If you are headed to Florida any time soon you will want to make sure you don’t miss out on spending a little time in Jacksonville, a seaport city located in Duval County.
Jacksonville, which is known as Jax to the locals, is one of the largest cities by area in the United States and has something for just about everyone. From historic districts to bustling nightlife, Jacksonville is full of historic charm and liveliness.
What to Know About Traveling To Jacksonville Florida
Jacksonville has a stretch of beautiful beaches and a lot of great destinations and activities for vacationers that are looking to have a fun beachfront experience. Even if you are not looking to spend your days on those sandy beaches, Jacksonville is full of history, sports, golfing experiences, live music, and so much more.
Before you head out to Jacksonville, here are a few things you will want to keep in mind and a few facts that make Jacksonville such a special place.
It’s Humid and Can Get Hot During the Summer Months.
Weather in Jacksonville is mild during the winter months but when summer hits, the area is hot and humid like much of the South Atlantic region.
During the summer months the temperatures in Jacksonville can get anywhere from 92-110 degrees. The heat and extremely high humidity in Jacksonville can cause pop up thunderstorms to erupt at any time throughout the summer so you will always want to be prepared to stay dry.
You Don’t Have to Worry too Much About Hurricanes.
While Jacksonville has experienced hurricane conditions from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville has had the least amount of damage from hurricanes than most other coastal cities.
Most hurricanes pass to the north or south but can still bring a lot of rain to the area. Between the pop-up thunderstorms to the passing hurricanes, rainfall averages can be around 50 inches a year with the seasonal rainfall happening most during warmest months (May – September).
Jacksonville is Full of Historic Destinations.
If you are a bit of a history buff, Jacksonville is home to some of the best designated historic districts in Florida, and each includes a variety of difference historic destinations you will want to see.
The historic Springfield district, which is located just north of Downtown, is the oldest neighborhood in Jacksonville and was once considered home to some of the wealthiest residents and film stars. Today, as you visit the district, you will be in awe as you visit the beautifully restored mansions and some of the city’s oldest parks. Historic Riverside & Avondale offer fabulous dining, trendy boutiques, and lots of antique shopping with a mix of history, culture, and charm.
Jacksonville Had an Impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
Through the Civil Rights movement, activists like Douglas Anderson, Joseph E. Lee, and Clara White dedicated their lives to the equal rights of all in Jacksonville. In fact, in the 1950’s, the J.P. Small Stadium was one of the first racially integrated baseball teams in the South Atlantic League and the state of Florida.
In 1922, Douglas Anderson led the effort of the Duval County School Board to build a public school for African Americans as well as free bus transportation service. Clara and Eartha White were helpful when it came to bringing in professional and amateur musicians.
These are just a few examples of how Jacksonville helped bring racial equality to the area. During your visit to Jacksonville, visiting the Civil Rights landmarks and learning the history should be on your list of things to do.
Friendship Fountain is the most Recognizable Landmark in Jacksonville.
Blasting over 6,000 gallons of water every minute, that reaches up to 100 feet in the air, Friendship Fountain is a massive fountain that is a must-see attraction in Jacksonville.
Many tourists and local residents enjoy seeing the fountain’s illuminated mist with multicolor lights that makes the Friendship Fountain look like a rainbow. Being one of the most recognizable landmarks, if you ask anyone who lives in Jacksonville, they will probably tell you that is should be one of the first stops as you experience Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is Named After a President of the United States.
Jacksonville, Florida is named after Andrew Jackson, who was the 7th president of the United States and served as the U.S. military commissioner of Florida before he became president. To honor his ties to Florida, they named the city after him well before he became president. It’s a great place to visit if you’re yearning to teach your kids about President’s Day.
Jacksonville Has the Largest Urban Park System in the U.S.
Throughout the city you will find that Jacksonville has many national parks, city parks, as well as state parks within the city limits. In fact, Jacksonville parks make up more than 80,000 acres throughout the city and several parks around the city have received international recognition for their beauty.
Jacksonville is always a beautiful city to visit and it’s the perfect destination to see year-round. The urban metropolis is full of coastal charm with charming shops located throughout the city, a fun nightlife, beautiful beaches, world-renowned golf courses, and more.
