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When you think of Florida, many facets of the ‘Sunshine State’ may enter your mind, but there’s no doubt it’s one of the best – if not the best – vacation spot in the continental U.S.
Whatever you do, don’t let the new Rotten Tomatoes-approved TV show It’s Florida, Man have an influence on your next dreamy beach getaway.
What should influence you is Airbnb’s latest report showcasing one of the most underrated cities in the state.
While they may be known for lackluster football, this vibrant city hugging Georgia is teeming with surprises from gorgeous beaches, cheap stays, a thriving arts scene, historic neighborhoods, and delicious down-home eats.
If you thought Orlando, Miami, or southwest Florida’s cluster of paradisal beach towns were Florida’s go-to spots, think again!
According to Airbnb, Jacksonville has become one of America’s trendiest escapes for 2025.
Affordable Stays & 22 Miles Of Sunny Beaches
Sometimes, choosing where to go can be the real hiccup of any trip. Despite remote workers taking over the workforce, not everyone has the opportunity to travel whenever they please, so you want to get it right.
How do 22 miles of beautiful beaches set under year-round sun sound?
Better yet, whether staying amongst the pretty riverfront skyline or opting for beachside digs, neither has to break the bank.
Jacksonville Beach is one of Florida’s most underrated destinations, even overshadowed by hotspots like Destin.
Here, you’ll find gentle surf, kayakers, paddleboarders, a scenic fishing pier, and gleaming bluish-green waters.
While the waters will be chilly right now, spring and summer make for a great swimming and snorkeling spot.
Jacksonville’s shores are primarily clear throughout the year, with the exception of occasional sargassum blooms seen in late summer.
For the best beach location, you gotta check out Amelia Island, voted America’s top island, boasting Southern charm, sugary white sand, and a luxe Ritz Carlton resort.
For those of us trying to manifest more commas on our paychecks, you can find Neptune Beach condos on Airbnb for under $90 per night this winter, or TripAdvisor recommends these 5 Jacksonville hotels: (based on ‘Best Value’)
- Best Western Oceanfront
- Holiday Inn Express Jacksonville Beach
- Margaritaville Beach Hotel
- Element Jacksonville Beach
- Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach
However, my top choice would be Good Bread House, which is just across the state line and offers a delightful blend of St. Mary’s historic charm, riverside bliss, and abundant wildlife with easy access to Cumberland Island.
Jacksonville’s Buzzing Riverside District
If you want to dive into the heart of Jacksonville, Riverside is just the place.
Held every Saturday (rain or shine), your first stop should be the always-buzzing Riverside Arts Market, brimming with local artists and various vendors.
The other 6 days of the week are still full of great attractions, from the St. John’s River itself to rows of historic landmark homes and Five Points, which is essentially a district within a district oozing timeless character, where you can peruse boutique shops, discover trendy restaurants, and bar-hop.
For something truly one-of-a-kind, check out Wildcrafters Booze-Free & Kava Bar, impressively rated 4.8/5 on Google.
Everything you want can be found in Riverside except for the beach. Here are 5 other captivating attractions to visit:
- Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
- Kingsley Plantation
- Riverside Park
- Riverside Market Square
- King Street (row of trendy bars and restaurants)
The Latest Budget Airline Hub
To make Jacksonville even more enticing, it’s not only affordable for great stays but also getting here.
As the budget airline landscape has seen significant shifts in recent months from Spirit’s bankruptcy challenges to ridding frustrating fees, Jacksonville has become the latest hotspot for America’s newest pair of low-cost carriers.
Both Breeze and Avelo have added Jacksonville to their network, with a handful of connections across the U.S.
Breeze now flies to Jacksonville from 13 destinations, while Avelo recently announced Jacksonville as their newest city, offering flights from New Haven, CT, on February 14, 2025.
Allegiant also entered the chat with 3 new flights of their own:
- Akron/Canton (May 22, 2025)
- Des Moines ( May 23, 2025)
- Grand Rapids (resumes May 23, 2025)
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.