Know all about Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville is situated where “Florida Begins”. It is a great sprawling city that offers uncrowded and attractive beaches, vibrant culture and arts, top-class golf courses, boisterous nightlife and many other fun activities.

Image by Excel23 via Wikimedia Commons

History of Jacksonville

In the late eighteenth century, Jacksonville started to evolve as Cowford, established by British Colonists. In the late nineteenth century, a major development happened, when it turned out a winter holiday spot for tourists from the Midwest and North. The development came to a standstill by the “Great Fire of 1901”, the economic gloom of the 1960s and 70s and the 1920s Florida Land Bust.

In the late twentieth century, the city started experiencing growth. Jacksonville has been a main port for the US navy since 1940. Jacksonville is populous and flourishing metropolis with population over 853,000. Jacksonville has a consolidated city-county government structure; as a result, it has the largest municipal populace among the Florida cities.

Important Locations in Jacksonville

Jacksonville knows how to keep travelers entertained. Jax has a plethora of attractions for people of all taste. Here are some of the important locations in Jacksonville, perfect for becoming more familiar with this vibrant and full of life city:

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has more than 5000 works of art, with collection of American and European paintings. Click here to know more.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: The Jacksonville Zoo and Garden feature 2400 animals at its property. Learn more here.

Southbank Riverwalk: Southbank Riverwalk is located on the banks of the St. Johns River and is a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the views of the river and the downtown Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art: Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art is the largest modern art museum holding an interesting collection by artists like Hans Hoffmann, Ed Paschke, and many more. You can get more information here.

Museum of Science & History: Museum of Science & History has many hands-on exhibits and also comprises of the international collections. For more details, Click Here.

Fort Caroline National Memorial: Fort Caroline National Memorial is the first colony set up by French in Jacksonville city. This museum also has artifacts that showcase Indian and French culture.

Jacksonville Landing: Jacksonville Landing is a museum complex that encompasses over 65 stores, from antiques to modern. Do you want to know more?

Metropolitan Park: Metropolitan Park hosts the most popular Jacksonville Jazz Festival annually. The park also host many other music concerts.

Friendship Fountain: Friendship Fountain is the tallest and the largest fountain in the world.

Ritz Theater and Museum: The Ritz Theatre and Museum maintains the material and artistic culture of African American community that thrived in La Villa for over 100 years. Explore more.

To know more about the important locations in Jacksonville, Click Here.

Find out the best time to visit Jacksonville!

People and Culture of Jacksonville

Jacksonville offers a rich diversity of culture and art, from internationally popular famous artists to well-known theater and dance performances, family fun activities to vibrant art and cultural scenes. Jacksonville has grown rapidly.
Many of the nation’s top personalities have their roots in Jacksonville. Some of the famous personalities were born here are: Chuck Williams, Ken Norton, Elizabeth Edwards, Ashley Greene, Lee Ann Womack, Bob Hayes, Kris Allen, and many more.

Time Zones and Phone Codes of Jacksonville

Jacksonville is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours (Eastern Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour (Eastern Daylight Time)
Time zone abbreviation: EDT

Phone Codes of Jacksonville
The area codes for Jacksonville, Florida are: 904 and 386

Best Time to Visit Jacksonville

Jacksonville has a pleasant weather year-round with ample sunshine and balmy temperatures. The best times to visit Jacksonville, Florida are from March to May and September to November. June through August has hot temperature and attracts the beach lovers in droves. And if you’re looking for some best deals, December to February (winters) is your time to visit Jacksonville as the hotel rates are way down and less crowded. Winters in Jacksonville have blustery days.

Some famous events/festivals:

-Gator Bowl (January)
-Mardi Gras Jax (February-March)
-Springing the Blues (April)
-The Players Championship (May)
-Mug Race (May)
-Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May)
-Community First Seawalk Music Festival (June)
-AT&T Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (July)
-Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular (October)
-Georgia vs. Florida Football Game (October-November)