacksonville International Airport links Northeast Florida with cities across the United States and beyond.  The region is also served by two commuter airports, AMTRAK and national bus lines.  Interstate 10 enters the city from the west, while Interstate 95 provides a north-south corridor through the heart of town, crossing the St. Johns River. 

Playing Here
With a moderate temperature year round, Jacksonville offers plenty to see and do.  Jacksonville boasts more than 20 miles of coastline, exceptional golf courses, numerous festivals, national and international sporting events and world-class art and culture.  The natural surroundings make outdoor activities a regular component of the Jacksonville lifestyle, from hiking and biking the many recreational trails to kayaking and boating the salt marshes, lakes and waterways.  With over 111,600 acres of parks to explore, Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the country, protecting the natural beauty of the area for all visitors to enjoy.

With a diverse demographic and the youngest average age found in Florida's metropolitan areas, sundown in Jacksonville sheds light on an exceptional dining and nightlife scene in Northeast Florida.  Enjoy rustic southern cuisine at a creek-side fish camp, a bistro meal prepared by a James Beard-nominated chef or choose from menus with international flair. And the night continues to heat up with options to dance the night away, take in a spoken word performance or sip a cool drink from a casual bar.

Staying Here
With more than 18,000 guest rooms conveniently located throughout the city, visitors to Jacksonville will have a comfortable place to lay their heads after a full day of sightseeing.  Whether seeking upscale resort settings, luxury waterfront accommodations, hotels with the comforts of home or historic bed & breakfast inns, the Jacksonville area has lodging options to suit every taste and budget. 

Find out more about creating your own adventures in Northeast Florida and call Visit Jacksonville at (800) 733-2668 or go to the Visit Jacksonville website.

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Visit Jacksonville is the marketing organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Northeast Florida.  Along with its nearly 400 tourism partners, Visit Jacksonville stimulates economic impact, quality of life and recognition for the Northeast Florida region.  For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.visitjacksonville.com.