Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

• March–May (Spring): Best for warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities.
• June–August (Summer): Ideal for beach trips and water sports, but expect heat, humidity, and afternoon rain showers.
• September–November (Fall): Great for mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for holiday events, historic tours, and cooler weather exploration.

• Jacksonville Beach – A popular spot for sunbathing, surfing, and beachside dining.
• Johns Riverwalk – A scenic walking path with great views of the river and skyline.
• Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens – Featuring European and American art collections with stunning gardens.
• Riverside & Avondale Historic Districts – Home to charming boutiques, trendy restaurants, and historic architecture.
• Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary – A rescue facility for big cats like tigers and lions.
• Little Talbot Island State Park – A natural paradise with hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
• Friendship Fountain & Southbank Riverwalk – A beautiful spot for photos and waterfront relaxation.
• Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens – One of the top zoos in Florida, featuring unique animal exhibits.
• TIAA Bank Field – The home stadium of the Jacksonville Jaguars and major events.
• Kingsley Plantation – A historic plantation site offering insight into Florida’s colonial past.

• Mayport Shrimp – Freshly caught local shrimp, best enjoyed grilled, fried, or in tacos.
• Datil Pepper Hot Sauce – A spicy sauce made from the rare Datil pepper, unique to North Florida.
• Fish Tacos – A Jacksonville favorite, often featuring blackened or grilled seafood.
• Garlic Blue Crab – A popular local seafood dish seasoned with butter and garlic.
• Pecan Pie – A Southern classic dessert found at many Jacksonville bakeries.
• Grits & Grouper – A Southern take on shrimp and grits, using fresh local grouper.
• Southern BBQ – Try slow-cooked pulled pork, ribs, and brisket from local BBQ joints.
• Key Lime Pie – A Florida classic dessert with a sweet and tangy flavor.

• Flights: Arrive at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), located 15 minutes from downtown.
• Car Rentals: The best option for exploring the city and surrounding beaches.
• Jacksonville Skyway: A free monorail system connecting downtown districts.
• Buses (JTA): Jacksonville’s public transportation system offers bus routes throughout the city.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
• Ferries: The St. Johns River Ferry connects Mayport to Fort George Island, offering a scenic ride.
• Bikes & Scooters: Available for rent in downtown and beach areas.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small businesses.
• ATMs are available throughout Jacksonville, including at the airport, banks, and shopping centers.
• Currency exchange services are available at banks and Jacksonville International Airport.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish is also commonly spoken in some areas.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Jacksonville has a laid-back, Southern hospitality feel—locals are friendly and welcoming.
• Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Beach rules: No glass bottles, no littering, and be mindful of sea turtle nesting areas.
• Jacksonville has a strong sports culture—expect enthusiastic fans during football season!
• Dress casually, but some fine dining restaurants may require business casual attire.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For peak beach seasons (Spring & Summer): Book 3–6 months ahead for the best availability.
• For Jaguars football games and major events: Book at least 3 months in advance.
• For cruises departing from Jacksonville: Book 6–12 months in advance for the best deals.
• For last-minute trips: Jacksonville has plenty of hotel options, but booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Hurricane season runs from June to November—always check the forecast before visiting.
• Some parks and beaches require entrance fees—check ahead for pricing.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com