Florida, full of sun and palm trees, is always a popular travel destination. If you’re looking for an alternative to the steamy hustle of Miami or the theme park energy of Orlando, Jacksonville remains much more of a hidden gem.

The largest city by area in the U.S., Jacksonville enjoys wide-open spaces and operates the largest urban park system in the country. Centered on the St. Johns River, the city’s extensive waterways draw residents and visitors alike for a variety of water sports and leisure activities.

And with modest prices and room to grow, Jacksonville is attracting a burgeoning arts scene, and hosting major music festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Jacksonville to get you started.

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Flight deals to Jacksonville

The cheapest flights between Pittsburgh and Jacksonville are if you leave on April 8 and return from Florida on April 12. Allegiant Air currently has tickets for $88, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had in June. If you fly out of Pittsburgh on June 7 and return from Jacksonville on June 10, Allegiant Air can get you there and back for $152 roundtrip.

Top Jacksonville hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of Jacksonville’s top-rated hotels, selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The One Ocean Resort & Spa (1 Ocean Blvd.)

If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The One Ocean Resort & Spa. The hotel has a 4.8-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $179.

The Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant (691 First St. North)

There's also the four-star rated The Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant. Rooms are currently set at $139/night.

The Casa Marina is an elegant and warm hotel. The rooms and parlor suites impart a feeling of classic, timeless glamour from the 1920's. 

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (225 E. Coast Line Drive)

A third option is the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. With a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $139/night.

Local restaurant picks

Don't miss Jacksonville's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

Fantastic Fudge (218 Centre St.)

Let's start with the essentials: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Fantastic Fudge, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of 28 reviews on Skyscanner.

"We go for the fantastic fudge and ice cream. This spot has a variety of flavors, and a generous scoop on a waffle cone is well worth the wait!" wrote Tony.

Ruth's Chris Steak House (814 A1A North, Suite 103)

If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to the Ruth's Chris Steak House, with five stars from 11 reviews.

"The steak is to die for and the lobster is the ultimate luxury," wrote visitor Peggy. 

Salt (4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island)

Also worth considering is Salt. It checks in with 4.9 stars from 16 reviews.

One of five dining options at the Ritz-Carlton, Salt features simple and elegant flavors in a coastal setting.

Top Jacksonville attractions

To round out your trip, Jacksonville offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are two top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

Historic Fernandina (Fernandina Beach)

First up is Historic Fernandina, with 4.9 stars from 58 reviews on Skyscanner.

"Looking for a place to eat here? Locals say Ray's has the freshest fried shrimp on the island along with good fried chicken," wrote visitor Nancy.  

Amelia River Cruises & Charters (North Front Street, Suite 3)

Lastly, spend some time with the Amelia River Cruises & Charters. It has 4.8 stars from 36 reviews.

"The Amelia River cruise is a lot of fun, and 'Pajama Dave' is a first-rate guide," wrote visitor Tony.  

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.