Jacksonville is located in the north east section of Florida only 30 minutes from the beach. There is no admission charge for visiting the beaches (Jacksonville, Atlantic, Neptune and Ponte Vedra). You’ll need to plan ahead to find free parking and may have to take a shuttle bus to your destination. Any hassle you may encounter with parking will be soon forgotten once you see the beautiful white sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. You’ll join beachgoers who are on vacation and those who call the beach their hometown. Together you’ll enjoy the fun of swimming (life guards are present on most beaches during the summer months), walking, beach combing, jogging, bike riding, surfing, riding boogie boards, building sand castles, throwing Frisbees and during certain hours even pets on a leash are welcome. No vehicles are allowed on most of the North Florida beaches. Beach lovers, volunteers and local residents help to keep the beach litter free and safe. Whether you spend all day on the beach or just a few hours, the memory will be worthy of writing in your journal or describing in a postcard home.
The current site of Jacksonville was chosen back in 1871 as a popular shallow and narrow spot in the 310-mile long St. Johns River. Definitely not a vacation spot back then, it was originally known as Cowford. The river adds beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents of Jacksonville alike. Along both sides of the riverfront in downtown Jacksonville have boardwalks that afford leisure strolls past hotels, restaurants, marinas and businesses. Sprinkled along the way are statutes, benches and plenty of photo opportunities. On weekends, music fills the air from sidewalk musicians, overflowing from outdoor patios and free concerts in the open courtyard of the Landing, a shopping and dining complex on the north bank of the St. Johns.
Jacksonville is proud to have a segment of the Rails to Trails system running west to Baldwin, Florida. The unused railroad track has been removed and paved to create a multiple use path for cycling, walking, and horseback riding. Although the 15-mile trail is relatively flat, it traverses a variety of wetlands and hardwood forests. The trail is clearly marked and does not require a guide to follow. Also enjoying the trail from time to time are rabbits, gopher tortoises, alligators and snakes. Florida has several varieties of poisonous snakes so caution is warranted. Much of the path is shaded by trees which are home to many interesting birds including hawks and kingfishers. Use of the trail is a free activity, but you must supply your own energy to have fun.
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is a welcoming place to visit and soak up the beauty of art and nature. Entrance to the Cummer is free on Tuesdays from 4pm – 9pm. Several of the galleries open to a well-established garden along the river. A portion of the garden is based on the formal English garden and the other is modeled after Italian gardens. Both are in the shade of huge oak trees. The Cummer artwork includes porcelain, paintings and prints with frequent visiting exhibits. The atmosphere is quiet and encourages leisurely meandering and reflection – a welcome change from a hectic vacation chocked with all the activity recommended by the usual journal or magazine.
