History

The first human settlement of Jacksonville dates back thousands of years ago before the Europeans arrived. Timucuan Indians inhabited the place, then later by Mocama, a coastal subgroup of Timucuan tribe.

In 1562, the first group of Europeans arrived in the area, when Jean Ribault together with other settlers explored St. Johns Rivers. Years later, the French moved north of St. Johns and founded Fort Caroline. However, the French settlement ended when the Spanish came and occupied Fort Caroline in 1565.

The Spanish ruled present day Jacksonville for almost 200 years until Spain surrendered the territory to Great Britain. Spanish conquistadors left the area and took with them the remaining Timucua people. Since then, the small town’s economy and population grew.

The community of Jacksonville was chartered as a town in 1832 and as a city in 1859. The newly established City of Jacksonville grew with the development of railroad, lumber and farming industry. The development of railway system paved way for tourists to visit Jacksonville’s beautiful beaches. Hotels and beach resorts were built to accommodate the growing number of visitors who seek the city’s warm climate and pristine beaches.

Jacksonville suffered tragic downfalls, but the city was able to rise up. Today, Jacksonville is one of the most visited holiday destination in Florida offering exciting things to see and do for visitors. With its booming economy, the city offers upscale lifestyle for entrepreneurs and individuals alike.

Getting There

Getting to Jacksonville, Florida is easy via air and car travel.

By plane

Jacksonville International Airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines and more with direct flights to and from United State cities and other countries.

By bus

Greyhound offers bus service to Jacksonville and other Florida cities and destinations.

By car

Jacksonville is accessible via I-95, north and south.

Weather

Jacksonville features a subtropical climate with hot summer and mild winter.

July is the warmest month of the year with an average high temperature of 92° F while January is the coolest month with average low of 41° F.

Summer season in Jacksonville tends to be wetter with heavy precipitation during September; 7.28 inches rainfall on average.

What to Wear

For summer months:

• light cotton dresses
• shorts
• skirts
• light jacket
• tank top
• cotton shirts
• flip flops
• sandals
• walking shoes
• swimsuit
• cover-up
• hat
• sunglasses
• sunblock
• lip moisturizer

For winter months:

• long pants
• light jacket
• linen dresses
• shorts
• cotton shirts
• close shoes
• hat
• sunglasses

Fishing

Jacksonville offers an array of fishing options for anglers to explore throughout the year. Anytime of the year professional and novice anglers can fish Jacksonville’s turquoise beaches, lakes, rivers and nearby Atlantic ocean.

Both freshwater and saltwater fishing in Jacksonville provide great catch depending on the water condition and fish you want to catch. Whether you want to fish the shallow waters, grass flats, docks, bridges, creeks, ponds and beaches, Jacksonville has it all.

Fishing types and techniques in Jacksonville:

• inshore fishing
• fly fishing
• offshore fishing
• light tackle fishing
• backwater fishing
• deep sea fishing

What to catch in Jacksonville fishing:

• Amberjack
• Black Drum
• Barracuda
• Bluefish
• Cobia
• Dolphin
• Flounder
• Grouper
• Jack Crevelle
• Kingfish
• King Mackerel
• Ladyfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Panfish
• Permit
• Red Drum
• Tarpon
• Trout
• Sailfish
• Shark
• Sheepshead
• Snook
• Wahoo

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

January – Barracuda, Bonito, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, Snapper & Wahoo

February – Amberjack, Barracuda, Bonito, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper & Snapper

March – Amberjack, Barracuda, Bonito, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper & Snapper
April – Amberjack, Barracuda, Cobia, Dolphin, Mackerel, Marlin, Snapper & Yellowfin Tuna

May – Barracuda, Mackerel, Marlin, Wahoo & Yellowfin Tuna

June – Barracuda, Dolphin, Marlin, Wahoo & Yellowfin Tuna

July – Barracuda, Dolphin, Marlin, Shark & Yellowfin Tuna

August – Barracuda, Marlin, Shark & Yellowfin Tuna

September – Barracuda, Bonito & Shark

October – Barracuda, Bonito & Mackerel

November – Amberjack, Barracuda, Bonito, Cobia, Grouper, Mackerel, Snapper & Wahoo

December – Amberjack, Barracuda, Bonito, Cobia, Dolphin, Grouper, Mackerel, Snapper & Wahoo

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING

• Appropriate attire for the weather
• Hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Camera
• Food & snacks
• Drinks
• Sunscreen
• Fishing equipment (optional)
• Extra clothes
• Disposable hand towel

Attractions and Activities

Jacksonville is home to limitless leisure activities and interesting sights for kids and adults. With year-round warm climate and stretches of pristine beaches, Jacksonville is a perfect destination for family vacation, weekend getaway and romantic holidays.

The city’s fusion of cultural and natural beauty attract visitors of every interest. Whether you prefer beach fun, shopping, nightly entertainment, history and the arts, Jacksonville has something for you.

Historical, Arts and Cultural Attractions:

• Museum of Science and History
• Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
• Castillo de San Marcos
• Florida Theater
• Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
• Times Union Center for Performing Arts
• Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville
• Thomas H. Jacobsen Gallery of American Art
• Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery

Shopping Centers:

• Regency Square
• Avonlea Antique Mall
• Kara Bazma
• Office Depot
• Avenues Mall
• Riverside Arts Market
• St. Johns Town Center
• Sweet Pete’s
• Jacksonville Landing

Parks and Gardens:

• Fort Caroline National Memorial
• Jacksonville Zoological Gardens
• Tree Hill Nature Center
• Camp Milton Historical Preserve
• Metropolitan Park and Marina
• Little Talbot Island State Park
• Huguenot Memorial Park
• Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
• Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park

Outdoor Activities:

• Golfing
• Walking
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Eco tours
• Camping
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Wakeboarding
• Swimming
• Biking
• Shopping
• Bird watching
• Fishing
• Sailing

Where to Stay

Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel
Address: 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.cpjacksonville.com/

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Address: 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.jacksonville.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

Omni Hotels & Resorts
Address: 245 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.omnihotels.com/findahotel/jacksonville.aspx

Comfort Suites
Address: 7019 Commonwealth Avenue , Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.comfortsuitesjax.com/

The Inn at Oak Street
Address: 2114 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.innatoakstreet.com/

St. John’s House
Address: 1718 Osceola Street, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:

Home

Dickert House Bed & Breakfast
Address: 1804 Copeland Street, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.dickert-house.net/

Florida Beach Front Vacation Rentals
Address: 151 Sawgrass Corners Suite 200, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://vacationrentalpros.com/

Florida Club Deerwood
Address: 4890 Florida Club Circle, Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.floridaclub.net/

America’s Best Value Inn
Address: 10901 Harts Rd., Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit this link:
http://res.motelplanet.com/hotel/propertydetails/201243/;jsessionid=8A3A3A519238780CB2033D6855FA4DD4.tn09tc03?currencyCode=USD&additionalDataString=vrBookingSource|hotInfo&locale=en_us_US&cid=240929#

Where to Eat

Kickbacks Gastropub
Address: 910 King St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.kickbacksgastropub.com/

Crab Cake Factory
Address: 1396 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.crabcakefactoryjax.net/
Chart House
Address: 1501 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.chart-house.com/

French Pantry
Address: 6301 Powers Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32217
For more information, visit this link:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-french-pantry-jacksonville

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Address: 1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/7200/Jacksonville/Riverfront

Moon River Pizza
Address: 1176 Edgewood Ave S., Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.moonriverpizza.net/

European Street Cafe
Address: 1704 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://europeanstreet.com/Home.aspx

Tom & Betty’s
Address: 4409 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.tomandbettys.com/main.html

Morton’s the Steakhouse
Address: 1510 Riverplace Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.mortons.com/jacksonville/

Dave & Busters
Address: 7025 Salisbury Rd., Jacksonville, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.daveandbusters.com/