The Jacksonville center point is approximately the area of Marine Corp Museum Carolinas and 2 miles west of Jacksonville Mall.
If you're not traveling with children, consider avoiding visits to Jacksonville while children are not in school. You'll experience fewer crowds during the school year and you won't have to spend as much on your hotel room. Avoid holidays, such as the winter break and spring break, to steer clear of large families of tourists.
However, if you have the kids in tow, consider visiting Jacksonville during the summer. You'll sweat a little thanks to the brutal heat, but as long as you bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water, you'll have a blast. Jacksonville hosts several festivals and other events throughout the summer, many of which appeal specifically to kids. Whether they want to hop on rides or get their faces painted, you can satisfy the youngest members of your family.
Spring brings more rain to Jacksonville than fall, so you might want to visit in autumn if you prefer to avoid the occasional downpour. Additionally, allergens prove less plentiful in fall, so you won't have to sneeze and cough your way through your vacation.
If you're in the mood to chase discounts, you can shave valuable dollars off your final hotel bill in Jacksonville. For instance, the Mainstay Suites Camp Lejeune and the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Camp Lejeune both offer up to 10 percent off your hotel stay if you're an active AAA member. Just bring your membership card with you when you check in.
Additionally, the Rodeway Inn & Suites offers discounts for senior citizens as well as AAA, CAA, and AARP members. You'll also get a special rate if you're a government worker or if you have served in the U.S. military. Other hotels might offer similar discounts or special rates for early booking or for large groups.
Combining luxury with a low price point, the Hampton Inn & Suites Jacksonville South-St. Johns Town Center Area remains a crowd favorite among frequent travelers to Jacksonville. You get a free hot breakfast every morning along with the daily paper and all the coffee you can drink. It's a pet-friendly establishment that even offers a pet welcoming package, and kids stay free as long as they're in the same rooms as their adult companions. You can get in a workout at the fitness center or the pool, and the business center caters to corporate travelers.
The rooms and suites here are spacious and comfortable, with triple-sheeted bedding, flat-screen televisions, colorful decor, and coffee makers. You can upgrade to a suite if you want more room to spread out, or save a few bucks on the individual guest rooms. If you're traveling with others, consider requesting adjoining rooms.
Every trip to Jacksonville should start with the Lynwood Park Zoo. It's not the largest venue of its kind, but it's nestled in a beautiful forested setting with lots of animals to appreciate. Plus, the zoo offers several interactive experiences for the kids. If your child has ever wanted to pet a miniature pony, play with a turtle, or romp with playful goats, this is the place for your family.
The kids might also enjoy a trip to Cracked It! Escape Games. It's located just a few minutes away in Midway Park, North Carolina, and it offers an immersive, themed gaming experience that challenges players to complete puzzles and unlock clues. It's ideally suited for older kids, so consider leaving this one off the itinerary if you have a toddler tagging along.
If you're a water-loving family, consider taking a Bayonet Enterprises Day Cruise. You'll enjoy several hours aboard a luxury yacht. You might see birds and underwater animals as you cruise the open water, and the excursion includes beverages and snacks.
A vacation in Jacksonville can prove relaxing, invigorating, or both, depending on how you decide to spend your days. Start planning your next trip today by choosing one of the highly rated hotels mentioned above.
Below are reviews of the city of Jacksonville, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Restaurant Choices!
We were driving through so didn't do anything but have a bite to eat. Lots of choices!
Area was well equipped with shopping and eateries!
It's welcoming and people are respectful.
It's welcoming and people are respectful.
My daughter's family is there, as my son-in-law is stationed at Camp Lejeune.
The hotel is convenient for us while we work at Camp Lejeune with all the restaurants close by.
Good!
Love the USMC. Was there for my grandson.
Good selection of amenities.
I was born and raised in Jacksonville and it has really grown. It has everything now so I enjoy visiting.
Very close to restaurants and shopping!
Tour of the memorials.
30 miles from multiple beaches!
The water and variety of places to eat.
Jacksonville is a good place to visit and shop!
The location of the hotel was an excellent place for me to do anything I needed. Close enough to any restaurant that I wanted.
The streets are not well marked. Everything I needed is in a close area. Easy to reach.
Hotel was very clean and people are friendly!
Clean
Clean!
Every restaurant you can think of is right there, the beaches are not too far to drive to.
Jacksonville had many restaurants, places to go, was close to the beach. It was a very nice, clean and friendly place.
Clean with dinning and tremendous shopping options!
Good food at the Kettle.