Kubla

I'm going on a mileage run to JAX the day after thanksgiving. I've never been there and would appreciate tips on anything of interest to see in about 5 hours. Thanks!

thesilb

well, on all my milesage runs to JAX, during which we also had about 5 hours, we walked over to the airport hotel (5 minutes walk) and bought some food and asked at the counter "hey, can we sit by your pool and eat this & hang out for awhile?" - they had absolutely no problem with that - so we started to bring swimsuits & use their changing room right there at the pool - basically we got 5 hours in the sun and had some beers & food purchased from the hotel. Swam & had a great time. Nice way to relax on a run after sitting so long. Anyway we never made it to "greater Jacksonville" so can't comment, but thought I'd clue you in to this.

rb.sr

If you are getting a car, you can drive to Fernandina Beach (30 minutes). Fort Clinch (Civil War Fort), next to downtown is pretty good.

Unfortunately, car rental prices in Jax are not ultra cheap like in S. Florida. And taxi/shuttle service is twice as much as a car.

AtlanticBeach

Welcome to our little piece of paradise. Some ideas, if you rent a car.

1. St. Johns Riverfront. The river flows through downtown and there are boardwalks on both sides. The Landing ( a smaller version of Quincy Market (BOS) and Harborplace (BWI)) is on the northbank and should not be too crowded as most shoppers will be at the suburban malls. Travel time - 15 minutes.

2. Walk Atlantic Beach. Air temps are usually in the 60s to low 70s. The beach is residential with great restaurants where Atlantic Blvd meets the ocean. Travel time -30 minutes. Take I95S to Florida 9A East to Atlantic Blvd East.

3. E-mail me if you are interested in museums.

4. Mayport NAS. Visit the home of aircraft carriers and other large military vessels. Travel time - 35 minutes. Same directions as #2 above, but exit Atlantic Blvd onto Mayport Rd northbound.

Enjoy your visit to Florida's Best Coast!

francophile

Yes, Amelia Island is very, very beautiful. I'd like to retire there someday. The Ritz-Carlton is an excellent property.

It takes only about 30 minutes to drive to the island.

Kubla

Thanks for the tips! I appreciate the ideas.

baccarat0809

Kubla,

Best thing to do on a trip to Jax, without a doubt, is a run to the Budwiser brewery, which is just about a 5 or 6 minute taxi ride from the airport. Free tour, and of course, free beer at the end of the tour.

yes, freee beeerrrrr

mjbnoles1

I would not miss the Bud Tour! Try the Landing downtown as well (On weekends) or try San Marco (Right near river 20 minute ride) great shops, super food- try the tapas bar (forget name) great prices on bottled wine.

pynchonesque

I once started a thread asking the same question, and received some excellent responses:

http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ft...ML/000896.html