Beaches & Waterways
With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation.
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More InfoCraving a bit of sunshine and a proper holiday? Swap the grey skies for golden sands in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s the perfect spot for a beachy escape with a bit of character.
Jacksonville trades the theme parks and tourist traps for something more genuine - a mix of beach town ease, Southern hospitality and creative energy that feels fresh and under the radar. It doesn't beg for attention. For UK travellers, it’s a chance to experience a side of Florida where the culture runs deeper, the pace is more relaxed and the discoveries feel personal.
This isn’t the Florida you’ve seen on postcards. It’s the Florida you’ll want to come back to.
Jacksonville isn’t defined by a city centre but by a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own rhythm and character. One moment you’re sipping coffee in a historic district, the next you're dining seaside with your feet in the sand. It’s a city built on contrast and that’s what makes exploring it so rewarding.
In Riverside Avondale, leafy streets and early 20th-century homes blend effortlessly with modern culture. Local breweries, indie cafés and the lively Riverside Arts Market bring this riverside neighbourhood to life. San Marco charms with its European-inspired square, lined with boutique shops, cafés and one of the country’s oldest community theaters. Out at the beaches, the pace shifts. Jacksonville Beach is lively and full of energy, Neptune Beach is mellow and walkable and Atlantic Beach balances the two with a mix of easygoing surf culture and stylish spots to eat, sip or stretch. Each area feels like its own world but they all come together to tell Jacksonville’s story.
Discover these neighbourhoods along with many others here.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just fancy a relaxed round in the sun, Jacksonville offers an impressive mix of golf experiences to suit all abilities. The region is home to beautifully maintained courses, from welcoming public layouts ideal for holiday play to world-class designs that have hosted top-level tournaments. Many are set among striking scenery creating a distinctly Floridian backdrop for your game. With year-round sunshine and cooling coastal breezes, it’s a brilliant choice for UK travellers looking to swap grey skies for greens and fairways.
Check out Florida's First Coast of Golf packages to help you plan your perfect golf getaway.
Craving a breath of fresh air and a break from the crowds? Jacksonville offers a wilder, more laid-back side of Florida. With over 80,000 acres of parks, reserves and waterways, it's a dream for walkers, birdwatchers and paddlers alike. Stroll through oak-lined trails, glide past herons and turtles in a kayak or relax on over 35 kilometers of uncrowded beaches where it’s just you and the sea breeze. Take a drive up Heckscher Drive and you’ll find a stretch of untamed coastline that feels like a hidden gem. Little Talbot Island boasts windswept dunes and forested trails, while nearby Boneyard Beach is scattered with towering driftwood, more like a film set than a sun spot.
Hanna Park blends adventure and relaxation with mountain biking trails, a peaceful lake for kayaking and beachfront camping. Dutton Island Preserve offers an easy, scenic escape with boardwalks and tidal creeks, while Huguenot Memorial Park lets you drive right onto the beach. It’s the kind of wild, open-air Florida that feels both unexpected and unforgettable.
Find your outdoor adventure in Jax!
Culture in Jacksonville reveals itself as you go - painted on buildings, playing from stages and rooted in local stories. Downtown’s Art in Public Places programme has turned alleyways and blank walls into vibrant murals, while the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA) offers contemporary exhibitions and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens combines fine art with beautifully landscaped gardens along the St. Johns River. Live music is part of the fabric too, from the Jacksonville Symphony’s film score nights and the city-wide buzz of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival each May, to the lively nightlife and entertainment found in between.
Beyond these distinctive neighbourhood arts scenes, Jacksonville comes alive year-round with events worth travelling for. From free music festivals and art walks to professional sports and cultural celebrations, there is a trip worthy event waiting for you. Whether you're chasing adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, Jacksonville is calling.
Jacksonville’s food scene is a bit of a hidden gem - laid-back, full of character and packed with delicious surprises. One day you might be digging into slow-cooked Southern favourites like smoky brisket or creamy mac and cheese, the next you’re sampling sushi, wood-fired pizza or inventive vegan fare.
Seafood is the standout here, especially shrimp. Jacksonville’s local variety, Mayport shrimp, is sweet, plump and prepared in every way imaginable. Follow the self-guided Mayport Shrimp & Seafood Trail to taste it all.
Beer lovers can explore the Jax Ale Trail, with more than two dozen craft breweries pouring everything from hazy IPAs to smooth stouts.
And for early risers (or sweet-toothed travellers), the Jax Coffee & Donuts Trail is a fun way to try the city’s best coffee and pastries. Plus, you can even earn prizes as you go. Jacksonville’s flavour-packed food scene is well worth the detour. Each neighbourhood offers its own unexpected culinary gems, just waiting to be discovered.
Here are some friendly tips to help make the most of your trip.
Beaches & Waterways
With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation.
Golf in Jacksonville
Jacksonville and its surrounding areas boast world-class golf courses for every level of play in beautiful ocean-side and riverfront settings.
Soul of Surf
Welcome to Jacksonville's Beaches, where surfing is more than a sport - it's a way of life.
Top 25 Attractions in Jacksonville
With so much to see and do in Jax, we want to guide you to Jacksonville's must-do attractions.
Food & Drink
Get those taste buds ready for a new delicious experience only in Jacksonville.
