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When you think of Florida, you may think of many facets of the ‘Sunshine State’, but it is undoubtedly one of the best – if not the best – vacation spot in the continental US
Whatever you do, don’t let the new Rotten Tomatoes-approved TV show appear It’s Florida, man influence your next dreamy beach vacation.
What should influence you is Airbnbs latest report on one of the most underrated cities in the state.
While they may be known for their mediocre football, this vibrant city bordering Georgia is teeming with surprises: beautiful beaches, cheap places to stay, a thriving arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and delicious, homey eateries.
If you thought the paradise beach towns of Orlando, Miami or Southwest Florida were Florida’s favorite spots, think again!
According to Airbnb Jacksonville has become one of America’s trendiest escapes for 2025.
Affordable accommodation and 35 kilometers of sunny beaches
Sometimes choosing a destination can be the biggest problem of any trip. Despite remote workers taking over the workforce, not everyone has the ability to travel when they want, so you want to get it right.
How does 35 kilometers of beautiful beaches under the sun all year round sound?
Better yet, whether you stay among the beautiful riverside skyline or opt for beachside digs, neither has to break the wallet.
Jacksonville Beach is one of Florida’s most underrated destinations, overshadowed even by hotspots like Destin.
Here you’ll find gentle surf, kayakers, paddle boarders, a scenic fishing pier and shiny blue-green water.
Although the water may be chilly at the moment, spring and summer make for great swimming and snorkeling.
Jacksonville’s shores are largely clear year-round, with the exception of a few sargassum blooms in late summer.
For the best beach location, check out Amelia IslandVoted America’s Best Island, with Southern charm, sugary white sand and luxury Ritz Carlton Resort.
For those of us trying to put more commas on our paychecks, you can find Neptune’s beach apartments on Airbnb for under $90 a night this winter, or TripAdvisor recommends these 5 hotels in Jacksonville: (based on ‘Best Value’)
- Best Western on the Ocean
- Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach
- Margaritaville Beach Hotel
- Element Jacksonville Beach
- Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach
My first choice would be though Good Bread House, which is just across the state line and offers a delightful blend of St. Mary’s historic charm, riverside bliss and an abundance of wildlife within easy reach Cumberland Island.
Jacksonville’s vibrant river district
If you want to explore the heart of Jacksonville, Riverside is the place.
Held every Saturday (rain or shine), your first stop should be the always bustling one Art market on the riverpacked with local artists and diverse vendors.
The other six days of the week are still full of great sights, from the St. John’s River itself to rows of historic, heritage-listed homes and Five pointswhich is essentially a neighborhood within a neighborhood that exudes timeless character, where you can browse boutiques, discover trendy restaurants and bar-hop.
For something truly unique, check it out Wildcrafters booze-free and kava barimpressively rated 4.8/5 on Google.
Everything you are looking for can be found in Riverside except the beach. Here are 5 other fascinating attractions to visit:
- Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
- Kingsley Plantation
- River Park
- Market square on the river
- Koningstraat (row of trendy bars and restaurants)
The newest hub for budget airlines
To make Jacksonville even more attractive, it is not only affordable to have a great stay, but also to get here.
As the budget airline landscape has undergone significant shifts in recent months, from Spirit’s bankruptcy challenges to eliminating frustrating fees, Jacksonville has become the latest hot spot for America’s newest pair of low-cost airlines.
Both Wind And Avelo have added Jacksonville to their network, with a handful of connections in the US
Breeze now flies to Jacksonville from 13 destinations, while Avelo recently announced Jacksonville as their newest city, with flights from New Haven, CT, on February 14, 2025.
Allegiant I’ve also been in the chat 3 new flights of their own:
- Akron/Canton (May 22, 2025)
- Des Moines (May 23, 2025)
- Grand Rapids (resumes May 23, 2025)
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
