Jacksonville sights and landmarks guide

Named after Andrew Jackson, Florida’s first territorial governor and later a U.S. President, Jacksonville is a place where one can get the best of urban charm and rural magnificence. The city offers a mix of natural and modern attractions that are sure to capture anyone along with many sights for a relaxing getaway or a taste of the city’s historical culture. This warm and nature-rich location is truly a feast for the eyes.

Here are just some of the fantastic views and attractions that Jacksonville has to offer:

·   The Big Talbot Island State Park is one of the few virgin barrier islands left along the Atlantic Coast area. Guests can take a stroll down the nature trails and encounter some of Northeast Florida’s wildlife creatures in their natural habitats. There are also plentiful fishing grounds at the boat ramps of Big Talbot for fishing and boating enthusiasts. A way to enjoy the waters is going for kayaking with kayak rentals available at the Kayak Amelia/ Long Island Outfitters. This can really be a nature treat for nature-lovers.

·   Castaway Island Preserve is located within the Intracostal Waterway and charms visitors with its abundant marsh banks and ecosystems where they get to see and spot marshland wildlife. The preserve’s nature trails are great places to stroll and observe from wooden boardwalks nature’s bountiful plants and animals. The beautiful natural background offers a relaxing view for guests. Visitors can also go for a picnic or go canoeing or kayaking for a more adventurous experience.

·   The Fort George Island Cultural State Park is another favorite attraction in Jacksonville. Situated on the historic Ribault Club, visitors can get to see interesting interpretive exhibits that tell the rich history of the island. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation and soothing landscape and taking a walk or biking becomes a true enjoyment for many. It also hosts several ruins of the war period with shell mounds and plantation era structures within the area.

·   The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a real treat for people who visit Jacksonville. Being the only walking safari in the area of Northeast Florida, guests can encounter and interact with many wildlife’s wonders. They can get to groom, feed or pet the various animals. The zoo is home to more than 1,500 rare and exotic species and more than a thousand unique plant life. Guests can also visit the famous Play Park with Splash Ground, the Botanical Gardens, the Giraffe Overlook attraction, and the Range of the Jaguar.

·   The Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens located in the historical district of Riverside Avondale, is the largest fine arts museum in the Northeast Florida region. It is truly a place of interest with more than 6,000 art pieces and world-class art exhibits from 2100 B.C. to modern-day 21st century art. It also hosts the Wark Meissen Collection, one of the best and outstanding porcelain collections in the whole world. The museum’s nationally accredited education center called the Art Connections is known to enhance the cultural learning experience of students and provides hands-on experiences for visitors. Aside from art collections, the Cumnmer also has a two-acre historic garden right along the St. Johns River. It truly stands for being the premier cultural institution in the Southeast Region.

·   Another museum that attracts visitors in Jacksonville is the Museum of Science and History. Placed in the beautiful Southbank, it features a wide array of interactive and engaging programs ranging from physical and natural science and even astronomy. Visitors can take a walk along years of history with the Currents of Time exhibit and explore different wildlife creatures in the Florida Naturalist’s Center. They would also get to see new attractions such as the Water Worlds, which houses various water ecosystems from around the world.

Jacksonville is beyond doubt one of the places you must see in Florida. A glimpse of nature and more awaits guests in Jacksonville. And you just can’t get enough of the experience and the sights of this city.