In the north-east of the state of Florida in the United States is the city of Jacksonville (Jacksonville), surpassing all cities in the country located on the continent in terms of occupied area. Only in the vast expanses of Alaska can you see larger settlements.
The prime location near the ocean has made Jacksonville, Florida, one of the most popular and dynamic cities in the country.
City with a huge port
The entire history of the settlement is directly related to river and sea transportation. In the middle of the 16th century, a small Fort Caroline was founded on this convenient coast by colonists from Europe.
Later, in 1859, when Florida was already part of the United States, the settlement received official city status. It got its name in honor of Andrew Jackson, who was at that time the governor of Florida. And then who became the seventh president of the United States.
Already in those years, for the state of Florida, Jacksonville became the largest port through whichsignificant volumes of cotton and timber. And today the deep-water port of the city remains one of the largest in the south of the country. In addition to significant commercial traffic and tourist traffic, the port supports several nearby military bases. For example, north of the city is the large Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, where combat submarines are based.
However, despite such a formidable neighborhood, every year the city is visited by a huge number of tourists attracted by the pleasant climate, sandy beaches and numerous attractions.
Exploring the city
Most of the guests who decide to visit the city on the coast arrive at the Jacksonville International Airport in Florida. Its terminals accept flights from most major cities in the US and other countries.
The airport is located 24 kilometers from the city center, so the trip to the coast will not take tourists much time. If desired, you can immediately rent a car on the territory and go sightseeing.
Main Bridge
When approaching the business center of the city, tourists notice one of the most popular symbols of the city, the bridge that connects the two central districts. This greatly facilitates the movement around the city, unloading its streets. In addition to the busy four lanes for cars, the bridge provides safe paths for pedestrians to run along these paths, enjoying the fresh river air and admiring the dawn.
From the bridgeoffers stunning views of the city center and the Jacksonville Hotel, popular with tourists. After walking along the bridge, you can go down to the embankment, where restaurants with local cuisine are always open. From the city center you can also go for a boat trip along the river, admire the surroundings and try to see the dolphins that often swim here.
Museum of Science and History
Locally referred to as MOSH (Museum Of Science & History), this museum is dedicated to nature, historical events and significant scientific achievements. Exhibits are located on three floors, allowing guests to learn about the structure of the human body, the life of the inhabitants of the ocean and the history of the country.
Among the exhibits demonstrating the life of underwater animals, a huge life-size model of a whale stands out. It is near it that most tourists stop to take a memorable photo from Jacksonville in Florida.
The hall of the Florida Naturalist's Center contains birds and reptiles that could have died without human help. Here they feel good and are not at all afraid of visitors.
The "Hall of Space Exhibits" also attracts guests, where you can see real space suits and equipment that help maintain the life and he alth of people on the ship.
Zoo and aviary
Residents of the city of Jacksonville in Florida, not without reason, are proud of the city's zoo: on the territory of more than 45 hectares, more thantwo thousand living inhabitants. It is believed that the second largest collection of animals in the country is collected here. Huge enclosures with elephants, many primates, several Malayan tigers and, of course, jaguars, whose lives and habits are devoted to an entire program here.
In addition to exotic animal enclosures, the territory has a small petting zoo for kids (Children's Play), a botanical garden with a collection of exotic plants and a huge "Aviary" with more than a hundred species of bright tropical birds.
The zoo is constantly evolving: in 2008, guests were presented with a huge pool, which housed several rare species of stingrays. And in 2009, an exhibition dedicated to monitor lizards from the island of Komoda opened. A freshwater pond, large rocks and a real bamboo garden were equipped for giant reptiles.
Fountain of Friendship
Among the most popular attractions of Jacksonville in Florida is the "Friendship Fountain", installed in the park of the same name. Once upon a time, in 1965, immediately after construction, it was considered the largest and most beautiful in America. However, over several decades, the construction fell into disrepair and in 2000 the fountain and the park were closed for reconstruction.
Construction work continued until 2011, and when the fountain was reopened, the residents of the city were pleasantly surprised. The jets became much more powerful and higher, at night the water of the fountain was illuminated in different colors, and musical accompaniment can be orderedoptional.
Jazz Festival
Every year the city hosts the famous jazz festival, which is considered one of the best in the country. For performances, the best jazz music performers in the world are invited, who perform at several venues. Apart from a few private events, all concerts are completely free to enter, so the festival is always very crowded.
Part of the concerts take place in the central park of the city, the rest in several theaters of the city.
Beach
Water lovers and bright beach parties from all over the country are attracted by the beaches around the city. As elsewhere in Florida, the weather in Jacksonville pleases with stable warmth, even in winter there are rarely frosts. Surprisingly, even in the high season, the beaches are not very crowded, so you can safely enjoy your vacation.
On windy days, this is a paradise for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. And on warm nights, beach parties, so popular in Florida, often take place on city beaches. Young people from all over the country come to the coast to enjoy participating in them.
Amelia Island
The nature of the Atlantic coast is quite picturesque, and the neighborhood of Jacksonville in Florida is no exception. About an hour's drive from the city is the island of Amelia, which was a base for pirates in the 17th-18th centuries. A lot has changed since then and now it is a quiet place with a succession of amazing beaches,hiking trails and winding paths for cyclists.
There are two national parks on the island at once, the workers of which monitor the wildlife and maintain it in an untouched state. You can stay here in campsites in the forest or on the coast, fish with the locals and wander along deserted beaches.
