Jacksonville, situated in the U.S. state of Florida is one of the largest and important cities of US. The city remains as the seat of the Duval County. It is the twelfth most populous city in the United States, with an expected population of 800,000 people. The city which is a part of the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area is one of the largest of the Metropolitan Areas of the country with an estimated population of 1,500,000. Also the city is the third biggest one on the East Coast, followed by Philadelphia and New York City.

The city is situated on the banks of St. Johns River. The first settlement was made on the year 1791 and it was known by the name Cowford. The name comes because of the lower area in the river, once where the cattle often used to cross. Later when the Florida was obtained by US in the year 1822, the city was renamed to its current name by the General Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory.

Tourism plays a major role in the economy of Jacksonville. The city has lots of attractions and activities to see and enjoy. Some of the most popularly visited places of Jacksonville are as follows.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

It is one of the must visit places of Jacksonville. The museum remains as an ideal example of how an arts museum should look like. The collections of this museum include items which even date back to 2000 BC. The museum displays exhibits such as Roman, Egyptian and Gothic artifacts, pre-Colombian artifacts and Renaissance works. This museum is especially known for the display of 18th-century artistic works.

The museum also includes a beautiful botanical garden which protects many rare plant species.

Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline, situated near the downtown has much historical significance. This Fort was built by the French Huguenots in the 16th century during their settlement in this area. This place also witnessed the historical significant war of Spain and France on the American continent.

Jacksonville Light Parade

It is one of the popular festivals of Jacksonville celebrated in the month of November. During this month you can see fabulously decorated boats with tinsels and lights on the St. Johns River. Also don’t miss to see the spectacular fireworks at the end of the evening.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

Known for its natural wealth such as serene beaches, stocked fishing lakes mile beach, campgrounds, nature trails, and picnic areas this park remain as one of the top pick of the visitors. The park also provides other attractive features such as trekking, boating, canoeing etc.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

This place remains as a home for a variety of plants and animals including the rarer and endangered ones. Some of the attractions of this zoo are white rhinos, jaguars, Florida panther, American alligator, elephants, giraffes etc.