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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.
Jacksonville's name comes from a Timucuan Indian phrase meaning "the place where the cows cross," after the herds brought across the St. John's river. Today, the 174-year-old city has changed from an agricultural capital strewn with pungent paper mills to the United States' largest city in terms of area. Jacksonville boasts its own NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, three naval bases and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. Jacksonville also has the youngest median population of any Florida city, 32.7 years for the average citizen, and a working-class ethic spawned by Jacksonville's status as a shipping and manufacturing center. The people of Jacksonville also know how to play. With miles of sandy beaches and mild weather, Jacksonville's a great place to visit area parks and beaches. Nearby historic Fernandina Beach is proud of its mention in the National Register of Historic Places, which notes the area's fascinating multiethnic history -- sovereigns of eight countries have flown their flag over the scenic spot since the 1500s. In 1995 Money magazine voted Jacksonville the number-one midsized city in America. See if you agree by navigating these Jacksonville links.