Jacksonville covers approximately 840 square miles, making it the largest city in the lower 48 US states. The vast geographical area and location mean there is never a shortage of something to do if you choose to visit Jacksonville on a summer holiday trip. With that in mind, you need to know that Jacksonville is not your typical Florida city like Miami. Accordingly, most travelers come to the city as a passing point to other beach cities. However, the place is never short of fun activities and a lot more.
Here are eight things you should keep in mind before you visit Jacksonville this summer.
Consider the best times to visit
When planning a trip to Jacksonville, the first thing is to know the best times to travel to the city. Accordingly to many travelers and guides, Jacksonville is most hospitable and fun around March to May and September to November. During these times, you can expect pleasant weather, affordable prices, and fewer visitors. However, these are not summer months. Therefore, if you want to visit Jacksonville this summer, you may want to reschedule.
August is always the peak month for travelers to Jacksonville. The month is perfect for summer activities with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. If summer is your preferred season, then you should consider hitting the road around August.
Work with a budget
Another essential consideration before visiting Jacksonville is the cost of staying in the city. This will determine where you stay, eat, and the fun activities you engage in. The average cost of a 7-day trip to Jacksonville is approximately $1,500 for one person and $2,600 for a couple. If you have a family of four, you may want to consider working a budget of around $5,000.
The prices of hotels in Jacksonville range between $50 and $250 per night. Additionally, you can get vacation rentals for $140 to $500 per night. On average, the most affordable times to fly to Jacksonville are between January and April and August to November. September offers the most affordable Jacksonville vacation flights.
The average cost of staying in Jacksonville is way below the average city. If you are on a budget, you will want to prioritize hotels over vacation rentals. Vacation rental prices are usually higher because the city’s property cost is relatively high.
Consider the types of activities
Jacksonville offers a wide range of activities for locals and visitors alike. Therefore, you will want to figure out what you want before you hit the road. If you wish to enjoy an exhilarating thrill or an uplifting escape, Jacksonville has you and your family covered. There are lots of family fun, outdoor adventures, and implausible tastes you can sample.
Some of the best family activities in Jacksonville include a half-day tour in downtown Jacksonville, a visit to Amelia Island Kayak rentals on loft Creek, and Jackson pub walks. You may also want to consider various parks and Atlantic beaches.
Where to stay
Before you visit Jacksonville, you will want to figure out where you want to stay. The choice is between a vacation rental and a hotel. As stated earlier, vacation rentals offer a lot of room for a family with privacy and customizations to meet your needs. However, these rentals are relatively expensive and may not be suitable if you are on a tight budget.
According to stats, almost 40% of visitors prefer to rent apartments in Jacksonville. The average monthly rent is $1,100, which is slightly below the national average. Accordingly, the cost of living varies depending on the neighborhood you choose. College Gardens and Lincoln Villas are some of the most affordable communities if you decide to opt for vacation rentals. On the other hand, hotels offer a great escape with lots of services to make your visit more memorable. Additionally, hotels can be more affordable, depending on the level you choose.
Being a very vast city, Jacksonville has 1-star to 5-star hotels, meaning you can always get something that suits your pocket. The one ocean resort & spa is a beachfront, family-friendly accommodation hotel you can rely on if you have a large family and want a cozy stay without breaking the bank. Lastly, you need to keep in mind that staying near a beach is more expensive.
Consider where you will eat
Generally, a hotel package may come with breakfast and restaurant services. However, not everyone prefers this option. Therefore, if you want to visit Jacksonville this summer, you may want to consider where to get your meals. If you choose to stay in a hotel, you may want to arrange your meals. Typically, hotels offer breakfast for every guest. However, lunch and dinner may come at added costs. In this case, you may want to organize what you would like and how you want it delivered with the management. Alternatively, you can walk into the restaurant section and order your meals.
Vacation rentals offer more flexibility when it comes to meals. For instance, you have all you need to cook your meals. Additionally, there is always time to walk into a food store downtown and stock your fridge with whatever you want. The last option would be walking into one of the restaurants in the city. Jacksonville has a lot to offer when it comes to American continental cuisine. Regardless of your taste, you will always get something for yourself.
Plan for your form of transport
Now that you have Jacksonville in your summer itinerary, do you know how you will cruise around the city? You have to decide on what you will use to get around. The Jacksonville metropolis spreads over so many square miles, meaning that you may need a car to tour different places. The average commute time around Jacksonville is 30 minutes, though this can vary significantly depending on the traffic situation. Your options would be renting a car or opting for public transit. Additionally, you can go for a bike ride if you do not want to stretch that far from your residential area.
Consider the weather
The good news is that you want to visit Jacksonville in the summer. This means you already know the kind of weather to expect. However, do you know the exact temperature variations? This is something you should keep in mind, especially if you are traveling with your family.
One of the reasons you need weather knowledge is that it determines the kind of activities you can engage in. Additionally, this will help you know what to pack. As stated earlier, Jacksonville is known for hot summers. Therefore, you should consider packing lightly. Additionally, do not forget your sunscreen lotion and other things that help you keep cool in the hot weather. Lastly, choose your activities wisely to ensure they match the Jacksonville summer weather conditions. For instance, do not expect to snow skate.
Consider where you can get quick response services
Not every trip goes as planned. Things can go south anytime, and you may need a quick response to salvage the situation. First, consider the security of the neighborhood you want to stay in. this is an essential factor, especially for visitors with a family.
Secondly, you may want to consider staying near a hospital, police precinct, etc. These are special considerations whenever you want to visit any place. The kind of response you get depends on your location and closeness to secure facilities.
The Bottom Line
So, you are planning to visit Jacksonville this summer? Whether it is for a family vacation or a job, you will need to keep these eight factors in mind. Additionally, the city has a reputation for hot summers, so you may want to find ways to stay cool in the summer weather. Follow these, and you will have a memorable summer trip to Jacksonville.
