Car Hire Jacksonville - Mini guide to Jacksonville

Jacksonville is situated along the beautiful St John's River, on the Atlantic coast of the sunny state of Florida. It is a mixture of high-tech development and natural beauty, and offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, centuries-old historic sites and spectacular beaches. There is also a vibrant nightlife, some excellent galleries and museums and choice restaurants.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, set in the grounds of a private Tudor mansion alongside the river, should not be missed. It houses a magnificent collection of works dating back to 2000 BC. Additionally, the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art is also worth visiting for its impressive Picasso collection.

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) educates visitors on the topics of physical science, history, astronomy and natural science through exciting and educational exhibits, events and programs.

Fort Caroline National Memorial is 22kms northeast of downtown Jacksonville on the St Johns River. It is a replica of the original fort built by the French in 1564, and also has a small archaeological museum, which also serves as the headquarters for the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, named after the Native American Indians who once inhabited the area. The Theodore Roosevelt Area features great hiking through charming woodland and marshland.

Fort Clinch State Park is a pre-Civil War coastal fort listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It offers 62 campsites, as well as 1,363 acres of beach, dunes, maritime forest and tidal marsh. Hiking and off-road bicycling trails are available.

On the northern side of the river is Jacksonville Landing, a lively marketplace with plenty of shops, novelty stores, restaurants and nightspots. Opposite is the Riverwalk, a vibrant boardwalk lined with shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels. The kids will be entertained at the nearby Jacksonville Museum of Science and History.

Head east of the city to reach the coast, where beautiful beaches beckon visitors to swim, surf, fish and sunbathe. The area has some nice places to stay as well as some excellent bars and waterfront nightlife.

The major suburbs in Jacksonville are: Biscayne Village, Blount Island, Edgewood, Hyde Park, Mill Cove, North Shore, Pickettville, Ribault Manor, Oakwood Villa and Ortega.