Jacksonville Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Jacksonville, Alabama with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the top attractions, hiking trails, local cuisine, and more.


Jacksonville is a small city in Metropolitan Alabama, located in the southern region of the United States. This charming city features a mix of cultural attractions, natural wonders, and exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Jacksonville has something to offer for everyone.

Introduction to Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a city with a rich history and culture. It was named after President Andrew Jackson and has been a center of education and commerce since the 1800s. The city is home to Jacksonville State University, which attracts a large student population and contributes to the vibrant local arts scene. Jacksonville is also known for its natural beauty, with the towering Appalachians and the scenic Coosa River nearby.

List of Places to Visit in Jacksonville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Jacksonville is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, including:

  • Little River Canyon National Preserve: This 14,000-acre park is home to one of the deepest canyons in the eastern United States. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, and enjoy scenic views of waterfalls and rock formations.

  • Anniston Museum of Natural History: This museum features over 2,000 exhibits showcasing the natural history of Alabama and the Southeast, including a large collection of fossils, minerals, and wildlife specimens.

  • Chief Ladiga Trail: This 33-mile rail-trail spans from Alabama to Georgia and is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Natural Attractions of Jacksonville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Alabama boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Some of the top attractions in Jacksonville are:

  • Cheaha State Park: Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this state park features dramatic views, hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

  • Terrapin Creek: This picturesque creek offers some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the region.

  • Dugger Mountain Wilderness Area: Covers over 9,000 acres, and includes the highest point in Alabama, which is ideal for hikers and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a haven for hikers and bikers, in which they can enjoy the beautiful scenery and stunning natural landscapes of Alabama. Some popular trails for hikers and bikers are:

  • Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail: This 12-mile trail is perfect for experienced bikers and offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.

  • Pinhoti Trail: This 335-mile trail offers hikers, bikers and horseback riders stunning views of Alabama’s natural beauty, including waterfalls, rivers and wildflowers.

Best Things to Do in Jacksonville: Activities and Tours

When it comes to activities and tours, Jacksonville is full of fun and interesting attractions like:

  • Silver Lakes Golf Course: This 36-hole golf course is considered one of the best in Alabama.

  • Woodstock 79 County Music Festival: This music festival takes place in October and is a great opportunity to enjoy country music and local cuisine.

  • Coosa River Adventures: This adventure center offers activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing on the Coosa River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jacksonville

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Jacksonville, you can follow this itinerary to make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Visit the Little River Canyon National Preserve Day 2: Explore the Anniston Museum of Natural History Day 3: Hike or bike the Chief Ladiga Trail Day 4: Visit Cheaha State Park for camping and hiking Day 5: Enjoy the Terrapin Creek for whitewater rafting and kayaking Day 6: Visit the Dugger Mountain Wilderness Area Day 7: Explore the city’s local attractions such as the Silver Lakes Golf Course and Coosa River Adventures

Food and Drink Scene of Jacksonville

No trip is complete without exploring the local culinary scene. Jacksonville is famous for its southern comfort foods and beverages. Some of the must-try dishes and drinks include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Green Tomatoes: A southern classic dish made with lightly battered tangy tomatoes and served with a savory dip.

  • BBQ Pork: This slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful pork, served with classic southern side dishes like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread.

  • Peach Cobbler: A delicious southern dessert made with fresh peaches and a crispy topping.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A staple southern beverage made with tea and lots of sugar, perfect for warm summer days.

  • Mint Julep: A refreshing cocktail made with bourbon, mint, ice and sugar served in a frosty silver cup.

  • Alabama Slammer: A fruity cocktail mixed with Southern Comfort, Amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Jacksonville offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly lodges to luxury resorts. Some of the most well-known hotels in Jacksonville include:

  • Hampton Inn Jacksonville: A comfortable and affordable hotel located near the city’s top attractions.

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville: A popular hotel with modern amenities and easy access to several outdoor activities.

  • Oxford/Hampton Inn & Suites Oxford-Anniston: An upscale hotel located between Jacksonville and Anniston. This hotel has an indoor pool and hot tub.

What to Buy in Jacksonville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a unique souvenir or gift from Jacksonville, some popular items include:

  • Alabama souvenirs: T-shirts, keychains, magnets, and postcards featuring the state’s name or famous landmarks.

  • Moonshine: A popular alcoholic beverage in Alabama, this specialty drink is made from corn and is often flavored with different fruits and spices.

  • Handmade crafts: Pottery, paintings, and handmade jewelry are sold in various shops and galleries in Jacksonville.

Local Culture and Customs of Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a city that takes pride in its southern culture and heritage. Southern hospitality and kindness can be seen in every corner, and visitors are often greeted with a warm smile. It is important to respect local customs and traditions, including manners and proper etiquette.

Best Time to Visit Jacksonville

Jacksonville has a mild climate that is perfect for outdoor activities year-round. The best time to visit is during the spring (March - May) when temperatures are pleasant and the flowers bloom, or the fall (September - November), when the autumn-colored leaves add to the charm of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jacksonville

Do:

  • Do bring comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring the outdoors.
  • Do visit the historic landmarks and museums.
  • Do try the local foods and drinks.
  • Do respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to the local inhabitants and their beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a safe city, however, it is important to take precautions like locking your car or hotel room, and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Jacksonville

It is always important to take care of your health while traveling. It is recommended to drink bottled water and use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

Getting to Jacksonville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jacksonville

  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
  • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)

Bus Stations Near Jacksonville

  • Greyhound Station Anniston (JNN)

Other Options

  • Rent a car from Birmingham or Atlanta airport.

How to Get Around in Jacksonville

The best way to get around Jacksonville is by car, which is necessary to access most of the outdoor attractions.

Where to Go Next from Jacksonville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Anniston: A historic city home to a Civil Rights museum and the Berman Museum of World History.
  • Birmingham: A larger city known for its rich cultural heritage and civil rights history.
  • Atlanta: A metropolitan city with major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Coca Cola Museum and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Conclusion

Jacksonville is a hidden gem in the southern United States, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide can help anyone plan an unforgettable trip to Jacksonville, Alabama, and experience all of the unique attractions and activities this city has to offer.

Public Square in Downtown Jacksonville. Public Square in Downtown Jacksonville.