Are you thinking about visiting Jacksonville, Florida? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Jacksonville worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to three days because of the many great activities. Located in northeastern Florida, Jacksonville has a young population and a fun atmosphere. While it's often overlooked by tourists, the city has a lot to offer. There are fascinating museums, relaxing beaches, and a local food scene with unique flavors.
Jacksonville, Florida
Reasons to Visit Jacksonville
Museums
The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.
Food
Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.
Nightlife
The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.
Beaches
There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.
Shopping
There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.
Authenticity
Jacksonville has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Jacksonville worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Jacksonville. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Jacksonville is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, browse through museums, and discover the big city activities. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Jacksonville
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Is Jacksonville worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Jacksonville. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Jacksonville
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| November | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 13°C (56°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Jacksonville worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 12°C (53°F).
Winter is the shoulder season for travel in Jacksonville, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you can experience the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Jacksonville
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 12°C (53°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| February | 13°C (56°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| March | 17°C (62°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Jacksonville worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the high season for travel in Jacksonville, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Jacksonville
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 20°C (68°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (74°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| June | 27°C (80°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Jacksonville
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Jacksonville might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Jacksonville here or see if Jacksonville is expensive here.
Related
What is Jacksonville most famous for?
Jacksonville is most famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is often described as lively, youthful, fun, vibrant, and under-rated.
What is the most famous sight in Jacksonville?
The most popular sight in Jacksonville is Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Jacksonville on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and other attractions here.
How touristy is Jacksonville? Is it a popular city to visit?
Jacksonville is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $41
- Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
- Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
- The Avondale Culinary Tour (Jacksonville/Strolling): $145
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek: $60
- Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida: $48
- Half-Day City Tour in Downtown Jacksonville: $96
- Florida Backroads E-Bike Tour: $100
How long should I spend in Jacksonville?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Jacksonville is two to three days. Since Jacksonville has activities such as dining, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Jacksonville?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Jacksonville?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Jacksonville?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.