Leisure and Tourism Tips
Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the U.S. and sits on Florida’s northeastern coast. With deep historical roots, beautiful beaches, and a diverse cultural scene, it draws visitors from all over. Founded in 1822 with strong naval ties, Jacksonville has evolved into a thriving cultural hub—home to art, music, outdoor adventure, and more. Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, or someone just looking to relax by the sea, Jacksonville has something for you.
Here’s your guide to exploring this dynamic city, where the charm of the past meets the energy of the present.
History & Culture: Dive into Jacksonville’s Past
Jacksonville is filled with rich and surprising heritage. Influenced by Indigenous peoples, European settlers, and centuries of social change, the city invites you to explore its unique historical and cultural experiences. Here are some top spots:
Fort Caroline National Memorial
This site commemorates the first French colony in America, established in the 16th century. Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, the memorial offers scenic views, hiking trails, and historical exhibits that bring the past to life.
Museum of Science & History (MOSH)
Located downtown by the river, MOSH features interactive exhibits on natural history, science, and the growth of Jacksonville. Don’t miss the planetarium—an exciting stop for visitors of all ages.
Riverside Avondale Historic District
This neighborhood combines early 20th-century charm with modern flair. Tree-lined streets, historic mansions, coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants make it ideal for a relaxed urban stroll.
Kingsley Plantation
Part of the Timucuan Preserve, this historic site gives visitors a glimpse into the history of slavery and plantation life in the American South. Tour the plantation house, slave quarters, and learn about the African and European influences that shaped the region.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Home to more than 5,000 artworks, the museum blends world-class collections with breathtaking riverside gardens. It’s a peaceful spot where art and nature coexist.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum
Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood, the Ritz celebrates Jacksonville’s African American heritage through exhibits on music, civil rights, and local legends.
Old St. Andrews Church
Dating back to 1887, this restored Gothic Revival church now serves as a cultural venue and historic landmark in the heart of the city.
Mandarin Museum and Historical Society
This small museum in the Mandarin neighborhood offers a look at life in 19th-century Jacksonville. It includes the former home of author Harriet Beecher Stowe, who lived in the area after the Civil War.
Beaches & Outdoors: A Natural Paradise
With over 22 miles of shoreline, Jacksonville’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Whether you’re into water sports, relaxing under the sun, or catching a sunset, there’s a beach for you.
Jacksonville Beach
The most popular beach, featuring white sand, a scenic fishing pier, and plenty of beachfront dining.
Neptune Beach
Quieter and more residential, great for relaxing walks and low-key beach days.
Atlantic Beach
A blend of nature and urban charm, with trails, restaurants, and boutique shopping.
Huguenot Memorial Park
Ideal for birdwatching, camping, and kayaking—plus, you can drive on the beach!
Little Talbot Island State Park
One of Florida’s most pristine beach parks, perfect for hiking, picnics, and peaceful escapes.
Mayport Beach
Less crowded and located near the Mayport Naval Station, this beach offers a local vibe and easy ferry access.
Ponte Vedra Beach (fica ao sul de Jacksonville, mas muito próxima)
Technically south of Jacksonville, it’s known for luxury, golf at TPC Sawgrass, and shark tooth hunting.
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Offers beach access plus history and nature all in one spot.
Hanna Park (Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park)
A hidden gem with 1.5 miles of beach, a freshwater lake, trails, and camping.
Parks & Trails: Nature at Your Fingertips
Jacksonville is one of the top cities in the U.S. for public green space. From forested trails to manicured gardens, there’s no shortage of natural escapes.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
This preserve is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic views. It’s also home to Kingsley Plantation, adding historical context to the natural beauty.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
With over 2,000 animals and themed gardens, this family-friendly destination blends conservation and fun. A great place to learn and explore.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Located near the beach, Hanna Park offers an incredible blend of forest and sea. It features over 30 kilometers of biking and hiking trails, a lake for kayaking, and designated camping areas. It’s a popular spot among surfers and outdoor adventurers.
Big Talbot Island State Park
Known for Boneyard Beach, where sun-bleached trees line the shore, this park also offers nature trails through salt marshes and hardwood forests.
Tree Hill Nature Center
A small educational center with trails, wildlife exhibits, and a farm animal area—perfect for kids and families to connect with nature.
St. Johns River: Jacksonville’s Natural Heart
Flowing through the city from north to south, the St. Johns River is a defining feature of Jacksonville. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, boat tours, or a peaceful riverside walk. The scenic views at sunset are unforgettable, and riverfront parks provide an easy way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city.
Shopping in Jacksonville: Style, Convenience & Local Finds
Whether you’re after national brands, artisan goods, or one-of-a-kind boutiques, Jacksonville has you covered.
St. Johns Town Center
An open-air shopping and dining destination, home to upscale brands and popular restaurants. Great for a full-day outing.
River City Marketplace
Conveniently located near the airport, this shopping center has major retailers and dining spots, ideal for travelers or quick stops.
Riverside and Five Points
These areas are perfect for those looking for a more alternative shopping experience. With local shops, vintage stores, bookstores, and handmade items, the atmosphere is relaxed and full of character.
Jacksonville Farmers Market
One of the city’s most traditional markets, ideal for those who want to buy fresh produce, local products, and experience the region’s authentic flavors. It’s a great place to stroll, taste, and support local farmers and vendors.
Cuisine: Diverse and Delicious Flavors
Jacksonville boasts an ever-evolving food scene that blends local tastes with global influences. Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city is known for its abundance of fresh seafood—think shrimp, crab, and oysters—served in mouthwatering dishes along its beautiful coast.
Fresh Seafood
With easy access to the ocean, Jacksonville is a paradise for seafood lovers. Don’t miss local favorites like shrimp and grits and other coastal specialties served in cozy waterfront restaurants.
International Cuisine
The city’s culinary diversity reflects its multicultural population. You’ll find authentic dishes from around the world, including African, Caribbean, Latin American, and Italian cuisine. It’s a true journey of flavors!
Local Drinks and Craft Brews
Jacksonville is home to a growing number of craft breweries and artisan coffee shops. Be sure to try a local beer while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the city’s bars and restaurants.
Sports and Entertainment: Excitement for Everyone
If you’re a sports fan, Jacksonville won’t disappoint. The city is home to the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as the Jacksonville Giants basketball team and the Jacksonville Icemen hockey team. The TIAA Bank Field, where the Jaguars play, is one of the city’s top venues for major sporting events.
In addition to regular games, Jacksonville hosts large-scale sports events like the Florida-Georgia football game—one of the biggest college football rivalries in the country. For thrill-seekers, the Tequesta Running Festival offers a great way to explore Jacksonville’s scenic routes.
Must-Attend Annual Events
Jacksonville Jazz Festival
When: May
Description: One of the largest jazz festivals in the U.S., this event features performances by renowned artists and brings a vibrant energy to the entire city.
Florida-Georgia Game
When: October
Description: This iconic college football rivalry is one of the biggest sporting events in Jacksonville, attracting fans from all over the country.
Georgia-Florida Weekend
When: October
Description: A high-energy weekend filled with games, parties, and celebrations that light up Jacksonville every year.
Light Boat Parade
When: December
Description: A magical parade of boats decorated with holiday lights on the St. Johns River—a festive tradition that brings holiday cheer to the city.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Jacksonville
Best Time to Visit
Jacksonville has a mild climate year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant and the weather is dry. Summers can be hot and humid—ideal if you’re planning to enjoy the beaches.
Transportation
Jacksonville is a large city, but public transportation, including buses and the Skyway monorail system, makes it easy to get around. Renting a car is also a good option if you want to explore the beaches and surrounding areas more freely.
Weather and Climate
Jacksonville has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days.
- In spring (March to May), temperatures range from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C), perfect for outdoor activities.
- Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures between 77°F and 95°F (25°C to 35°C), making it great for beach and water fun.
- Fall (September to November) brings cooler, drier weather, with temperatures from 64°F to 82°F (18°C to 28°C), ideal for walking and outdoor events.
- Winters (December to February) are mild, averaging between 41°F and 68°F (5°C to 20°C). Though rare, frost or light snow may occur on some cold mornings—a surprising yet possible phenomenon. Overall, Jacksonville offers pleasant weather almost any time of the year.
Fun Facts About Jacksonville
- Known as the “City of a Million Trees,” Jacksonville stands out for its lush green spaces spread throughout the city.
- The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is home to over 2,000 animal species, making it one of Florida’s most popular zoos.
- The city has one of the largest public art collections in the state, with sculptures, murals, and installations across its parks, streets, and squares.
- Jacksonville is one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. It offers great quality of life, sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of leisure options—all at a lower cost of living than many other major cities in Florida. With growing infrastructure and solid educational and professional opportunities, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to live well and spend less.
Now that you know a little more about what this city has to offer, how about thinking of ways to make the most of it? You can have the incredible experience of being an international student in Jacksonville and truly immerse yourself in American culture. Find out how to make this dream a reality and turn your stay into something unforgettable!
Want to Stay Longer in Jacksonville to Experience the Culture and Learn English?
In addition to exploring all that Jacksonville has to offer, why not take the opportunity to level up your English? Studying in the U.S. not only improves your communication skills but also allows you to fully experience American culture for more than six months, build valuable connections for networking, and unlock incredible career opportunities. And the best part: you can bring your family with you! Here’s how:
- From Your Home Country: Choose an accredited school that accepts international students on an F1 Visa. Once enrolled, you’ll receive the I-20 form needed to apply for the visa at your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Change of Status from Tourist to Student F1: If you’re already in the U.S. on a tourist visa and want to stay longer to study, you can change your status to an F1 student visa. Just choose an accredited school like MILA and start the process!
Where Can You Study in Jacksonville?
MILA is an accredited school with over 10 years of experience in the United States, specializing in welcoming international students. With more than 30 years of history in the education field, we’ve already served thousands of students from over 50 different nationalities—and you could be next! We are located in the best area of Jacksonville. We offer flexible classes, up to 4 months of vacation, and the possibility of bringing your family to live this unforgettable experience. Our schools provide full language immersion through a communicative methodology and advanced technology that encourages students to speak English fluently and independently. Studying English and living in the U.S. has never been easier!
Get in touch with our team and find out how to turn your dream into reality. Come to MILA Jacksonville!
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