View of Fort George River from Kingsley Plantation

By Apryl Chapman Thomas

It may be hard to believe, but there are some destinations in Florida that people just don’t know too much about, and Jacksonvillehappens to be one of them. Not to say that people are completely clueless about the city; on the surface, many know that it’s home to the Jaguars, the Suns and The Landing. Some are familiar with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and the port as well.

However, that’s where it stops. There’s so much more to the area that many aren’t aware of.

Jacksonville is a great destination for families or anyone looking to experience it all while on vacation.

To get a true feel of the city, here are ten places that should be on everyone’s itinerary.

1. The setting may be unusual (under the Fuller Wareen bridge), but that is also what makes it memorable. The seasonal Riverside Arts Market is a great place to pick up a few items, or just walk around and people watch. There’s always live music playing in the background, and friendly vendors can be found selling goods. From produce to artwork, you never know what you might discover.
2. A few blocks from the Riverside Arts Market is Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens. The venue features a range of exhibits, including one on jazz, featuring poems by Wynton Marsalis. The gardens offer beautiful scenery and a fantastic view of the St. Johns River. Children can even get creative in the Art Connections room.
3. As one of the region’s largest contemporary and modern art museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville houses five galleries. Expect to see a little bit of every medium represented here. Budding young artists will enjoy visiting the hands-on ArtExplorium Loft.
4. If you’re exploring Jacksonville with children in tow, head to the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) . Offering fun hands-on exhibits in nature, history and science, the museum brings out the scientist in everyone. Be sure to watch an experiment in the science theater.
5. As the state’s oldest standing plantation, the grounds around Kingsley Plantation provide a fascinating glimpse into a time when sea cotton was king. See the remains of the slave quarters, an old barn, interpretive gardens and a kitchen house. The National Park also allows guests to walk through the plantation home that was built in the late 1700s.
6. Talbot Island State Park is made of seven state parks (Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve, Amelia Island, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier, fort George Island Cultural, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic and Big Talbot Island State Park). Offering more than five miles of beaches, the undeveloped barrier island lets guests kayak, bike, walk or just enjoy being in the outdoors. You can even take a Segway tour on Fort George Island.
7. Spend some time on the 20 miles of wide, laid-back beaches. Spread out a blanket and relax, build a sandcastle, walk the pier, or surf the waves.
8. Did you know that Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the United States? Find one to visit that fits your interest.
9. Filled with shops and eateries, nothing beats quaint beach towns like Atlantic Beach or Neptune Beach. Don’t forget about Mayport, a former shrimping village that is now home to the Naval Station Mayport.
10. How about a challenging game of putt-putt or racing around in go-karts? Ever wanted to try laser tag? If so, head to one of the two Jacksonville Adventure Landing locations. Plan your trip right and you can enjoy Shipwreck Island WaterPark at the Jacksonville Beach location.

For additional information on Jacksonville and all that the city has to offer, visit www.visitjacksonville.com