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JAX Layover Ideas Jacksonville Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Jacksonville Airport

If you find yourself with a long layover at Jacksonville Airport (JAX), don't worry. Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Here are our top five layover ideas that you can enjoy within 12 hours.

1. Jacksonville Historical Center

Located at 100-B Warfside Way, the Jacksonville Historical Center offers captivating hands-on exhibits that chronicle the city's history. From the time of the Timucuan Indians to the present day, you'll learn about the significant events that have shaped Jacksonville. It's a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you're a history buff.

2. Jacksonville Zoo

Just a short drive from the airport at 8605 Zoo Pkwy, the Jacksonville Zoo is home to over 800 birds and 160 animals representing approximately 20 species of reptiles and mammals. You can enjoy the company of great apes, silverback gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, and siamangs. If you're traveling with kids, don't miss the petting zoo and the Okavango Railroad ride.

3. Metropolitan Park

Metropolitan Park at 4110 Gator Bowl Dr. is a riverfront park that hosts the Jacksonville Jazz Festival every year. Besides live music concerts, the park offers public docking space, a playground, picnic areas, landscaped gardens, and a riverfront walk. It's an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Jacksonville.

4. Jacksonville Maritime Museum

Located along the Southbank River Walk at 1015 Museum Cir, Unit 2, the Jacksonville Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history of Jacksonville and North Florida. You'll find an extensive collection of paintings, photos, and artifacts, along with models of naval ships and a to-scale replica of the Titanic.

5. Museum of Science and History

The Museum of Science and History at 1025 Museum Cir on Jacksonville’s Riverwalk offers numerous hands-on exhibits that encourage active learning about science and history. Highlights include a planetarium featuring over 8,000 stars, a series of “Kidspace” exhibits, and a display that illustrates life during the pre-Columbian era.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through JAX Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of JAX's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Jacksonville airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near JAX to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If your layover at Jacksonville Airport extends beyond 12 hours, you have the opportunity to explore more of what Jacksonville has to offer. Here are some attractions that you can visit within a 12-48 hour timeframe. Remember to consider travel times and airport security measures when planning your visit.

1. Amelia Island

Just a short drive from Jacksonville, Amelia Island offers 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and clear waters. The island is also home to Fernandina Beach, a charming historic town. With activities ranging from golfing and horseback riding to shopping and dining, Amelia Island is a great place to spend a day.

2. St. Augustine

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine is rich in history and culture. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet, or enjoy a stroll down St. George Street, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and historic sites.

3. Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Located in Jacksonville's Riverside neighborhood, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens houses an impressive collection of art, including European and American paintings, Meissen porcelain, and one of the most significant collections of early Meissen porcelain in the world. The museum's gardens, which overlook the St. Johns River, are also worth a visit.

4. Kingsley Plantation

Located on Fort George Island, Kingsley Plantation offers a glimpse into Florida's history of slavery. The plantation includes the main house, a barn, a waterfront, a kitchen house, and the remains of 25 slave cabins. It's a sobering but important part of Jacksonville's history.

5. Big Talbot Island State Park

For nature lovers, Big Talbot Island State Park is a must-visit. The park is known for its unique geological formations, such as the Boneyard Beach, where salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees create a stunning landscape. The park also offers various recreational activities, including hiking, bird-watching, fishing, and kayaking.

Updated on: November 22, 2023