This Northeast Florida border metropolis actually covers more mileage than any other city in the continental U.S. In fact, Jacksonville's tagline has become "U Don't Know Jax" because its sprawling geography conceals so much. The first thing that becomes apparent when you visit is this is a college town. Five universities are in the area. It's also a military town, as first indicated by the Florida Air National Guard jet squadron based out of Jacksonville International Airport. Two naval bases and an Army camp are in the area. To counterbalance, the city maintains the largest urban parks system in the United States. Additionally, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers 46,000 acres of serene NPS-protected nature, including coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and the St. Johns River. Fort Caroline, best-preserved memorial of Jacksonville's Spanish heritage, is located on the preserve. For less backwoodsy adventures, Jacksonville Zoo is good for kids of all ages.

Two very cool and unique small towns are within a quick drive of Jacksonville. To the north is nature-focused, family-friendly Amelia Island; to the south, historic and haunted St. Augustine.