Jacksonville Sites of Interest

Hotel Information

Official Conference Hotel:

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

225 E Coastline Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202

  • Official Hotel of the SMH 2017 Annual Meeting
  • Conference activities will take place in the hotel’s conference space
  • 4-star hotel
  • Free Wi-fi, fitness center, outdoor pool and beautiful waterfront views
  • Phone Number: (904) 588-1234
  • Website: https://jacksonville.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

Alternative Hotels (No Discounted Conference Rate Available)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

1201 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207

 

Omni Jacksonville Hotel
245 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

 

Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95

1331 Prudential Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32207

 

Transportation

Transportation to Jacksonville, Florida

Airports:

Jacksonville Florida is served by one main airport, Jacksonville International Airport, located north of Downtown Jacksonville at 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218. This airport is served by taxi, public bus, and van, including SuperShuttle.

  • SuperShuttle provides door-to-door van transportation to and from airports and hotels.
    • SMH 2017 Annual Meeting attendees a reduced rate on SuperShuttle rides. The prices are as follows:
      • Shared Shuttle – leaves every 15 minutes and may have other passengers $22 for the first passenger, $8 for each additional
      • Exclusive Shuttle – leaves immediately and goes straight to your destination $48 (with added discount)
      • ExecuCar – Private sedan (holds up to 3 passengers) $50
      • SUV – Private SUV (holds up to 6 passengers)$65

Please call (904) 765-9999 or visit www.supershuttle.com to schedule a ride.

 

Trains:

Amtrak serves the Jacksonville area; the station’s address is Station Building 570 Clifford Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32209. Ticket prices vary depending on locations and car style. To make a booking, please visit www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-872-7245.

 

Buses/Monorail:

Jacksonville Transportation Authority provides mass transit services, including express and regular bus service, community shuttles, a Skyway monorail, Trolley service, Paratransit for the disabled and elderly, and Ride Request for on demand services. Prices vary. To plan your trip, visit https://www.jtafla.com/riding-jta/getting-started/plan-your-trip/ or call (904) 630-3100.

 

Water Taxi

The St. Johns River Taxi provides transportation in downtown Jacksonville and leaves every thirty minutes. On the Southbank, it stops at Friendship Park, Doubletree/Ruth’s Chris, and the Lexington Hotel. On the Northbank, taxis stop at the Jacksonville Landing, EverBank Field (gameday only), and Riverside Arts Market (Saturday only). Tickets are bought on board, $10 for adult daily passes, $8 for children and seniors. Hours of operation vary. Please visit http://www.jaxrivertaxi.com/ for more information.

 

Things to do in Jacksonville

Greater Jacksonville Area

St. Augustine

  • WHAT: Visit some unique sites in this picturesque city claiming to be the oldest standing city in America!
    • Spend time at the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, the Castillo de San Marcos, built by Spain in 1672 to defend the country’s claims in the New World;
    • Drink from the Fountain of Youth while exploring the Ponce De Leon Fountain of Youth Archeological Park and the vivid history of where colonial America began;
    • Have some fun pretending to be back in the Golden Age of Piracy at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
    • Wander down St. George’s Street; full of eclectic small stores and great restaurants, this stop is great for sightseeing, people watching, or some evening shopping.
    • With plenty of museums, historic Spanish-style architecture, and exciting things to see, a day trip to this unique Floridian city would certainly be worth the drive.
  • WHERE: Sites around the city of St. Augustine; St. Augustine is about a 50 minute drive from Jacksonville.  
  • WEBSITE: http://ww2.fsu.edu/tours

 

Timucuan Preserve

  • WHAT: A diverse U.S. National park full of unique history and exciting nature opportunities, all within the Jacksonville city limits! Some of the park’s features are:
    • Fort Caroline National Memorial – the memorialization of the French presence in sixteenth century Florida.
    • The Kingsley Plantation – explore the history of this cotton and indigo plantation, with particular focus on the enslaved people who worked there, visitors can also listen to the audio tour "The Lion's Story Teller" to learn more.
    • The Theodore Roosevelt Area – a 600-acre natural treasure of hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation, which provides wonderful hiking and picnicking opportunities.
    • Cedar Point – a 400-acre upland hammock and salt marsh habitat perfect for animal viewing, learning about Florida ecosystems, fishing, and premier bird watching.
    • American Beach – Sand Dune – Come learn about this beach and the sand dune founded in 1935 during racial segregation, created to provide beach access for African Americans.
  • WHERE: 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225
  • WHEN: Most areas are open 9 AM to 4:30 PM or sunrise to sunset, visit https://www.nps.gov/timu/planyourvisit/hours.htm for exact hours of operation.
  • PRICES: Timucuan Preserve sites are FREE and open to the public.

 

Olusteee Battlefield

  • WHAT: This park commemorates Florida’s largest battle during the Civil War. Visitors can use the park’s interpretive signs to learn more about the historic battle or enjoy the park’s nature by going Geo-Seeking, hiking, or picnicking and this interesting spot about a 50 minute drive southwest of Jacksonville.
  • WHERE:  5815 Battlefield Trail Road, Olustee, FL 32087.
  • WHEN: Open daily from 9AM – 5PM.
  • PRICES: Free.

 

Museums, Bookstores, and Parks

Barnes and Noble at St. Johns Town Center

  • WHAT: This reliable bookstore is popular all over the United States for its classic collections, wide options, and comfortable atmosphere.
  • WHERE: St Johns Town Center, 10280 Mid Town Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246
  • WHEN:
    • Monday through Saturday: open 9AM - 10PM,
    • Sunday: open 9AM - 9PM
  • PRICES: Prices vary by item.

 

Chamblin's Uptown

  • WHAT: This used bookstore is located near the hotel and sells a large selection of secondhand books, including older ‘hard-to-find’ editions and current popular works. This organized shop also has a small café inside.
  • 215 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • WHEN:
    • Monday 8AM–5PM
    • Tuesday 8AM–5PM
    • Wednesday 8AM–5PM
    • Thursday 8AM–5PM
    • Friday 8AM–5PM
    • Saturday 9AM–4PM
    • Sunday 12PM–5PM
  • PRICES: Prices vary depending on item.

 

Chamblin’s Bookmine

  • WHAT: This used bookstore is further from the hotel and its sister store, Chamblin’s Uptown; it boasts a large collection of popular and difficult-to-find books for every taste.
  • WHERE: 4551 Roosevelt Blvd – (904-384-1685)
  • WHEN: Open Monday – Saturday, 10AM- 6PM
  • PRICES: Prices vary depending on item.

 

 Cummer Museum of Art (Family Friendly)

  • WHAT: As the largest art museum in Northeast Florida, the Cummer Museum houses world-class art dating from 2100 B.C. to the 21st Century. Discover the large number of permanent collection pieces, including a significant collection of porcelain pieces; see one of the museum’s rotating exhibits; or walk through more than 2 acres of the English and Italian gardens, filled with sculptures and flowers that overlook the St. John’s River.  
  • WHERE: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL, 32204
  • WHEN:
    • Tuesday, 10 AM – 9 PM
    • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM
    • Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM
    • Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
    • FREE Tuesdays, 4 PM – 9 PM, sponsored by THE PLAYERS
  • PRICES: Adults, $10; seniors and military, $6; students, $6; children 5 and under, free. College Students with ID - Free on Tuesday through Friday from 1:30 PM to 4 PM
  • WEBSITE: http://www.cummermuseum.org/

 

Jacksonville Historical Society

  • Explore the society’s expansive archive collections on Jacksonville and Northeast Florida history, or spend an afternoon browsing for new and used books at the Jacksonville Historical Society’s own bookstore.
  •  Archives and bookstore are both housed at Old St. Luke’s Hospital, 314 Palmetto Street, Jacksonville, FL 32203,
  • Bookstore open Monday through Friday, 10 AM -- 4:30 PM Archive Hours are by appointment, Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM Please phone JHS Archivist, Taryn Rodriguez-Boette, at 904-374-0296 or email archives@jaxhistory.org.
  • Bookstore prices vary, archive appointments are free.
  • http://www.jaxhistory.org/

 

Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch (Family Friendly)

  • WHAT: An engaging public library with activities and books for all ages. The library includes computers with Wi-Fi for public use, printers, photocopiers, and of course, lots of books.
  • WHERE: 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • WHEN:
    • Monday: 10 AM - 6 PM
    • Tuesday: 11 AM - 7 PM
    • Wednesday: 11 AM - 7 PM
    • Thursday: 10 AM - 6 PM
    • Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM
    • Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
    • Sunday: Sun: 1 PM - 5 PM
  • PRICES: Free.

 

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

  • This museum located in the middle of the heart of Jacksonville’s downtown features unique contemporary art exhibits in five galleries.
  • WHERE: 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • WHEN:
    • Tuesday 10 AM - 4 PM
    • Wednesday 10 AM - 9 PM (5-9 Free*)
    • Thursday 10 AM - 4 PM
    • Friday 10 AM - 4 PM
    • Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
    • Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM Free*

*Adults free with children under 18

  • PRICES:  Adults $6; Students, Children, Military, Seniors $4
  • WEBSITE: http://mocajacksonville.unf.edu/default.aspx

The Museum of Science and History (Family Friendly)

  • WHAT: Adults and children alike will delight in exploring a host of interactive exhibits that highlight topics such as science and technology, nature and environmental conservation, energy, and Florida history. Tickets include entry into a show at the museum’s onsite Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, one of the largest single-lens planetariums in the United States, and provides entertainment to visitors of all ages.
  • WHERE: 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207, within two miles from Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
  • WHEN:Hours are Monday through Thursday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Friday - 10 AM to 8 PM; Saturday - 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday - 12 PM to 5 PM
  • PRICES:
    • Ticket prices are:
    • Adults- $12.50
    • Seniors- $10.00
    • Military- $10.00
    • Young Adults- $10.00
    • Youth- $10.00
    • Children 2 and under- FREE
    • Teachers- $10.00
    • Students- $10.00

To purchase tickets please visit: https://45797.blackbaudhosting.com/45797/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=1b87ef14-b89d-4a5c-803f-79124cc2bcd8

 

Performing Arts

Florida Theatre

  • WHAT: This exciting performing arts opportunity has a variety of shows to see of musical, theatrical, and other performance based genres, and is located only a couple of blocks away from the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
  • WHERE: 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • WHEN: 3/31-
    • “Home Free”, a performance by this five member acapella group.
    • Jim Brickman Pure Piano: The Greatest Hits –
    • 4/2- Rick Springfield, performing hits like “Jesse’s Girl”.
  • PRICES: Prices vary depending on show.  Box Office 904.355.2787

 

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts (Family Friendly)

4/2 –

  • PRICES: Ticket prices vary. Please call (904) 442-2929 or (888) 860-BWAY (toll free outside Jacksonville) for tickets.

 

Forts, Battlefields, Historic Sites

Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park

  • WHAT: This park is a World War II commemorative community slightly outside of Jacksonville, featuring the site’s museum and gift shop, the Florida Regimental Memorial, the Memorial Park, and the Special Borne Monument.
  • WHERE: 5629 SR #16 W, Starke, FL 32091
  • WHEN: Daily 12 - 4 PM
  • PRICES: Admission is free.
  • WEBSITE: http://www.30thinfantry.org/blanding.shtml

 

Jacksonville Zoo (Family Friendly)

  • WHAT: This exciting zoo offers experiences featuring animals such as tigers, gorillas, giraffes and more; you can also see an interactive show and learn about the animals and habitats the zoo maintains.
  • WHERE: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
  • WHEN: Sunday - Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM
  • PRICES:
    • Adults (13-64) - $17.95
    • Seniors (65+) - $15.95
    • Child (3 to 12) - $12.95
    • Children (2 and under) - Free
  • WEBSITE: http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/Default.aspx

 

Science and History Boat Tours (Family Friendly)

  • WHAT: As a partnership between the Museum of Science and History and St. John’s River Taxi, take a boat ride on the St. John’s River while enjoying the beautiful views and pleasant weather, and learning about the river’s historic role in the development of Jacksonville.
  • WHEN: Available Saturday, March 31st at 1 PM and 3:30 PM
  • PRICES: Admission is $15.00 for Adults, $12.00 for Children.

To purchase tickets, please visit: http://themosh.org/event/science-history-boat-tours/2017-03-31/ 

 

Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park

  • WHAT: Constructed in 1862 near the mouth of the St. John’s River, this site never actually held a fort, but instead held an important military encampment fortified with guns during the Civil War. At its peak it housed over 250 soldiers, and was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the war. Park includes a monument, Civil War-era cannons, and recreations of encampments.
  • WHERE: New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
  • WHEN: The park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM until sunset.
  • PRICES: FREE
  • WEBSITE: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Yellow-Bluff

 

For An Extended Stay

Cape Canaveral, Florida

  • WHAT: Explore this exciting cape on Florida’s ‘Space Coast’ about 2 hours away from Jacksonville. Visit Cape Canaveral lighthouse and Port Canaveral, see Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center and tour Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore.
  • WHERE: On Florida’s ‘Space Coast’, east of Orlando.
  • WEBSITE: http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/cape-canaveral.html

 

Disney

  • WHAT: This theme park has been inspiring and enchanting guests for almost 50 years. Plenty of rides, shows, characters, and detailed scenery will keep visitors of all ages delighted for days.
  • WHERE: Orlando, FL, about 2 hours away from Jacksonville.
  • PRICES: Ticket prices vary depending on days, parks, residency and potential deals.
  • WEBSITE: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

 

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

  • WHAT: Wander through 31 galleries of the Museum of Art, or explore the iconic history of Ringling through the Circus Museum. The grounds also feature the Historic Asolo Theater, the Bayfront Gardens, and the Ca’ d’Zan, a 36,000 square-foot mansion built in 1924 complete with five stories and ceiling murals painted by Willy Pogany, the set decorator of the Zeigfeld Follies. The museum’s parent organization is Florida State University.
  • WHERE: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, about a 4.5 hour drive from Jacksonville, FL.
  • PRICES:  Certain portions of the grounds require additional tickets.
    • Adult: $25
    • Senior 65+: $23
    • College Student w/ID: $5
    • Child 6-17: $5
    • Child 5 and under: Free
    • US Active Military with ID: $15
    • Florida Teacher with ID: $10
    • Members: Free
    • Current students at FSU, USF, SCF, NCF, RCAD, and Eckerd College are Free w/ID
  • WEBSITE: https://www.ringling.org/

 

Tallahassee, Florida

  • WHAT: About two and a half hours from Jacksonville is Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee FL. Visitors to Tallahassee can visit the State Capitol Building; learn about the city’s history at Mission San Luis; take a tour of Florida State University, a premier public college in the South that is ranked #38 among public institutions; or take a hike or relaxing swim at the Leon County Sinks Geological Area; or visit Florida State University’s Institute on World War II and the Human Experience, and view the expansive collection of World War II era documents and letters; or enjoy an exhibit at Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts .
  • WHERE: Tallahassee is about 2.5 hour drive from Jacksonville.
  • PRICE: Prices vary depending on activities.
  • WEBSITE: https://talgov.com/Main/Home.aspx ; to set up a tour of the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience, please contact Institute Director Dr. Kurt Piehler at (850) 644-9541 or at kpiehler@fsu.edu; or Archivist Mike Kasper at (850) 644-9033 or ww2@ww2.fsu.edu.