DESTINATION GUIDES

Jacksonville

Jacksonville Transportation

Some of Florida's best coastal courses can be found in and around Jacksonville and St. Augustine. If you're flying, Jacksonville International Airport serves most of Florida's Northern Atlantic Coast. JIA has daily departures and arrivals to most major cities on all major US airlines. JIA is part of the Jacksonville Airport Authority, which also contains three other smaller airports. Craig Airport, Herlong Airport and Cecil Field are located through the Jacksonville community and may be able to get you closer to your destination.

If you're driving, you'll probably take either I-95 or I-10. I-95 runs north/south along the East Coast, from Washington D.C. to Miami. It will take you into Jacksonville. If you are driving from the West, you'll likely take I-10, which traverses the entire South, from Los Angeles to Jacksonville.

I-10 which connects Jacksonville with Tallahassee and the rest of Florida's Panhandle coastline. If you want to take a scenic drive along the western seaboard, you can take Highway 41 from Miami, through the Everglades and north to Tampa. Highway 98 runs along the coast of the Panhandle west to Pensacola.

FAQ

1. What is the "First Coast"?

Meaning the first coast settlers came to from the Atlantic, the First Coast means the entire Atlantic coast line of Florida and is usually specifically meant as the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area.

2. How do I get to Jacksonville?

Jacksonville's main highway is I-95, which stretches all along the shoreline up to New York. For more detailed information visit our transportation page .

3. Does golf have any presence in Jacksonville?

Many don't know this, but the PGA and Senior PGA headquarters are in fact in Jacksonville, along with the World Golf Village, which is in neighboring St. Augustine. There are over 60 courses in the Jacksonville area to choose from. Add to that the TPC Championship, and Jacksonville is one of the biggest cities for golf in the U.S.

4. How big is Jacksonville?

According to the state of Florida, census, Jacksonville is the biggest city in the state (736,000 residents). As for the metro region, it ranks fifth, with 1.1 million residents. Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg/Clearwater is the biggest metro area with over 2.3 residents.

5. What is the "I-95 Corridor"?

This is a stretch of seven courses in a matter of just two miles on I-95 in Jacksonville. It begins at State Highway 210 at the north end of St. Johns Country then stretches south to State Highway 207. Seven courses, many built in the last few years are along this stretch, including the St. John's Golf and Country Club and Cimmarone. 20 miles in each direction from this hotbed brings you over two dozen more. For a detailed look at the I-95 Corridor.

6. What is Jacksonville golf like?

As for the lay of the land, Jacksonville and its environs are ill suited for most types of agriculture. Sandy soil and pine-packed parcels set up much better for (you guessed it), golf. The courses of the First Coast generally require accuracy above all other elements of the game. But there's enough variety in this not so little slice of golf heaven to keep every make and model of golfer satisfied.

7. What's the biggest name in the area?

Without a doubt it's the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Verda, home to the TPC at Sawgrass Stadium and Valley courses. Both are open to the public (memberships available), but bring your wallet. A round at the Stadium Course and a chance at the 17th will run you over $200 in the high season. The Valley Course is significantly cheaper and much easier to get on, with about half the rounds played on it than the Stadium.

8. What is Jacksonville's weather like?

Jacksonville's northern Florida location and proximity to the water makes for a very temperate climate. January highs reach 68 degrees on average, while July and August usually top out around 90.

9. Any notable attractions?

Other than golf, the Atlantic Ocean is host to cruises, fishing, beaches and surfing. The 2005 Super Bowl will also be coming to Jacksonville (golf weather this time of year tops out at 70 degrees). Should there be a rainy day, Jacksonville is host to Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, a Budweiser Brewery tour and a slew of other events. Click for the complete listing.

10. So what courses are good?

That's what GolfFlorida.com is here for. The Jacksonville destination guide contains course reviews and features that should tell you everything you need to know.