Situated in the northeastern portion of Florida, lies one of the gems of the state and a popular vacation destination: Jacksonville. Far from being just an urban destination, Jacksonville offers a unique vacationing experience complete with beaches, natural attraction, museums, wildlife exhibits and other tourist attractions.

Shimmering beaches, golf courses to die for, breathtaking state parks, intimate bed and breakfasts and enough shops to make even the most devout shopaholic faint, are some of the reasons that Jacksonville, Florida is a perfect vacation getaway. Whether you are looking to get away from it all or just want to soak up a few rays, Jacksonville has something to offer everyone.

Jacksonville is nestled in Florida's northeast region which is known for its diversity. Featuring cool mineral springs, breathtaking lakes, lush forests, and a string of beaches, the Jacksonville area is a beacon for those looking for a memorable vacation.

In Northeast Florida beaches stretch for more than 100 miles along the Atlantic Coast. Some of the most popular beaches are Amelia Island and Fernandina which consist of approximately 13 miles of stunningly beautiful beaches. If you enjoy surfing, windsurfing, fishing and camping, Huguenot Memorial Park is a great beach for these activities.

Here are just a few more of the many activities to be found in Jacksonville:

St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the oldest city in America and was founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez. One of the main attractions of St. Augustine is the old for that sits near the bridge of the lions. This fort is centuries old and in great condition. While walking through the stone corridors and gazing the rooftop, which used to boast of powerful cannons used to protect the fort, one can get a glimpse of history and almost imagine what it was like to live at the fort during the height of its glory.

Guana River State Park. This 2,000 acre preserve is a perfect spot for your family to enjoy picnicking, biking, fishing and hiking.

Anastasia State Recreation Area. This bird sanctuary consists of 1,700 acres of ancient oaks, five miles of beach, spectacular sand dunes and tidal marshes which are a perfect backdrop for camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, swimming, windsurfing and fishing. Here you can learn to windsurf from the professionals and take a canoe trip along the banks of Salt run.

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. The Cummer museum features an award-winning collection of classical art, traveling displays, breathtaking riverside gardens and a children's learning center.

Downtown. Downtown Jacksonville boasts of the world-famous Landing, an intricate web of shops and eateries where local entertainment and special celebrations are held. Also downtown you will find Alltel Stadium, home of the Jaguars; Veterans Memorial Coliseum where many events such as circuses, concerts, and monster truck shows are held; Wolfson park, home of the Jacksonville Suns baseball team; and Met Park, an amphitheater that plays home to many concerts. Jacksonville also hosts the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Junior Orchestra. And at the Florida Theatre you can see many Broadway plays as well as shows from stars such as David Copperfield and the Nutcracker Ballet during the Christmas season.

As you can see from these few examples, there is no chance that you will get bored on your next vacation getaway if you choose Jacksonville, Florida as your destination. From a round of golf to lazing away on the beach or touring one of the many nature preserves, the Jacksonville area has something to please even the most finicky heart.