With over 880,000 inhabitants, Jacksonville, located in Duval County, is the most populous and largest city in Florida. It is located at the confluence of the St. Johns River with the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean; i.e. in the far northeast of the state. Despite its size, it looks very original and authentic – it is said that you can experience the “real” Florida here.

Tourism is becoming more and more important, but Jacksonville is even quieter compared to other hotspots in America. That’s why you will find a great mix of good tourist infrastructure and still enough space to look at the sights in peace and quiet and not be trampled down by hordes of visitors.

Particularly noteworthy is the nature in and around the city. Jacksonville is crisscrossed by a vast system of parks that not only offer the perfect opportunity for a break in the countryside, but also improve air quality and the urban climate as a green lung. A special highlight are of course the sandy beaches, which stretch over a length of more than 35 km and thus offer enough space for all water rats and sun worshippers.

This is what makes Jacksonville special

The city is best known for its authenticity and a relaxed, fun-loving ambience. Instead of mass tourism, you will find typical South American lifestyle and hospitality here. The open and friendly mentality of the “Jacksons”, as the inhabitants are called, creates a feel-good atmosphere and lets you immediately take the city to your heart. It is therefore particularly suitable for travellers who want to spend a carefree holiday. Another advantage is that it is a rather cheap American destination. Instead of pomp and ostentation, the focus here is on having fun in life and having a good time.

Pure nature and water as far as the eye can see

Jacksonville is considered a paradise for all those who like to indulge in the cool water. The large parks are peppered with lakes, there are numerous fountains and the water spectacles of the fountains enchant many a visitor. In the lush green spaces, residents like to take a little break from everyday life and let their minds wander and then plunge back into city life strengthened. A special feature is of course the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River, where boating enthusiasts and fishing enthusiasts get their money’s worth. No matter what kind of water sports; Jacksonville offers enough liquid surface and a variety of rental offers to plunge into the waves in every conceivable form. There are also many restaurants along the river where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and fish.

Another highlight are the city’s beaches. The most famous among them are Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach, and Atlantic Beach. On the north side of the city are more remote stretches of coastline, which can be reached by a short ferry ride or a car tour via the scenic Heckscher Drive. More than 30 coastal reefs along the local Atlantic coastline offer divers the opportunity to explore a fascinating underwater world. You can rent the necessary equipment in one of the surf shops, which can be found on the beach sections.

What not to miss

If you come to Jacksonville for the first time, you will quickly notice that the city is not characterized by huge, historic buildings and magnificent landmarks, but rather by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and way of life of the people. The true characteristics are art and culture, because the metropolis has a lot to offer of them.

The theater scene in particular is known far beyond the borders of Florida, as legendary Broadway shows regularly stop here. For a nostalgic touch, the Theatre Jacksonville, the oldest continuously active city theatre, still offers shows and performances.

Again and again, the city ranks among the 25 best cultural destinations in the USA, including the Jacksonville Symphony, the most famous orchestra in the state. Among the museums, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is probably the first port of call. Here, the great presence of nature in Jacksonville is taken up and combined with art and culture. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in the heart of the city is also one of the largest and most modern museums for contemporary art.

If you’re looking for vibes and music, head to the turbulent annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival. There, well-known jazz artists and newcomers will play on four stages in the city center, enriching the Memorial Day weekend with music of the highest level and a good atmosphere. The art market on the riverbank, the RAM, is also a popular destination. There, a wide variety of artists sell their works in a cheerful, colorful environment that invites you to browse and marvel. A trip is worthwhile not only for art lovers, but also as a family venture. The atmosphere is relaxed and child-friendly, usually there are small show interludes and performing arts in charmingly chaotic, cheerful surroundings.

Jacksonville is the ideal destination for a relaxed, casual vacation filled with good humor and exciting activities. The inviting atmosphere makes you immerse yourself in the way of life of the locals after just a few days. Art and culture also enrich the trip with educational, fascinating and entertaining moments. All this, against the background of lush nature and great opportunities to get active, make a visit to the city a special experience that will make you forget the stress of everyday life.

General information

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida in terms of population and geographic area. It is a major economic and cultural centre in the region, offering a mix of urban flair and natural beauty, with several beaches nearby and the St. Johns River running through the town.

Climate

Jacksonville experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The city attracts visitors all year round, especially during the spring and autumn months when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Sights

• Beaches: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach offer sunny excursions and water activities.
• St. Johns River: Great for boating, fishing, and water sports.
• Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens: Offers an impressive collection of artwork as well as beautifully landscaped gardens.
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens: A popular destination for families that showcases a variety of animal species as well as botanical gardens.
• Museum of Science and History (MOSH): Offers interactive exhibits that focus on the local environment, science, and history.
• Little Talbot Island State Park: A pristine natural paradise great for hiking, beach walks, and bird watching.

Activities

• Golf: Jacksonville is known for its world-class golf courses.
• Festivals: The city plays host to numerous cultural and music festivals throughout the year, including the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.
• Sports: Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL), attend a football game for real local atmosphere.
• Dining experiences: Explore the growing food scene, which ranges from fresh seafood to Southern specialties.

Culture

Jacksonville has a vibrant art and music scene. Annual cultural events and local museums, such as the Ritz Theatre and Museum, which showcases African-American culture and history, add to cultural diversity.

Gastronomy

The culinary scene in Jacksonville is diverse, with a strong emphasis on seafood freshly caught from nearby waters. Local specialties also include southern cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the region.

Journey

Jacksonville is accessible through Jacksonville International Airport, which offers direct flights from many U.S. cities. The city is also a hub for highways such as I-95 and I-10, which makes it easy to get there by car.

A drive along the legendary Route 66 offers adventure, a touch of nostalgia and plenty of photo opportunities. This historic journey manages the balancing act between impressions of our modern busy world and the time of departure in the land of unlimited opportunities. “Go West!” was the motto for many farmers and soldiers of fortune in the first half of the 20th century. Route 66 was one of the first paved cross-links they could use for this purpose. With covered wagons or motorized, they made it from Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois to the promising west coast in California.

The single-track and winding route was almost 4,000 km long. Today, this original route is called the “Mother Road”. It is not completely contiguous, but we as travelers are happy to accept the bypasses. Heavy traffic and rush hour traffic has long used the straighter, multi-lane interstate highways. Lucky for the tourist! Thus, on the “mother of all American roads”, you can discover the diversity of the country and the eventful history of its inhabitants in peace.

Increased heartbeat at the starting point and varied scheduling

A slightly accelerated pulse and a lot of anticipation set in at the starting point. The sign with the inscription “Begin Historic Route 66” stands in Chicago in the middle of high-rise buildings on East Adams Street between Michigan and Wabash Avenues. The sign hangs high up so as not to fall into the hands of enthusiastic souvenir hunters. The exact starting point was moved several times within two blocks when one-way traffic was introduced in several streets years ago. Before our road trip, there is already a lot to see in Chicago, whether it’s the luxurious Magnificent Mile, a view from the observation deck of the John Hancock skyscraper or a performance in one of the numerous theaters. From our own hotel accommodation or from the car rental office, we drive towards Cicero on the day of departure and automatically merge onto Route 66.

The duration of the tour organized or planned by the tour operator can vary greatly. If you only have limited time and resources available, you can complete one of the interesting sections. The path from Seligman to the west is particularly popular. For the whole route from Chicago to Los Angeles , you can calculate about 10 days, depending on the number of detours and breaks. A good idea is for two drivers to take turns. After all, the road trip leads through eight states and the road winds its way up to an altitude of over 2,000 meters in New Mexico and Arizona . So the project is not a piece of cake. For Chicago and Los Angeles, no matter in which direction the route is completed, at least one full day each should be planned for sightseeing and acclimatization.

Route 66 – From Illinois to the Land of the Red Man

Leaving the vibrant metropolitan area of Chicago in a southwesterly direction, we pass the city of Cicero by car or motorcycle. This is where Al Capone moved his criminal empire to escape the Chicago police departments. Capone liked to go to the casino in Joliet, which we cross after an hour’s drive from Chicago. Route 66 now leaves densely populated area. Time passes more slowly as farms, vast wheat fields and idyllic villages pass by. We are located in one of the most fertile grain-growing and livestock regions in the United States. In Springfield, the capital of Illinois, there is a lot to learn about President Abraham Lincoln, his former home with the address “413 South Eighth Street” can be visited.

The next stage leads across the wide Mississippi to St. Louis in the state of Missouri. The population of this city is half white and half African-American. The “Gateway Arch” memorial near the river is worth seeing, with a 192-metre-high walk-in archway and an underground visitor centre. On gently rising hills, the journey continues towards and through Oklahoma, in German: “The Land of the Red Man”. This is where the casual gliding on the asphalt begins with little oncoming traffic.

We see water towers on the roadside, steppe landscape, fantastic sunsets and listen to country songs on the radio, to name just a few of the atmospheric impressions. After the encounter with the restored blue whale of Catoosa, a landmark of US Highway 66, Oklahoma City greets. On the Bricktown Canal, city tours are offered with water taxis. If you prefer the fast-paced, the Frontier City amusement park with its fast roller coasters and varied live shows is the right place for you.

Cadillacs rammed into the ground and desert highlands

The 58-meter-high “Groom Cross” is the first sight on the dry plateau in the state of Texas. Steve Thomas has erected the cross as a contrast to the many erotic display boards on the interstate. A little later, a few kilometers west of Amarillo, we reach not only the geographical center of the original Route 66, but also the famous Cadillac Ranch, which has already been featured in several music videos. This is a field with half-buried tailfin models from the 50s. The artist group Ant Farm from San Francisco wanted to use this artwork to visualize profound messages about the freedoms that the automobile produced. Visitors are encouraged to leave their own traces of paint on the graffiti-painted Cadillacs.

At the town of Glenrio, the border to New Mexico and a new time zone (Mountain Time) is crossed. Glenrio is almost deserted, the town was deprived of its economic basis with the construction of the Interstate. After continuing our journey, we reach the fast-growing, largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque. It was founded as a Spanish colony in the desert highlands. The old town is still adorned with some historic clay buildings. Further west comes the transition to the state of Arizona. Established in 1949, the Yellowhorse Indian Trading Post is a recommended stop for original souvenirs.

From the high mountains down to the city of angels

We reach Flagstaff. This winter sports resort at 2106 meters is called the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”. The surrounding area was shaped by volcanoes. A detour from here to the Grand Canyon National Park to the north is possible. The distance is 120 km, plus the return trip. Closer attractions include Walnut Canyon, 15 km away, and Barringer meteorite crater. The next destination on the route is a must: the town of Seligman. The town calls itself the “birthplace of the historic Route 66” and is a true pilgrimage town for fans. Seligman’s hairdresser, who successfully fought against the decline of his town, has long since transformed his salon into a flourishing souvenir shop.

Through breathtaking landscapes, over the winding Sitgreaves Pass and past the old gold mining town of Oatman, we reach the Colorado River and finally the state of California. In Needles, we’ll have to adapt our clocks to the Pacific time zone. The bottle garden in “Elmer Long’s Bottle Tree Ranch” is perhaps the last personal, uncrowded and historic-looking sight before the modern and fast-paced world slowly envelops us again with the tentacles of a city of millions. Route 66 technically ends west of Los Angeles at Santa Monica’s sunny piers, but not before it has left a lasting impression on every driver and passenger.

General information

Historic Route 66 was officially established in 1926 and originally stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, for approximately 2,448 miles (approximately 3,940 kilometers). It crosses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Meaning

Route 66 was an important trail for those who moved west during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, and it has gained an almost mythical status in American pop culture, immortalized through literature, music, and television.

Sights

There are numerous historical and cultural attractions along Route 66, including:

• The Start in Chicago: Start at the official start of Route 66 in Chicago and explore the metropolis.
• Meramec Caverns in Missouri: A limestone cave system that is said to have served as a hideout for the notorious outlaw Jesse James.
• Cadillac Ranch in Texas: An artistic installation consisting of Cadillac cars half-buried in the ground.
• The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma: An iconic water attraction and a popular photo stop.
• Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona: Known for its large amounts of petrified wood and its picturesque desert landscapes.
• Santa Monica Pier in California: The official final destination of Route 66, a great place to experience the Pacific.

Activities

• Road Trips: Route 66 is the ultimate road trip experience that allows you to experience the diversity of American landscapes and cultures.
• Photography: The street offers countless opportunities for impressive photographs of classic American scenes, historic buildings, and natural beauty.
• Local cuisine: Sample the diverse culinary offerings along the route, from classic diner dishes to authentic regional specialties.

Cultural significance

Route 66 represents freedom, adventure, and the search for a better life, which has made it an enduring symbol of American dreams and values. The conservation efforts help to keep this heritage alive for future generations.

Journey

Although many sections of the original Route 66 have been replaced by the modern Interstate Highways, the historic routes are well-marked and accessible to travelers who want to experience historic America.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of Route 66, ideal for an online travel magazine that wants to educate its readers about this legendary American road.