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Straddling the St. Johns River and covering more than 840 square miles in northeast Florida, the vast expanse that is Jacksonville ranks No. 1 in land area in the continental U.S. The city's downtown area is well developed along the waterfront -- particularly the shopping/dining/entertainment multiplexes of Jacksonville Landing and the Southbank Riverwalk on opposite sides of the river -- but Jax is also careful to maintain its natural resources, boasting more than 20 miles of Atlantic beach and the nation's largest urban park system.

Given Jacksonville's sheer size, a car is a necessity for exploring beyond the downtown area. A 2.5-mile monorail (Skyway; 35 cents) hits both sides of the river and the central business district, while three free trolley lines (The Trolley) serve the waterfront area. Local bus service (75 cents) is also available throughout the area.

Jacksonville International Airport is 15 miles north of downtown and isn't accessible via public transportation. Taxi fares to the downtown area will run about $20, while a trip to the beach can reach $50 or more.

Join "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party"
College football archrivals Florida and Georgia have clashed annually in Jacksonville since 1933, with Alltel Stadium now hosting the event each October. If you can't nab a ticket to the game, there's always plenty of partying going on downtown throughout the preceding week.

Hit Great Courses, See Great Players
There are more than 50 golf courses in Jacksonville and northeast Florida, including some of the top-rated in the country. Most notably, guests of the Sawgrass Marriott Resort can play the TPC at Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship. Once you tire of hacking out on the fairway, though, check out the legends of the game at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine.

Go Deep-Sea Fishing Off the Coast
There are plenty of charter fishing boats available to take aspiring anglers out into the Atlantic to chase snapper, bass, grouper and even sharks. The companies will generally provide all necessary equipment and bait, and many will serve food as well.

Kayak the Channels Around Amelia Island
Take a guided tour or rent your own kayak to explore "Florida's Golden Isle" northeast of Jacksonville. You'll see a variety of wildlife as you paddle the intercoastal waterways, from dolphins to otters to pelicans.

See Jacksonville's Lone Major Pro Sports Team
Besides hosting the Florida-Georgia game and the Gator Bowl each year, Alltel Stadium is also home to the NFL's Jaguars, who made their debut as an expansion team in 1995 and remain the city's only professional franchise in any of the four major sports.

Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island, FL 32034
Amelia Island, the southernmost of the series of barrier islands that stretch to North Carolina, is unspoiled by commercialism. Fernandina Beach, its central community, is a lovely collection of Victorian 19th century cottages and mansions. Come for the boating, fishes and beaches. Don't miss the sunset. Fernandina Beach is 36 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville. There is ample parking.
http://www.ameliaisland.org/atAGlance/history/fernandinaBeach.php#historical

Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens
829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204, 904-356-6857
The museum's art collection is impressive -- particularly its meissen porcelain and 18th century Japanese woodblock prints. It encompasses 8,000 years of art history. The setting is equally stunning. The museum is housed in what was once a private Tudor mansion on two acres of sculpted English and Italian gardens. The museum is located two miles southwest of downtown Jacksonville. There is ample parking or take a cab.
http://www.cummer.org/

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
8605 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL, 904-757-4462
This zoo, one of the best in the southeast, takes great care to create a natural habitat for its animals. Its strength is animals in the Florida wild -- panthers, black bears, alligators, red wolves. Don't miss the tropical rainforest exhibit, Range of the Jaguar.
http://www.jaxzoo.org/

Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville Brewery
111 Busch Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32218
Take the tour. Enter the Brew Hall. Inhale deeply. Ah, the sweet smell of barley and hops. Those 21 and older are invited to taste the finished product. The brewery is located nine miles north of downtown Jacksonville. There is ample parking or take a cab.
http://www.budweisertours.com/docs/florida.htm

St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL
The nation's oldest city reflects the architecture of its 16th century Spanish settlers. Tour the historic Castillo de San Marcos limestone fortress. Along with Fort Matanzas to the south and Fort Muse to the north, they were beacons of American defense from the Spanish conquistadors to soldiers in the Civil War. The city is located 41 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville. There is ample parking.
http://www.oldcity.com/

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