Florida Vacations In Jacksonville
by: Rose Lenk
Situated in the northeastern portion of Florida, lies one of the
gems of the state and a popular vacation destination:
Jacksonville. Far from being just an urban destination,
Jacksonville offers a unique vacationing experience complete
with beaches, natural attraction, museums, wildlife exhibits and
other tourist attractions.
Shimmering beaches, golf courses to die for, breathtaking state
parks, intimate bed and breakfasts and enough shops to make
even the most devout shopaholic faint, are some of the reasons
that Jacksonville, Florida is a perfect vacation getaway. Whether
you are looking to get away from it all or just want to soak up a
few rays, Jacksonville has something to offer everyone.
Jacksonville is nestled in Florida's northeast region which is
known for its diversity. Featuring cool mineral springs,
breathtaking lakes, lush forests, and a string of beaches, the
Jacksonville area is a beacon for those looking for a memorable
vacation.
In Northeast Florida beaches stretch for more than 100 miles
along the Atlantic Coast. Some of the most popular beaches are
Amelia Island and Fernandina which consist of approximately 13
miles of stunningly beautiful beaches. If you enjoy surfing,
windsurfing, fishing and camping, Huguenot Memorial Park is a
great beach for these activities.
Here are just a few more of the many activities to be found in
Jacksonville:
St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the oldest city in America and was
founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez. One of the main attractions
of St. Augustine is the old for that sits near the bridge of the lions.
This fort is centuries old and in great condition. While walking
through the stone corridors and gazing the rooftop, which used to
boast of powerful cannons used to protect the fort, one can get a
glimpse of history and almost imagine what it was like to live at
the fort during the height of its glory.
Guana River State Park. This 2,000 acre preserve is a perfect
spot for your family to enjoy picnicking, biking, fishing and hiking.
Anastasia State Recreation Area. This bird sanctuary consists of
1,700 acres of ancient oaks, five miles of beach, spectacular
sand dunes and tidal marshes which are a perfect backdrop for
camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, swimming, windsurfing and
fishing. Here you can learn to windsurf from the professionals
and take a canoe trip along the banks of Salt run.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. The Cummer museum
features an award-winning collection of classical art, traveling
displays, breathtaking riverside gardens and a children's learning
center.
Downtown. Downtown Jacksonville boasts of the world-famous
Landing, an intricate web of shops and eateries where local
entertainment and special celebrations are held. Also downtown
you will find Alltel Stadium, home of the Jaguars; Veterans
Memorial Coliseum where many events such as circuses,
concerts, and monster truck shows are held; Wolfson park, home
of the Jacksonville Suns baseball team; and Met Park, an
amphitheater that plays home to many concerts. Jacksonville
also hosts the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Junior
Orchestra. And at the Florida Theatre you can see many
Broadway plays as well as shows from stars such as David
Copperfield and the Nutcracker Ballet during the Christmas
season.
As you can see from these few examples, there is no chance that
you will get bored on your next vacation getaway if you choose
Jacksonville, Florida as your destination. From a round of golf to
lazing away on the beach or touring one of the many nature
preserves, the Jacksonville area has something to please even
the most finicky heart.