Boasting 22 miles of beaches, Jacksonville, on Florida’s northeast coast, is a city of diverse neighborhoods with a top-notch arts and culture scene, unbeatable food, and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, parks, and nature preserves.

Jacksonville, also known by locals as “Jax,” is one of the hottest cities in Florida these days. Why? Well, Jax, encompassing 840 square miles, is the largest city, by area, in the contiguous United States.

Situated on the Northeast coast of Florida, Jacksonville Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly destination full of opportunities for outdoor recreation, both on and off the water. With a dazzling shoreline and year-round sunshine, beach and water activities are a must here.

As a native of Northeast Florida, I love exploring Downtown Jacksonville with my children. From museums, art festivals and more – there are so many fun ways to explore Downtown as a family. Here are a few of our favorite spots – Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

How to Experience Jacksonville’s Art & Culture; How to Experience Jacksonville’s Local Dining; How to Experience Jacksonville’s Local Waters; How to Experience Jacksonville’s Wildlife; How to Experience Jacksonville with Your Family; Feel free to mix and match but keep in mind these three simple requests during your stay: 1. Smile.

As the Jacksonville area’s northernmost beach town, Atlantic Beach in Northeast Florida has much to offer visitors looking to enjoy some time on the water and explore a laid-back, walkable town center, all while being close to all of the amenities of a major city.

Check out some of the small-town, family-friendly events going on within an hour or two’s drive from Jacksonville, Orlando or Miami using our map of Florida. Or hit some of the best campsites in north Florida, coolest natural springs in central Florida or most popular outlet malls among true bargain hunters in South Florida.

A vacation day trip from Jacksonville can mean driving south and cruising the beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, going west to hike in a national forest or splash in the freshwater springs, visit historic landmarks, and so much more.

The Jacksonville area has 22 miles of beaches. The city’s main beaches – Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach and Atlantic Beach – are public and pet-friendly if the family pooch is along for the trip.

The center is a popular field trip for Jacksonville students with a guided trail tour offering a 45-minute hike and lessons about different animal habitats and layers of the forest. Adults can explore on their own, of course, discovering the three …