Cheap Flights To Jacksonville

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Cheap Flights To Jacksonville

Overview
When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around

Overview
Jacksonville is where the real Florida begins. The city blends Southern charm, urban flair and natural splendor with 22 miles of beaches, 72 golf courses and 111,669 acres of parks. Jacksonville is the largest city in land area in the contiguous United States, and that extra space leads to exceptional shopping, varied dining options and outstanding art and culture.

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When to Go
High Season
Jacksonville’s peak season is summertime, but it isn’t necessarily the best time to visit, as temperatures soar and hotels and resorts are filled. Yet after sundown, visitors enjoy cooler weather and riverwalks come alive with activity. 

Low Season
The city’s shoulder season is during March and April, an ideal time to visit the city’s blooming gardens. September through November can bring tropical storms, so visitors should check a full weather forecast before heading to the area. Jacksonville is quieter during winter, and while chilly at night, hotel rates are lower and it’s easier to get around.

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Airport Information
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Distance: 18 miles north of downtown Jacksonville
Drive time: Commute times range from 20 minutes to an hour depending on time of day. 

Airlines serving the airport provide non-stop flights to several domestic cities, and plans are underway for a new airline to operate non-stop flights to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. The main terminal features a large courtyard with 12 shops and 11 restaurants, as well as USO amenities. Ground transportation, including taxis, public buses, rental cars and shuttle services, including American Airport Shuttle and Bon Voyage Transportation, are located on the lower level of the passenger terminal next to baggage claim.

Alternative Airports
Daytona Beach Airport (DBIA) - 93 miles from Jacksonville
Orlando International Airport (MCO) - 77 miles

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Weather
Jacksonville climate is humid subtropical, thanks to being sandwiched between St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are mild and mostly dry, with daytime temperatures often in the 50s and overnight temperatures sometimes dipping into the 40s. Spring is temperate and often sunny in Jacksonville,  generally in the 70s with about four inches of rain per month.

Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the 90s in the afternoon and often accompanied by afternoon showers. Autumn can bring rain and wind related to tropical storms in the Atlantic, though the city hasn't been directly hit by a hurricane in more than a century.

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Things to Do
Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville
Located downtown, MOCA Jacksonville has one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the southern United States. There are educational programs, films and lectures in the 125-seat theater. Café Nola is open for lunch on weekdays and the Museum Shop sells jewelry, pottery and glass wares created by local, national and international artists.

EcoMotion Tours
EcoMotion Tours operates Segway tours year-round on pristine Fort George Island, along Jacksonville’s coastal route A1A. The experience combines the fun of riding a cross-terrain Segway while touring unspoiled, sandy paths to the Timucuan Preserve’s coastal wilderness of dunes, salt marshes and islands.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail
Near downtown, the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail offers an urban escape on a paved 14-mile trail along a former railroad track. The tree canopy provides shield from the Florida sun and passes through pine flatwoods, wetlands and hardwood uplands. 

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Local Attractions
Friendship Fountain
The most recognizable landmark of Jacksonville is the Friendship Fountain. Located at St. Johns River Park, it was built in 1965 and is one of the largest and tallest fountains in the world. Colored lights illuminate it at night, and the park provides wonderful view of downtown Jacksonville and access to the Southbank Riverwalk.

Amelia Island
Amelia island lies just off the coast of northeast Florida and has been named one of the Top 10 North American islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It is rife with activities for visitors, including golf, kayaking, sunset sails and high-end spas, and is only 20 minutes away from Jacksonville Airport.

Great Florida Birding Trail
The eastern district of the 2,000-mile Great Florida Birding Trail, maintained by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, runs through Jacksonville. Each stop of the trail features interpretive centers and displays with species descriptions, directions and maps of bird watching sites. Laughing gulls, royal terns and black skimmers are just a few of the species you may spot along the trail.

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Must See Sights
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Check out the event calendar at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Located next to the St. Johns River, there are impressive views from nearly every one of the 73,000 seats. The stadium also hosts other events, including monster truck shows, concerts and the Gator Bowl.

Jacksonville Beach
Activities abound on expansive Jacksonville Beach. Visitors can rent a beach cruiser and cycle along the boardwalk and stop at numerous eateries and shops along the way. Cruiser rentals are available at Rent Beach Stuff, as are beach towels and boogie boards. Jacksonville Beach's calendar of events includes Springing the Blues in March and child-friendly outdoor movie screenings in the summer.

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Insider Tips

• An insider foodie tip: skip the Asian cuisine in Jacksonville. Unfortunately, the adapted cuisine still features overly Americanized and sub-par dishes. The local Cuban scene, however, offers several authentic and tasty entrees.
• The best time to go bass fishing in Jacksonville is at sundown in summer. At sunset the lakes cool down, making for happier fish and fishermen. July is a prime time to hook a few, and stumpy areas along urban creeks including Pottsburg Creek and Terrapin Creek are great locations to do so.

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Getting Around
There are many handy methods of public transportation throughout Jacksonville, from buses and trolleys to river taxis and the skyway. Sidewalks and bike poles are abundant downtown. With docking along both sides of the St. Johns River, marinas welcome boaters.

The 2.5-mile Skyway operates on an elevated dual track, transporting passengers to both sides of the St. Johns River downtown six days a week and during special events. There are numerous transfer points at both ends of the Skyway for bus and Park and Ride passengers. In addition, buses operate throughout Duval County seven days a week.

Visitors can call 511 from any phone for updated information on traffic, accidents, road closures and severe weather on all major roads in Florida.

These tips and more are available from the friendly staff of any of the five Jacksonville Visitor Centers located across the city. The downtown center is located on the corner of Laura and East Adams.

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