As we soon turn the page to spring, Florida will be in even higher demand than those who sought out much-needed winter sun.
While certain Florida cities are cracking down on spring break shenanigans, such as Miami, others fully embrace a mix of family vacations and obnoxious college crowds.
Away from Miami, Destin, and the cluster of paradisal towns surrounding Tampa, there's one under-hyped city with beautiful beaches that somehow flies under the radar.
That would be none other than Jacksonville.
Believe it or not, Jacksonville welcomed 7.6 million travelers in 2024 — a new record for Florida's most underrated vacation spot.
Jacksonville: Florida's New Beach Hotspot
Jacksonville's football team may be about as talented as Uncle Rico, but don't let the disappointments on the gridiron steer you away from the city's top attractions.
Of the 7.6 million tourists who visited, a small percentage would come to see an NFL game anyway. Where Jacksonville really shines is the coast, but we'll get to downtown's delight too shortly…
If you're seeking a Florida escape (and who wouldn't?), there's no better time to make plans as springtime in Jacksonville is truly splendid.
Boasting consistent sunny weather anywhere from 75 to 87 degrees on average from March to May, what better way to put winter to bed?
Jacksonville is home to numerous beaches well worth visiting, whether it's simply to catch some rays or hit the waves paddle boarding or jet skiing or book an epic fishing excursion and exaggerate your big catch (we all do it!).
There are 22 miles of beautiful coastline, including rightfully named, Jacksonville Beach, and Amelia Island, named the best in the nation last year.
Many recent travelers rave about Neptune Beach, however. Shocked by how vibrant the white sands gleam, one recent beachgoer claimed, “If you go during low tide in the evening, there are little pools and a reflective surface that is great for pictures.”
Jacksonville's Luxe Resorts & Cozy Bed & Breakfasts
Jacksonville is home to numerous name-brand resorts too, many of are mere steps from the beach or at the very least offer sweeping ocean views.
TripAdvisor crowns Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island as Jacksonville's best, but Margaritaville Jacksonville is a steal of a deal.
Being so close to the Georgia line, you know Jacksonville has to have a bit of Southern flair.
If resorts aren't your jam, opt to go back in time by staying in one of the city's many cozy bed and breakfasts.
One such place is the top-rated The Dickert House Bed & Breakfast, set in a century-old home along St. John's River, another great spot for fishing and kayaking, among other water activities.
Jacksonville's Downtown Delights
When you think of visiting Florida's urban sprawls surely Orlando and Miami come to mind, but probably not Jacksonville.
While there are certainly no world-famous theme parks or Little Havana here, downtown Jacksonville will surprise you with numerous attractions to pique your interest.
A great starting point is the Riverwalk, offering scenic views of the vibrant skyline and flowing St. John's River as mentioned before.
For beer lovers, the Jax Ale Trail is a must to sample local brews, and for art lovers, it gets even better.
If you can time it right, make sure to check out the First Wednesday Art Walk and Riverside Arts Market (held on Saturdays), along with a handful of intriguing museums like Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the even more popular Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA Jacksonville), which is only $10 to enter.
More Flights Than Ever
As you've probably gathered, Jacksonville is a great way to experience a Florida beach city that feels much more authentic without the hordes of tourists, although it's certainly becoming more popular.
One key reason Jacksonville is seeing record-breaking tourism numbers is there are more flights here than ever, making it easy to reach from all over the country.
In case you missed it, the following cities are adding new flights to Jacksonville between February and May:
- Austin, Texas
- Akron, Ohio
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Toronto, Canada
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Lyra Dowanicza
Thursday 20th of February 2025
I haven't visited Florida because that's where the USA's village idiot owns a trashy holiday resort at Mar a Lago. So it sounds like Florida would only be a good place to visit if you are mentally ill.