Discover Jacksonville – Florida’s Best Kept Secret
Wednesday 6th August 2025
Jacksonville isn’t just another Florida city – it’s the largest city by area in the entire United States, with 22 miles of beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, and attractions that rival Orlando and Miami. Your rental car from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) opens up Northeast Florida’s hidden treasures.
Getting Your Rental Car at Jacksonville Airport
Jacksonville International Airport keeps things simple with one main terminal, making your car rental pickup straightforward. After collecting your bags, proceed upstairs to Level 2, follow signs to the United counter, exit the building and head left to the Frontier United signage for the off-airport pickup area. Board the Easirent shuttle at Bus Stop 1 – our complimentary shuttle runs every 30 minutes and will take you to our facility located at the Windsor Inn Hotel, 1351 Airport Road.
Our convenient location is just minutes from the airport terminal, so you’ll be on the road quickly without the usual tourist crowds found at Orlando or Miami airports. The drive from our facility to downtown Jacksonville takes just 20 minutes, while Jacksonville Beach is 30 minutes away. Having your own rental car means you can explore this sprawling city at your own pace.
Why Jacksonville Deserves More Than a Stopover
Most travelers fly through Jacksonville on their way somewhere else, but that’s their loss. This city offers the perfect blend of Southern charm, beach life, and urban attractions without the tourist traps you’ll find in other Florida destinations.
Jacksonville’s Riverwalk stretches for miles along the St. Johns River, connecting downtown attractions, restaurants, and parks. The city’s historic Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets, antique shops, and some of the best restaurants in Florida. Your rental car makes it easy to hop between these distinct areas.
The beaches here compete with anywhere in Florida but without the crowds. Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach each have their own personality, from family-friendly shores to surfing spots. Drive the scenic route along A1A and discover why Northeast Florida beaches are locals’ favorites.
Jacksonville’s Hidden Attractions Worth the Drive
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens combines world-class art with stunning riverfront gardens. The museum’s collection spans 5,000 years, and the gardens provide peaceful views of the St. Johns River. It’s a perfect afternoon stop that most tourists never discover.
The Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island tells the complex story of Florida’s plantation era. The drive out to the island takes you through beautiful salt marshes and maritime forests. It’s about 45 minutes from downtown but offers a fascinating glimpse into Florida’s pre-Disney history.
For families, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens rivals any major city zoo. The African Plains exhibit and Range of the Jaguar are spectacular, and the gardens throughout the zoo are beautiful year-round. Kids love the splash pad area, and parents appreciate the reasonable admission prices compared to theme parks.
Day Trips from Jacksonville
St. Augustine sits just 45 minutes south of Jacksonville and claims to be America’s oldest city. Your rental car makes it easy to explore the cobblestone streets, historic forts, and ghost tours that make this city special. The drive down A1A passes through beautiful coastal scenery.
Amelia Island, about an hour northeast, offers Victorian charm and pristine beaches. The historic Fernandina Beach downtown area features unique shops and restaurants, while the beaches provide excellent shelling and peaceful walks. It’s the perfect escape from city life.
For nature lovers, the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is about 90 minutes west of Jacksonville. This massive wilderness area offers boat tours through ancient cypress forests where alligators and rare birds thrive. It’s a side of the South that few tourists ever experience.
Jacksonville Food Scene
Jacksonville’s food scene reflects its Southern roots and coastal location. The city’s barbecue rivals anywhere in the South – try local favorites that have been smoking meats for decades. Your rental car lets you seek out the hole-in-the-wall joints that locals protect as their secrets.
Fresh seafood dominates menus throughout the city, from casual beachside shrimp shacks to upscale downtown restaurants. The shrimp and grits here will change your perspective on Southern cuisine. Drive to different neighborhoods and you’ll discover everything from soul food to innovative farm-to-table restaurants.
Don’t miss the local brewery scene either. Jacksonville’s craft beer movement has exploded in recent years, with breweries scattered throughout different neighborhoods. Your rental car makes brewery hopping safe and easy.
Practical Jacksonville Travel Tips
Jacksonville’s size means driving times can surprise you. What looks close on a map might take 30-45 minutes due to the city’s sprawling layout. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for your first few drives around the area.
Parking downtown is easy and affordable compared to other major cities. Most attractions offer free or low-cost parking, and street parking is much more reasonable than cities like Miami or Orlando.
Summer afternoons bring typical Florida thunderstorms, but they usually pass quickly. Keep an umbrella in your rental car and don’t let brief storms cancel your plans. The rain often provides welcome relief from the heat.
Ready to Explore Jacksonville?
Don’t let Jacksonville be just a connection city for your Florida vacation. This underrated destination offers authentic Southern charm, beautiful beaches, and attractions without the crowds and high prices of tourist hotspots.
When you’re ready to return your rental, simply drive back to our Easirent location within WallyPark at 1351 Airport Road, and take our free shuttle back to the airport for your departure.
