Top Things to Do in Jacksonville to Discover Florida’s Rich History
Jacksonville, Florida.
In 2018, Jacksonville was selected as one of the best value destinations in the world by Lonely Planet. This coastal city is perfect for relaxing by the beach, fishing, and enjoying nature, including the city’s many parks. In fact, Jacksonville happens to have the largest urban park system in the country. The city is home to three national parks, seven state parks, more than 400 city parks, dozens of unique gardens, and an arboretum.
Visitors to Jacksonville, Florida can sample an array of coastal cuisine.
Jacksonville also has a vibrant arts, nightlife, and culinary scene. From public murals and art galleries to museums and art walks, there are plenty of opportunities to discover local art. When it comes to dining, visitors enjoy fresh-caught seafood and a great craft beer scene—the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries!
Those interested in the area’s rich history can visit various sites to learn more about the city’s French, Spanish, Native American, and African-American influences. Timucuan Preserve is a must-see site where you can discover 6,000 years of human history, and learn about the first European settlement in the New World, Fort Caroline. Read on for more tips about the top historic activities to experience when visiting Jacksonville, Florida.
The skyline in Jacksonville, Florida.
Admire Unique Architecture
In the late 19th Century, Jacksonville was a winter vacation destination for tourists from the North and Midwest, but in 1901 after the Great Fire destroyed 57 city blocks, the city experienced a big setback that almost wiped it out. Up-and-coming designers saw this an an opportunity to make a name for themselves by rebuilding the city. For instance, architects like Henry John Klutho—a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and Melvin Henry Hubbard—flocked to Jacksonville with excitement to rebuild the city. The unique buildings that popped up after the fire during this creative spark are worth checking out when visiting Jacksonville!
Take a Historic Tour
Jacksonville has more than 6,000 years of history, and downloading the Visit JAX! app makes it easy to explore. The app has dozens of historic tours that are easy to follow, whether you’re walking or plan to drive. You can explore Jacksonville's impact on the Civil Rights Movement, visit the sites where the first silent films were shot during the movie-making era, and learn about the historic buildings of Downtown Jacksonville. All these tours can be found on the Visit JAX! app or by stopping in one of the city’s Visitor Centers.
Explore Historic Homes
If you love unique architecture and design, the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods in Jacksonville are a must-see. These neighborhoods contain the largest amount of historic homes in any neighborhood in the United States. During the early 1900s, Jacksonville welcomed some of the era's best architects that designed multiple rows of mansions that are still standing today.
Learn about Restoration
Downtown Jacksonville's iconic historic buildings have really stood the test of time. These stylish, century-old structures have been repurposed into modern office headquarters, elegant restaurants, museums, and City Hall. A few examples include:
The Barnett Bank: The 18-story building has been standing since 1926 and remained the city's tallest skyscraper until 1954. The building was abandoned for decades and is currently undergoing a $90 million re-development to transform it into condos and a tech incubator for one of the local universities.
The St. James Building: Designed by prominent architect Henry John Klutho and open since 1912, it’s considered Klutho's masterpiece after The Great Fire of 1901. The historic building now houses City Hall, but was originally designed for the Cohen Brothers Department Store.
The Haydon Burns Library: Now the Jessie Ball duPont Center, the former library opened in 1965. The 126,000 square-foot building underwent a major restoration and now houses several Jacksonville non-profits.
For more information about things to do in Jacksonville, check out visitjacksonville.com.
[Source: Visit Jacksonville]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy