Actually, This Is NOT the Worst Destination of the Summer
Earlier this month, Forbes Advisor released a study comparing 43 of the most populated cities in the United States. Among these cities were Memphis, Albuquerque, Fresno, and Colorado Springs. The cities were ranked from the worst to best this summer based on metrics like airport experiences, walkability, crime, and the average cost of a meal and hotel. Receiving 100s across the board (100 being the worst score), Forbes Advisor ranked Jacksonville, Florida, the worst place to visit this summer. Ouch.Here’s the scorecard:– Scores lowest for walkability and third lowest for access to public transportation
– Jacksonville International Airport has the second-highest percentage of disrupted summer flights (28.9% on average)
– Sixth-fewest number of parking lots and garages (1.49 per 100,000 residents)
– Eighth highest crime rate (63.99 crimes per 1,000 residents)
– Ranks eighth for fewest restaurants with four or more stars on Tripadvisor (728)Again, ouch.Reviews and reports are essential because they help consumers make informed decisions. I am among the first to check Google Reviews, Yelp, Trip Advisor, TikTok, and every other source to ensure I have all the information I need to plan a successful trip. Someone may give a hotel three stars because getting an extra pool towel during the holiday weekend took too long. Another may provide that same hotel five stars because they enjoyed the convenience of having a bellhop. Reviews, studies, and reports are helpful, but they can also be very subjective because we each have different needs as travelers with different deal-breakers and non-negotiables. Although Forbes has earned the reputation of being a reputable and trusted source, I suggest taking this study with a grain of salt. Otherwise, you could miss one of the best vacations or experiences. However, if you are one to follow studies closely or use them to plan your travels, you should also know that Jacksonville ranks number six on The Tech National’s Top Low-Tax Cities to Raise A Family in 2024 list. And there are plenty of other accolades to help sing their praises. Long story short: Jax (and the other cities) are so much more than what this Forbes Advisor study depicts. Related: Apparently, This Florida City Is the Worst Summer Destination This YearTrevor Neely/UnsplashGet to Know the River CityJacksonville has a robust history, a budding art scene, diverse attractions, and culinary gems all across town. On my recent weeklong visit to the city, I found one surprise after another–and I mean that in the best way. There was a lot to keep me entertained. I had a fantastic guided tour around the city and St. Johns River with Explore Jax Core. The tour guide, Yollie, has an indescribable passion for the city that radiates at each stop. Though I opted for the Black History tour, she offers tours featuring local art, murals, and architecture. Speaking of art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the oldest art museum in the region and one of the oldest contemporary art museums in the country. Although I didn’t come with my little ones in tow, you’ll also find no shortage of attractions for kids, making Jacksonville a great family-friendly destination. Each year, they host Kids Free November, during which families can enjoy free admission to local attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Museum of Science & History. And now for the “nerdy” deets. Jacksonville is 840 square miles, which makes it the largest city (by land mass) in the continental United States. And that’s pretty cool. But the most important thing to know about Jacksonville is that it’s (almost) always sunny! They average 270 days of sunshine a year. That makes it a perfect place to explore 1,100 miles of shoreline, 22 miles of soft white-sandy accessible beaches, or 80,000 acres of parks; you’ll be able to explore nature and adventure. Getting In, Out, and Around JaxTransportation was one of the most significant metrics for the cities included in the Forbes study, starting with airport experiences. As far as the airport disruptions go, welcome to peak travel season. Airports across the states are experiencing delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages, unprecedented weather patterns, congested air traffic, mechanical issues with aircraft, and oversold flights. It all seems out of our control. Here’s where we can call on recent studies to sing Jacksonville’s praises again. Over the past few years, the number of tarmac delays has doubled, according to Upgraded Points–and among airports of similar size, Jacksonville International ranks among the lowest in this metric. But wait, there’s more! The airport ranks third among U.S. airports with the friendliest staff. It’s not hard to see why, either. From the custodial staff to the gate agents and everyone in between, each encounter with a staff person felt genuine. You can tell when someone is just at work versus someone who loves what they do. The staff at Jacksonville International Airport love what they do. And that certainly is a redeeming quality and source of comfort amid airline madness. Regarding the other transportation metrics, I am a Lyft girlie to my core when I travel. So, the city’s walkability, access to public parking spaces, or public transportation isn’t a massive concern for me. But since this is one of the areas that caused great concern and low rankings for the city, let’s dive into how you can move about during your stay. If you’re staying in the downtown area, it is walkable, with attractions, dining, and nightlife within a few blocks of each other. You’ll also be in a great location to ride the St. Johns River Taxi. You can also take the St. Johns Rivers Ferry, one of Florida’s few remaining public ferries. Outside of that, yes, walkability, public parking, and public transportation (although there is a public bus) can be a pain point to some. Parking at a local beach can always be a hassle, no matter where you are. For visitors in the San Marco region, the Beach Buggy app is your solution. Think of it as a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft. You can request on-demand rides; the best part is that it’s free! You can use the Tuk’n Ride Shuttle in other parts of the city at $2 per ride.
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A Meal for Every Palate and PocketWhile there may not be a plethora of five-star dining establishments, Jacksonville does have a diverse culinary landscape with options for every budget. Others may enjoy under-the-radar dining experiences, so a place with fewer fine dining establishments wouldn’t make a destination a deal breaker. Earlier this year, Jacksonville was ranked third in the country by Sumup for the most affordable dining out experience, making them the only city in Florida to make the top 25 dining scene in the country. That’s something to brag about! No matter where you go in Jax, you’ll find that classic Southern charm infused with delectable bites. Everyone loves a good rooftop vibe, and one of the city’s best is Estrella Cocina, which has a spectacular view of downtown and the river. For a savory and indulgent Thai and Asian meal, head to Indochine. Over a dozen restaurants serve their best recipes featuring a local delicacy: Mayport Shrimp. You can try steamed, fried, smothered, grilled, or any way you can think of as you eat through the Mayport Shrimp Trail. Another thing you’ll find in Jax is fantastic bartenders. Their spins on drinks are mindblowing, exceptionally delicious, and Instagram-worthy. My favorite is the Baked Apple Sazerac at The Volstead, made with moonshine, whiskey, cinnamon, and fire. If you prefer beer to cocktails, there’s a beer trail for you, too! After all, Jacksonville ranks number six as the best beer city in the United States.
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But What About the Crime in Jacksonville?Overall, I have never felt unsafe in Jacksonville. But, the eighth-highest crime rate is a reason for pause. But what kind of crimes are we talking about? There’s still much to be considered. Are people being gunned down? Is it petty theft? Is it mainly white-collar and organized crime? Jacksonville’s crime rate is actually heading down. Last year the city saw a 6% drop versus the prior year–and it’s the lowest rate since 2017. According to the Jacksonville Journal Courier, there were “zero murder/manslaughter cases; nine criminal sexual assaults; four robberies; 43 aggravated assault/battery cases; 51 burglaries; 340 thefts; 27 motor vehicle thefts; and 11 arsons.”Regardless, it’s always a good idea to create a travel safety kit with items like mase, a Birdie personal alarm, or portable door locks for your hotel room. I tend to give false information to strangers if I have to interact with them. For example, I may introduce myself with a different name or use an alternative career if someone asks what I do for work. I verify the Lyft or Uber before getting into the car. My general rule regarding travel safety is to keep your wits about it. And that’s in any city, state, or country. Plus, my family and friends can track me at all times. As you can see, Jacksonville has a lot to offer every kind of traveler. It’s an excellent location for solo trips, couples getaways, family vacations, nature lovers, beach bums, foodies, and beer enthusiasts. Experience it for yourself.