Situated on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Jacksonville was first settled by the indigenous Timucua people, while Fort Caroline was the location of one of the first French colonies in 1564. After the succession of Florida from Spain in 1822, the city was named after former President, Andrew Jackson, while during the 19th century, Jacksonville became one of the United States’ most important naval ports. Today, the city’s main industries are banking, healthcare and logistics, while tourists will find many museums detailing the city's colonial past.
Across Jacksonville, you’ll find a selection of museums detailing the indigenous history of Florida, as well as the state’s contemporary art scene. Head to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, the largest art museum in Northern Florida to see over 5,000 historic art pieces or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Science & History, the Museum of Southern History and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve to learn about Jacksonville’s native population and its colonial origins.
Some of Jacksonville’s most underrated attractions are its miles of unspoilt sands that line Florida’s Atlantic coast. Complimented nicely by the warm and temperate Floridian climate, the white sands of Jacksonville Beach act as a suitable jump-off points for surfing and kayaking, while the surrounding promenades are home to beach-style restaurants serving traditional American seafood, ice-cold beers, as well as boutiques and famous hotels like the Pontra Vedra Inn, providing a glimpse into old-time Jacksonville.