Jacksonville & Metro Information
History
Long ago, Northeast Florida was first inhabited by Timucuan Indians who lived along creeks and waterways. The Spanish came into the area in 1513, led by Juan Ponce de Leon. He named the area La Florida and, in doing so, established the region's rich tradition of history and heritage. In 1564, the French built Fort Caroline in what is now Jacksonville, establishing the first Protestant colony in America. They lost their foothold in Florida to the Spanish, who conquered the French and built a settlement in nearby St. Augustine in 1565, 55 years before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
A major page of history turned when Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and a year later at "Cowford" a narrow spot on the St. Johns River to ferry cows across, the town of Jacksonville was established (named after General Andrew Jackson). By the time Florida achieved statehood in 1845, Jacksonville was an important port in the cotton and timber trades.
During the mid-to-late 19th century, Jacksonville was billed as the "winter city in summerland" and became a haven for those seeking respite from colder northern climes. The warm, sunny climate, beautiful beaches, a major shipping port, and the busy waterways drew tourists from around the world.
A raging fire in 1901 destroyed 2,368 downtown buildings but launched a renaissance which set the city on its modern-day course. Although slowed somewhat by the depression, Jacksonville rebounded during World War II with the building of military installations. In 1968, the city and county governments were joined to create the geographically largest city in the contiguous 48 states. At about the same time, modern skyscrapers and additional bridges were built making way for major development south of the river.
For the next 25 years, Jacksonville's river and its ocean port again served as the lifeblood of the area, attracting many new residents, businesses and visitors. The city quietly evolved into a major business center of the South. In 1993, the quiet ended. The National Football League awarded a franchise to Jacksonville, pushing the city into the national spotlight and toward a new destiny.
Today, Jacksonville is an exciting vibrant city that maximizes its natural attributes and reaches out to welcome visitors.
Weather
Because of its North Florida location, Jacksonville has a temperate climate and a delightful change of seasons not found in other Florida cities. Year-round sunshine and blue skies offer mild weather, making a visit to Jacksonville pleasant, whatever the season.
Average annual temperature: 72.8 degrees
Average year-round high: 78 degrees
Annual number of sunny days: 226
Average Monthly Weather Information
|
Month |
Midday High (F) |
Evening Low (F) |
Surf Temp. |
|---|---|---|---|
|
January |
68.1 |
44.0 |
57 |
|
February |
69.0 |
46.3 |
56 |
|
March |
75.0 |
51.2 |
61 |
|
April |
79.0 |
56.9 |
70 |
|
May |
84.7 |
62.1 |
76 |
|
June |
89.3 |
69.1 |
80 |
|
July |
91.4 |
71.9 |
83 |
|
August |
90.7 |
71.8 |
83 |
|
September |
87.2 |
69.0 |
83 |
|
October |
80.2 |
59.3 |
75 |
|
November |
75.6 |
52.2 |
67 |
|
December |
72.3 |
50.4 |
60 |
The above information was provided by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL and is based on data compiled from 1964-96.
Attractions
In addition to the pleasant weather, today's traveler is treated to a large selection of attractions and activities. Following are some of the more popular area attractions and activities, listed by area, enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.
Suns
301 A. Phillip Randolph Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-358-2846
904-358-2845 fax
Jacksonville Suns professional baseball team. Members of the "AA" Southern League, affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Suns play 70 home games from April-August at the new Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville!
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
300 W. Water Street
Suite 200
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-354-5547
1-877-662-6731 toll-free
904-354-9238 fax
Performances are presented throughout the year. A sampling includes the Beethoven, Mozart, Marian McPartland and Family concerts. Housed within the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-757-4463
904-757-4315 fax
Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Open a world of opportunities...encounter wildlife wonders and interactive experiences. The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens offers over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species and our friendly lion mascot Jazoo.
Visit their website: www.jacksonvillezoo.org
Kayak Amelia
13030 Heckscher Dr
1 mile N of Little Talbot/4 miles S of Amelia Isl
Jacksonville , FL 32226
904-251-0016
888-30-KAYAK(52925) toll-free
904-251-0062 fax
Always wanted to try kayaking, but not sure where to start? Try a guided tour that will put you face to face with egrets, herons and perhaps a dolphin. Or rent a kayak or canoe and explore on your own. “You deserve a good paddling!
Visit their website: www.kayakamelia.com
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society/Walter Jones Historical Park
11964 Mandarin Road
Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-268-0784
904-268-0752 fax
Located at the Walter Jones Historical Park, a ten acre river front site that preserves a piece of vanishing Florida. There is an 1876 farm complex, boardwalks through stands of cypress, picnic areas,a citrus grove and kitchen gardens. Come explore the past where agriculture was king and the river was the highway
Visit their website: www.mandarinmuseum.net
Marineland
9600 Oceanshore Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-471-1111
888-279-9194 toll-free
904-460-1330 fax
Marineland's new Dolphin Conservation Center with interactive programs for all ages - Re-opening in 2005. Check our web site for updates!
Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-396-MOSH
904-396-5799 fax
MOSH serves to increase the knowledge of First Coast residents and visitors on the topics of physical science, history,astronomy and natural science through exciting and educational exhibits, events and programs.
Old Florida Museum
254 A San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904)824-8874
(800)813-3208 toll-free
904-824-6848 fax
What better way to compare one period of Florida history with another than through the daily living activities, everyday objects and pastimes of its people? Here at the Old Florida Museum games, weapons, foods and tools convey the story of how life changed and how it remained the same from pre-European times to pioneer times in Florida.
Visit their website: www.oldfloridamuseum.com
Orange Park Kennel Club
455 Park Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-646-0001
904-646-0420 fax
The Kennel Clubs is a total entertainment experience, as racing is only part of the fun. Enjoy wagering on greyhounds, thoroughbreds, harness racing and jai alai from around the country.
Palm Valley Ranch
7120 Old State Road 207
Elkton, FL 32033
904-543-9700
A working Horse Ranch providing Beach and Trail rides, Retreats and a unique venue for your next function. Groups from 5 to 500, let us customize an event for you providing the best of both worlds, the old West and Sunny Florida.
Visit their website: www.palmvalleyranch.org
Parks, Recreation and Entertainment- City of Jacksonville
851 N. Market St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-630-4100
904-630-3567 fax
The City of Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the United States, providing services at more than 350 locations located on more than 6,000 acres. Our system includes oceanfront parks, nature parks, neighborhood parks, community centers, special programs, swimming pools, and boat ramps.
Visit their website: www.jaxparks.com
Ripley's Believe It or Not
19 San Marco Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-1606
(904) 829-1790 fax
Over 700 exhibits of unique, unusual and strange oddities and curiosities, from the private collection of Robert L. Ripley. Housed in "Castle Warden", an 1887, historic landmark, Moorish Revival Style mansion located next to the "Fort".
Visit their website: www.ripleys.com/bion/staug.html
Ritz Theatre & La Villa Museum
829 N. Davis Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-632-5555
904-632-5553 fax
Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum boasts a 400 seat state of the art theatre, and museum that chronicles life in LaVilla, frequently called the "Harlem of the South", and features an animatronic tribute to James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson
Visit their website: www.coj.net/Departments/default.htm
River Cruises, Inc.
1840 PERRY PLACE
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-396-2333
1800-711-3470 ext.7304 toll-free
904-396-5599 fax
Public and private charters aboard either the Annabelle Lee, which holds up to 150 people or The Lady St. Johns, which holds up to 300 people. Both have beautiful climate controlled salons, full bars, dance floors and outside areas for strolling, hand holding or dancing under the stars, cruising the "north flowing" St. Johns River.
Visit their website: www.jaxrivercruises.com
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
999 Anastasia Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-824-3337
877-966-7275 toll-free
904-829-6677 fax
Lush tropical wildlife surrounds you. See every species of crocodilian including the rare white alligator, exotic birds, reptiles and monkeys. Part of the great Florida Birding Trail. Entertaining shows every hour, RV Parking, Group Rates available. Located 2 miles across the Bridge of Lions on Hwy A1A South in St. Augustine, Florida
Visit their website: www.alligatorfarm.com
St. Augustine Historical Society
271 Charlotte Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-824-2872
904-824-2569 fax
We operate a historical museum in St. Augustine, the Oldest House Museum Complex, which includes Florida's oldest documented colonial dwelling, a National Historic Landmark.
Visit their website: www.oldesthouse.org
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32080
(904) 829-0745
(904) 808-1248 fax
Discover St. Augustine's maritime past. Climb the 165-foot tower for breathtaking views. Enjoy interactive exhibits and shipwreck artifacts in the museum. Off A1A, Anatasia Island.
Visit their website: www.staugustinelighthouse.com
St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains
170 San Marco Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-6545
1-800-226-6545 toll-free
904-829-6548 fax
All Aboard! the famous RED sightseeing trains. Your train pass allows you to step off and reboard at our 20 convenient stops for up to 3 consecutive days. You'll enjoy all that St. Augustine has to offer. Locally owned since 1953.
Visit their website: www.redtrains.com
SunCruz Casino
4378 Ocean Street
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904-249-9300
1-800-474-DICE toll-free
904-270-2797 fax
SunCruz Casinos features the area's largest ship, smoother ride and more ways to win! Convenient sailings twice daily offering FREE food, FREE drinks while gaming and LIVE entertainment. FREE Shuttle Service
Visit their website: www.suncruzcasino.com
Talbot Islands State Parks
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904-251-2320
904-251-2325 fax
Talbot Islands State Parks is a chain of barrier islands, located north of the St. Johns River. The parks offer miles of beautiful beaches, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, hiking and nature trails, and picnic pavilions.
The Best Bet & Poker Room at S. Johns Greyhound Park
US 1 & Racetrack Road
Jacksonville, FL 32259
904-646-0001
904-646-0420 fax
The Kennel Clubs is a total entertainment experience, as racing is only part of the fun. Enjoy wagering on greyhounds, thoroughbreds, harness racing and jai alai from around the country.
The Jacksonville Landing
2 Independent Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-353-1188
904-353-1558 fax
Spice up your day and heat up your night at the Jacksonville Landing, where you’ll find great dining, excellent shopping, fun entertainment and a fabulous river view in the heart of downtown Jacksonville on the St. John’s River.
Visit their website: www.jacksonvillelanding.com
Timucuan Preserve/Kingsley Plantation
11676 Palmetto Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32226
(904) 251-3537
(904) 251-3577 fax
A 46,000 acre National Park Unit with visitor-use areas located at Fort Caroline National Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Area, Kingsley Plantation, and Cedar Point. Activities include hiking, photography, fishing, birding, and boating.
Visit their website: www.nps.gov/timu/
Tree Hill Nature Center
7152 Lone Star Road
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-724-4646
904-724-9132 fax
Tree Hill, Jacksonville's Nature Center, is comprised of 50 acres of urban wilderness. Through educational programs, workshops and special events, Tree Hill is a resource for environmental education, conservation and awareness.
Visit their website: www.treehill.org
World Golf Hall of Fame
One World Golf Place
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-940-4123
1-800-WGV-GOLF toll-free
904-940-4390 fax
World Golf Hall of Fame, the centerpiece of the World Golf Village, is located in St. Augustine, FL., and combines both traditional and interactive exhibits while paying homage to the game’s greatest players and contributors.
Visit their website: www.wghof.org
World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater
1 World Golf Place
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-940-IMAX
904-940-4390 fax
Northeast Florida's only large format theater showing fabulous giant screen films suitable for the entire family
