![]() ![]() TIME Eastern Standard Time STATE Florida REGION South East States About Jacksonville and the Beaches • The oldest, continuously operating community theater in the country is Theatre Jacksonville, in operation since 1919. • The first graded road built in Florida was Old Kings Road in 1763, named for King George of England. • The first building built using skyscraper technology was Jacksonville’s six-story Dyal Upchurch Building. Built in 1901, the building was designed by famed architect Henry Klutho. • James Weldon Johnson, a famous Jacksonville lawyer, wrote the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” later referred to as the Negro National Anthem. • During the 1991 Gulf War, the busiest military port in the country was Jacksonville, moving more supplies and people than any other port in the country. • Singers Pat Boone and Rita Coolidge were both born and raised in Jacksonville. • The longest river sailboat race in the world is the Annual Mug Race that runs 42 miles from Palatka to Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. |
Jacksonville & the Beaches offer a natural escape for the traveler seeking a decidedly different Florida vacation destination. A world away from the neon glare and commercial flair associated with many of the Floridian hotspots, Jacksonville captures the authentic essence of a lifestyle and landscape reflecting the real Florida. The sprawling northeast region of the state delivers a flawless display of breathtaking natural beauty balanced by a polished metropolitan flair. History, culture, sports and nature intersect at a regional crossroads of southern charm and coastal cool. Along the stunning St. Johns riverfront, a burgeoning arts district rises from a diverse downtown landscape, illuminating the heart of the city with sophisticated style, while endless stretches of pristine white sand beaches foster relaxation and revelry in the seaside air. At the northern and southern borders, lavish resorts offer luxurious amenities infused with an historic old world flavor. For decades, Jacksonville has quietly cultivated a loyal fan base captivated by the warm hospitality and vast array of diverse activities found within the vibrant oceanfront community. From the quiet solitude of Talbot Islands’ seaside wilderness to the boardwalk and nightlife of Jacksonville Beach, over 20 miles of stunning coastline provide ample opportunity for reflection or recreation. Water, water everywhere .... the St. Johns River runs through the heart of the city, setting the stage for a striking downtown riverfront, highlighted by the entertainment hub of the urban core, the Jacksonville Landing. Miles of public paths on the North and Southbank Riverwalk encourage public access and enjoyment. The most historically rich region in the state, Jacksonville’s Ft. Caroline marks the site of the earliest colonization attempt in Florida, Kingsley Plantation provides a glimpse of life on a cotton plantation, and the Ritz Theatre & La Villa Museum chronicle the significant contributions of the local African-American community. Walk in the footsteps of champions on one of Jacksonville’s 72 golf courses, or simply admire their accomplishments at the World Golf Hall of Fame. The region is also home to the headquarters of the PGA Tour and host of The Players Championship. With 57,373 acres of parks, including the 46,000 acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the country. Cultural activities are abundant, from the edgy exhibits at the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art in the heart of downtown’s historic Hemming Plaza, to the classic displays at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Year-round special events offer exciting entertainment options for visiting guests. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Springing the Blues and the Sea & Sky Spectacular are some of the many events that are free and open to the public. Shopping opportunities are everywhere, with something for every taste. Vintage and antiques in the eclectic Five Points, upscale chic and trendy boutiques in Avondale and San Marco combined with the latest in must-have retail at the newly opened St. Johns Town Center. Jacksonville nightlife is a vibrant scene, from laidback local pubs to martini mania for the hip and beautiful. The restaurant scene is thriving. The natural surroundings make outdoor activities a regular component of the Jacksonville lifestyle, from hiking and biking the many recreational trails to kayaking and boating the salt marshes, lakes and waterways. Family fun is all around, both educational and entertaining. Kids Kampus is a free downtown public recreational facility, the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens has the award-winning “Range of the Jaguar” and “Savannah Plains” exhibits, and local chocolatier, Peterbrooke, offers daily tours of their chocolate factory. A Caribbean vacation has never been easier, now that JAXPORT serves as a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines. JACKSONVILLE HOTELS Photo courtesy Jacksonville & the Beaches CVB |
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